Managing remote productivity with Microsoft 365 for business

Aotearoa’s recent return to Covid lockdown restrictions has served up another reminder that remote working capabilities need to be a part of long-term strategy for business resilience.

But while on-going pandemic uncertainty is reason enough to have good remote work systems in place, a move towards more flexible working policy is also a factor for more and more Kiwi businesses. 

Increasingly, employees are looking for job opportunities that let them carry out their responsibilities - both professional and personal - in a way that works for them. For some businesses this means more flexibility in office hours, for others it means hiring completely remote teams, unrestricted by geography.

Whatever your motivation, productivity, continuity of service and a strong company culture all rely on having the right tools for collaboration. That means calling on cloud technology like Microsoft 365.

What is Microsoft 365?

Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based subscription service that bundles business-critical applications and cloud services that empower your employees to work from anywhere. It’s a cost-effective and more streamlined way to manage your IT setup and management, and offers automation and efficiencies that support a workforce that is no longer always working together in-person.

How can Microsoft 365 help your distributed workforce?

Real time collaboration

Microsoft 365 gives you access to the core Office applications online. Access up-to-date web versions of Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote, securely save files in the cloud, share documents via OneDrive, and work collaboratively in real time on the same version. Files can also be shared with external contacts by providing access or guest links.

Call, chat & meet online

Microsoft Teams is a collaboration tool that allows you to keep all your company communication in one place - without clogging up email inboxes. You can host online meetings and video calls, chat instantly with your team either on your desktop or on-the-go, share and collaborate on content and even host webinars. Through more streamlined communication, your team can get jobs done more efficiently, resolve issues or pass on important information, while also staying connected and nurturing company culture.

Security

Working from home raises added security risks, and data protection is likely one of your main hesitations about hybrid or remote working. Microsoft 365 gives you added confidence that your systems are safe, offering built-in features to help you stay compliant with security and privacy regulations and help protect both your business and your clients from phishing and malware. Enterprise-grade security is enabled by default, so you don’t need to worry about securing on-premise software. Multi-factor authentication enables extra layers of protection, while your files stay encrypted, both when stored and in transit. And because it’s all online, Microsoft 365 also makes it easier for your IT teams or partners to secure and manage devices remotely.

Streamlined workflows

Moving to hybrid or remote ways of working may mean reimagining processes. However, Microsoft 365 is designed to support more streamlined workflows, enable productivity through automation of tasks, and remove the need to switch between different systems or apps to get things done. Microsoft 365 can also integrate with legacy systems, creating a flow of information between platforms that eliminates the need for double handling of information.

We saw first-hand that organisations who were already set up with connected technology fared best through pandemic restrictions, but modern ways of working are also putting pressure on businesses to rethink outdated and siloed systems and processes. If you’re curious about how a platform like Microsoft 365 could help connect your business, support employee productivity and transform the remote working experience, get in touch, and let’s chat