Flexible working arrangements once were a coveted benefit that only some organisations embraced and that few workers enjoyed.
Now, flexibility in the workplace is no longer considered a perk. Thanks to the global pandemic, many companies initially scrambled to find a solution for flexibility and adaptability in the workplace. This ultimately led to the rise in remote working.
A Rise in Flexible Workspace Popularity
Having spent the better half of a year with a remote workforce whilst tough mitigation efforts were underway within Australia and across the globe.
Now that employees have gotten a taste of the benefits of flexible work schedules, many have no desire to return to normal. In fact, a University of Sydney Business School survey indicated as many as 75 per cent of the workforce thinks employers will support future work-from-home and other flexible work plans long after COVID-19 is no longer an issue.
A separate survey focused on digital consumer trends during COVID-19 revealed that 45 per cent of respondents believed they could work more flexibly at home, with 35 per cent adding they accomplished more when they did not have to commute into the office.
What Does Remote Working Mean For Your Business?
Organisations need to face the reality of workers who are not eager to return to the office under any circumstances. They also must realise workplace flexibility and remote working arrangements do not just benefit workers.
In the long run, they are a win-win situation for all parties.
Flexible Work Arrangements Benefits
Workplace flexibility meets the needs of both businesses and workers through the willingness to adapt to when – and how – work is completed.
There are many advantages to flexibility and adaptability in the workplace. These include some of the following :
- It can improve productivity due to fewer distractions in your working environment
- It is cost-effective due to less travel and commuting involved
- It can help workers improve on existing work-life balances
- It can improve diversity for a company as employees no longer have to be located in a certain area.
In a nutshell, flexibility in the workplace can also mean allowing employees more freedom to choose their schedules, as well as the opportunity to work on-site or remotely from any location they choose.
Flexibility and adaptability in the workplace are not as difficult as they sound when you have a plan in place to address the optics involved.
Having the right technology to support remote and on-site workers is one of the biggest barriers to enabling workplace flexibility.
Introducing Cloud-Based Phone Systems
A cloud-based phone system keeps team members connected and improves remote workforce productivity. Whether working in-office or off-site, workers can access the same phone system with all the tools needed for collaboration and communication.
This can include audio conferencing, call-forwarding, two-way calling, and web meetings that otherwise would not be possible.
Cloud-based phone systems also remove barriers by moving all the tools of on-premise PBX systems onto the cloud. Access the system using a desk phone, mobile device, or desktop computer using a mobile application.
Secure Tools for Collaboration
Flexibility in business needs to come with the reassurance that your collaboration and communication are secure. Telecommunications security is a major concern for organisations.
Cloud-based phone systems help enable flexibility in the workplace whilst allowing IT to maintain greater control over security. IT also can ensure remote workers are meeting auditing and compliance requirements.
Cloud phone systems are enabled with comprehensive features for easier monitoring of employees with flexible working arrangements. User and location-specific permissions offer additional control over who manages cloud-based phone system settings to prevent errors and abuse.
Keep track of telephone sales representatives and other phone-based personnel to ensure they are meeting quality assurance and other company standards.
Nexgen flexibility in business
Nexgen has the tools needed for creating flexibility and adaptability in the workplace.
Our cloud-based solutions help keep your entire team connected and productive whilst embracing the benefits of flexible working arrangements. They can serve to become a crucial component of any successful flexible workspace.
To learn more about how a cloud phone system fits into your workplace flexibility strategy, speak to one of our phone system specialists today.
