Your Office Transformation Guide

Traditional workplaces have experienced rapid change as of late. Coupled with flexible work environments and remote work trends, businesses are challenged to reimagine how they choose to design their workplace infrastructure.

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Work is no longer a physical place anymore.

For many businesses that lack the required infrastructure, emulating a model that provides ‘modern team’ flexibility can be quite challenging. With proper guidance and some technological wherewithal, you can deliver ideal work environments where your team is able to communicate, collaborate, and connect anywhere, from any device, while still maintaining a level of desired productivity.

“Currently, at least 56.8% of teams work remotely at least part time in North America.” — Upwork

Reinventing the traditional workplace.

The barriers between leisure, work, and home are slowly eroding. Individuals are equally as likely to work in the comfort of their home as much as in-office. A recent study from upwork conducted in 2020 discovered approximately 36.2% of North Americans will be working remotely by 2025. This is a significant increase from emerging trends before the pandemic.

Although these trends provide employees with some reprieve, flexible work environments come equipped with their own challenges, specifically in the IT sector. Businesses must find methods to provide full-time remote workers and office personnel the same level of access, while maintaining an optimal level of security. The time is now to reimagine your workspace to meet the needs of your team into the future.

What is the vision for the future of offices?

Enhanced remote technologies and collaboration. Improving connectivity for remote workers who are more recently adapting to the cloud. It’s critical to ensure businesses equip team members with the technology required to work anywhere on any device.
Flexible / shared workspaces for hybrid work. Common trends seen are shared workspaces. This allows employees the privilege of planning the time required to collaborate, or scheduling for head down time to allow personnel to finish projects. This also empowers staff to choose what works best for their schedule and project workload.
Comfortable working arrangements. Companies are aiming to provide similar amenities in the office that staff has been accustomed to the past few years. This includes comfortable furniture, soothing color palettes, and an overall replication of the home office.
Improved workspace. Emerging hygiene concerns create an emphasis on increasing square footage per employee for their workspace. Taking it from 125 sqft per person to a more generous 195sqft per person, the extra space allows employees to maintain a safe physical distance while in the office.
Improved Sanitation Protocol. Routine surface sanitization and enhanced indoor air quality are some of the new measures businesses have implemented to keep employees healthy.

Self-serve Replenishments. Companies are already leveraging vending machines to provide personal protective equipment (PPE). Breakrooms are also providing self-serve options for food & beverage.

In what ways does technology support health & safety protocols in the future office?

Discussions regarding commercial real-estate in the post-pandemic workplace almost always address the importance of maintaining health & safety measures for building occupants. Consequently, companies must address challenges like sanitation, air quality, and health screens for employees and visits. Technology is critical to deliver a workplace that accommodates these standards, for the following reasons:

1. Connectivity: Strong connections across all regions provide employees with the ability to pivot to remote work when the workplace isn’t available. When employees become ill, personnel are able to work from home and continue with daily tasks & operations as planned.
2. Network Monitoring: With staff spread across multiple regions, it’s critical to ensure IT departments oversee the network consistently. SD-WAN solutions provide enhanced security and control features over a wide network, while also helping team members maintain a high level of productivity.
3. API’s & Integrations. The more companies implement technology for work, communication, and collaboration, integration becomes increasingly important. The right “tech stack” supports businesses with improved line of sight.

How does technology prepare offices for remote and fluid work arrangements?

Cloud infrastructure, strong connections, and collaboration software empowers staff to work anywhere, anytime, on any device. Companies that embrace a community-based approach to work can enjoy improved productivity.

How can we ensure business continuity by reimagining our workspace?

Companies are beginning to notice their own unpreparedness for business disruptions from government restrictions for in-office personnel. This doesn’t only come from the global pandemic, however. An increase in other interruptions like weather events or national emergencies can impede their commute. A reimagining of the workspace positions your business to be prepared for the next disruption.

Beyond COVID, what other challenges does the workplace face that we should prepare for?

Forward-thinking and embracing a work environment that delivers collaboration regardless of location ensures your company is prepared for growth. This is the new standard, and is completed by ensuring the following measures are taken:

Business Continuity. Learn from the past and be prepared for the next downturn. The time is now to ensure staff can communicate and work under any circumstance. This can be achieved through migration to cloud-based solutions.
Consistent Connectivity. Regardless of working from one location or multiple, having a consistent connection is important. Commercial landlords must ensure buildings possess the necessary infrastructure for business owners.
Mobile Devices. Not just cell phones. As work locations become more flexible, ensuring your team can work anywhere and commute back and forth with ease is important.

