Even though remote work is on the rise, 41% of employees work for companies that don't provide work-approved mobile communication tools. This is not only inefficient but, by relying on non-work approved BYOD devices, you also open your company up to security risks.

In the age of the anywhere office, we believe it is crucial to identify and implement the latest remote technologies that will keep your team connected, organized and safe. With 44% of companies not allowing remote work, but employees feeling happier and more productive when given the option to work remotely, employers need to join the movement to attract and retain the best talent. Here are the top technologies transforming the way people work remotely and why your hybrid company should consider integrating them into your processes.

1. Cloud Computing

If you haven't invested in cloud computing by 2020, like those companies that didn't embrace the internet back in 2000, you've already fallen behind your competition. Cloud computing increases safety and gives users access to a remote virtual work environment.

Here are some other benefits cloud computing offers:

• Cost-effective: You don't need to spend money on equipment or infrastructure needs and relieves the burden on your IT staff.
• Scalable: You can add or remove services as needed.
• Convenient: Remote employees have easy access and the cloud makes for easy collaborative and file sharing experiences.
  
  

2. Business Apps

Once you're up and running on the cloud, you can further improve collaboration with cloud-based business apps, such as those related to project management and communication. These give your remote employees the same level of access your in-house staff enjoys.

Integrating apps for remote workers takes some planning and thoughtfulness, but the rewards and payoffs are worth it.

3. Mobile Tools

Remote employees often work from different places and heavily rely on their mobile devices and laptops. By making mobile a key part of your workflow strategy, you offer more flexibility and create better efficiency.

For instance, make it easier for your employees to use mobile devices by deploying mobile-based apps or providing them with VPN remote access. You can also give employees portable WiFi devices so they can have a stable connection no matter where they are.

4. Unified Communications

Unified communications allow you to integrate interconnected communication channels to simplify access. Using virtual communication tools comes with many benefits:

• Ability to enhance collaboration.
• Capacity to improve communication options.
• Significantly increase productivity.
  
  

The best part is you can make all this happen in real time, allowing you to boost convenience and efficiency factors as well. Try tools like Google Suite, Slack, and Skype for live idea-sharing and collaborating.

5. Project Management Tools

When employees are dispersed across different locations, project management tools allow them to communicate and collaborate synchronously (via chat tools) and asynchronously to get their work done. There are general project management tools like Asana and Monday.com, and ones that are specific to different business areas (e.g., GitHub and Jira for software development projects). No matter the type of remote team you're working on, there's a project management software for you.

6. Video Conferencing

Phone conferencing solutions are so yesterday. Today, when it comes to having meetings with remote employees, you want video. Since these employees often cannot attend in-person meetings, videoconferencing has become one of the most "helpful technologies" for both in-house and remote employees. Smart video conferencing cameras, like the Meeting Owl Pro, allow remote workers to feel as if they're in the meeting room with their in-office colleagues.

People can speak to one another in real time from any place they're working. By updating your workplace with a quality videoconferencing solution, you give your team members quality face-to-face interactions. See what a difference this makes in terms of cohesiveness and productivity.

Today's remote employees need the right tools to help them be productive and succeed. By integrating modern technologies, you can achieve both of these objectives while simultaneously positioning yourself as an innovative place to work.