Today’s post-pandemic economy encourages SMBs to telecommute as much as possible, but this new working arrangement has led to the rise of new challenges. Fortunately many of these challenges can be solved via digital solutions. 

Effective communication is key to engagement. Workers need a reliable platform where they can collaborate in real time (rather than emailing documents to each other) and share ideas instantly. When employees feel their ideas and effort are acknowledged by management and workmates they become more engaged.

Employee collaboration and communication can be easily conducted remotely via Microsoft 365. The solution features the usual suite of office software and is backed up by strong security features to ensure confidential business data is safe.

You can view, edit, and share files with colleagues in real-time, access documents on different devices, and create files offline. Be it at home or outside, you’ll be able to access work documents securely and effortlessly.

Microsoft 365 comes with 1TB of online storage on OneDrive, a shared platform for employees to access work files and folders simultaneously. It simplifies the process of working together and removes the need for the manual and time consuming emailing of documents. The huge storage space ensures that businesses can handle huge projects online without worries of running out of space.

With Microsoft Teams, video meetings and vital communication can take place from anywhere and at any time.

Automating HR through digitalisation minimises human error while reducing paperwork and manual processes. Essentially, it streamlines these essential operations. The solution also provides employees access to payslips, leave and claims from their mobile device, increasing engagement.

Long emails to apply for leave, or special trips to the office just to submit claims, are no longer required. These digital solutions help expedite these processes remotely, ensuring that employee engagement is maintained despite working from home.

Video conferencing platforms give SMEs the ability to check in on employees’ progress and wellbeing with ease, creating an engaging and connected environment that mimics working in the office.

You can establish daily check-ins on video conferencing tools like Singtel BizConference. Powered by Zoom, it combines video conferencing with innovative cloud technologies to provide a service specially catered for businesses.

High quality video meetings can be conducted from anywhere via worldwide cloud coverage and support for HD videos and voice conference calls. Use any device – smartphone, desktop, VC room systems, and telephone dial-ins – to join business meetings. BizConference can consistently host up to 1,000 participants in a meeting while supporting cross-platform chat and file sharing during the call.

For greater employee engagement, make use of collaboration features such as co-annotating on shared screens, shared files, breakout rooms for small group discussions, and poll participants.

For those who are unable to turn up for meetings, BizConference has a record function, storing the files in the cloud. An advanced license provides access to AI-generated transcripts to save time.

Opening multiple communication channels ensures that employees know how to approach for assistance when needed. It helps with keeping everyone updated and on the same page despite telecommuting. It also allows your employees to communicate on the platform they feel most comfortable with.

Multiple communication channels mean a strong and reliable communications system. Use a combination of WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams, and email for daily work discussions and conversations.

Use shared folders with clear infrastructure so employees can find the right information easily and quickly. Microsoft 365 or Google Drive offer easy to use cloud storage. Keep your documents organised and ensure that employees are aware of the structure so that they won’t struggle with finding the right files. This will maintain productivity and reduce employee frustration.

With these digital solutions, remote working can become a pleasant and productive experience for employers and employees alike.