The COVID-19 pandemic has more employees working from home than any point in US history. Shifting to remote working scenarios has caused difficulties for both employees and employers, with productivity, management, and cybersecurity challenges. During these uncertain times, having mobility feature built into your business phone system is a requirement to support remote working.
Here's a list of the most important business phone system features that support remote working.
VOIP System vs. Legacy PBX
Legacy PBXs such as Nortel, Avaya, Comdial, NEC, and others often don’t easily support remote users. On-premises VOIP and Cloud PBXs can usually support remote users in an easier fashion. If you don’t have a VOIP or Cloud PBX, now is the time to make the transition.
Desktop Soft Phone
The easiest way for remote workers to connect to your on-premises VOIP or Cloud PBX is to use a desktop soft phone on their laptop or desktop. PBX vendors such as Sangoma Switchvox include Desktop Soft Phone applications for Windows and Mac at no extra cost, making the deployment cost very low. USB wired headsets are available for $25 to $100, depending on features and quality needed.
Mobile Soft Phone
Many vendors offer a mobile soft phone option for connecting to their on-premises VOIP or Cloud PBX. This allows remote workers to make and receive calls no matter where they are located. PBX vendor Sangoma Switchvox includes Mobile Soft Phone applications for both iPhone and Android.
Physical Desktop Phone
A physical Desktop Phone can help remote workers simulate their office more closely. They already know how to use the Desktop Phone, and the Desktop Phone isn’t dependent upon their computer or smart phone. Remember that if you’re going to use your Desktop Phone at home, you’ll likely need a power supply for the phone (most home networks don’t have Power over Ethernet) and an Ethernet cable to connect to your home network router. If it isn’t convenient to connect your Desktop Phone to your home network router (i.e. your work area is far away from your home network router), you may also be able to use a cordless IP phone.
Wireless Headsets
Wireless headsets can help remote workers enjoy more flexibility and productivity. Whether you want to stretch your legs, take care of a task away from your desk, wireless headsets ensure you are always connected. Check out these wireless headsets from Sangoma that can connect to both physical Desktop Phones and Desktop Soft Phones.
Switchboard
Having a web-based Switchboard that allows you to stay in touch with and check the status of your co-workers is a great tool for remote workers. Want to check if Sally is on the phone? Or transfer a call to Bill’s voicemail? The Switchboard allows you to do that and a lot more. Check out the Switchvox Switchboard.
Other Features
Many on-premises VOIP and Cloud PBXs have other great features that remote workers can take advantage of. Features such as Call Center functionality (agents, supervisors, call recording, reporting, etc.), and integration with 3rd party applications (Salesforce.com, Zendesk, Firefox, Chrome, Google Maps, MS Outlook/Teams, etc.).
Check out more information on the Sangoma Switchvox on-premises and Cloud PBX.