In 2022, 25% of UK employees worked from home at least some of the time (ONS)

Many UK businesses now see the benefits of flexible, hybrid, and multi-location workplaces. To keep up, IT and technology need to provide practical working environments that empower remote employees. The right technology helps both employees and employers make the most of flexible, hybrid and remote employees.

 Some industries and job roles have been cemented in working away from the desk. For example, field sales, field technical engineers and consultants. With whole businesses and departments look to benefit from flexible working locations, they need to plan effectively. This blog explores how technology can be used to support remote employees

Having A Coherent Ecosystem

Providing all employees with access to the same information, systems and digital support regardless of working location is fundamental. With the rise of cloud applications, many systems are now accessible from any location, However, this can create overly complicated processes that span multiple systems and require multiple points of data double entry. This damages workplace efficiencies, morale and productivity. 

It is important to review business systems, understanding what each software is bringing to the table and how information can be shared between each system. Cloud Software needs to be understood, planned and regularly reviewed to avoid excessive spending, maximise value, and deliver the best results. Often a software ecosystem can be streamlined and integrated to maximise its long-term value. With business and software experts, we audit and understand the ecosystem, the reasoning behind it and how data flows in our customers’ business. Our software experts, then look at how software can be integrated and made coherent to improve productivity and give bespoke insight.

Fostering a Flexible Work Environment

Technology can be a great tool to solve key problems posed by flexible working locations. It is therefore important to review how strong and effective use of technology can impact the decision to introduce it into your business. Many businesses are adopting a hybrid approach, providing a middle ground that benefits both employees and employers and gives room for advantages for both remote and office work. Technology needs to be flexible to foster a hybrid setup, giving employees the flexibility to be as productive at home as they are in the office. This comes from using technology to enhance and mitigate pitfalls from either side, ensuring that the technology and tools in the office are accessible from home. This can come in the form of effective meeting systems, remote access to files and data on the office network and providing the IT equipment and training needed to be truly effective at home.

Ensuring Security and Privacy

Remote access to files and data broadens your cyber security risk, it broadens the ways in which cybercriminals can attack and gain access to the network and your business data. Companies must be prepared to enhance comprehensive cyber security strategies. Whether this is end-to-end encryption technology, multifactor authentication or regular security audits. Working with a trusted IT and technology expert is critical for safeguarding your business from data breaches and cyber-attacks. Experts will provide a new and innovative outlook into how to best secure and prevent unwanted access to company networks and data, while still ensuring that employees have the access needed to be productive.  

Conclusion

Ultimately, empowering your workforce with technology is about creating an environment where employees can thrive, collaborate and innovate, no matter where they are. It is clear, that the long-term model of working has shifted towards hybrid and more flexible working practices. It is now critical for businesses to adapt, understand and leverage the right technology to empower employees while remaining secure from cyber threats. By building a coherent ecosystem, businesses can ensure that all employees are equally productive at home as they are in the office. By strategically integrating and modernising technological solutions, businesses can adapt to the changing landscape of work and also drive efficiency and growth in this new era of flexibility.

Need the right tools for your remote employees?

Need the right tools for your remote employees?