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Most of us have worked in a hybrid working model for the last few years, and as employers, we have had to cobble together an IT solution that fits - but is it as productive as it could be?
This guide will dive into how you can upgrade your IT for better hybrid working productivity.
What types of IT technology do you need to consider for hybrid working?
Offering hybrid working to employees requires careful consideration of the IT infrastructure and tools that will support both in-office and remote work. Here are some key IT considerations to keep in mind:
Communication and collaboration tools - Your employees will need tools that enable them to communicate and collaborate effectively with each other, regardless of their physical location. Consider using video conferencing, chat platforms, project management software, and other collaboration tools.
Remote access to company systems and data - Employees working remotely must access company systems and data from outside the office. Make sure your IT infrastructure supports secure and reliable remote access.
Network security - With more employees working remotely, network security becomes even more critical. Consider implementing strong security measures like firewalls, VPNs, and multi-factor authentication to protect your company's sensitive data. Here’s our guide to the types of cybercrime most common in today’s online space.
Equipment and hardware - Ensure your employees have the equipment and hardware to work remotely, such as laptops, monitors, headsets, and webcams. Consider providing additional equipment, such as docking stations or external hard drives.
Cloud-based tools and storage - Cloud-based tools and storage can make it easier for employees to access the tools and data they need anywhere, anytime. Consider using them for file sharing, project management, and other tasks.
IT support - Make sure your IT support team is prepared to support remote employees and consider providing additional training and resources to help employees troubleshoot common IT issues. Don’t have an IT support team? We can help you with that!
Now that we’ve got you thinking about your IT, it’s time to consider productivity
The first place to start is by looking at your customer journey map, which can quickly give you an overview of how each department assists that journey through various customer touch points.
For example, your sales team will need various tools to manage customer relationships and to discuss customer queries and orders with other departments. This already means remote access to your CRM and an overview access level of manufacture, inventory and logistical data. But what other IT systems would make your sales more productive?
LinkedIn reported that sales teams spend as little as 30% of their time selling, meaning a whopping 70% is used on admin and other non-sales tasks. Cutting this time in half could make a massive difference to your sales figures this year. We recommend considering Microsoft's Viva Sales, specifically designed to streamline admin and unnecessary tasks to optimise time for sales.
Once you have your wish list of systems, it’s time to consider an end-of-year technology review. Here you’ll discover employee pain points with your current set-up, which can be pretty illuminating when you compare that information to your performance statistics.
How does your IT and performance review impact your wish list? This overview will give you an idea of what’s missing from your It for better productivity.
Is there one IT solution that we recommend for better hybrid working productivity?
Yes. We recommend Microsoft 365. Microsoft is always working on new features to innovate the hybrid working space, and they are incredibly security-minded.
Several studies and surveys have been conducted on the impact of using Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) on productivity. Overall, the consensus is that Microsoft 365 can significantly improve individual and organisational productivity. According to a survey conducted by Forrester Consulting, organisations that use Microsoft 365 experienced a 20% increase in overall productivity.
The key productivity features of Microsoft 365 include the following:
Collaboration tools - Microsoft 365 provides a suite of collaboration tools such as Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, making it easier for employees to collaborate and share information.
Cloud-based storage and access - With Microsoft 365, employees can access their files and applications from any device and location with an internet connection, which can help increase productivity.
Automation and workflow tools - Microsoft 365 offers several automation and workflow tools, such as Power Automate and PowerApps, that can help streamline processes and reduce manual tasks.
Need help setting up a more productive IT system for your hybrid business? Contact Eric today, and let us show you what we can do.