April 8th 2022
USING MOBILE SERVICES TO SUPPORT FLEXIBLE WORKING
The predicted post-pandemic return to the office has yet to materialise. Instead, many companies have opted for ongoing flexibility including home and hybrid working. For SMEs especially, this has helped offset the cost of office rents and even led to a happier and more productive workforce.
In a recent survey conducted by the travel management company TravelPerk, 76% of interviewees said that their company had moved to a hybrid working model. However, while 26% said it improved their work-life balance, 14% felt remote working had negatively impacted on team communication.
Reliable and efficient connectivity is crucial to the success of hybrid working, with technology playing a vital role. Employees should be able to perform their jobs as easily as they would in the workplace, including the provision of appropriate equipment, systems, training and support to use at home.
Problems with Mobile Working
Despite the opportunity to trial remote working options during consecutive lockdowns, there is still no one-size-fits-all method, leaving many businesses with continuing communication problems and frustrated employees. Without those informal chats and spontaneous meetings familiar to the office environment, many teams have become disengaged and unable to maintain information flows.
More practically, many home workers during lockdown had to use their own IT equipment, networks and data allowances. Research by leading mobile provider Samsung discovered 70% of employees are still using their own devices for work, leading to issues with connectivity, reliability, and security.
The answer for SMEs is to use business-only mobile devices and services to ensure that effective communication can be maintained alongside flexible models of working. By using the best mobile solutions for their business, employers can ensure efficient communication, improve productivity, promote resilience, and empower every employee no matter when or where they are working.
Improving Mobile Communication
Whether you opt to research a suitable mobile working strategy yourself or seek the expertise of a professional company, the benefits will be both immediate and long-lasting for your business, from improved voice clarity and more reliable connectivity to stronger coverage and advanced security.
The process is likely to be multi-layered too, from selecting the most suitable devices for employees and implementing the correct systems and networks to arranging appropriate training and deciding on a schedule for reviews and updates. For SMEs new to home working, mobile device management is recommended to maintain effective device control and security and to minimise data risks.
Business Mobile Solutions from Lily
At Lily, we understand the difficulties of introducing and updating systems, especially for SMEs. With over 30 years’ combined experience in the mobile industry, we’ll find out what your company needs and come up with the most efficient and cost-effective solutions, from choosing the right equipment and software to providing mobile device management and the latest mobile broadband packages.
For support with your business mobile strategy, explore our website or get in touch with our team.