How VoIP Supports Remote Work & Distributed Teams

Since the Covid pandemic, more employers are seeing the benefits of remote workers. According to a Pew Research Center estimate, about 14% of adults in the U.S. are working from home full time.

Whether you have remote employees now or you plan to in the future, you have to think about the logistics of a remote workforce. Fortunately, a modern VoIP business phone system can help you navigate some of the challenges that comes with remote work.

In this post, we’re going to focus on business phone systems and how they support remote workers and distributed teams.

How Does VoIP Support Remote Workers & Distributed Teams?

Following the pandemic, more businesses than ever are using remote workers and distributed teams. Here’s how VoIP can help manage teams outside of the office.

VoIP Can Be Used Anywhere

One of the best things about VoIP is that it can be used anywhere (as long as there’s a good internet connection). Employees no longer have to sit at their desks in the office to receive phone calls.

With VoIP, remote workers simply have to download an app on whatever device they choose to use, whether it’s an iOS or Android phone, a laptop or desktop computer, or a tablet. Through a VoIP app, these “softphones” allow employees to send and receive calls and access other features of the VoIP phone system wherever they go.

Stay Connected With Unified Communications

Unified communications refers to a suite of communication tools integrated on one platform. VoIP makes it easy to implement UC for connecting employees and customers through multiple channels.

With UC, employees in and out of the office can communicate with supervisors, coworkers, and customers using a variety of tools including instant messaging, team chat, and SMS/MMS text messaging.

Use VoIP Features For Remote Training

Need to train an employee on handling customer calls? VoIP makes it simple with training tools that don’t require the employee to be at their desk.

Features like call listening, call whispering, and call barging can be used to observe customer calls, discretely assist employees, and step in when necessary to handle calls with customers.

Track Performance With Reports & Analytics

Depending on what your VoIP provider and plan offer, you may have access to data, reports, and analytics that help you keep tabs on employee performance — even if they’re working outside of the office.

These logs can tell you everything from who answers each phone call to how much time is spent on each call. You can also see missed calls and hang-ups. This information can be used to determine when employees are working, as well as identify issues that may need to be addressed.

VoIP Is Scalable

If expansion is on your mind, VoIP is scalable, allowing you to easily upgrade your system with new lines, features, and calling plans without requiring an on-site technician.

You can update your system to accommodate the needs of your growing business from your user dashboard or by contacting your VoIP provider.

The Bottom Line On VoIP For Remote Workers

While it doesn’t solve all of the complications that come from a remote workforce, VoIP business phone systems can help keep you connected to your team outside of the office.

Not only does VoIP have great tools for remote workers, but it also revolutionizes businesses in other ways, from being a greener choice to offering lower monthly fees than your outdated phone system. Find out what VoIP can do for your business by checking out the best VoIP phone systems and signing up for a free trial.