How Unified Communications Has Paved the Way for Remote Working

by

Many professionals today are familiar with standard UC (unified communications). It has been around for a while and was traditionally used for in-office communications. On-premise PBX allowed you to call up your boss’ office or email a request for printed documents to your secretary. With VoIP (voice over internet protocol), people had calling, messaging, and collaboration capabilities all over an internet connection.  

Today, with this change in the way we “go to work,” unified communications has adapted to meet our remote needs. Taking it a step further, it’s evolved to provide the capability for instant messaging across the globe, instantaneous file sharing through the cloud, and reliable video conferencing to help connect people wherever they may be working. Thanks to UC, we now have better options when it comes to “going to work.”  

 

How Unified Communications Enables Productive WFH Results 

With many companies opting in for UCaaS (unified communications as a service), they are experiencing the best of VoIP without the need and cost of infrastructure. When working from an office, UC depended heavily on fiber connectivity. Today, anyone can work from anywhere given a good internet connection – even wirelessly.  

This UC development means employees are able to bring their own devices (BYOD) and leverage their own computers and mobile devices. This can save employers expensive equipment costs, reduce ramp up periods and time needed to train new hires on equipment, and eliminate the need for installation of fiber or other infrastructure. More importantly however, it’s causing employees to become more efficient and productive. It makes sense that people perform better on the devices they already know how to use. With the ease of use and the effortless adoption, this remote working norm is set to be the #1 thing to stick around from the changes the COVID pandemic made to how we work.  

Not to mention, modern UC is more scalable than traditional data centers. Without the need for servers, telephony equipment, or phone lines – growth is only limited to bandwidth of a user’s internet connection. This makes it easier for hiring managers to grow their workforce by hiring people remotely. In turn, providing UC options really widens the potential candidate pool when hiring.  

 

How Unified Communications Enables Safer WFH Results  

What many people don’t realize is that leveraging UC when working from home actually has benefits that extend beyond working hours. With encrypted communication channels and the endpoint security that comes standard with most UC, people feel more secure sharing their data over personal networks because their work’s unified communications system helps safeguard their network at home. Cybercrime has increased 63% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, making network safety a top priority.  

benefits of unified communications

What This Means for the Future of UC 

In simple terms, unified communications is here to stay. It’s estimated that the UCaaS market will surge past $100B by 2024. In order to stay ahead of the game when it comes to the digitization of the workplace, businesses need to consider switching from traditional PBX to UC. In the same effort, those that are early adopters should further build out their UC strategy.  

When it comes to implementing and developing unified communications in any business, Blue Signal has the talent it takes to be successful in this evolving space. Whether you’re looking to support and build out remote teams and WFH policies, or you’re just curious what your first step should be in your UC journey, Blue Signal has your back. Contact our qualified unified communications recruiters today to get started.  

Is Allowing Staff to Work from Home the New Key to Retention?

by

Recent economic changes have influenced businesses to adapt and create alternative working methods. Whilst healing from deep Covid pandemic scars, employers dodged redundancies and attrition through adopting remote working conditions. Even pre-pandemic, remote working has influenced a wide variety of impacts for businesses on a global scale.

Beyond safety benefits like social distancing, remote workers gain comfort from flexible working conditions, zero-commuting strains, and a more stable work-life balance. In turn, this has increased business performance, productivity, and created opportunities for savings on infrastructure and maintenance costs.

Whether on-site or off-site, employers hold responsibility for workers health, safety, and wellbeing. Through proper support, allowing employees to work remotely can increase their sense of value and engagement – resulting in improved employee retention for your business.

 

What is a Remote Worker?

A remote worker is an employee who works outside of the traditional workplace. The basis of their job conditions allows them to work remotely – either permanently, temporarily, or on a hybrid basis where time is split in and out of office. Customer service, sales, engineering, and most computer-based jobs are common roles that could benefit from remote working conditions.

Newly developed communication tech like VoIP and cloud systems enable this remote workforce to accomplish all the same tasks as they would in a traditional office setting. With productivity remaining consistent in these fields, the appeal of remote working is on the rise.

