With all of the hustle and bustle that COVID-19 created, the world has been in complete shock and downfall, it seems. Millions of people are losing their jobs worldwide, and much of it is because businesses don’t have the means to send everyone home and allow them to start working remotely. When the pandemic first caused widespread panic, there were even jobs that relied on telecommunication that started to suffer as well. While the rest of the world came to a standstill, VoIP stepped up, and everyone began working remotely.
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How Voice over Internet Protocol Solidified Working Remotely in Troubled Times
All of the businesses that were hurting due to the lack of communication (which many of them were old-fashioned and did not rely on the latest technology) began to catch up with “the times” and start working remotely. While, of course, not all businesses continued operating, and many were forced to close. Those that didn’t close discovered how useful VoIP was very quickly. There are many benefits, and because all of the employees were able to stay connected at home (as long as they had internet), they were able to use tools like 3CX WebMeeting for their conferences and other digital chat meeting room applications.
We also started to see an uptick in VoIP phone devices like the Yealink phones taking place. Many businesses have had video phones installed in their offices while most of their employees are working remotely. These businesses are staying ahead of their competition by upgrading their office’s tech. Something like this is also a morale booster for when employees work onsite again.
Benefits that VoIP Can Provide During the Pandemic
Aside from improving employee connections, people could also help continue their customer service while still social distancing properly or even during quarantine and isolation.
Many phones have an auto-attendant feature that allows people to update the callers with warning notices. The auto-attendant can also tell them about new products, specials, hours of operation, and so much more. Most companies have resorted to putting a “high volume of callers” warning, which has helped improve overall customer satisfaction. It assists businesses that rely on sales to close deals with their customers.
Thousands (and Millions in some cases) of Dollars Saved.
Most of the big-name phone companies have been charging outrageous prices to have a phone line. They love to take advantage of small businesses even more than home users, why you ask? Small businesses are hit the hardest because they use multiple lines. We all know Cox and CenturyLink love to squeeze as much out of small companies as they can. Using VoIP with a local company, you can cut the cost of having all of these extra features and get them prepackaged in a box.
Every phone system that uses tools like 3CX for their VoIP infrastructure can eliminate the need to install separate physical lines (or pay for extra services to have these installed into their phone system). An IT service can easily set it up for you, and you’ll get all the lines you need. You’ll be able to start working remotely without interruption. In some cases, you may not know they were even there.
The upfront expenses are also pretty minimal. In most cases, you can also get financed as well. Many systems can operate with open-source platforms or even premium platforms that only charge a monthly fee based on your exact needs. That’s another way that some phone companies and ISP’s get you. They charge you for a “bundled package” with extra stuff you don’t need, so you pay a higher price. Why pay higher costs for all of the movie channels plus Netflix when you could go straight to Netflix and get it yourself if that’s all you want, right?
How Can VoIP Help Your Business?
Aside from the benefits above, you can use this technology to synchronize the system to your smartphones. One of these systems’ best features is that you can have phone calls directly dialed to your cell phone if you’re away from the office. They are allowing you to take calls anywhere using your work number (even at home). Softphones are now a business necessity. As we all look towards the future, it appears that working remotely is here to stay.
Whether you jump on the VoIP train now and get a headstart is up to you! If you wait too long, you may miss out. Either way, working remotely is an excellent option for employees and business owners alike!