Redefining the Landscape of Remote Work

Is remote work still working?

Work has now become not a place to go but something that can be done just about anywhere. More employees today are workings remotely permanently or in hybrid model so businesses are trying to adapt and figure out the best way forward.   Goldman Sachs just announced it is now requiring all employees to be in the office 5 days a week and is reminding them its required.

I was having lunch recently with a friend of mine in the commercial real estate business and we discussed how many businesses are looking to downsize their current office space or sub lease their space.  When you talk to many employees who use to commute into their office, you will find most if not all employees expect to work a few days per week  from their home or a remote location. Just this morning, my bother shared with me a recent article from the Wall Street Journal about the high vacancy rates of the Atlanta office market.   Even with strong job growth in Atlanta, it has not made up for the anemic return to the office as more and more companies are shedding their office space as leases expire.

Working remotely creates challenges for CEO’ and owners of businesses in how to get their employees back to the office without the risk of losing staff. Some of the problems in asking employees to come back to the office could be blamed on low employee productivity and engagement, fragmented communication tools, a dispersed team, unexpected and costly hardware to maintain, disconnected organizational silos, damage to a business’ reputation and IT security concerns. Managing these challenges successfully can be daunting.

To navigate this evolving landscape, consider the following questions:

• • • What tools are best for remote work.
    • What is the best way to manage a remote workforce
    • What type of technology is needed for remote working
    • What phone system is best for remote work?
    • Is VoIP phone system the best options for remote workers
    • What about using Microsoft Teams for the business phone system.
    • Which software to use for remote workers
    • How can the remote workforce be managed while keeping them engaged.
    • How to keep your network and remote workers secure

Here are some best practices to consider in managing remote workers:

• • • More Video and Chatting and less emails 
    • Set a collaboration or brainstorm hour and communicate important deadlines 
    • Get-Togethers or happy hours to foster communication
    • Send out Swag like web cams, cell phone charges, Bluetooth headsets
    • Set One-on Ones   
    • Use Technology to unify all communications, make things simple for the end user.  
    • Technology training Meetings 

There are many different  VoIP suppliers that have excellent web meeting tools including IM and chat.   If you are looking for new options, make sure you evaluate multiple different supplier to compare the pro and cons to find the best solution.  Schedule not just one demo but if interest in a suppliers product  or service, ask for follow u meetings and demos so you can ask additional questions’ to evaluate their service.   Do not be afraid to reach out to a consultant and allow them to recommend the various suppliers that can meet your business goals.

TeleData Select offers a whole range of services that will help you meet your business goals. Starting with a complimentary review of your current telecommunication bills to identify errors and find opportunities for savings, better service and more functionality. We also offer project management for new service implementation and infrastructure installs, including fiber and low voltage cabling. Call us at 404-257-1502 to discuss your current Telecom Service Solution and what you would like to get out of it. Or send us a note via This Link to start a no obligation discussion of your specific business technology needs.

John Hagan is President of TeleData Select, a Telecommunications Consultant located in Atlanta, Ga serving customers throughout the US and overseas. His company provides business solutions for voice, data, mobile and cloud solutions for both large and small businesses. Contact John or his team for a complimentary telecom audit to make sure you’re getting the best value for communication services. The savings you receive could offset the cost of purchasing a new Hosted or Premise based solution.