Managing remote or distributed teams can be a hassle. Ensuring that employees stay connected and are able to contact customers and answer customer service calls is important. However, not everyone has access to the tools needed to make such a system work. Here is where a softphone can benefit your remote team.
How Can a Softphone Benefit Your Remote Team?
First, what is a softphone? It is a software that transforms any device (computer, laptop, smartphone, IP phone, tablet, etc.) into a phone. You can then use this device to make and receive calls over the internet instead of a cellular or traditional phone line.
All you need to make this work is a headset, a camera (if video calling is needed), and a voice over IP service. Then, employees can connect with co-workers and customers from any location and any device!
Here are 6 reasons to use a softphone for your remote or distributed teams.
1. Save on Communication-Related Costs
Softphones don’t need extra hardware or equipment to make them work effectively. And so, you won’t need to supply your remote teams with equipment. They can simply use their existing devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones) to connect to your VoIP service and make and receive calls.
When you choose a softphone instead of a desk phone, you save hardware, equipment, and IT costs.
2. Never Miss a Call, Stay Reachable
Another reason to use a softphone for business communication is that users can stay connected from any location (thanks for VoIP). And since employees and agents can use any device, they are reachable no matter where they are located. Plus, incoming calls can be forwarded to their number ensuring that they never miss a call. And when calling customers, they can change their outgoing caller ID to represent the company’s phone number instead of their own number. This way, their personal phone number is masked while they continue doing their job.
3. Maintain Productivity
A softphone gives a remote worker the ability to work at their own pace and from the comforts of their own home or local coffee shop. When giving employees the ability to work remotely, you cut down on commuting and transportation woes and give parents the opportunity to take care of their children while still being able to work. Remote working can significantly reduce stressors present in one’s life, helping them focus better on important tasks. Employees that do not feel burdened or stressed and can therefore do their jobs better, thus maintaining productivity.
4. Take Advantage of Advanced Communication Features
Softphones also give users access to advanced business communication features. The variety of features depends on your VoIP service. Most providers will offer the following:
- Ability to make and answer calls
- Call transfer
- Remote call forwarding and routing
- Outbound calling (with dynamic caller ID)
- Call with a single click or by dialing through the dialpad
- Access to voicemail
- Ability to make notes about the call and the caller
- Contact management
5. Support Your BYOD Policy
A bring your own device policy is a workplace policy that encourages employees to use their own devices. This is an ideal situation for remote workers as well as employers. Employers don’t have to worry about expenses related to equipment such as providing laptops or computers, etc. At the same time, remote workers can use devices and applications they are comfortable with. A softphone can easily fit into your BYOD policy as users can convert any of their devices into business communication tools. This way, they remain productive through devices they are comfortable working with.
6. Make Remote Working a Possibility
Finally, the most important reason to use a softphone is to make transitioning to remote-work is easy. Business VoIP technology and softphones make remote working or managing distributed teams easier. So, now, you can offer employees the option to work from home or hire agents in different time zones to get more global customers.
Need More Reasons to Get a Softphone Today?
Don’t wait any longer; choose the right softphone for your business! Get a softphone to enhance and streamline your business communications. Global Call Forwarding can help!
Sign up for our virtual phone number service and use the GCF softphone for any device to make and answer calls through the internet. Call us at 1 (888) 908 6171 to get started today!
