In every sector, from small enterprises to global corporations, the nature of work has undergone a significant transformation. Work is no longer confined to a physical location; rather, it encompasses tasks carried out from home, offices, client sites, or even the most remote corners of the globe. Enabling employees to securely connect, collaborate, and work from any location is not just practical—it’s essential for business success.

Designing work for a new era

As a new generation of tech-savvy workers enters the workforce, expectations are evolving. Accustomed to instant access to their favorite apps on smartphones and wearable devices, employees become frustrated when the workplace lags behind. Fostering a culture of collaboration requires providing access to preferred applications, cutting-edge hardware, and modern meeting spaces. The design of the workplace profoundly impacts employee morale and productivity.

Breaking free from on-premises constraints

Many organizations host their collaboration applications on-premises, but this approach comes with hidden technical debt. On-premises collaboration solutions incur significant costs associated with storage and ongoing maintenance. The need for frequent patching and management tasks adds up over time, not to mention the expenses related to backups and upgrades. Additionally, on-premises solutions often lag behind in functionality compared to cloud-based alternatives that receive regular updates.

Empowering collaboration

Investing in employees is one of the most critical investments an organization can make. Providing them with the right tools and devices tailored to leverage existing resources can significantly enhance productivity. Today’s digital-native employees thrive on collaboration, and platforms like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, or Webex can amplify productivity when utilized effectively. Instead of spending hours searching for resources or duplicating efforts, teams can collaborate seamlessly towards common goals.

Unrestricted mobility

While the direct costs of on-premises solutions can be substantial, the opportunity cost of lost productivity is even more significant. Cloud-based collaboration tools offer unparalleled mobility, allowing employees to work productively from any location. These solutions also provide resilience in disaster scenarios, enabling staff to continue operations from home or remote locations without disruption.