Cloud technology is being adopted at a rapid speed according to a study from Spiceworks: 80% of the organizations surveyed are using cloud storage services and another 16% say they plan to deploy them within the next two years. That’s a significant jump from the 53% of businesses that reported using these services in 2016.
Moving from legacy systems to a cloud-based infrastructure takes some work. So, if you haven’t made the leap yet, you may wonder if it’s worth it. We’ve listed out the benefits of being a cloud workplace below:
Accessibility
It goes without saying that the biggest benefit of being a cloud office is that the cloud is always on. Employees can access their files, training, tools, data and anything else they need to do their job from anywhere in the world at any hour of the day or night. This not only frees employees from potential constraints of a traditional office environment but it allows all of your employees globally to access the same information.
Flexibility
Because employees have access to their work whenever they please in a cloud workplace, it provides greater flexibility for employees – and any other type of workers. An increasingly borderless workforce, which includes contingent workers, gig workers, part-time employees, independent contractors and partner employees, is contributing to a rising popularity of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies and cloud technology adoption.
Collaboration
The cloud makes it easier for your employees to contribute to the same project regardless of their location. Tools that use cloud technology enable multiple parties to view and edit files in real time and saves them automatically with version history. In terms of third-party interaction, cloud technology makes it possible to share documents with vendors or clients, limiting the access as necessary depending on the party.
Scalability
The capacity of the cloud is limitless and, therefore, the ability to scale up and down depending on the need is helpful for employers. There may be peak usage times of day, week, month or year for certain applications and being able to flex based on the volume will save companies from maintaining systems that are unnecessary during inactive times.
Cost savings
Because of the scalability of cloud technology, organizations will save money by moving to this more flexible infrastructure. It will ensure companies only pay for the data as it’s needed. Being a cloud office lowers managerial IT costs and frees up in-house IT staff from administrative tasks that accompany legacy systems.
Innovation
Cloud computing gives your organization the ability to keep up with everchanging technology. With cloud technology, you’re able to update any software or platform as new versions are released. It doesn’t require any system overhauls to get employees up to speed. It levels the playing field for companies – from startups to Fortune 500 – by giving them all access to the same technologies. It also says a lot about your organization and your willingness to compete in an increasingly global market – for customers and talent.
Attractiveness
Believe it or not, candidates want to know your technological capabilities before they start working for you. According to a 2016 survey conducted by Dell and Intel, “Future Workforce Study,” more than 80% of millennials say workplace tech would have an influence when deciding to take a job. Additionally, more than 60% of millennials would rather receive high-tech perks at work versus low-tech perks like ping pong and free food. Tout your cloud office in your recruitment marketing campaigns to attract top talent.
Security
Cloud computing may seem less secure than legacy systems. After all, employees can access it from anywhere in the world and from multiple devices. Doesn’t that leave it open to more dishonest and exploitive actions? According to Forbes’ “Cloud Storage is Much More Secure Than You Think,” data redundancy, security credentials and access authorizations provide measures that keep your information more secure.
Agility
The world of business is changing rapidly. And companies that leverage cloud technology are able to quickly adopt new process and tools to compete with those at the forefront of innovation. Cloud technology enables a stronger, more sure business response to changing market conditions. It lets companies swiftly capitalize on opportunities as they arise.
