Recent research suggests that one in five small-medium enterprises in the UK now utilises some form of collaborative technology in the workplace, with business broadband helping employees to use video conferencing, online chat, cloud-based CRM systems and digital workspaces with greater flexibility than ever before.
However, the benefits aren’t only to be found in terms of increased mobility and fluidity between employees – almost one-quarter of SMEs claim that broadband and business mobile services help them to save between £5000 and £100,000 per year in comparison to old-fashioned desk phones and brick-and-mortar meetings.
Collaborative technology is in favour among companies right now because it reduces employee downtime and costs. For example, a rep intending to put in a three-hour round trip to meet with an existing or prospective client could simply arrange to video conference with the relevant department instead, thereby freeing them up to have a more productive day at less cost to the company.
Flexible working environments also provide businesses with the chance to lower employee overheads. With staff working remotely with the ability to access CRM systems and network documents via business mobile and cloud technology, many businesses find that they require less floor space or are otherwise able to use their existing floor space more efficiently.
While the biggest barrier to the adoption of collaborative technology might be worries about training expenses or complicated procedures, business managers needn’t worry – everything from VOIP to cloud network solutions are designed with the end-user in mind, which means straight-forward processes, customisable interfaces and technical support as and when required.
The majority of those belonging to the Generation Z and Y demographics are already fully embracing collaborative technology in a recreational sense via smartphone apps and social media, and the biggest challenge faced by most businesses keen to implement collaborative tech appears to be when it comes to converting Baby Boomers to the cause. At present, just 12% of those born between 1946 and 1964 are comfortable using VOIP and video conferencing.
The question remains, however: for how long? Given how user-oriented most tech packages are nowadays, no business should have any reason to fear the switch to a fully collaborative digital workspace. If you need help when it comes to kitting out your business communications, speak to us for more information today.
Sources:
http://www.computerweekly.com/
https://www.huffingtonpost.
© rhm telecommunications 2024
