How has VoIP Revolutionised IT Support for Businesses and Remote Working in 2022?

Male Tech support in headset consulting a client working in office

As the pandemic slowly fades away and we continue to learn to live with Covid, have workplace roles changed? A large number of companies have introduced flexible or homeworking on a permanent basis and millions of employees are relishing the opportunity to enjoy a better work-life balance.

While new working arrangements can be advantageous for businesses as well as staff, transitioning to a new landscape means modifying your systems to ensure optimal functionality. When it comes to connectivity, for example, it’s vital to have adequate systems, such as a broadband business connection, in place to enable colleagues, customers and clients to communicate effectively. 

Whether your company chooses to create its support in-house, remote, or hybrid; our VoIP business phone numbers are a great solution. Here’s why:

Enhanced Flexibility

Flexible businesses need flexible communications solutions and that’s exactly what a VoIP phone system offers. Instead of being tied to a desk, employees can simply remain contactable wherever they are. VoIP phone numbers can be assigned to dedicated VoIP phones or used on virtually any laptop, tablet or smartphone. This makes it easy for staff to remain contactable on a permanent phone number while switching between devices, desks or locations. 

Increased Reliability

It’s vital that employees can communicate in-house, as well as with external contacts, such as colleagues or clients. Even a minor disruption to your communications system can damage your company’s reputation and lead to a loss of revenue, which is why it’s important to choose a phone system that offers increased reliability.

As VoIP systems rely on the internet to facilitate voice communication, you can maximise the reliability of your phone network simply by ensuring you have a reliable business broadband connection in place. Fortunately, broadband for businesses makes it easy to choose a connection that offers superfast speeds and maximum uptime, which enables VoIP phone systems to deliver increased reliability. In fact, VoIP phone systems have become so reliable that they can be incorporated into a disaster recovery plan for a company that wants to minimise risk.

Growth and Scalability

As your company grows, you’ll need access to more resources and a cost-effective business broadband deal. You might hire new staff, move to larger premises or invest in more technology, for example. While this can be costly, the enhanced revenue generated via your business growth should facilitate good returns. Despite this, it’s beneficial for companies to keep costs as low as possible during a growth phase and spending large amounts of telephony hardware simply isn’t necessary.

Traditionally, upgrading a business telephone system was an expensive endeavour, with additional lines and hardware being required to facilitate more numbers and/or handsets. Now that VoIP is a leading business communication solution, however, you can scale your phone system by adding new users at any time with minimal expenditure. 

Seamless Integration

As remote working becomes a standard method of operating, employees need to be able to communicate in different ways to facilitate effective collaboration. Video calls, online meetings and document sharing are common ways for employees to overcome physical barriers when working from different locations, for example. 

There are many platforms that facilitate this kind of collaboration, including Microsoft Teams, Google, Slack, etc. By choosing to switch to a VoIP system, you can ensure that the platforms your staff are using to collaborate can be integrated into your internet-based phone system. As well as optimising functionality, this level of integration provides a better user experience (UX) and enables staff to communicate and collaborate easily and effectively in real-time.

Added Features

When you have customers or clients contacting your company via the phone, it’s essential to have in-built features that provide an optimal experience. Enabling callers to reach the individual or department they need via directory services can increase efficiency and speed up pick-up times, for example. Similarly, an auto attendant or call queuing provides clarity to callers, as well as minimising the amount of time your staff spend attending to calls. 

Luckily, a VoIP system, based on broadband for business, allows you to choose from a wide range of features and elevate your phone system. From call sharing and analytics to click-to-dial and call parking, you can create a bespoke phone system by choosing the features that are most beneficial to your company and your customers. 

Reduced Costs

Switching from a traditional phone system to a VoIP system can be a highly effective way to cut costs and reduce your company’s expenditure. Instead of paying for line rental, individual calls and dedicated handsets, you can opt for deals and packages that drastically reduce the amount you’re paying for communications solutions. 

You might choose to simply pay for the number of extensions you need and have the cost of calls included, for example. This gives you clarity over how much the cost of your communications will be and allows you to use as many minutes as you need without worrying about the cost. 

Futureproofed Communications

As technology evolves, you could find that your current solutions are no longer available, never mind optimal! The public switched telephone network (PSTN) will be switched off in the UK by 2025, which means that phone systems will be going completely digital. If you’re still relying on analogue solutions to facilitate your business communications, why wait until the last minute to find a better alternative?

By making the switch to VoIP now, you can get ahead of the game and begin enjoying the benefits a VoIP phone system can offer ahead of the PSTN switch off and futureproof your company’s communication systems. 

Switching to VoIP with DRC

At DRC, we know how important it is for businesses to have access to the functionality you need, which is why we offer a range of cost-effective communication solutions. With VoIP phone systems to suit all businesses, it’s easy to make the switch and start reaping the rewards. To find out more, get in touch with our experienced team now on 01256 895895 or email us at [email protected].