Is Your Business Growing Rapidly? Here’s How To Manage with flexible coworking spaces!

Date: Mon Sep 26 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

Whilst the economic future looks uncertain, some UK businesses have the opportunity to capitalise on a market downturn. Every recession presents business opportunities.

As Del Boy would say, ‘he who dares, Rodney, he who dares.’

The increasing shift to digitalisation and mobile payment gateways, in particular, indicates the coming years will be lucrative in the fintech space and insurance companies.

But decisions need to be made to navigate the rocky ground. Growing a business in fast-paced markets requires foresight. One consideration that shouldn’t be overlooked is how your company will scale.

The obvious option is to lease office space that enables you quickly increase your workforce. But in the meantime, you’re paying for space that you’re not using. And if resources need to be carefully managed, you could be spending that money more effectively in other areas of your business.

The alternative to a fixed-term office lease is to rent coworking space. Shared offices give you the flexibility your workforce demands whilst enabling you to manage your overheads.

Low Start-Up Costs

Whether you’ve been up and running for several years or looking to establish your brand as a key player in the fintech space, being visible to clients is critical.

Whilst finch companies can work remotely, adopting office space for your headquarters projects a professional image and helps to build trust with consumers.

Yet the cost of leasing office space in London is through the roof. Quotes range from £40 per sq. metre to £85 per sq.m. The Financial Times reports that London’s office leasing market is 8.2 per cent higher than in December 2021.

On top of that, growing companies require continuous investment in office furniture, computers, air-conditioning, photocopiers and a raft of other amenities that are typically associated with a fully-functioning office.

Moving into a coworking space enables you to lower your running costs and free up cash flow significantly. Moreover, you can set a monthly budget to one side so that always know what your outgoings are for office space and meeting rooms.

Avoid Long-Term Financial Commitments

Whilst most coworking spaces will enable you to save money, it should be noted that every company has a different model where terms and conditions apply.

You will find that most coworking spaces tie you to fixed long-term contracts – usually 12 months. This is not an arrangement that will work for a growing business that needs to scale quickly to accommodate more staff.

The alternative option is to go with a coworking space provider that enables you to rent office space out by the hour. Not only does this avoid being pulled into a long-term commitment that stifles growth, but it also enables you to cut down on your monthly expenses so that you can grow even quicker.

Facilitates Flexible Hours

The modern workforce wants flexible working arrangements. A study published by Gallup indicates the preferred choice of business model is to switch to hybrid working.

The hybrid model means most offices will only have a skeleton staff. Leasing office space or tying yourself into fixed, long-term contracts waste money you don’t need to spend.

Renting coworking space by the hour facilitates flexible working. And because BluDesks gives you access to offices all over London, finding the ideal location is even easier.

Can’t Find Meeting Rooms? We got you!

Date: Tue Sep 20 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

Isn’t it annoying when you can’t find a meeting room? Or worse, you get kicked out without finishing your meeting because you could only book it for one hour when you needed two!

This is a common problem with many business entities today. Traditional offices simply do not have enough meeting rooms available to accommodate everyone that’s having a meeting.

And everyone’s having a meeting.

This issue is exacerbated now that businesses have downsized to smaller offices or moved into coworking spaces. A coworking space may give you access to more meeting rooms, but there are also more companies having meetings.

Having spoken with multiple CXO/Facility Managers looking into office closures and downsizing, there are genuine concerns that employees, managers and executives will not have access to rooms where they can conduct client, team and project meetings.

Fortunately, there are solutions.

Virtual Meetings

Companies that have adopted the hybrid working model or work remotely full-time, can take advantage of technology to hold virtual meetings. You don’t have to book a meeting room when all the participants are connecting from the comfort of their own homes.

Virtual meetings are also cost-effective and reduce your carbon footprint – and thus contribute to a healthier ESG rating. You can also record virtual meetings which can save time typing up the minutes of the meeting.

However, virtual meetings also have a downside. A common problem is that poor internet connections are disruptive. When the connection keeps breaking up, people miss what you’ve said and you have to repeat yourself. This prolongs the meeting and you’re tight on time as it is.

The much-talked-about “Zoom fatigue” is also a factor. Virtual meetings are not as productive as in-person meetings and remote workers often get ignored. Because you’re not all in the same room, the energy and dynamic are diluted.

Not only that, but researchers at Stanford University found that in-person meetings are more satisfying, psychologically and emotionally. Participants are also more focused and creative during face-to-face meetings. In virtual meetings, we zone out.

Access Multiple Meeting Rooms With BluDesks

Whilst virtual meetings are fine for short check-in meetings when you need to get into the nitty-gritty of a subject matter, in-person meetings are the best option.

