During the COVID-19 closures, many businesses were forced to close their doors to in-person clientele. In an effort to continue operating, many developed unique methods to reach customers, including appointments and curbside pickup options. In order for those options to be successful, those businesses often used technology to get information to consumers about what they were offering. Other businesses used software and other technology to connect employees to complete projects virtually as well. There is no doubt that COVID-19 has demonstrated how important technology is in today’s business world with some types of software now critical for the operation of business.
Conference Calling
Although most business phone systems offer conference calling options, with many of your staff working from home, conference calling options may be limited. Smartphones allow you to add more than one caller on a phone call, but they may also be limited. One option is to use conference calling software which would allow people to connect using either a phone or their computer. Conference calling plans also offer screen sharing options so that your staff can share documents, slide shows and other information. Programs also allow for larger groups should you need to do a company-wide demonstration.
Communication Software
Although conference calling software provides a method for your teams and staff to get together, some may be limited as far as video options and file sharing. Communication software, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Slack. Because this type of software allows participants to see and interact with each other, they feel more like an actual meeting than they do a phone call. Files can be shared and screens can be used as white boards that allow your staff to brainstorm, connect and complete projects in a safe manner.
Project Management
People who are not used to working from home may have difficulty managing their time. Project management software is one way to help them stay organized during a time when so much is uncertain. There are programs that are able to manage workflows to be sure that things are not falling through the cracks. Many also offer communication options that will keep the lines open between your employees, some of whom are working from home for the first time.
Cloud-Based Sharing and Storage
Working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, your staff cannot simply walk down the hall to take a document to a co-worker for review. Emailing documents back and forth for editing can lead to missed edits or the wrong version used for a project. Cloud-based storage such as One Drive and Dropbox allow your staff to share documents as if they were sitting next to each other in an office. This can simplify the editing process on large projects and reduce the time it could take for a file to be uploaded to an email sent, edited and returned.
These are just a few of the software programs that can benefit businesses who are working to keep their employees and customers safe by limiting how many people are in the building. These software programs can reduce overhead, improve work/life balance and promote employee retention. In addition, you provide your staff and customers with methods to keep themselves safe and help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
