Gone are the days when an employer could expect their people in the office five days a week. Covid-related culture shifts, coupled with new technology, have removed barriers and left organisations with little alternative to a hybrid model, as a minimum requirement.

However, many businesses remain unwilling to properly equip people for remote work. A mere 12.5% of respondents to a recent IDG survey thought their organisation had provided the full range of technology, processes, and training required for a successful hybrid-work setup.

These shortcomings may backfire, as recent strike action has left businesses with no choice but to embrace a remote working model, as some employees have found reaching the office impossible with trains and tubes out of action. With more strikes expected in the coming weeks and months, the situation may only get worse.

These disruptions show the importance of making sure employees can pivot quickly between office and remote work, with a seamless transition between the two of great importance to continuity. The correct technology to facilitate this is key: Metadata-driven document management systems give employees access to all the files they need, whether they are at home or in the office.

Leveraging Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions such will equip businesses to cope with any sudden changes and prevent productivity being crippled by upcoming strike action. Promoting the use of collaborative tools is the most effective way to create the working environment that employees want, and businesses now suddenly need.

Minimising the effect of disruptions
With strike action likely to cause an enforced hiatus on trips to the office, businesses need to take measures to avoid this wreaking havoc with workflows. And with 37% of businesses still in the early stages of deployment of a hybrid model, expect to see unprepared firms suffer.

There are a host of potential issues when switching to remote work, for instance difficulties accessing important documents, misplaced files and data, and workers attaching outdated documents in a sea of emails.

Therefore, it is important that people are fully prepared and equipped with tools to streamline collaborative processes. Nearly 80% of workers used a collaborative tool in 2021, an increase of more than 40% compared to the previous year, highlighting just how pervasive these resources have become. Making use of all available technology will ensure a consistent flow of work, even if employee access to the office is restricted.

Getting the files you need in an instant
Crucial documents trapped in data silos or stuck on office hard drives will mean people members face headaches when trying to complete the simplest of tasks. Therefore, if a remote working model is to be a successful, a clear information management strategy is essential.

Leave anachronistic and outdated practices in the past. Smart businesses are turning to document management solutions that make data instantly accessible for all employees, whether remote or in-office. Metadata-driven document management platforms are essential for this, as they ensure there is just one version of a file by centralizing all documents. Consequently, everyone will be working on the most up-to-date version of a file, encouraging the safe and secure sharing of information between colleagues.

Be transparent with your clients
Strike action may not solely affect employees, as some clients might be used to regular in-person meetings which could be disrupted. A collaborative workspace means that documents can be sent quickly and easily to clients, removing any stress they may feel due to limited face-to-face contact.

Document management platforms can also facilitate real-time collaboration between internal and external stakeholders, keeping customers in the loop. This allows clients to view what you are working on, with compliance controls securing any sensitive data so they only see what you want them to.

Businesses who haven’t already adopted a remote working model will be left with no choice but to evolve their approach, as strike action could make full-time office attendance a real challenge. However, the requisite technology is now available to prevent firm performance taking a hit as a result of disruptions. Businesses who successfully implement collaborative tools will easily weather this storm, pivoting seamlessly from in-office to remote work.

About M-Files
M-Files is a global leader in information management. The M-Files metadata-driven document management platform enables knowledge workers to instantly find the right information in any context, automate business processes, and enforce information control. This provides businesses with a competitive advantage and substantial ROI as they deliver better customer experiences and higher-quality work with lower risk.

For more information, visit www.m-files.com.M-Files is a registered trademark of M-Files Corporation. All other registered trademarks belong to their respective owners.