The workforce is increasingly mobile, and for small or mid-size businesses wanting to attract the best talent, offering a work-from-home option is a great way to build a better team. A cash-strapped budget may not have the room for bonuses or raises, but investing in mobility gives employees the work setting they want while saving on costs related to office space.
A small enterprise should prioritize creation of a mobility plan so that there is a set policy that guides decisions about who works where.
Are you equipped for mobile work? Technology options are often the first consideration for a mobile plan. Begin with your current software provider to see if they have a mobile format for the systems you use. Because cloud technology is so pervasive, it’s likely you’ll be able to access the cloud version of your software, but it may take a bit of planning to make that switch.
How will mobility fit into your security plan? When mobile technology is introduced, the enterprise must make sure changes are addressed in security. Any mobile or cloud technology broadens the plane of security, and the more devices involved, the more end points you need to protect.
A common problem is that mobility seems to “creep” into a small business. At first, maybe only your sales reps are accessing SalesForce online from their smartphones; then three years later you realize most of your staff only comes into the office a couple of days a week. As a result, you may not have the training and other security measures in place to prevent vulnerabilities.
Determine which devices you’ll support. Many enterprises are embracing a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) plan which allows employees to work on their own smartphone, tablet or laptop. For a small business, or even a mid-size one, the time required to manage different configurations for a variety of types of devices may be too demanding. Consider limiting the number of operating systems you’ll support.
Consider a staggered roll-out. You may want to make some determinations about which departments will have the option to take part in your mobility program. For instance, most enterprises prioritize mobility tools for the sales team over their office staff. As you transition members of your team to mobile technology, you’ll be able to work out the bugs and address any problems.
To learn more about the essential components of a mobility plan for a small enterprise, contact us at Copper State Communications. You’ll add a valuable perk for attracting talent, as well as extend the productivity of your team. We look forward to helping you see the benefits of a mobility plan.
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