Remote work is nothing new. Even prior to the pandemic, companies were leveraging expertise from geographically diverse candidate pools to help set their companies apart. Research by Global Workplace Analytics found that, since 2015, the number of people who work from home has risen by 140%.

Work from Home for Retention Blog Graphics Graph

Benefits of Working Remotely

The benefits of hiring remote workers aren’t some big secret. A global talent pool can present a wider range of unique candidates - bringing fresher entrepreneurial talent and business productivity. Research done by PGI found that businesses who introduced remote working options saved $11,000 per worker, per year. In 2015, telecommuting saved employers $44 billion! Not to mention drops in unscheduled absences, transit subsidies, janitorial services for facilities, and much more. Imagine the savings you could gain from a workforce made of full-time remote workers!

 

However the benefits are so much more than just financial gains. Harvard Business Review found that remote workers were more productive, more willing to work overtime, and most likely to stay working for a business longer than colleagues who worked in-office. One study by Prodoscore found that “on average, those who work from home spend 10 minutes less a day being unproductive, work one more day a week, and are 47% more productive.” Contrary to popular belief of the opposite, 75% of people who work remotely do so because it provides fewer distractions. 86% of people feel that working remotely reduces stress, according to FlexJobs research. Not to mention, people who work remotely at least once a month were found to be 24% more happy and productive than those who didn’t. The math is simple: happy workers = retained workers.

 

Developing a Strong Work from Home Policy

You’d think that with so many benefits, it’d be hard to justify not going remote. People tend to hold onto tradition, but even beyond that, there are some concerns employers struggle with when making the decision to shift to telework. This includes possible loss of productivity due to distractions like kids and housework, detachment from co-workers resulting in communication issues, and effects on employee wellbeing like feelings of loneliness or isolation. The trick to avoiding these pitfalls is to establish a strong work from home policy early on.

Work from Home for Retention Blog Graphics Policy

Good remote work policies should support both new hires and employees transitioning to remote working by making all employees aware of resources, entitlements, and benefits. Simply offering work from home options isn’t enough. If you want to leverage remote work as a retention tactic, you need a strong base for it. Some things to consider in developing a telework policy for your own company can include the following.

 

1. Designate which Jobs are Eligible

In order to properly consider which roles can be fulfilled remotely, look at the responsibilities and requirements of each role and decide on job eligibility based on duties, equipment needs, and legal and tax implications. Studies by McKinsey found that finance, management, professional services, and information sectors have the highest potential for remote work. Review the conduct and personality of current employees in these roles and rationalize whether or not they have the personality and drive to conduct their work remotely. Can any improvements be made if the job was done through hybrid working conditions? Leverage your HR team to apply and review proper legal methods to assign these roles the appropriate eligibility.

McKinsey Top Work From Home Roles

2. Draw Boundaries between Work and Personal Time

Whilst working under flexible working conditions, it’s likely some remote workers may blur the lines between work and home life. The spectrum can vary widely – from people being absentee from their desks during working hours, to people feeling the need to stay ‘logged on.’ This problematic Catch 22 can cause guilt that keeps employees from taking necessary breaks – resulting in burnout. You’ll need to take the guesswork out of scheduling by setting work agendas with suitable timeframes. Ensure remote workers take regular breaks and cease working at appropriate times. This way, you can extinguish any overworking by setting boundaries.

 

3. Schedule Regular One-on-One Time

All working relationships should have a comfortable and empathetic atmosphere. Through regular one-on-one meetings, leadership can offer remote workers accessible advice and support. These check-ins stand as great lifelines – particularly for new starters. By getting on a video chat or picking up the phone, you will have the ability to read emotional levels better than you would over email or text. This way, you can pick up on signs of anxiety and work-related stress on a regular basis and address them as soon as they start. Normalize conversations about mental and emotional support and work towards eliminating signs of stress, social anxiety, and burnout.

 

4. Deliver Physical Support

Employers can offer direct support through ergonomic work equipment. You wouldn’t want to work from your kitchen table long-term, and neither would your employees. 85% of workers want their employers to provide them with the technology they need to work remotely. To meet this market need, try to create work from home spaces as close to office settings as possible. Through keyboard risers, support cushions, gel rests, and maybe even ergonomic chairs, employees will be able to create a space in their remote office locations that is dedicated to work. This practice will increase their productivity and focus, and the supplies will soon pay for themselves.

