The way people work has changed dramatically since COVID-19. More people than ever are swapping long commutes and traditional office setups for home offices and hybrid working schedules. Entrepreneurs now have to juggle teams that work part in-person, part online, and sometimes on the move.
While the shift to remote working brings flexibility and freedom for families, it also increases complexity. The right technology, when used correctly, can help make things run a bit smoother and should be utilised by the majority.
Here are some tips on digital tools and platforms that can help set your business up for success.
The best platforms to align remote and in-office teams
Of course, platforms like Zoom or Teams are now staples of remote working and a must for most businesses, but why not go one step further and incorporate tools that integrate themselves into the popular platforms?
These apps often have some sort of AI upgrade available, which can be useful for things such as note-taking and summarising during meetings. Also consider using tools like shared whiteboards or scheduling apps that bridge in-office and remote workflows, so that team members don’t feel out of the loop.
Make AI, data analytics, and cloud work for your business
The constant development and growth of AI can feel intimidating, but it’s quickly becoming an integral part of decision-making as well as everyday life. Most businesses use AI chatbots for a variety of things, such as handling customer queries and identifying patterns and trends in large sets of data. This leaves staff with time to focus on more important matters and strategy.
Consider using a business cloud platform to easily manage the sheer amount of data. They store and process information securely so that your insights are kept safe, yet accessible.
Compliance and data security tools
Digital convenience shouldn’t come at the expense of security. Be sure to use tools such as multi-factor authentication, so you can monitor and approve/deny any login attempts and protect sensitive company information. You should also take into consideration compliance laws and use a piece of software that can help you stay on top of any regulatory requirements.
Tools for productivity and wellbeing
Boundaries begin to blur when your home also becomes your office. In order to prevent staff members from burning out, entrepreneurs and business owners should encourage a healthy work-life balance. Consider introducing things like focus apps that block distractions and wellness platforms that promote breaks.
Your own habits also matter and won’t go unnoticed. For example, a manager who schedules a couple of ‘no-meeting afternoons’ a week suggests to employees that productivity doesn’t mean endless Zoom calls.
Build a digital toolkit for tomorrow’s business
If you’re an entrepreneur, adopting the right digital toolkit will help you lead with confidence. Appropriately using AI insights and other tools, as well as wellbeing apps, can help support the productivity of your team without sacrificing security or work-life balance.
