While the pandemic was certainly the catalyst for remote and hybrid working arrangements, it is the unprecedented digital transformation happening right now that has cemented this new approach to work.
Companies understand the immense benefits that these flexible working methods offer to their workforce, but also appreciate the need for the right systems and technology to support remote working and to empower employees to work from wherever they want.
With so much to consider in making hybrid and remote arrangements work as seamlessly as possible, it is unsurprising that businesses are turning to managed services to provide their remote and hybrid workforce with a greater level of efficiency, flexibility, and security.
In a nutshell, opting for managed services allows you to outsource all or some of your business’ IT infrastructure, including the day-to-day running, management, and problem resolution of IT systems.
This frees up an immense amount of time for you and your team in terms of repetitive and time-consuming tasks, so you can focus on those important, high-value tasks that actively drive profitability and growth.
Furthermore, managed services can be integrated seamlessly between both remote and office-based teams, providing levels of support and service that are not always possible with in-house IT teams, while adding an all-important layer of safety and security.
One of the biggest hurdles for remote workers, especially those who are part of a hybrid team split between the home and the office, is effective communication and collaboration across teams, departments and even time zones.
This requires robust and effective systems and platforms for key business operations, whether this is project management software, document storage solutions, or simply effective conferencing tools. Viva Connections from Microsoft Viva, for example, is designed to keep your entire team connected and engaged from wherever they choose to work. It is integrated seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, and personalised to individual members of the team to ensure both remote and office-based workers have access to the same powerful collaboration, communication and scheduling tools.
Having these kinds of tools in place ensures there is never a breakdown in communication, regardless of where staff are located, while the continued level of maintenance and review offered by a managed service provider ensures these systems are always working optimally.
A key concern for any business whether large or small is cyber security. In recent years, this has been fuelled by employees now working from home, hot desks, or other unsecure locations, therefore increasing remote data access and the use of unsecured networks. It is essential for the security of any business to keep its data safe, and avert any potential cyberattacks.
Managed service providers have skills in-house to monitor and protect your end users, and provide end-user device management. It is imperative to keep your company and client data safe, and an added benefit to have compliance and maintenance on these vital security tools guaranteed by your service provider.
Outside of security concerns, managed services also offer an enhanced level of support through specialist IT engineers. Your company and employees will always have access to IT support teams, meaning you are not restricted by in-house staff being absent or unavailable.
This is particularly important in the case of remote workers, who can feel disconnected and isolated when left to their own devices when struggling with an IT problem. This has a huge negative impact not only on productivity, but also on engagement and morale.
With managed services, support is always available, and IT experts can assist workers remotely, regardless of their physical location, keeping workers engaged and productive, even when they are not physically in the office.
Remote and hybrid working are firmly here to stay, and businesses that invest in these new methods of working are reaping the rewards. Engaging a managed service provider is a fantastic option for ensuring your remote and hybrid teams feel fully integrated and supported within your company, by keeping them connected and engaged wherever they may be working from.
Check if you’re eligible for a fully funded Microsoft Cloud Accelerator workshop on Hybrid Meetings or email hello@core.co.uk to find out more about how we can help your business be more agile, productive, secure and efficient in 2023 and beyond.