 

5. Protect your Business with Cybersecurity Measures

As more of us become accustomed to newer forms of tech innovations and virtual communication, investing in cybersecurity is vital. Online hacking and data breaches aren’t fantastical myths you only hear on the news. Real-life threats can hit your business instantly - and the damage can be long-lasting. Breaches among small businesses can cost up to $3.62 million dollars. To avoid this before it becomes an issue, introduce regulations on cybersecurity measures that all employees must comply with, such as only working on company computers or avoiding public Wi-Fi access. Introduce encryptions, antivirus, or Virtual Private Network (VPN) software for extra safety measures. Additionally, you can hire cybersecurity professionals that are certified in information systems security and/or cloud security to to protect your IT infrastructure and network.

 

Prior to the pandemic, businesses tended to turn their noses up at the idea of a remote workforce. Repercussions due to the pandemic has inadvertently increased acceptance for hybrid work structures globally, some out of necessity and some out of empathy. Whatever the case, the trend with today’s workers is in favour of more telework options. According to Statista, as many as 40% of employees prefer to work remotely. Even further, 74% of workers said they would quit their current job if they were offered more flexible options elsewhere. In this candidate-driven market, this has become an important negotiating chip in hiring and retaining current employees. To keep with the demand of the market, employers must implement supportive and safe work from home policies. In turn, workers will surely reciprocate the appreciation through performance and loyalty to the business. In this recovering economy, increasing retention rates will make or break the success of many businesses.

Staying on Task and Motivated – 4 Tips for Working from Home

by

With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a huge surge in remote work options. HQ offices are enforcing the shift, and people who are accustomed to office work, are now working from their homes. With this change in scenery, there will be a lot to learn and adjust to. In the following guide, we hope to help you navigate some of those challenges, by helping make your work from home experience more on task and productive. 

Tips for Working from Home Blog Infographic

1. Make a Real Home Office

The best way to make your home feel like the office is to enforce office rules! Set a schedule of hours, and stick to it. Just like you wouldn't be late to the office, log in on time. (Or early!) Ideally, keep a dedicated office space. If you have the space, or a spare room, work there. Try not to work in high-traffic areas like your kitchen. And finally, set boundaries for those around you. If you have kids home from school, or partners that are also WFH - make sure expectations are clear that when you are on your work computer, it's work time.

 

2. Schedule Breaks 

Utilize your full company-allotted break times. Walk away from the computer screen and your phone to reset and take care of personal items. As is safe, leave your house during lunch. Make sure to leave the building once a day, whether that's weeding the garden or walking the dog. Fresh air helps! And, to safeguard that time away from your desk, have a separate phone number to maintain better work-life balance. 

 

3. Stay Socialized 

Use chat channels and video chats to stay socialized with co-workers. Even if you aren’t super extroverted in your communication style, use these applications at least once in a while to keep that channel open in case you need it down the line. When on conference calls, be sure to speak up so everyone knows you're there! It doesn’t even have to be work related - just saying “Hello!” and “Goodbye!” can be beneficial. Attend optional meetings for even more opportunities to socialize. And, if your WFH is more permanent, be sure to ask your manager about team building trips or supplemental training.

 

4. Communicate 

Ask for what you need - you won't be productive without the proper equipment or if you are uncomfortable. Communicate your steps. Repeat yourself, keep your team updated on project completion, report when you are away, all of it. Err on the side of over-communicating so that your team knows your status. And finally, be positive! The less face time you get, the more people can miscommunicate tone. Use emojis, exclamation points, and kind words to make sure your tone comes across kindly. Chances are, your other remote coworkers are having a hard time adjusting too. 

 

Always look on the positive side of things in times like this - your company being flexible and considering your health and safety as a top priority means you’re working for a company with its values well-aligned. Working from home can provide its challenges, but with the right toolset, you can set your career up for huge success. This is the way the market is leaning, with remote work having grown 400% since 2010. If you are in the market for a more flexible role, talk to one of our specialized recruiters today about your needs! 

Click here to Download Infographic