With advancements in technology, it can arguably be quite daunting making sure that your business is both up-to-speed and on par with all the changes. There’s something new every other day, whether it be a project management platform, or a new scheduling tool.

However, this is the business we’re in, and it’s important that we make sure we are ensuring the benefits of these technologies are being passed on to our workforce.

One such advancement in technology is the cloud. Now, this is a term that you’ve probably heard a multitude of times, but, understandably might not know exactly what it is or what it does. This is probably because it’s more of an idea than a general, specific thing.

Cloud computing is when you take everything – your databases, your software, your processes – and host them somewhere other than your company locations.

Some people might think that this is a security risk, but, in fact, it’s the opposite. Leading cybersecurity business experts like Andre Pienaar have said that “when we started investing in cloud-based companies, many people saw the cloud as a blocker for cybersecurity. Now, we say that the cloud is part of the solution.” (You can watch the full panel here)

So, we know it’s secure, but, what else can the cloud do for you and your employees?

Below are a few of the more prominent reasons why using cloud-based technology can and will benefit your workforce, making for a happier, and more efficient workplace.

Remote Working

Remote working is on the rise. In fact, it’s predicted that half of the UK workforce will be working remotely by 2020. That’s a lot of remote workers.

But, it’s part and parcel of the modern economy, and something that your company should be looking at. Giving the option of working remotely not only makes your company a more attractive place to work, but, it’s also very helpful for existing employees for having work done in their home; childcare and for journey issues etc.

Having a cloud-based platform for your employees to work from really is an incentive and a reward, and an efficient one at that.

Internal Security

While we’ve already touched on the security of the cloud, that was really from an external point of view. And, yes, having external security and peace of mind is obviously a must, but, internal security may be a bigger problem that you might think.

A recent survey on industry attitudes found that 90% of companies were aware of insider threats, only 50% of them were equipped to deal with these types of issues.

Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s not all cloak and dagger, insider trading. Some of these threats can just be human error – releasing the wrong information to the wrong people kind of thing. With a cloud-based platform, these threats are drastically reduced.

Do to having complete control over who sees what, who has access to what, and who can do what to what – and not have everything on an internal server, you really do have the control that you need.

Safeguards

Now, you might be thinking ‘Safeguards/security…aren’t they the same thing?’ and you’d be right, to a certain extent. Security does protect you from people, but, these safeguards protect you from technology – ironically, the thing that we’re trying to take advantage of.

Yes, technology, no matter how advanced, can fail, and can royally screw things up. With these cloud-based platforms being hosted elsewhere, and with them being someone else’s responsibility and livelihood, you’re much more protected.

In order to win and maintain business, these cloud companies need to be on the ball at all times. Literally, 24/7. Because of this, you’ve got round the clock maintenance, support and protection. Your platforms will be up to date with all regulations like GDPR and the like.

This keeps your employees’ information and work safe, backed up, and accessible. Not much else you can ask for there.