As CEO of MyQuickCloud, I witnessed huge changes and can see how businesses operate, and what they need from technology. And in most cases, office access is crucial and people want to be able to work remotely and on the move.
Remote and hybrid working models emerged as powerful tools to ensure business continuity, foster innovation, increase talent retention and overall workplace satisfaction. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of modern workplaces, organisations need to recognize the importance of embracing remote and hybrid working, regardless of the challenges they may encounter.
There are 6 key questions to answer first:
1. How will we define who can work where?
2. What can we do to clearly define responsibilities?
3. In the course of the transition, how will we support employees?
4. Does the organisation have tools to facilitate collaboration and productivity?
5. What steps will we take to address employee isolation and disengagement?
6. How will we assess the effectiveness of the hybrid work model?
Examples of how we’ve helped our clients solve problems at MyQuickCloud
A business owner has to be available at all times in case something goes wrong in certain parts of her operations – she’s the only one with access to some critical systems. As such, she would plan any travel on a Sunday, during the lowest activity window, to minimise the chances of something going wrong while unavailable. Once she started using MyQuickCloud, and with the advent of the internet in aeroplanes as well as her phone connection, she’s now free to travel at any time, even flying for hours – her stress decreased while her travelling increased….
A few years back, a category 5 hurricane flooded a small business office in Florida, US (Michael in 2018 if I recall well, but don’t quote me on this one). They lost all the electronic equipment and devices, including computers, servers and backups. The cost of buying computers, furniture… for the office as well as finding another office was too high and being offline while waiting for the insurance was not an option, they needed a faster solution. They found some (not too) old backups of their data and came to us.
We were able to set them up quickly on a managed cloud server – within a day, they were up and running, with no upfront cost for new hardware, computers, desks, chairs. All the employees were able to work from home, using their own computers and devices.
As we run daily backups for managed cloud servers, the business continuity is much easier to maintain and that small business is now more hurricane proof than before.
Finally, one client had multiple businesses and decided to sell one of them. Part of the team was also moving to the new owner. Once they closed the sale of the company, on a Monday evening, we just migrated their managed cloud servers to the new ownership and all users were business as usual the next morning. Some were in the new office, others were remote but all were able to continue working using their MyQuickCloud workspaces.
It just goes to show that the cloud has many different uses that can work in different scenarios, regardless of the size of your team.
The Shifting Paradigm
The concept of work has transcended the traditional office space, leading to a paradigm shift in how businesses operate. Remote and hybrid working arrangements empower employees to achieve a work-life balance, resulting in increased productivity and job satisfaction. According to recent industry research conducted by leading organisations, nearly 80% of employees believe that remote work options make them feel more valued by their employers.
Enhancing Productivity and Collaboration
Contrary to initial concerns, remote and hybrid working models have demonstrated a significant boost in productivity. Research by McKinsey & Company shows that remote work can improve individual task productivity by up to 25%. Moreover, digital collaboration tools have bridged the geographical gap, enabling seamless communication and knowledge sharing among teams. This enhanced collaboration not only fosters innovation but also leads to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
At MyQuickCloud, we enable small businesses to centralise and connect seamlessly with in-house, on-premises and offshore teams. By providing employees with a familiar end-user experience and secure access to a virtual private desktop or workspace, businesses can improve their productivity almost overnight.
Attracting and Retaining Talent
Embracing remote and hybrid working models has become a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent. A study by PwC indicates that 72% of employees prefer a mix of remote and in-office work, with 32% stating they would leave their job if required to work in the office full-time. By offering flexible work arrangements, businesses can tap into a wider pool of talent, including individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, thereby driving creativity and problem-solving within the organisation.
Overcoming Challenges
While the benefits of remote and hybrid working are evident, challenges do exist. Issues related to data security, employee engagement, and maintaining a cohesive company culture must be addressed proactively. Businesses must invest in robust cybersecurity measures, foster regular virtual interactions, and implement innovative strategies to maintain a strong sense of belonging among remote and hybrid teams. Being in the office a couple of days per week helps too. Having a managed virtual workspace for employees also goes a long way to alleviate the security concerns.
Embracing a Hybrid Future
The future of work lies in embracing a hybrid model that combines the best of both worlds.
By offering employees the flexibility to work remotely while maintaining opportunities for in-person collaboration, organisations can create a dynamic and resilient workforce. Companies that adapt to this new reality will not only survive but thrive in the rapidly changing business landscape.
In conclusion, the importance of embracing remote and hybrid working cannot be overstated. The industry research speaks volumes about the positive impact these models have on productivity, talent acquisition, and overall employee satisfaction. By acknowledging and addressing the challenges head-on, businesses can unlock the full potential of their workforce and create a future where innovation knows no boundaries. Embrace the change, empower your employees, and watch your organisation soar to new heights in the era of hybrid working.
The journey at MyQuickCloud has been very special for me, and we’re just getting started with the next phase of our plans.
In our recent article, find out how Zyla Accountants has benefited from choosing MyQuickCloud.
