Business flexibility has grown increasingly popular. Major shifts in the labour market led to employees demanding flexibility while more companies, including major corporations, are transitioning to remote working and are looking at flexible working models. Enterprises today need to be more innovative in developing operational processes that allow them to offer flexible working arrangements to current and future employees.
Managing remote workers and fostering collaboration within teams dispersed in various places, sometimes even halfway around the world, can be challenging. But, thanks to technologies available today, flexibility is much easier to achieve and maintain. Here are some ways technology can bring flexibility to your business.
Ease Workloads
There are platforms available that help automates processes and reduce the workload, particularly of managers. Project management and customer relationship management (CRM) are the best examples of tools that can help automate repetitive tasks.
These management platforms offer automatic updates and reminders sent via email, making it easy to track a project’s progress. Other platforms even have integrated analytics to view statistics and generate reports covering various areas of the project’s development.
Stay Connected
Keeping the team connected has always been a challenge. Now, with more people working remotely or in different time zones, that can be an even bigger obstacle. In the past year, the dramatic increase of digital communication channels for corporate set-ups emphasizes how technology can effectively bridge the gap between employees and teams working remotely.
Using collaborative technology like chat apps or video conferencing to boost communication has proven a useful strategy for staying connected. Advanced phone features, like a voicemail app, make leaving messages and providing quality connections with a breeze.
Beyond that, there are many digital channels available. Be sure to choose a means or a combination of channels that will work for your team. Let your team know well ahead of time when and through what platform calls and communications are happening or expected to happen. This puts everyone on the same page, so no one gets left behind or confused.
Lower Costs
Business flexibility means being able to make changes without stressing about financial liabilities. Hence, it is important to make smart use of technology to adapt to the flexibility the industry calls for while effectively cutting costs or without making enormous additional costs.
Many companies invest in processes or systems that are very expensive and complex, which is not always the answer. Some digital tools and platforms help lower overall costs by offering more economical solutions to business problems.
For example, no-code development platforms are available today that create apps for specific business problems you need to resolve. There are also customizable management platforms that employ agile methodologies. Such a platform lets you use a certain approach and process to different projects, which can be time and cost-saving.
Simplify Processes
A simplified process is much easier to implement and adjust as problems or necessary alterations arise. Doing this with the help of technology substantially aids in making your business adaptive and flexible.
Technology in operations can help make the workflow more streamlined and adaptable throughout the process. It is ideal to consider the operational processes and how technology can make them simpler and more flexible.
Simplification requires breaking down a process into smaller chunks that are easier to carry out and track, even for remote teams. It also involves the removal of complex, manual, repetitive, or unnecessary tasks where possible.
Boost Efficiency
Technology is proven to boost business efficiency and maintain consistent performance in many ways. More than that, it can also keep the business afloat even amid a crisis.
There is technology available for a range of different analytical needs. Use different tools to access data that can improve workflows, operations, and performance. By reviewing data and looking at your business quantitatively, you are more likely to make smart decisions and better understand your needs. Having a clear picture from the beginning helps to implement better adjustments in every aspect of your business.
Future-Proof Your Business
The previous years truly tested the flexibility and adaptiveness of businesses and employees across sectors. Thanks to digital tools and the innovative mind of today’s workforce and leaders, the business sector is bouncing back. Make good use of the many digital tools available today to provide flexibility to your business and ensure you and your team can navigate and overcome unanticipated challenges in the future.