“Consistent Connectivity and Flexible Collaboration are critical components for companies to consider. With a strategic approach, companies deliver great customer experience consistently, while empowering staff to maintain productivity, regardless of location.”

Simon Jones | Sales Engineer

If you’ve began transitioning your workplace infrastructure for remote capabilities, reevaluating your internet setup is important.

Here’s some facts to consider if you’re unsure whether or not an upgrade is worth it.

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Workspace Options

There are several choices available for modern offices, many of which stem from the traditional in-office setting, temporary on-premise, or fully remote with cloud capabilities. Leaders must determine the best solution based on their business requirements.

Which tools are best for our staff and company infrastructure?

In order to determine the best solution possible, take the following six steps:

Technology audit. Does your team have enough devices available? Which apps are being used, and is it sufficient for the entire team to get the job done? Is there a need for improved connectivity, or security?
Find loose ends. Speak with staff to determine where the gaps are in your tech stack. If team members are struggling with connectivity for example, is there anything more robust that can be provided? If your existing tech stack is bulky or doesn’t get the job done quite right—is there a better option available?
Review your current office. Does it provide you with ample connectivity to support the entire team, in-office and remotely? Are more workspaces required, or do you need more space in between? Does the building owner support your reimagined workspace?
Survey Staff. Ask team members for feedback on their work location preferences. If it’s critical they remain in-office permanently, request their schedule.
Establish what’s important. Redesigning your office can become tiresome. Determine what matters most and take it slowly, and follow your schedule / budget.
Get Some Support. For Cloud Communications and commercial real-estate longevity, there’s a ton of resources available to support you in your project. Whether sourcing online talent or hiring someone internally, receiving the feedback of a pro for reinventing your office is highly effective.

What matters most when seeking a technology expert?

Technology is a key part of any office renovation. Seek experts that can help guide you through the process. A few features to look for include:

Telecommunications expertise. This includes all types—hybrid, cloud, and on-premise.

A fundamental knowledge of network infrastructure & design to maintain a solid and secure connection.

Provision of collaboration systems like conferencing and app sharing.

Bundling services for cost reductions & budgeting.

Tailored solutions with self-serve options.

What can I look forward to when discussing with an expert?

They will take the time to understand your specific needs and concerns. Commonly, business owners are requested to participate in a discovery call which allows them to ask questions and determine unique requirements in order to provide a custom solution.

We’ve worked on many projects similar to yours.

Everything we do is dedicated to delivering mission-critical communications solutions on time and on budget. We strive to provide a one-stop-shop for all of your business communications requirements and the loyalty of our customers serves as a constant reminder of our dedication to provide the finest customer service possible.

Future Link has provided us with expert 24/7 support for many years, and helped our workforce evolve to work from anywhere.

Patrick Foster, CRC Research

We’ve dealt with other phone companies which pale in comparison. Future Link worked with us to tailor exactly what we needed, and was professional about it.

Fior Ciavone, Canadian Tire

Where others let us down, Future Link came to the rescue. They took an existing phone system setup, and made it work the way we wanted it to. The service techs, sales people, and everyone else are fantastic.

Andrew Beacom, Priority Submetering Solutions

Future Link’s expert advice and support helped us grow our telecommunications from a single location to a fully integrated national solution for all our offices, and saved us lots of money along the way.

Steve Byers, Process And Steam Specialties

Future Link is the company to consider when you look for knowledge, reliability, and professional service.

Georgiana Ciutescu, Nour Private Wealth

The switch to VoIP handled by Future Link was a most positive experience. From the initial quote to installation and delivery, Future Link asked the right questions delivered as promised. The result was the right solution that suited our needs.

Daphne Parsons, Brampton Flight Centre

The Future Link team has been reliable and effective in supporting our ongoing growth with timely answers and affordable solutions. I know that I will get the answers I need when brining in their help

Peter Bechard, Hub International

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Ready to get started? Explore Future Communications array of remote work solutions.

Call Sales at (905) 363-0532, or let us know more about your needs and a Future Link’s expert will be in touch. Our experienced representatives can make a personalized recommendation for you, based on your business’ specific situation and requirements.