Remote working is a trend we have been hearing about for many years. Predictions from all sorts of sources that X% of the global work force will be working remotely. But in most cases the actual trend had been much slower than the bold predictions being made. Why? In simple terms because people did not trust their employees to be accountable and productive without the preying eyes of their supervisors and the traditional “head office environment”.
In 2020, remote working quickly became a stark reality with the global COVID-19 pandemic, suddenly, the game changed. In many cases businesses were caught napping without the real ability to empower their employees to work from home. They simply did not have the right infrastructure or communication platform in place.
Work from Home Technology
Pre COVID-19, most companies would talk about remote working from the context of disaster recovery planning. A dramatic event like a fire or earthquake. But the focus was to rehouse in another working location, most plans did not cater for the phenomenon now known as “social distancing”. It was this aspect that has forced the reality of working from home.
Disaster recovery was also more of a trend in medium to large companies. Smaller businesses in many cases did not consider the reality that everybody has to work from home in a very short timeline. The irony here, is that remote working if deployed using the right infrastructure (converged network) and toolset (communications platforms/software) can actually empower your workforce and foster a greater sense of both trust, productivity and accountability.
Building the infrastructure and process to enable an effective remote workforce, has always made operational sense, even if looked at through the lenses of reduced business costs. The complexity that is associated with remote working really is a thing of the past.
What is Work from Home Technology?
Effective working from home requires the following elements:
- Connectivity: through Fibre or LTE (wireless connectivity)
- Devices: a laptop, desktop and or mobile
- Collaboration & Communications Tools: like file storage, messaging, and email applications
- Telephony: audio and visual (video conferencing)
Traditionally these elements are supported by separate infrastructure for both telephony and data. For effective remote working a new approach is required, often referred to as a Converged Network. You can read more about Converged Networks here (link to article) but put simply it’s the merging of telephony and data into one set of infrastructure.
Another important consideration for businesses, both small, large and anywhere in between is that of security. With multiple employees using a range of platforms in different locations brings some issues in maintaining tight security protocols. Mytelnet’s infrastructure boasts military grade security to ensure all data, documents and conversations are fully encrypted end-to-end.
No matter how good the infrastructure may be, just make sure you do not fall down at the final hurdle by buying inferior or low-grade devices and equipment. Each employee will also need a decent microphone, camera, and headset, and maybe even a separate workspace to operate efficiently from their home.
Communications Platforms to Improve Accountability & Efficiency
Trust was always one of the biggest hurdles to making remote working happen. The flip side is that the right tools and communications platform can actually improve transparency and accountability.
Even with the same network and security protocols, you also need to ensure that people use a common communication platform (or software solution). This is where the benefit of a truly converged solution comes in.
With Mytelnet not only do you get the infrastructure without buying or maintaining hardware, you also get a cutting-edge communications platform that works for you wherever you are, at no extra cost. With crystal-clear voice and generous data service that are easily scalable, depending on your immediate needs and requirements. You also get Android and iOS mobile apps that place the power of the platform in your hands without draining your devices battery, memory or data.
For those tied to their desks, Mytelnet easily integrates with your new or existing IP hardware, such as your desk and conference phones. Our communications platform gives your business the flexibility to scale up and down in uncertain times With voice, video, messaging and voice conferencing in one place to help get your team into that productivity sweet spot.
Try Mytelnet for yourself. Effortless communication is only a few minutes away, start your free trial and be a part of the business communication revolution.