Many companies have realized that they can get the most from their employees when they give them the freedom to work outside of the office. By mobilizing your office, your employees can access information before a big meeting, organize their work days for efficiency, and concentrate on work even when they are on the road or sitting in a cafe
By following these three tips for mobilizing your office, you might find that technology gives your employees the ability to meet deadlines more easily and improve the quality of their work.
Tip #1: Use smart phone apps.
Today’s smart phones make it possible for your employees to carry large amounts of information in their pockets. When you choose the right smart phone apps, they can make the most of that information and even gain access to services that were unthinkable a few years ago. Some of the smart phone apps that you might consider include:
- QuickOffice lets you edit Microsoft Office documents on your smart phone, allowing you to make revisions on the fly. This app not only lets you edit MS files, but also save them to various locations, including on the device or online.
- Encamp is a useful project management tool for smart phones. If your business already uses Basecamp to manage projects in the office, then you will almost certainly want to use Encamp for employees working out of the office.
- mbPointeris a cool app that lets you use PowerPoint presentations anywhere. It is ideal for conferences where you might encounter potential investors or clients. Just pull out your smart phone and give them your best pitch.
Tip #2: Use tablet PCs instead of laptop computers.
Tablet PCs, such as the iPad and Blackberry Playbook, are perfect for mobilizing your office because they are lightweight and easy to use. Most models are smaller and lighter than laptop computers, but they still offer a lot of power. Your employees could find numerous ways to use their tablet PCs. They are handy for small presentations, staying in contact with colleagues and clients, and accessing information on the go.
Utilize a cloud computing service to make it possible for staff members to access documents wherever they are, They won’t have to save all of their files to the tablet PC because they can access and share them through the cloud.
Many small businesses find that they can also save money by purchasing tablet PCs instead of laptop computers. Less money and better mobility? That’s a win for any company.
Tip #3: Give your employees the freedom to work away from the office.
The most useful technology can only help your employees when you give them the freedom to work away from the office. Monitor productivity instead of hours behind a desk to determine who works the hardest. Also, give your employees service plans that let them download and upload information quickly. Otherwise, they might feel that their fancy gadgets aren’t worth the trouble.
These three tips can help you mobilize your office and get the most productivity from your employees. What are some of the most creative ways that you have improved your office’s mobility?
