The rise of Cloud Campus as the ‘work from anywhere’ revolution sweeps across the globe

p>By Vinod Mehta, Chief Human Resources Officer – Teleperformance India, delves deeper into why businesses must implement a holistic ‘work from anywhere’ environment through the Cloud with a ‘high-tech, high-touch’ approach, as we accelerate into 2023 on the road of digital transformation.

With the pandemic’s wavering affects now finally waned, it has become hard to imagine that not long ago offices around the globe were closed and employees were ordered to work from home. However, it cannot be denied that the months spent stuck in our homes completely transformed the way people work – fuelling a ‘work from anywhere’ revolution. Ultimately, rather than a return to commuting and office working, the pandemic erupted a shift in the behaviours of workers. We have now become immersed within the hybrid era of working, which harnesses flexibility and automation. 

Work At Home, or WAHA solutions as we call it, have skyrocketed, as more people are now opting to work remotely, and this is expected to develop further into and beyond 2023. Companies are therefore having to adapt, and it is those who are the quickest to hop onto this trend and recalibrate their business models that will succeed, especially on the road to automation which we are accelerating down. Cloud solutions are essential in providing these ‘work from anywhere’ environments.  For example, our global virtual workplace platform, the Cloud Campus, has reaped the benefits. It has provided geographically dispersed but socially connected teams, who deliver consistent and seamless Customer Experience and Back-Office services through a singular agile platform. It is an award-winning, effective model for digital hiring, onboarding, training, engaging, and managing employees.

Pioneers in Cloud

The Cloud has emerged as a tool by which companies can implement an effective WFH solution to train, retain and build connections between remote teams. It improves work-life balance for employees, whilst simultaneously boosting client’s results. This allows the workforce to spend more time with people they love, avoid unnecessary commutes and reduce their carbon footprint.

For some businesses, like us, it was not the pandemic which caused the switch to hybrid working – rather, our carefully constructed Cloud Campus platform was established before lockdown, with immense time, money and innovation invested in its production. This means it actually works successfully, and is more effective than other platforms that were developed in a rush to minimise the effects of the pandemic.
The key is to leverage a solution which truly works, and harnesses an innovative delivery model carefully crafted to attract, retain and empower global talent in centralised hubs through Cloud strategies. 

Despite being a remote way of working, Cloud platforms are a secure and proven WFH solution. They produce high quality employee engagement through video-enabled communications and virtual activities, incorporating gamification. This ensures a working environment which holds the same productivity as an office-based team, whilst being agile and resilient.  

The recent IBM Index indicates a strong correlation between hybrid Cloud adoption and progress in digital transformation, with 76% of those surveyed saying it is difficult to realise the full potential of a digital transformation strategy without having a solid hybrid Cloud strategy in place, highlighting the monumental influence of the Cloud.

‘Work-from-Anywhere’ on Cloud– Happy Employees, Happy Clients 

The Great Resignation caused unemployment rates to reach an all-time high, as many people chose not to return to the workplace, causing issues in recruitment. In fact, data from one of the recent research statistics revealed that 40% of companies with 10+ employees are struggling to recruit, with this problem being widespread across all sectors. Therefore, it is now key for businesses to differentiate themselves in order to attract and retain employees, providing the agility needed to adapt to changing business needs and employee preferences. Post-pandemic, many now dread the prospect of commuting into work every day. By reducing this commute, employees have more freedom which contributes to their happiness and improves their career goals. 

Studies have found that 82% of workers said they prefer working from home, with 64% saying they feel more productive and less stressed – providing mental health benefits and a more positive workspace. An effective work from home arrangement is something which prospective employees now seek out when on the search for a new job. Implementing a Cloud setup can enable this, demonstrating the immense benefits for employee and businesses alike. In fact, 70% of our employees work remotely for the world most respected brands.

Working remotely can grant employees a better work-life balance, whilst the Cloud ensures they remain connected and empowered, maintaining the social side of the office. Workers enjoy having autonomy, and take pride in reducing their carbon footprint through not needing to commute. By working remotely, there is a 55% reduction in carbon emissions when compared to working in a brick and mortar office space. This also saves time, which can then be spent on self-care, such as wellness activities, cooking a healthy meal, spending time with friends and family, or exercise. This will inevitably assist a worker’s wellbeing and mental health, with many people having suffered amidst the uncertainty which plagued us over the past few years. 

By producing a workforce that is happy and satisfied, a better work rate will soon follow. In fact, after adopting a Cloud based WFH solution, one of the world’s fastest growing shopping apps found an 82% reduction in absenteeism. Ultimately, being happy within the workspace can further boost employees career growth.

Improving the diversity ratio and gender mix

The implementation of Cloud strategies also poses large benefits to businesses themselves and their recruitment efforts. By cultivating a workforce which can be identified, trained, and empowered all through a singular platform, global barriers are collapsed and a richly diverse workforce can be produced. This allows recruiters’ access to the top talent, and accelerates the hiring process at a time when it is difficult to hire the best skills. 

Additionally, it allows access to jobs for people from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, which can significantly help improve gender diversity. In fact, companies have seen up to a 25% improvement in gender-mix for new hires when using a Cloud strategy. It also gives more options to other groups within society who may find it more difficult going into the office 5-days-a-week – it allows flexibility and freedom. This has been exacerbated through the cost of living crisis – going into the office is ultimately costly, especially with the increasing prices of fuel and public transport.
By offering an alternative to on-site working and producing an effective WFH environment, employees will feel far more empowered and supported by their business. Irrespective of their gender, location, caste, colour and preferences, communities such as new mothers, veterans, and differently-abled people, are also encouraged and empowered to join the workforce. 

Digital-first approach with Cloud and Information Security 

The benefits to hybrid working are endless, however as it is a new system, it is essential that potential risks are considered and precautions put in place. With cybercrime on the rise, companies who are functioning through a Cloud must ensure they have a robust and secure system to protect workers and clients. The businesses who make this their priority are the ones who will succeed in the increasingly complex digital world. 

The Cloud holds masses of data – including highly sensitive information. Precautions such as multi-factor authentication have become a must in the security surrounding Cloud technology, in order to ensure worker identities can be absolutely confirmed before accessing confidential data. It highlights the drive to transform the workspace into an increasingly digital yet increasingly secure landscape. 

Looking Ahead… 

Looking forward into 2023, it is clear that hybrid working model is vital if businesses want to employ and retain the top talents. An effective presence on the Cloud will allow companies access to a diverse and global talent pool, ensuring that they find the right candidate when recruiting for a role. 

As the ‘work from anywhere’ revolution sweeps across the globe, it is the businesses who implement a high-tech, secure and robust Cloud strategy who will accelerate ahead. From comprehensive security to automated solutions, the Cloud allows an effective remote working space for people from all walks of life. Because, each interaction matters.