While employers may spend a fortune to retain the best employees, they won’t be able to keep a pool of talented workers with outdated technology. Companies with aging devices and infrastructure may face worker complaints about the tools of the trade not functioning properly or impeding on their productivity — one of the reasons why many employers are upgrading to Voice over IP (VoIP). This technology not only cuts telecommunications costs, but also increases employee productivity.
Here are five big ways VoIP improves job efficiency:
1. Allow Employees to Work from Home
VoIP is a critical tool that gives workers the ability to work wherever they feel most comfortable. Giving workers the technology they need to telecommute or work during flexible hours could even increase job satisfaction.
Global Workplace Analytics revealed that 80% to 90% of employees in the U.S. prefer to work from home either part- or full-time, and about half of U.S. workers telecommute for their jobs for at least some of their work. With the telecommuting workforce likely to grow, companies should prepare to have voice and data enabled call software and equipment set up for them.
2. Reduce Resources Spent on Telecommunications
Although this benefit may not impact workers directly at first, spending less money on telecommunications could have an organization-wide effect that could in turn lift employee productivity. VoIP lowers infrastructure expenses and monthly bills, allowing funds to be put toward talent retention, upgrading technology, and more. By having more resources available for essential business processes and employee functions, workers are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and generate higher output.
3. Enhance Client Communication
Voice calls cutting in and out because of old equipment and technology during meetings could ruin a company’s reputation and client relationships. Additionally, employees may have to spend time apologizing and rescheduling calls to make up for those that dropped. Overhauling telecommunication systems to handle calls could make communicating with clients a more streamlined process, leading to clearer voice calls and fewer instances of technical difficulties.
4. Less Time Spent on Voicemail
Checking voicemail has become a pain point for workers as they have to spend time dialing in or checking multiple voicemail boxes. VoIP makes it easy to monitor voicemail messages by unifying several voicemail boxes into one. This saves time for employees when reviewing important messages and lowers the frustration they feel, leaving more of their day for pressing projects or tasks.
5. Keep up with Mobile Workers
Since the advent of mobile devices, more workplaces are on the go. Whether employees are in the office, traveling, or at home, Internet and data calls are crucial to keep up with workers where they are and on whatever device they are using.
The number of mobile workers in the U.S. is projected to rise to 105.4 million in 2020, up from 96.2 million in 2015, according to the International Data Corporation. With more workers using mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, employers need to be prepared to support this technology so that employees can remain productive even on the go.
Whether IT managers upgrade to VoIP technology primarily to cut costs or replace outdated infrastructure, doing so is the next step toward increasing worker productivity and business efficiency for the long term.