The Need For Devices & Collaboration Tools
Most businesses will have or will be putting together measures for business continuity and agile technology. This could include scaling up both software and hardware needs including devices such as laptops, and headsets, to collaboration platforms to facilitate virtual meetings. From Microsoft Teams to Sharepoint, the number of collaboration tools have changed the way we work and communicate with both staff and customers. With workplaces increasingly transitioning to digital technology, organisations need to implement the platforms that simplify communication between in-house and remote staff. What started of as glorified chat and messaging platforms, has morphed into full-fledged productivity tools with the ability to add business telephony, host live events, and establish a platform from document sharing.
Secure Access to Applications & On-premise Infrastructure
Now more than ever, as organisation encourage employees to work remotely in response to COVID-19, companies will want to establish structure, governance and security to file management, data and applications. One of the key pieces to having a cohesive and streamlined remote workforce is having company-wide information. A central resource depository to house assets, share documents, co-author and track changes amongst your remote team.
In times of heightened risk, ITMs and CIOs need to use this time to reassess their risk tolerance and consider new ways to enhance their security framework to ensure that data and applications are protected and accessible to all staff. This is an essential part of business continuity, as the success of a business largely depends on its ability to be always on, always available, and data always accessible. While the shift to cloud-based services and digital workspaces has increased exponentially in the last few years, there are many organisations out there today that that still rely on legacy infrastructure and on-premise hardware to run their operations. These organisations will face additional challenges, as they look to VDI and hybrid cloud solutions to ensure the continuity of services.
Benefits of Agile Tools and Technology
- Increased productivity – One of the main advantages of agile working is increased productivity. Providing an activity-based environment and allowing individuals to work from any setting they choose allows the seamless combination of focused, collaborative and creative work, which leads to better productivity
- Reduced turnover – Remote workers report higher job satisfaction rates and a better work-life balance. Fewer employees who work from home quit, and they also tend to eat healthier and have lower stress levels.
- Reduced operating costs due to better office space management – The amount of physical workspace needed for a remote workforce is a fraction of the one needed for on-premise staff. This substantially reduces fixed cost and resources needed for upkeep.
- Better use of technology –With so much technological change happening, no organisation can afford to sit still. Many businesses are exploring how they can best leverage new technologies to satisfy employee expectations while at the same time retaining access to some legacy solutions that might still be important to their operations.
- Flexibility – The ability to work when where and how employees find the most suitable. By reducing the limitations set by standard working procedures, employees can find the most productive way of completing tasks.
- Reduced carbon footprint – Cutting down on travel, physical space, equipment and resources greatly reduces your carbon footprint and contributes positively towards the global fight against climate change.
The business impact of remote working and agile technology is huge and one that will ensure you get through any crises. The Australian government has also introduced a number of initiatives to help businesses get through these challenging times including economic stimulus packages.