Smart working, the new framework

In previous posts, we talked about the concept of Smart Working and the key aspects when it comes to deploying a work model like this, based on achieving goals. Let us all remember that Smart Working is the evolution of teleworking, a more revolutionary concept that gets us closer to a work flexibility in which each person of the team gets to decide how to distribute their work and where they will work or stay connected.

The four pillars of Smart Working

1. Movility: The company must decide from where each employee can work, from the cafeteria to their living room.
2. Teleworking: Nowadays, many different technology tools allow team working while we optimize time, resources and the execution process.
3. Freedom of schedule: The company must define the framework so that the employee may organize their time better and improve their work life as well as their personal life.
4. Technology: Access to the internet is key, allowing the use of applications and documents at any place, at any time and from any device (tablet, phone, laptop or PC).

Why change the work model?

From a technology point of view, all indicators from a year ago are changing and facilitating the change of the digital environment in order to develop with work model. First, we can take a look at the DESI index, the indicator that measures the performance and evolution of the member states of the EU in terms of digital competitiveness that positions Spain above the average of the European Union, holding the 11th place.

Then, we can also look at the numbers published by the CNMC with the closing data for 2020 that show, among other data, an increase in the number of high speed connections, a 9,7% increase compared to the previous year as well as an increase in mobile lines connected to the internet, adding up to 1,2 million more lines in 2020.

Technology for a flexible and efficient teleworking

The use of management tools such as ERP or CRM and collaborative tools like M365 is essential, and if used within the proper telecommunications system, the company will be able to adapt to the current market as well as improving the productivity and professionalism of the processes in a digital transformation environment, that way Smart Working could be implemented successfully. Daniel Jiménez, Managing Director at Vodafone Business Spain, said during an interview with the newspaper Expansión: “because of this increase in digital use, companies will need strong network infrastructures that provide access to more data, technological partners to manage, in a unified manner, services and solutions, and cybersecurity services such as protection from the increase of digital management and the use of internet.”

We find ourselves in a key moment to start implementing this work model. As seen in recent Fujitsu report, in collaboration with the consulting firm PAC: “by 2025, millennials will represent more than 50% of the workforce and will redefine corporate culture around flexible and open models, collaboration and data. Teleworking and freelance work will be established as a norm, making companies drastically modify the office’s size and appearance where a new focus on health and well-being must prevail.”

How to implement Smart Working

Before starting, we need to know the exact steps we should follow to successfully implement the Smart Working model:

1. Settle the work conditions. It is necessary that the company and the employees agree on the work conditions, according to the current regulations.
2. Define measurable goals. Personal and team goals must be defined, aligned with the strategy of the company. These must be SMART goals.
3. Provide the necessary technology resources. This does not only mean equipping the employee with the necessary tools to work, but also providing them with the necessary training to carry it out efficiently.
4. Define the communication channels. This means defining the communication channels between employee and Company, the number of team meetings, calls and estimated schedules, among others.
5. Implementing management and team productivity control tools. It is necessary to establish which tools will be used in order to monitor the employee and their productivity.
6. Security improvement. Working outside the office implies a better risk for the safety of the company’s data. This is why we must reinforce the security with the necessary tools, following the cybersecurity measures closely to ensure no data is leaked or undergoes a sudden attack.

From Integra we can help you digitally transform your company successfully and get closer to the Smart Working model. Contact us to implement and master the use of better tools and telecommunications to grow your work model.