10 Reasons Why Workplace Flexibility Makes Your Business Better
Developments in technology mean we no longer have to be locked away in an office all day to get work done effectively. Instead, we can now do our jobs anywhere, anytime using a variety of mobile devices and applications. This is called 'enterprise mobility' and it's a key strategy for developing a successful, modern business.
Working remotely has traditionally been associated with freelance workers. Increasingly though businesses are investing in the resources and infrastructure to give their employees this same freedom. In this blog, we outline 10 reasons why you should be moving towards more flexible working arrangements and how it can help boost your business.
What is enterprise mobility?
Enterprise mobility, also known as business mobility, is a collection of remote working options that provide freedom and flexibility for employees to work away from their office. This is done through services and technologies called enterprise mobility management (EMM), which secures corporate data on mobile devices. This allows the use of personal laptops, cellphones, and other mobile devices to be used for business purposes, using cloud connectivity to access company information. Enterprise mobility marks a big shift away from the traditional central office business model.
Why is the uptake of enterprise mobility and flexible work increasing?
Developments in technology are inevitable and are often influenced by generational shifts. As 'digital natives' (people born into the digital era) move into the workforce, this has prompted a noticeable shift in workplace culture towards more flexible work options. 92% percent of millennials identify flexibility as a top priority when job hunting. And with millennials now making up over 50% of the workforce, this is changing the face of how we do business.
Most schools, for example, now operate a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) system, where students bring a personal laptop or tablet to use in classes. This has contributed to a massive rise in the ownership of mobile devices. As this generation of students moves into the workforce, they are bringing their technology-based work habits with them.
The influence of these Gen Y and Gen Z workers is driving initiatives within organisations including Choose Your Own Device schemes, remote work options, and flexibility for all workers to work anywhere.According to Gartner, 84 per cent of organisations are already taking advantage of these developments by employing remote workers.
A workplace that fosters and supports mobility and remote working will find it much easier to keep its employees engaged. Recognising this is important for retaining your best employees and attracting new talent, especially digital natives.
Why enterprise mobility and workplace flexibility is good for your business
There are many convincing reasons to embrace enterprise mobility and flexibility, but here are some of the top ones.
1. Enhanced productivity. Work can be completed anywhere, on any device and at any time (including any time zone).
2. Attract talent and increase employee satisfaction. Workplace flexibility fosters a better work/life balance, which can support the healthy and happy lifestyle employees envision for themselves.
3. Greater flexibility. Employees are freed up to work in or away from the office. This not only helps boost productivity but also creates a workplace of happier and more engaged employees.
4. Improved collaboration. Mobile connectivity allows collaboration through technologies such as video calls, shared documents and shared calendars - all in real-time.
5. Enhanced communication. The speed and quality of communication between employees and also with clients is improved, resulting in greater staff and customer satisfaction.
6. Boosted security. Your valuable data is stored in the cloud, where it is protected by layers of encryption, passwords, and security. This is more secure than office paper documents, which are at risk of theft, or loss and destruction due to natural disasters.
7. Cost and time savings. Mobility solutions drive down labour costs, as staff can avoid travel expenses. There is also less of a reliance on internal IT staff and onboarding of new staff is quicker and easier. There are also savings on overheads such as office floor space, furniture and office supplies.
8. Enhanced innovation. The use of emerging technologies and changed thinking can lift business performance.
9. A tailored user experience. Technology can be adapted to work for your business, rather than you being forced to rely on slow and outdated technology.
10. Improved bottom line. Moving your data to the cloud and introducing enterprise mobility is an effective way to drive down costs and create a higher-performing workplace.
What you can do to create a flexible, mobile workforce
To successfully transition to enterprise mobility, you need a few key elements in place.
First, you need to ensure that your company policies create an environment conducive to high digital use, while still protecting your valuable data. Data security is the cornerstone to a successful mobile enterprise, so make the commitment and draw on industry expertise to help you balance user accessibility, information management and operational needs. Also, decide how you will execute a digitally mobile strategy.
Secondly, a culture shift is needed to get all employees on board with the changes. It's important to communicate that enterprise mobility is designed to improve productivity and work/life balance for everyone.
Finally, adjust your workflows to utilise the cloud and digital connectivity and set the changes in motion to enhance your workplace productivity and flexibility.
How we can help
We can help you take the steps that you need to reap the benefits of a mobile workforce. We can provide you with complete mobile solutions that include hardware supply, private connectivity, single sign-on, device management, and document management on any device.