If you can’t find a meeting room in your office building, look for vacant meeting rooms elsewhere. Ordinarily, that would be impossible, but with a BluDesks membership, you have a simple and effective solution at your fingertips.

BluDesks gives you access to multiple meeting rooms close to where you live. Meeting rooms are available at an hourly rate. There are no fixed fees or monthly subscription payments, and therefore, no risk of paying for space when you’re not using it (unless you cancel the meeting within less than 24 hours of your scheduled booking).

There are plentiful meeting rooms available through BluDesks. You will find appropriate meeting rooms in various sizes, fitted with multiple plug sockets, TV/audio equipment and refreshments available on request.

Can’t find a meeting room. Join BluDesks today and access multiple meeting rooms whenever you need one.

Cut Business Overheads With Coworking Space

Date: Tue Aug 30 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

Surging energy prices, increased living costs and an uptick in office rental fees have put the squeeze on employers and employees. To make matters worse, economists are predicting a prolonged period of stagflation to hit the UK in the second half of 2022.

Utility bills have already increased by 66% since October 2021. If proposed plans to add a further increase of 40-50% this coming October go through, the average cost of household energy bills will hit over £3600 a year. That’s more than double the cost of pre-pandemic energy prices.

The economic slowdown could have a devastating effect on small-to-medium-sized businesses. In the current climate, business owners will need to find solutions that enable them to reduce overheads and free up cash flow.

In times of economic pressure, cutting costs is always the first course of action. The unfortunate tool is to wield the axe on employees to ease the wage bill.

However, reducing your workforce also means you reduce your levels of production and, presumably, your revenue. Rather than slashing your wage bill, consider eliminating overheads associated with office rentals and rising utilities.

Cost-Effective Coworking Spaces

When you rent office space, you typically pay a ‘business rate’ for the lease which includes a property tax. On top of that, you are responsible for utility bills, maintenance, facilities and office running costs.

In addition, you typically have to rent out an entire office or floor, regardless of whether you’re using the space in its entirety. Oftentimes, businesses are paying for space they’re not even using.

If you’ve adopted a hybrid working model, paying for space you’re not using is noticeable. Furthermore, there may be a cost-effective solution with coworking office providers that charge you for the space you use when you use it.

Coworking spaces allow you to book offices and meeting rooms by the hour. This enables you to manage your costs and save money that is ordinarily wasted if you’re leasing office space via traditional methods.

Avoid the Costs of Downsizing

It’s understandable that some businesses are contemplating downsizing to a smaller office right now. But downsizing still involves unnecessary costs that can be avoided.

Searching for new premises, hiring movers, decorating and potentially paying crossover monthly rental and utility fees quickly racks up costs you could put to better use elsewhere in your business.

There’s a strong chance that the initial outlay of moving into a coworking space will be significantly lower than relocating.

Coworking Space Contracts

Some coworking space providers lock you into monthly or annual contracts. This typically involves paying for space and facilities that you may not need. Consequently, you may not reduce your costs as much as you hoped.

BluDesks give you the opportunity to book space by the hour. This means that you avoid overpaying for space you don’t need. It also allows you to set a monthly budget aside and manage your spending.

Furthermore, we have hundreds of coworking spaces for you to choose from. This makes it easier for your employees to find a coworking space that is conveniently located close to their homes.

As a result, your employees will reduce the costs involved in getting to work in the city and use less energy at home.

Work From Home Racking Up Your Energy Costs? Checkout our cost-effective coworking spaces!

Date: Tue Aug 23 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

The idea to work from home couldn’t have come at a worse time. As energy consumption was ramped up during the lockdown, the supply of fossil fuels was heavily depleted. Energy companies have since raised their prices to keep up with current demands.

Energy prices have increased by 66% since October 2021. And the government is contemplating a further increase of 40-50% this coming October.

The average cost of household energy bills in 2021 was £1400 a year. It is estimated this figure will rocket to over £3600 this winter. Employers and employees are feeling the weight of the rise in home utility costs.

In times of economic pressure, every cost-saving on offer can help businesses and employees to navigate lean periods. If you’re concerned about running up an energy bill you will struggle to pay, a cost-effective solution is to take advantage of local coworking spaces.

BluDesks make finding a cost-effective coworking space near you even easier. With a single login, you have access to hundreds of affordable hotdesks, private offices and meeting rooms. And coworking spaces also offer several other benefits.

Working With Others

Coworking spaces are great working environments for people that prefer to spend time around others. Whether you operate better when you’re surrounded by the buzz of a busy office or you feel lonely and isolated working from home, coworking spaces are a great place to be around people.

