A business runs on its employees, and meeting their needs with unified communications (UC) will result in better productivity and efficiency throughout the workplace. As UC continues to evolve, businesses will need to look at a complete solution that covers all aspects of workplace collaboration, rather than just one feature. Here are four UC trends that have emerged in 2016.
All-in-One Platforms
Many businesses are now moving towards having an all-in-one platform for their communications, rather than just a few features. This often includes:
- blogs,
- document collaboration,
- file sharing,
- instant messaging,
- social user experience,
- video conferencing, and
- wikis.
All of these help employees work together to complete tasks quickly and efficiently, and enable better communication with customers and clients.
Instant Messaging
Rather than using e-mail for internal communications, the trend now is to use an instant messaging program that enables employees to talk to each other in real time. Although e-mail will most likely remain the primary method of communication outside the organization, instant messaging enables team members to get quick responses without having to break away from their work for meetings.
Remote Workforce
Technology has evolved to the point that many employers can allow their employees to work remotely. Telecommunications research firm Global Workplace Analytics states that since 2005, the remote workforce has increased 103%, with a 6.5% increase in 2014 alone. In order to support a mobile workforce, a business must have a good UC system in place and provide the tools its workforce needs.
Teamwork and Collaboration
Collaborating and sharing knowledge between employees can, according to the Institute for Supply Management, result in several competitive advantages, including:
- a single point of contact,
- creativity,
- customer focus,
- increased speed, and
- organizational learning.
This is most effective when teams from different departments work together, rather than working only with other employees in the same department. By cross-training team members and allowing them to collaborate, businesses will find that solutions are reached faster and more easily.
Communication has always been important in the workplace, and a UC system allows a business to take advantage of evolving technology. An all-in-one system benefits multiple users, whether employees or customers, while features such as instant messaging allow for better real-time communication. Supporting the remote workforce and sharing knowledge through the organization will only increase efficiency and productivity, allowing businesses to provide better service to their customers.