Whilst implementing a Unified
Communications approach within your business can reap a range of benefits that
can boost overall business productivity, performance, and motivation, the
positive impacts of Unified Communications on the environment are often overlooked.
So, what are the links between Unified
Communications and sustainability? And, how does a Unified Communications model
help to improve your business’s green credentials? Let’s take a look.
What
is Unified Communications?
Unified Communications (UC) encompasses a
myriad of enterprise communication tools and apps that are usually integrated
into a single platform. This includes tools such as:
● Voice and video conferencing
● Screen sharing functionality
● Real-time document editing features
These tools help to remove inefficiencies
in workflows, improving not only productivity between employees but also
helping to encourage and facilitate collaboration. UC was incredibly useful
during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw many businesses
transforming digitally to accommodate remote working. In fact, the popular
web-conferencing platform, Zoom, saw a 370%
growth in its sales in the last quarter of 2020 alone, compared to
the same time in 2019.
With UC, internal communication is much
more effective and reliable, with the ability to instantly message and call
others from anywhere in the world, provided that they have access to a stable
internet connection. As a result, UC is very convenient for hybrid and remote
workplaces - however, it is still advantageous for offices as well.
Unified
Communications and sustainability
Alongside the advantage of improving
workflow efficiency, UC is also eco-friendly. Firstly, Unified Communications
as a Service (UCaaS) software are powered by cloud technology, which is
hosted via the Internet. This means that there’s no need for on-premise
physical hardware and equipment as your employees and you can simply
connect compatible devices to the cloud-hosted software. The reduction of
hardware leads to less need for replacing equipment, which can be a challenge
to recycle correctly.
UCaaS results in the ability to connect
with each other on the go, and you don’t necessarily have to be in the office
to do so. You can therefore work from anywhere, as long as you are connected to
the internet and the platform! This can also widen your talent pool, attracting
diverse and innovative hires. Additionally, it may also appeal to any potential
job candidates who are physically unable to reach due to disabilities. Allowing your employees to work remotely, reduces carbon emissions from
any traveling they may have to do in order to get to the office.
This can be extremely beneficial for
long-distance meetings or even a mass event that your business is hosting, as
it removes the need for attendees to travel to the area - imagine the carbon footprint of long-haul plane travel
just to attend a corporate conference and back!
Unified
Communications solutions