Picture this: a work arrangement that seamlessly combines the freedom of remote work and the camaraderie of in-office teamwork. It's like having your cake and eating it too – and it's called the hybrid working model. And believe it or not, 75% of employees prefer this model over any other. They think it makes them healthier, happier, and more productive.
And your VoIP phone system can be a gateway to those benefits. We're going to show you how. We've got three terrific tips to help you handle this hybrid work setup using VoIP. Especially if you choose to partner with Cloud9VoIP.
TIP 1: Set Flexible Call Routing and Forwarding
Doing so will ensure that your VoIP system efficiently directs calls to your appropriate team members, regardless of location. This is particularly important for a hybrid working model where employees might work from different places. Take advantage of features like:
Auto-attendants. Guide callers through a menu to reach the correct department or individual, enhancing caller experience and reducing misdirected calls.
Call queues. Efficiently handle high call volumes by placing incoming calls in a queue and distributing them based on availability, ensuring timely responses.
Find-me/follow-me. Enable calls to follow an employee, ringing their office phone first and then forwarding to their mobile device, calls can ring to both devices simultaneously ensuring accessibility wherever they are. This feature can also be set to a time parameter so business calls do not ring on the customer's cell phone after hours. It can also be easily turned off manually.
These features collectively ensure precise call routing, whether team members are in-office or remote, especially because they can edit these call routes from their app. Or easily get assistance from the help desk.
FUN FACT: On Cloud9VoIP's platform, all of this can be managed from one online platform.
TIP 2: Use VoIP-Based Meeting Tools to Keep Employees Engaged
Employee engagement is crucial for productivity, especially in a hybrid working model. Remote employees often lack equal access to information, professional growth, and acknowledgment compared to their in-office counterparts, which can inadvertently lead to status and opportunity gaps. But don't worry. You can get ahead of, or even repair, those gaps. Just follow these steps:
Utilize Unified Communication Tools. Invest in a comprehensive communication platform that integrates VoIP, video conferencing, instant messaging, and file sharing. This enables seamless interaction between remote and in-office teams across various devices. Features like presence indicators facilitate real-time communication and productivity.
Establish a Consistent Schedule. Create a reliable schedule for team meetings, project updates, and brainstorming sessions. Ensure remote employees can effortlessly join these meetings, eliminating technical barriers. This enhances overall engagement and keeps everyone on the same page.
FUN FACT: With Cloud9's platform, you have access to all the communication tools you need. Which means they only need to download one app to access all their in-office features out of office.
TIP 3: Take Advantage of Cloud 9’s Training and Support
A healthy hybrid working model is only as healthy as your communication strategy. And the level of training your team is given. You may be thinking, "Training? I barely have time for another Zoom meeting!" If you are, don't worry. Cloud9 will handle training for you! Here are a few things you can expect from a partner like us:
Detailed docs and user-friendly tutorials covering all VoIP aspects, accommodating different learning styles, with step-by-step guides for setup, calls, contacts, and advanced features.
Host in-person or virtual training with live demos, Q&A, and hands-on practice for direct employee engagement.
Provide help via email, chat, and phone, including remote access tools for swift issue resolution with employee consent, both in-office and remote.
All this training will contribute to a smoother communication experience and minimize disruptions. No matter if you're in the office or not.
BONUS TIP: Regularly Evaluate and Adjust Everything
The hybrid work landscape is constantly evolving, and your VoIP solution and communication strategies must evolve with them. This involves gathering feedback from team members on their platform experience and satisfaction. Then putting this feedback to good use.
FUN FACT: With Cloud9's 24/7/365 support, you can make adjustments quickly and easily whenever you need to. Just give us a call or send us an email.
Thinking of Going Hybrid? Cloud9VoIP Can Help.
Successfully managing a hybrid working model with VoIP communication is essential for modern businesses seeking flexibility and productivity. Cloud9's cutting-edge VoIP solutions offer the ideal platform to seamlessly integrate remote and in-office teams, fostering collaboration and efficient communication. Take the first step towards optimizing your hybrid workforce by reaching out to Cloud9VoIP today and exploring how our feature-rich VoIP systems can improve your business.