Are you looking to create a more mobile workforce? Gone are the days of punching the clock and commuting. Thanks to laptops, smartphones, tablets and Wi-Fi, that has all changed. As long as you have an Internet connection, you can hold meetings, create proposals and complete practically all of your work tasks remotely. As a result, telecommuting is on the rise, and more and more work is being completed via our mobile devices.
If you are looking to create a more mobile workforce here are 4 key items to consider!
Web-Enabled Applications: Many applications can be web-enabled, making them useable from any PC or laptop with a web browser. This gives the telecommuting worker the flexibility to use their device of choice without any additional security or compatibility concerns.
Leverage the Cloud: Some tools such as e-mail, company Intranet portals, and document storage can be moved to the Cloud to make them easily accessible. In addition to providing ease of access, placing these resources in the Cloud can also enhance security as the traffic for these services will be directed to the Cloud service provider’s network and not the company’s network.
VPN Access: For employees that require access to resources only available on the company network, a certificate-based VPN solution offers the most secure method to access those resources. Employees with laptops can connect to the VPN using a software client. This type of VPN solution is also ideal for employees who often work in locations where they utilize public Wi-Fi services such as those found at airports and coffee shops.
Employees who require a permanent connection from their home office to the corporate office can utilize a LAN-LAN VPN connection. The ever-shrinking costs for consumer grade hardware routers with VPN endpoint capabilities make this a cost efficient option for many telecommuters.
Voice/Video Communications: Modern phone systems provide many options that can be used to support telecommuting employees. Through the use of a VPN connection and a softphone client, a remote employee can have an office extension with all of the functionality that an employee who reports to the office every day has in their desk phone. Most softphones, when paired with a laptop containing a video camera, can also allow remote employees to participate in video conferences as well.
Many phone systems allow a cell phone to be paired with a local office extension. This is ideal for remote employees who tend to move around a bit; cloning their cell phone to their internal extension insures that they will never miss a call from the office.
If you have questions about how you can mobilize your workforce, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