Businesses also have the opportunity to expand their network. Lots of other companies take advantage of shared office space so you never know which doors will open for you. For freelancers, coming into contact with other businesses can be invaluable for building your client base and your portfolio.

But for people that do feel lonely and isolated working from home, being around other people helps you to nurture your emotional well-being. The statistics collected during the pandemic highlighted what damaging effects feelings of isolation and loneliness can have on your mental well-being.

Loneliness is linked with depression. During the lockdown, the number of people with depression in the UK increased by 28%. This is a strong indication that feeling isolated can play a significant role in your emotional well-being.

Cost-Effective Coworking Offices

When it comes to finding a coworking space near you, BluDesks make it as easy as possible. We provide you with a platform that hosts multiple coworking spaces all over the UK so it’s easy to find the ideal space close to your home.

Taking advantage of coworking spaces in your local area cuts down on the cost of travel and enables you to manage your time better. You could even walk or cycle to work to give your personal well-being an extra little boost.

And with coworking spaces available for as little as £2, our cost-effective solutions can help you to get through a potentially tricky financial period. You can turn your heating off whilst you’re not at home.

Don’t Overpay For Coworking Spaces in London

Date: Tue Jul 19 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

Coworking spaces in London can provide a lot of solutions to a lot of companies. However, before you rush into an agreement with a coworking space, survey your options.

Not all coworking space contracts in London will offer you the right solution!

Coworking spaces provide many benefits including convenience, dynamic environments in fully-functioning offices, access to private offices and meeting rooms plus much more.

But the biggest draw for most companies is that coworking spaces are cost-effective. Unlike traditional office contracts that are signed for an average of six years, coworking space agreements are typically short-term, 1 or 2 years at a time.

This means that renting coworking space has less financial risk than traditional office leases and enables you to be more flexible in your shop-term planning. You also pay fixed costs so there are no unexpected and unplanned costs such as fluctuating energy bills and maintenance costs.

Some coworking space agreements also mean you will avoid having to pay for the full term of a contract if you leave the premises before the contract expires.

However, not all coworking space agreements offer any flexibility on the condition of the contract. As a matter of fact, most coworking spaces in London tie you into fixed-term contracts – which can be pretty costly, and force you to pay for services you do not need.

Of course, the type of contract that best suits you depends on the nature of your business. Some business leaders prefer long-term leases that give you stability over agility.

Most businesses, especially fledging businesses and start-ups, will benefit more from flexible contracts.

Benefits of Flexible Coworking Space in London

With BluDesks, coworking space in London offers you all the flexibility you need – which makes managing office facilities cost-effective. You only pay for the office space you want – when you need it.

In the absence of a rolling contract, you are not tied to fixed terms. This means you are not paying for space that is not being used. Let’s say, for example, you rent a private office that is large enough for 20 employees. But you only have 15 employees.

With these types of coworking space agreements, you are paid for the space regardless of the number of people occurring in the office. That means you are overpaying for space you are not using.

With BluDesks, you can rent hot desks and private offices for each individual. That means you are only paying for the space you are using. And with coworking spaces for as little as £2 per hour, our pay-as-you-use service gives you more control over your outgoing costs.

Moreover, you have access to thousands of flexible workplaces and offices all over the world with a single-member pass and a one-time registration process. Finding coworking spaces and meeting rooms with BluDesks is simple, cost-effective and time-efficient.

Is There Any Need For Regional Offices Anymore?

Date: Tue Jun 14 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

For many companies, the pandemic demonstrated they can still operate when employees are not in the office. As a result, more than 80% of UK businesses have adopted a hybrid working model.

In turn, companies with multiple offices have discovered they can significantly cut costs by closing smaller regional offices. Some companies are even dispensing with their main office in favour of coworking spaces. This is a move that makes sense for a number of reasons.

Whilst the hybrid model does have advantages, there is still a need for an ‘in-person’ workplace. Team members sometimes need to work together and meetings are inevitable.

The workplace also plays an important role in attracting top talent and providing support for new starters and younger people learning their trade. This is where coworking offices give you more flexibility.

Coworking Space is Cost-Effective

Cash flow is likely to be a growing concern for numerous businesses moving forward. The cost of renting office space in larger cities will put a larger dent in your budget deficit.

One of the main draws of working in shared offices is the reduction of overheads. Not only do you reduce the cost of rent but you don’t have to invest in other office-related equipment such as furniture and facilities, refreshments and decor.

Less Impact on the Environment Improves your ESG Rating

Today’s companies are judged on ESG scores. We have already seen how ESG ratings influence investors in the stock market. ESG could also influence consumer purchasing decisions.

