The workforce is changing. Millennials will comprise more than one of three adult Americans by 2020 and 75 percent of the workforce by 2025. Armed with this information, it’s imperative that you consider how your business communicates. You could already be staring down the barrel of a digital-only culture. And without the right tools in place to keep them engaged, you may find yourself bringing a knife to a gunfight.
After all, business is all about communication: Without it, productivity comes to a screeching halt. So, how do you improve business communication with technology to appeal to the next generation of employees and to improve how your business operates? Here are three ways.
Cloud Applications
Software-as-a-service is one of the most exciting ways businesses are moving to the cloud. Between Office 365 and Google Suite, you can outsource your entire software and project management to the cloud.
“In 15 months, 80% of all IT budgets will be committed to cloud solutions.”
The question is, how does this affect performance? Cloud applications like those mentioned above truly give you the power to work anywhere, anyhow. With cloud-based applications, you get improved organization, improved access to files, real-time updates and an elevated platform for team brainstorming.
BYOD Programs
The truth about mobile device and personal computer access to company data is that it’s already happening whether you’ve got a BYOD program in place or not. Employees may be logging into work emails, accessing data and more beyond the realms of your cybersecurity program. The happens across the board.
It’s important to formalize your BYOD strategy. Allowing for flexibility in work environments gives your staff the room to engage with their workload in a way that makes the most sense to them. But it also allows you implement cybersecurity tactics that give your company data the security it needs no matter where it’s accessed. (Check out IT Manager Daily’s BYOD Policy Template.)
Video Conferencing
“89% of remote employees say that video helps them feel more connected to their colleagues.”
It’s undeniable that face-to-face communication is more effective than any other kind. Voice alone doesn’t tell the whole story. This is why video conferencing is so important in the modern office. A good video program can help build relationships within your organization, between teams, in addition to the vast strides you can take with clients outside the office.
It goes without saying that the tools themselves need to work. No one wants to spend the first 20 minutes of a conference call trying to get the system to work. You effectively lose productivity and damage your collaboration. Luckily, with some careful thought into your business needs, you can find the right technology for you.
Most video conferencing tools, like WebEx and GoToMeeting are ideal video solutions that are cost-effective and easy to use. Offer and encourage these tools to bring your staff closer together.
Better Business Communication with Axxys
We talk to clients every day (often through video conference) to help them improve their internal and external communication approaches. Call us today to find out how we can expand the reach and results of your business communication.
Learn More: The World of Business Communications Has Changed
