A company-wide phone system is one option for supporting your remote employees at this point.
There are two main types of VoIP phone systems: public cloud-based VoIP and private cloud-based VoIP (PBX). The VoIP PBX receives calls through your internet or data connection, a more contemporary take on the old PBX system. With the classic version, you’d have to pay for hardware. VoIP calls are clearer and more cost-effective than traditional landlines, and you may use them from anywhere.
Another option is a cloud-based VoIP system, which is more versatile than a PBX system.
VoIP might be more costly than traditional telephone services on occasion. As you’ll see in a moment, they’re frequently decided by the number of workers who utilise them. While it’s true that these systems are often less expensive than landlines, they also come with more functionality than a regular phone does.
Why should I upgrade my phone system?
Having the same system for everyone, particularly while working remotely, is a great benefit. If you don’t know someone’s extension number, you don’t have to memorise it to forward a call. As a bonus, your staff may take their calls wherever they go thanks to this service.
See what your phone system has to offer in terms of functions.
The term “auto-attendant” refers to a computerised receptionist who directs incoming calls to the appropriate department or individual. Live operators are available, although it’s not mandatory. Save a lot of money by leaving a message for customers who call after-hours. Configure scripts to automatically connect after a certain number of rings.
In certain systems, business SMS is available. Text messages may be sent to employees and consumers, along with follow-up SMS surveys. In addition, you may use email to SMS capabilities to send someone a text, allowing you to communicate directly with them without having to type on your phone.
Queue up callers instead of ignoring essential calls. A call queue is something you’re familiar with from phoning other companies and their customer care departments. It will play “on hold” music and/or a message to let the caller know they are in line. Automating the length of time a consumer is kept on hold before being sent to voicemail is another benefit, as is the ability to manage queues across numerous devices. Various calls may be routed to different departments within a company, which is an option for businesses with multiple divisions.
It is less expensive to use online faxing than it is to use conventional faxing. Sending several faxes simultaneously is possible using platforms. Because the papers are transmitted directly to the receiver, they are more private to send than regular faxes, visible to everyone in the workplace.
Video calls and conferencing are an option if you’d like to utilise slides or other visual aids during your conversation (or if you just miss your coworkers). If it’s a conference, you’ll be able to record it and play it back afterwards.
TRUiC’s phone number generator can help you stay in touch with customers, suppliers, and more in a simple and efficient manner.
An email feature that transcribes and transmits voicemails through email is called voicemail to email. The recording may be sent to you through email and preserved in your voicemail mailbox (with or without a notification email). The date and time of the call will be recorded in the voicemail file.
Which phone system should I use for my remote workers?
Here are a few phone systems you may want to consider integrating into your team’s day-to-day operations.
Microsoft Teams
Coworking software such as Microsoft Team is quite popular. An IP phone, a device, or a headset may all be utilised with this VoIP-PBX system.
If you’re performing a presentation or a meeting, you can put all of your contacts on the fast dial, organise them into easy-to-find groups, and even block unwanted callers. Configure voicemail so that if a call is unanswered, the caller may leave a message.
Pricing
Free Microsoft Teams; £3.80 per user per month for Microsoft 365 Basic; £9.40 for Microsoft 365 Business Standard; and £17.60 for Office 365 E3 per user per month for Microsoft 365 E3.
RingCentral
No limits on many devices you may use while using RingCentral. Voicemail may be transcribed automatically, and you can also set up visual voicemail and voicemail to email.
Pricing
There are four levels of service: entry-level ($7.99/month), standard ($14.99/month), premium ($19.99/month), and ultimate ($24.99/month).
Ooma
On a PC or mobile device, use the Ooma desktop app. After only 15 minutes of setup, you may maintain your current phone number or switch to a new one. In addition, there is the option to send corporate SMS and schedule ringtones for numerous devices. Using a virtual receptionist, you may create ring groups for certain purposes, such as sales or customer support.
Pricing
monthly/per user: Ooma Office: $19.95 (£17.50)
It costs $24.95 (£22) per month per user to use Ooma Office Pro.
8X8
8X8 is a collection of cloud computing platforms that come in various flavours. X2, X3, X5, and X6 are all options for small enterprises.
There are 88 Team Messaging and 88 Video Meeting features and connection with G Suite, Office 365/Outlook, NetSuite and Salesforce on X2, and unrestricted international calling within 14 countries.
An operator switchboard, more storage, and limitless international calling are among the additional features of the X3.
Additional capabilities include queued and online callback, interactive voice response (IVR), outbound predictive dialler (ODD), supervisor analytics and unlimited calling to 47 nations in 47 different countries.
In addition, X6 offers 4,000 contact centre minutes, 8×8 Expert Connect, a post-call survey, customer experience analytics, and unlimited calls to 47 countries.
Pricing
This is how much each 8X8 Express subscriber pays each month: £8, £20, $25, £47, and $90, respectively. This chart compares the monthly fees for the various X Series X models.
Grasshopper
Use mobile and desktop applications to bring the Grasshopper virtual phone system everywhere you want.
Call forwarding, extensions, transfer, blocking, and email integration are all features that are included with the service, in addition to business texting, video and audio conferencing, screen sharing, voicemail transcription, and email integration.
Pricing
The monthly fee for Grasshopper’s small company plan is £70 ($80).
Which phone system should I use for my remote workers?
Features and price are the most important factors to consider when picking a system. There are more costly options if you have a smaller staff. International calls should be your primary priority if your firm is global. If you’re not sure, you can always sign up for a free trial first.
