The pandemic brought an end to the era of office cubicles and daily office commutes in favour of something far more dynamic. Flexible working has transformed the status quo for both employees and employers, allowing businesses to limit their overheads and workers to take advantage of the flexibility on offer.
Now, with the latest technology allowing for greater connectivity and faster decision making than ever before, businesses are becoming even nimbler, with colleagues and teams able to work together seamlessly across time zones and continents, at any time of the day. We are now in the age of work from anywhere – ‘WFA’, if you will.
For SMEs, where even minor changes in efficiency and productivity can produce significant impacts, it is a huge opportunity. By fully leveraging modern technology, SMEs can cultivate a roaming workforce that not only adapts to current economic pressures but thrives in them. Fully embracing a working from ‘roam’ culture will support the cultivation of ideas from different cultures and markets, while building global networks of suppliers, partners, and customers. I’ve outlined a few benefits I see for SMEs:
Escaping the squeeze
SMEs are increasingly needing a tech-based workaround for the inflation that has been a persistent adversary for businesses growth. High energy costs, soaring office rents, and a myriad of other overhead expenses are squeezing profit margins tighter than ever. For many, a rented office setup has become a financial worry that seems increasingly unsustainable. However, connectivity offers an alternative, providing tools and platforms that can reduce these costs significantly while maintaining, or even boosting, productivity by enabling people to work from anywhere.
Speed, efficiency, and connectivity
To have a dynamic small company with colleagues working from all around the world, communication needs to be taking place at remarkable speeds to facilitate instant transactions, teamwork, and customer engagement. 5G enables this: with download speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G, it can give international businesses seamless access to cloud-based applications and large data files, even on mobile devices. For businesses of all sizes, this means that employees can work more efficiently from any location, whether they are accessing high-definition video conferences, collaborating on complex design projects, or running data-intensive applications.
This increased speed also reduces latency, the delay before a transfer of data begins following an instruction. In practical terms, this means that video calls are smoother, online collaboration tools are more responsive and remote access to enterprise systems feels instantaneous. The result is a more productive and engaged workforce that can operate at peak efficiency, no matter where they are.
5G isn’t just about speed; it’s about connectivity. With its ability to support a massive number of devices simultaneously, 5G ensures that a growing number of IoT devices can be seamlessly integrated into business operations. For SMEs, this opens new possibilities for automation and real-time data analytics, which are critical for optimising workflows and making informed business decisions.
For example, in manufacturing, 5G can connect a network of sensors and machinery providing real-time insights into production processes and enabling predictive maintenance. In retail, it can enhance customer experiences through personalised, data-driven interactions and efficient inventory management. The possibilities are vast, and the potential for increased efficiency and reduced costs are substantial. For SMEs embracing a work from anywhere model, 5G provides the speed, connectivity, and security they need to thrive.
5G is more than just a technological upgrade; it’s a catalyst for transformation. By integrating 5G into operations, SMEs can unlock new efficiencies, enhance productivity and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
As the world continues to evolve, SMEs that harness the power of 5G will be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities of a roaming workforce. The future of work is here, and with 5G, it’s faster, more connected, and more promising than ever.
