Harness the power of VoIP for flexibility and productivity

Maximising the potential of flexible working means deploying efficient communications tools which keep remote workers in the 'virtual' office, and VoIP technologies could play a growing role in that approach, according to Dimension Data.

Dimension analysts' research revealed that many firms are attracted to the idea of employing VoIP, believing this would enable them to be more flexible about where their staff work and create happier and therefore more productive employees.

"These technologies are very much a future focus of enterprise flexible working and convergent communication strategies," stressed Rob Lopez, managing director at Dimension Data.

While this approach represents advantages for employers in that it provides "ubiquitous communication tools" for "flexi-work initiatives", the "perceived personal gain" for employees is also a significant factor to consider.

Earlier in 2007, a report from first direct indicated that a third of the country's 30 million employees now work on a 'flexi-schedule', that is, outside traditional office hours.

The promise of technologies such as VoIP to sustain communications links at all times and across any spatial distance means this trend could be poised to grow.