But how can businesses utilise digital tools and high-speed broadband to positively impact a ‘new way of working’? Mat Swift, publisher for media publication Comms Business, delves into the importance of staying connected in our latest guest blog…
There’s no question that digital transformation is key to how organisations develop – and the past 12 months have taught us that connectivity has been fundamental in driving forward business continuity.
Enterprises have needed to extend their networks – whether via fixed or mobile communications – and broadband has been tasked to keep up with that huge surge in demand as more people work remotely. However, we all know that not every area has the same access to fast speeds, and that’s something we must continue to tackle if we’re to stay on-track with the Government’s 2025 gigabit-capable ambitions.
What’s next for connectivity?
Bandwidth and better speeds will enable smarter working, and we’ll no doubt see more organisations adopting automation and machine learning. Looking ahead, the companies that can also integrate savvy solutions into their workforces, streamline processes, enhance the customer experience, and speed up operations, will be the ones that set themselves up for the best possible chance to move beyond the crisis.
Business attitudes have evolved because of the Covid-19 crisis. Workforces that have spent time ensuring they’re all able to operate at an optimum level – regardless of where they’re based – have bolstered productivity and helped to maintain staff morale and engagement, because employees haven’t felt so isolated.
As more companies open their headquarters’ doors, teams now feel more empowered to choose where they work – and when. A hybrid approach is clearly gaining popularity and so the telecoms industry must respond positively to this and reach these areas to ensure all workers’ connectivity is up to speed with the rest of their company’s.
Downsizing offices to respond to hybrid demand
Because of this trend to balance office and home working, there is likely to be a migration of businesses away from big city centres as they move into more urban and rural areas to save on costs and space – empowering communities to become their own technology ‘hubs’.
When thinking about where we are on the 2025 connectivity roadmap, whilst we might seem to be on-track, our industry must continue to educate businesses and their leaders about the powers of integrating automation into their existing infrastructures. Now’s the time to help them understand why adopting software and increased broadband speeds can deliver exactly what they want to achieve – and free workforces from time-consuming, manual tasks in the process.
Telecoms professionals have an exciting role to play when it comes to leading from the front with these conversations and could become a driving force in how we enhance the UK economy, move beyond the pandemic, and provide open communication and accessibility for all.
