Last year’s pandemic has created a massive shift in the marketplace and has brought with it new ways of getting work done. With full teams going online to handle their most important work, operating a remote workforce is no longer a remote possibility. Taking all business operations online presents some unique challenges, but it carries significant advantages as well, especially when paired with cloud solutions.
If your organization hasn’t already taken the leap, take a look at some of the key benefits of remote work utilizing the cloud.
1. Decreased Operating Expenses
The first thing executives might notice is that, without as many (or any) people coming into the office, they can suddenly save quite a bit of money on things like rent, lights, and paper.
In fact, conservative estimates from Global Workplace Analytics’ Telework Savings Calculator suggest that the average employer could save around $11,000 each year per employee, and that’s just with half-time remote work. If you’re an employer, this is good news. If you’re an employee who wants to work from home, it’s still good news.
2. Increased Security and Compliance
While it may seem counterintuitive, using cloud services to support remote work can actually work toward increasing security. In addition to restricting access to sensitive files and systems, cloud technology enables further security measures to be implemented in the event of the loss or theft of a protected device.
Additionally, some industries that have special requirements concerning data security — such as health care and finance — will benefit even more. Usage data can be compared against regulatory policy in real-time thanks to automated cloud monitoring systems, ensuring compliance whether the access point is a corner office or a coffee table.
3. Greater Accessibility
The other side of the security coin is accessibility. In a world where the only way to access vital resources was to physically be in an office building, critical tasks sometimes had to wait until the next business day if they were left undone before the end of a workday. With virtual workplaces backed by cloud storage, important documents can be securely accessed 24/7 if need be.
4. Higher Employee Satisfaction
It should come as no surprise that many employees are more comfortable working from their home offices, kitchen tables, or their favorite coffee shops, but just how much more may come as a bit of a shock. One 2020 survey showed that, of the 600 respondents, 66% were willing to take a pay cut in exchange for a remote work option. That’s not to say they should necessarily have to, but it does highlight just how much workers value flexibility in the work environment.
5. Higher Productivity
When the possibility of remote work first came on the scene, a myth emerged that suggested teleworkers would turn lazy and shirk their responsibilities — and that productivity would plummet. Not only has this myth been busted, but it has actually been proven to be quite opposite to the truth.
While at-home workers have been shown to take more breaks than they would at the office, a 2020 Airtasker survey report showed they often have higher levels of focus on work-related tasks than their in-office counterparts.
6. Scaling
One of the key benefits of cloud technology, whether used in-office or remotely, is scaling. Enterprise cloud solutions are able to use only what they need and up to what the administrators allow. This translates to a smoother experience during peak times and seamless accessibility during odd hours.
7. Sustainability
From a business standpoint, very little seems more sustainable than using cloud technology to support remote workers. With a majority of people preferring to have a remote work option and 80% of companies expected to shut down on-premises data centers by 2025, there’s no question that this is a winning combination. The only question is how well and how quickly your organization can begin to make the transition.
But the sustainability boost doesn’t stop there. Fewer people in-office means less of a need for office space and fewer people commuting to and from work every day. At scale, this all translates to massive energy savings and a drastic reduction in carbon emissions. And with fewer people on the road during peak hours every day, the streets are probably a little safer too.
Utilize the Best Cloud Services
If any or all of these benefits sound appealing to you, and you haven’t already started the cloud migration process, now is a perfect time. Whether you need cloud storage, IT support, or a combination of services, we are ready to support the needs of your organization. Get in touch with Global IP Networks today to help you experience all of the above benefits.
