Given the omnipresence of mobile devices in modern life, we’ve grown accustomed to being able to use information and communication technology whenever we feel like it. While this level of mobility has become the norm in our personal lives, workplaces have been slow to adapt. In many industries, change is impeded by understandable concerns about privacy and security, especially in companies that process sensitive data.
However, business leaders are beginning to realise that digital workspaces are the future. Across the 28 European Union member states, 5.1% of people already work remotely. But the Dutch are leading the way, scoring 14% in 2018 and topping the 2019 Remote Workers Index. Mobile technology represents a real business opportunity that cannot be ignored. Companies that hesitate in its adoption will rapidly lose ground to those that take the initiative and adapt. The agility provided by this technology will help your business reach new levels of productivity by increasing the happiness of both your employees and customers.
1. Employee happiness
Thanks to recent advances in technology such as high-speed wireless internet, smartphones, and the cloud, we’re able to stay connected at all times. As a result, modern companies and their employees are breaking free from the shackles of the traditional nine-to-five mentality.
These days, most people regularly work from more than one location, even if only to check their emails on the way to the office or to update a presentation on the train. Mobile solutions respond to the need for businesses to give employees the freedom to work from wherever they like. Just imagine not having to commute anymore and then consider how much time and stress would be saved by connecting to the office from home. Remote workers tend to enjoy a better work-life balance, partly because they don’t waste valuable time in traffic jams or on unreliable public transport.
Lower stress levels produce happier employees, who feel motivated to work hard and reach their full potential. An Oxford Economics study reported that people working from home found it easier to focus on their tasks and solve problems. Satisfied workers are also more loyal, improving talent retention rates. What’s more, having them tell everyone how much they love their job will do wonders for your company’s reputation.
2. Customer satisfaction
Now, what’s the most likely outcome of improving employee happiness? That’s right, happy customers! You can always tell if somebody enjoys their job, and people who encounter your mobile workforce feel the positive vibes a mile off.
Consumers today have higher expectations than ever, and they want companies to take their problems seriously. If they need technical support at 9 p.m., they expect to receive it. Fortunately, mobility policies make it possible to have staff available around the clock, working in different countries or time zones for example. A study by Orange Business Services found that going mobile allows companies to increase the quantity and quality of interactions with customers, leading to stronger relationships. Satisfied clients remain loyal and spread the news by effective word-of-mouth marketing.
Cloud technology enables you to store your corporate data on a single, centralised system that can be accessed anywhere. Mobile workers can easily consult logistical data online to give customers status updates and productdelivery schedules in real time. With every employee using and editing the same file, customer data is always accurate and up to date across the entire organisation.
What does this mean for your business?
It’s clear that giving your employees the freedom to work from anywhere is a great way to boost productivity. Avoiding the hassle of the daily commute helps people to relax and focus better on their work. Remote workers also enjoy a positive work-life balance, which reinforces job satisfaction and motivation. All of these benefits are passed on to your customers, who receive better service and interact with people who enjoy their job.
Digital workspaces can use cloud technology to store corporate data on centralised systems that can be accessed by all authorised employees. This ensures that everyone is working on the same page, with the most up-to-date and accurate data possible, streamlining your business processes and improving the customer experience. With mobile technology playing such a key role in our personal lives, it doesn't make sense that workplaces are still stuck in the past. Businesses everywhere are going to have to step up their game if they want to keep employees and customers satisfied.
