If there's one trait that helps business owners manage change, it has to be adaptability. For many, this means a shift in focus from face-to-face to virtual.
Business owners must rethink the way they do business, from virtual interviews to online events to accommodating a remote workforce. Here are some tools to help your business survive and thrive as you transition to a more virtual model.
At the core of any remote work strategy lies effective communication tools. After all, workers still need to collaborate and communicate no matter where they are. While email is a key component, employees can benefit from a tech tool that allows them to work together seamlessly, even when they're working remotely.
To replicate that in-person experience of stopping by a colleague's desk to discuss a project, we like messaging apps. Just to name a few examples, apps such as Slack or Rocket Chat that allow employees to communicate in an organized, intuitive way. Relevant documents, files and links can be attached to conversations, making it easy to search and find what you need for a certain project.
Unlike email, messaging apps make conversations easy to follow and locate any relevant documents or media. Some chat apps facilitate phone calls or video conferencing, as well as organize workflow, adding another handy component to the mix.
When meeting in-person isn't possible, businesses turn to video conferencing. The technology has come a long way in a short time, with options like Zoom, ClickMeeting, WebEx and Ring Central leading the way. Video conferencing apps run the gamut, from free, no-frills platforms that provide basic meeting tools, to more pricey plans that offer all the bells and whistles.
On the fence about investing in a video conferencing app? Rest assured that this technology doesn't appear to be going anywhere. Working from home has been a rising trend for some time and, as of mid-2020, more than 40 percent of employees were working remotely. Remote work offers convenience as well as safety, and video conferencing apps make it possible.
Keeping work organized has always been a challenge – why not find a way to take some of the stress away? Project management apps make organization easier by facilitating planning and collaboration.
Low-cost options include Trello, which creates a type of virtual bulletin board where tasks can be categorized and managed by multiple users. Other apps like Jira, Asana and Jell can help teams work together across time zones – no confusing email chains or sticky notes required!
With more employees working remotely, businesses can turn to technological tools to adapt in a changing environment. Take advantage of these digital resources to help your business go virtual.
