Before you continue

To give you the best possible experience please select your preference.

Enreach
Back to overview

Technology to support a flexible work/life balance

2 Oct 2020

As businesses continue to navigate the ‘new normal’, we have been working hard to keep companies in touch with their colleagues and customers. Throughout this process, we have noticed two opposing trends when it comes to communications technology and reachability. On the one hand, we have seen businesses that have struggled to keep their teams connected throughout lockdown, operating with outdated technology that won’t work from home the same as in the office. And then there are the businesses who have developed a culture of 24/7 availability, an expectation that employees should always be reachable and available to answer emails or pick up the phone. Of course, neither of these scenarios are healthy or sustainable for businesses who are serious about continuity and growth.

Today we talk to Duncan Ward, our Chief Executive Officer, about how businesses need to scrutinise the communications solutions they have in place and examine whether their current technology is fit for purpose. For example, does your technology allow your teams to work remotely and on the move? Does it enable you to deliver the levels of service your customers expect? Does it empower your teams to maintain a healthy work/ life balance, even when working from home? With the right solutions in place, all this and more is possible.

“The role of a communications provider has never been more important”, Ward tells me. “Our focus throughout lockdown has been to keep businesses up and running. We have worked hard to ensure that our customers have been able to pack up their desks and work from anywhere. From cloud phone systems and business mobiles, to IT solutions and reliable broadband, we have been there to make sure a business doesn’t have to close its doors unnecessarily.”

“With that said, we have seen businesses struggle”, Ward adds. “When the country was first told to work from home, many teams were using traditional, on-premise phone systems that wouldn’t work remotely. This meant that calls were missed and companies had to resort to short term fixes like mobile diverts, voicemails and recorded messages advising customers that the phone lines were closed. This simply isn’t good enough for a modern business.”

“At Network Telecom, and across the wider Enreach group, we believe in solutions that make the working day easier and offer complete flexibility. For example, our latest cloud phone system, NT Cloud PRO, is fully hosted and allows teams to log in to their phone system from their desk phone, mobile or laptop. In fact, all they need is a browser and they can start making and taking calls from anywhere across the world.”

“NT Cloud PRO offers new levels of mobility for our customers”, Ward continues. “Users can flip live calls from their mobiles to their desk phones or laptops at the touch of a button, giving employees the freedom to move and construct more flexible and healthy working environments. Features such as call recording, auto attendant and computer integration can also be easily managed on the move from the intuitive user portal, meaning any changes can be made quickly and easily.”

“However, with this increased freedom, coupled with the rise in remote working, we have to acknowledge that an ‘always on’ mentality isn’t healthy or sustainable. We’ve all been on a video call and seen that our mobile phone won’t stop buzzing, or sat with our family in the evening while replying to emails or checking messages. Just because teams are able to work anytime, anywhere, doesn’t mean that they should.”

“We feel that it is important to help our customers to maintain a healthy work/life balance and to provide them with the tools to do so. By integrating our mobile capabilities with our cloud telephony offering, we can allow customers to outline their preferred reachability. Our aim is to integrate all the necessary channels into one unified experience, painting an accurate picture of someone’s availability, regardless of the channel or device. If you are unavailable on your mobile, in an online meeting or set yourself as unavailable, then this should be mirrored across all your devices, eliminating unnecessary interruptions.”

“I see our responsibility,” Ward concludes, “as to provide our customers with the very best. That means our customer experience and our pioneering solutions that empower businesses to work their way, with features in place to allow them to do their best work from any location, but also to switch off when needed. We strive to provide technology that promotes unlimited freedom, flexibility and balance. That is what modern business should be about.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is a model for delivering information technology services where resources are retrieved from the internet through web-based tools and applications, instead of directly from a physical server. It allows businesses to scale quickly and efficiently, as well as reduce IT costs by eliminating the need for hardware and software investments.

What are the advantages of using Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing offers a number of benefits, such as increased scalability, cost savings, flexibility, agility, reliability, and security. By utilizing the cloud, businesses can quickly scale up and down as needed, allowing them to adjust to changing business needs with ease. Additionally, businesses can save money on hardware and software investments by eliminating the need to purchase or maintain such resources in-house. Lastly, cloud computing provides enhanced security measures that help protect data from viruses and malicious attacks.

How can Project Management Software improve my business operations?

Project Management Software provides a systematic approach to organizing and managing projects. This type of software can help you plan, organize, and manage resource tools and develop resource estimates, improving efficiency and productivity. Additionally, this software enables you to track progress, identify risks, and eliminate unnecessary tasks. With project management software, businesses can easily monitor performance and measure outcomes for better decision-making. In conclusion, using Project Management Software is an effective way to ensure that projects are completed on time and on budget.

How important is video conferencing technology?

Video conferencing technology is becoming increasingly important in today’s business world. Video conferencing enables teams to communicate with each other in real-time, regardless of geographic distance. This allows for increased collaboration between team members, as well as improved customer service and faster problem-solving capabilities. Additionally, video conferencing allows people to stay connected with their colleagues, customers, and partners, regardless of their location. In short, video conferencing technology is a powerful tool for businesses to increase productivity and streamline communication.

What are the benefits of using Video Conferencing?

Video Conferencing enables businesses to hold meetings with participants in different locations. It saves travel time and expense, promotes productivity, and enhances communication and collaboration. By using video conferencing, businesses can reduce costs associated with travel expenses and time away from the office. Additionally, video conferencing allows participants to discuss ideas faster and more easily than traditional methods of communication. Lastly, it provides an easy way for team members to stay in touch even when separated by distance. In conclusion, Video Conferencing is a cost-effective and efficient way for businesses to collaborate with their teams.

How can Mobile Apps enhance flexible work arrangements?

Mobile Apps allow for access to work and communication tools from any location, promoting flexibility and balance between work and personal life. They can offer features such as document sharing, team communication, and task assignment, which are essential for managing remote teams. Mobile apps also enable employees to access important documents and stay connected with their team, no matter where they are. Additionally, mobile apps provide a secure way for remote teams to store and share important business data, such as customer information. In conclusion, mobile apps are an effective tool for businesses looking to enhance flexible work arrangements.