The IT business solutions you need during COVID-19

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has completely changed the workforce. Increasing numbers of employees are now working remotely, and companies must find innovative ways to bring teams together through the quarantine. 

Luckily, there’s an IT business solution to tackle this problem – Microsoft 365. Below, we go over the challenges companies face when they implement remote working, and how Microsoft 365 can help you overcome these obstacles. 

Remote working challenges

Implementing remote working across your organization means overcoming a handful of unique challenges. These issues include:

• Managing staff productivity
• Keeping staff connected 
• Ensuring that files and data are properly secured 
• Creating enough storage space

These challenges, however, are worth overcoming. In fact, by going virtual, you’re preparing your company for the future. Here’s why.  

Benefits of remote working

Aside from keeping your company running during a pandemic, remote working has many long-term benefits. 

Connectivity

With remote working, your employees are more connected than ever before. A remote IT solution fosters improved communication and collaboration between teams that will last beyond the pandemic.

Efficiency

Quarantine won’t stop your employees from working on time. Since employees can work remotely, they can complete tasks wherever they’re based, whenever you need them completed. 

Flexibility 

A recent study showed that 72 percent of professionals prioritize remote working options and flexibility when looking for job opportunities. In other words, you can retain your best talent by offering remote working options.

Productivity

Remote working doesn’t hinder productivity. It actually has the opposite effect. In a recent survey, over 90 percent of employees agreed that flexible or remote working opportunities could increase morale, which in turn boosts productivity.  

So, how do you introduce remote working into your company? How do you pick a safe, secure, and reliable IT solution that suits your business? It’s all about picking the right tools – here’s what you should know. 

IT business solutions for COVID-19

There’s no such thing as a “standard” IT solution for any company. But, there are a few tools that every company should embrace if they plan on making a success of remote working. You will need: 

• Cloud storage 
• Secure file transfer 
• Unified communications – this feature allows your employees to communicate instantly at the touch of a button, no matter where they’re located  
• Collaborative tools 

It’s surprisingly easy to provide your employees with these features – all you need are Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams. Let’s take a look at how these two products can support your company through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Microsoft 365 

Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based platform that brings together the best of Microsoft Office and makes it portable. With over 1 TB of storage, employees can manage files from anywhere, and they can access all the apps they’ll need, including:

Word

Excel

PowerPoint 

Outlook

Microsoft 365 comes with the latest security technology, so you can be sure that your confidential data is properly protected in the cloud. Here are the top features to know about. 

Security 

With Microsoft 365, you can easily password-protect and encrypt sensitive files. Without worrying over cybercrime, you can focus on the business.

Syncing 

Documents, data, and emails sync automatically across devices, so employees always have access to the most up-to-date files, when they need them.

Automation 

The platform allows you to automate many repetitive tasks, which increases productivity and streamlines your operations. 

Communication

Microsoft 365 makes it simple for you to communicate vital updates across the company, including changes to your internal remote working policies. Take full advantage of this feature by embracing Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a unified communications tool within Microsoft 365. It lets your team work together in a common space, just as if they were in the office. All your employees need is an internet connection and computer device to get started. With Microsoft Teams, your team can:

• Securely share, access, and edit files in real-time 
• Instantly switch between voice chats, video calls, emails, and text messages
• Quickly communicate vital updates, including daily availability, sickness, and absences  

No matter where your employees are working from, they’re brought together when it matters through Microsoft Teams. Here are the two standout benefits you should know about.

Centralized communications

Microsoft Teams centralizes all your communications. So, there’s no need for employees to leave the main screen if they want to read an email or jump on a voice call – everything is accessible from the central space. It’s also easy for you to check on employee productivity.

Reduced decision-making time 

Since Microsoft Teams streamlines communications between colleagues, managers can make instant decisions based on the most up-to-date information possible. Employees can instantly clarify points with each other, and everyone has access to the most recent version of every file.

Still wondering how Microsoft Teams can benefit your company? A Microsoft survey revealed that you’ll save 4 hours of lost productivity every week by using the platform:

Credit: Microsoft

How managed service providers can help

The easiest way to get your IT solutions up and running is by enlisting the help of a managed service provider (MSP). An IT specialist can quickly assess your unique business needs and identify the best way to deliver Microsoft services around the team. They’ll handle the Microsoft 365 migration and roll out Microsoft Teams across the company. What’s more, an MSP offers 24/7 tech support to keep you moving. 

An MSP will:

• Help you uphold your compliance obligations
• Assist with staff training 
• Run software updates
• Provide you with advanced security features to suit your budget and needs

With an MSP on your side, you can focus on nurturing your business.

Keep your company running

With the right IT solutions, you can easily manage your teams and grow your business even in these challenging times. So, if you need an IT business solution and managed service provider to help you through this crisis, contact us now.