As we move further into the digital age, future-proofing your business has never been more important. Nowadays, it’s not simply enough to be online and digital by default. Instead, there are a number of new trends which look set to become the standard.
By adopting these developments now, you can avoid disruption when they become the only way forward, further down the line. In this post, we’ll look at four simple strategies to future proof your business for years to come.
1. Support remote working
From cost savings to productivity and even staff retention, remote working has countless benefits for employers – as well as employees. After businesses experienced these benefits from 2020 onwards, many have already confirmed that they will be moving permanently to a remote or hybrid working model.
Eventually, remote working will become the norm. It will be the norm to save money on an office and have better productivity and the norm to attract the best staff. By going remote or hybrid now, you can stay on the right side of the curve and avoid disruption.
2. Embrace the cloud
Cloud computing allows you to store your files, data and applications on remote servers. It can be accessed from any location with an internet connection. It improves security, eliminates downtime and could even save you money with no need to maintain your own servers.
While 94% of enterprises use the cloud in some capacity, you can future proof your business by migrating more or even all of your workload to this new way of working. On top of the other benefits, it will make it easier to work remotely should you ever make the switch.
3. Switch to VoIP
Landlines and private branch exchanges (PBX) have been the norm for several decades now. But in recent years, we’ve seen the rise of a more cost-effective and flexible alternative – namely, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). As well as being cheaper to install and run, VoIP can be used in any location, making it ideal for the more modern, flexible approach to working.
Now matching landlines for reliability and call quality, it’s only a matter of time before VoIP becomes the new norm. Those stuck on landline and PBX will be forking out more than their competitors for a lesser service when it does. That’s why switching now is one of the best strategies to future proof your business.
4. Go green
The environment is becoming a more prominent issue across the world. According to Nielsen, a massive 81% of global consumers feel strongly that companies should help improve the environment. That’s even higher (85%) among Millennials, who will soon represent an even larger proportion of the working population.
But it’s not just a political preference or passive ideology. An increasing proportion of consumers – already up to a third in 2017 – will buy from brands based on their social and environmental impact. As this number grows, it will become essential for businesses to ditch environmentally damaging practices favouring sustainable alternatives.
Whether it’s going paper-free, working remotely to reduce emissions from commuting or ensuring your supply chain is ethical and sustainable – going green now is a sure-fire way of future-proofing your business.
Future proof your business with VoIP
If you’re looking to future proof your business, VoIP is certainly a step in the right direction. At VS Group, we provide high-quality VoIP services for charities to help organisations in the voluntary sector stay prepared for the changing business world.
To find out more, simply get in touch with our team or book a virtual meeting.
