Working away from the office is not a new concept. The travelling salesperson has long been a part of business, often spending long periods of time on the road and away from their desk. However, the world and the way we work in it has changed, with technology making it possible for us to work from almost anywhere. And work from anywhere we do: a recent study by Gallup found that 43 percent of Americans spend at least some of their time working remotely.
While it’s possible to work effectively outside of the office, having your workforce in different locations does have its drawbacks. Even with all of the advancements in technology keeping us connected from anywhere we are, being away from your physical office makes collaboration with colleagues more difficult. Luckily, there is a solution to unite remote employees, fostering collaboration away from the traditional office.
Unified Communications: Connecting employees in the 21st century workplace
Unified communications is a solution that integrates various synchronous and asynchronous business communication tools and applications that can be used in concert or successively within one single, comprehensive application. A unified communications solution typically includes IP telephony functionality along with tools such as email, instant messaging, text messaging, interactive digital whiteboarding, online audio and video conferencing, as well as other collaboration features. This combination of previously independent resources facilitates communication in both real-time and at the user’s convenience from whichever device they choose to utilize, whether that is a desktop PC in the office or a smartphone from a remote location.
By integrating all of your communication platforms into a single system with unified communications, you’ll realize a breakthrough in agility. Users can communicate and securely share files over a range of channels via a variety of devices—including desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets—all using the same interface. Imagine having quick and easy access to your voicemails, emails, faxes, instant messages, and other communications through a single, centralized messaging inbox. No more struggling to share documents, switching from application to application, or missing a call or message. Such convenience leads to better communication, which in turn leads to improved collaboration.
Unified communications connects all of your previously independent tools, as well as your employees, regardless of their location. Improving the way your dispersed employees communicate will naturally improve their collaboration.
