Are Your Post-Coronavirus Plans in Line with Other CFOs?
It’s nearly impossible to predict what’s going to happen next from an economic perspective – simply because we don’t know how long the coronavirus pandemic will drag on for or if we’re going to have a second wave. However, we do know that many CFOs have very specific plans to continue operations as lockdowns start to lift. What are those plans? Gartner surveyed 317 CFOs to find out their plans for operating in a post-coronavirus world:
● 74% of CFOs plan to switch previously on-premises employees to remote work post-coronavirus.
● 81% of CFOs plan to exceed their contractual obligations to hourly workers via remote work to offer flexible schedules.
● 13% of CFOs have already cut real estate expenses with another 9% planning to do the same.
If there’s anything we know for certain, it’s this: remote work is here to stay for the foreseeable future.
As uncertainty regarding a potential second wave mounts, there’s one thing we know for certain: remote work, and in turn, social distancing is here to stay. Many CFOs continue to embrace remote work as a way to achieve the following benefits:
- Fewer costs associated with maintaining large office space and/or purchasing supplies
- Greater productivity as a result of a lack of distractions and/or the need to commute
- Fewer limitations in terms of hiring employees in a specific geographic region
Global Workplace Analytics found that organizations can save, on average, $11,000 per employee if they’re working from home half of the time. In addition, employees themselves would save between $2,000 and $7,000 as they’re able to cut out the cost of gas, food, and other expenses associated with spending the day in the office.
Remote work is a win-win scenario for organizations and their employees, but how can you turn it into a competitive edge?
Naturally, organizations will be embracing remote work for quite a while, but how do you use it to your advantage? Fortunately, the concept of remote work allows for greater productivity and efficiency, as long as it’s done right. Here are our recommendations:
Use the right cloud-based tools
First and foremost, you’ll need cloud-based tools that allow you to collaborate with one another – sharing files, communicating with ease, and overall, keeping connected throughout the day. Our top picks include:
- Microsoft 365 for any time, anywhere access to contacts, calendars, emails, video conferencing, word processing, and more.
- VoIP business phones that give you access to your work line and extensions via the internet to make and receive calls.
- Cloud-based applications, including accounting systems, CRM systems, ERP systems, and more.
Be prepared with remote support resources
Your team may still experience technical issues or challenges from time-to-time. Whether someone forgets their password or needs help troubleshooting a software issue, make sure you’re prepared with a technology support company that offers remote support around-the-clock via:
- Phone
- Web portal
Keep cybersecurity top of mind
As more and more organizations embrace remote work, cyber criminals are starting to ramp up their efforts in terms of phishing attacks, drive-by downloads, and other threats. Why? Because they know employees tend to lack cybersecurity measures on their home computers. You should implement the following:
- Anti-virus software
- Spam filtering
- Intrusion detection software
- Firewalls
Enforce a remote work policy
It’s important to create and enforce a remote work policy that outlines your expectations in terms of:
- Acceptable cloud and/or online services
- Cybersecurity requirements
- Minimum technology specifications
- Hours and/or schedules
- Communication with management
- And much more
Call (269) 428-7000 or CLICK HERE to contact tca SynerTech’s experts for help with your Post-Coronavirus plan today!