The impact a business has on the environment does prompt consumers to decide whether they want to associate with a particular company. Your ESG score takes into account how much energy you use, your carbon emissions and how much water you use.

Using the facilities provided by coworking spaces benefits a company’s ESG metrics because it shows you are making positive steps to be environmentally responsible.

Better for Staff

Employees have mixed feelings about working from home. Whilst they feel the financial benefits and have more time for themselves, there is still the urge to spend time around colleagues.

There is no question that the hybrid working model suits employees across the board. Employees that feel they are happier and more productive in an office environment still have the option to work in an office.

On the flip side, if they have a long commute, they lose the benefits of working from home. BluDesks resolve this issue by providing coworking spaces from multiple locations so each individual employee can choose where they want to work from.

One Membership, Multiple Choices

Our single registration coworking space gives you access to over 200 office locations in London and more than 1500 facilities. We have also teamed up with offices in other major cities throughout the UK and the world. So no matter where your employees are based, they can take advantage of our co-working spaces.

The ability for your employees to choose where they want to work means there is no real need for regional offices. It also means that employees that prefer an office environment can avoid long commutes most of the time.

Coworking Space Meeting Rooms in London Provide A Hybrid Solution

Date: Mon May 23 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

Coworking Space Meeting Rooms in London Provide A Hybrid Solution

For the past two years, the world has been in limbo. With inflation threatening to scupper business growth and survival for the foreseeable future, more businesses are switching to the hybrid model to cut down on costs.

PwC has called hybrid working an unprecedented challenge no business leader has ever faced. There will, of course, be some challenges, but from where we’re standing, existing solutions will help to make the transition smoother.

Not all businesses agree the hybrid model is the best way forward. Banks executives have been particularly vociferous about how remote working disrupts collaboration and corporate culture.

On the other side of the fence, tech firms are embracing hybrid working because they have the tools and the strategy to make it work. For most businesses downsizing offices and taking advantage of spaces can help you navigate the uncertainty of an economic downturn.

Office Rental in London

The Bank of England has warned that increasing energy prices will slide the UK into a recession this year. If that is to be the case, London businesses are likely to be the hardest hit.

Renting office space in the capital is already phenomenally high. According to Oktra, costs range from £50-95 per sq. ft. Prices are already 7.5% higher than pre-pandemic levels and are forecast to continue rising.

With costs rising from multiple angles, businesses face a difficult period trying to grow. Others will simply be looking to survive. Adopting the hybrid model could prove to be the difference between business continuity and closure.

Releasing the overheads that come with office rentals will free up a significant amount of cash flow. Coworking spaces present a cost-effective alternative and provide you with appropriate space for your team to collaborate, hold meetings and build a company culture.

Book Meeting Rooms With BluDesks

Not all coworking spaces will work for all businesses. Most providers have limited options and bind you into long-term contracts. During this period of uncertainty, most companies will want flexibility and multiple choices that makes organising ad-hoc meetings and space for team members to get together convenient.

BluDesks provide solutions to these challenges. First of all, we list multiple coworking spaces across London. At the time of writing, we provide you access to 517 venues within the M25 alone. We also have multiple ad-hoc satellite offices in the commuter belt.

Moreover, you have access to all our coworking spaces, private offices and meeting rooms with a single login.

We also offer a flexible Pay-as-you-Go plan which means you have more control over your budget. Unlike other office space providers, with BluDesks, you won’t be paying for office space you are not using.

All you have to do is browse our website, choose an office location with a meeting room that is most convenient for you and book the amount of time you want it for. You can even cancel the booking without paying anything providing you let us know within 24 hours.

Solutions That Can Resolve Mixed Feelings of Remote Working

Date: Wed May 18 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

The pandemic may be over, but many companies are still encountering the upheaval of remote working. Employees have mixed views which have left business owners with decisions to make and solutions to find.

A survey published by the World Economic Forum (WEF) revealed that people working from home fared better than many expected. Productivity was stable, parents were able to spend more time with their families and the woes of commuting were eradicated.

Most glaringly the WEF forum highlighted employees have mixed views – and strong views – on remote working.

66% of the respondents surveyed confirmed they prefer flexible working arrangements and said they wanted to continue working from home once the pandemic is over.
Almost a third are prepared to quit their job if the company they work for does not offer the flexibility of remote working.

Employees that favour remote working are generally mothers with school-age children, those under 35 that want work-life balance and people with higher incomes.

People that advocate for a full-time return to the office are employees that prefer to be around their workmates or feel isolated and lonely working from home. They are usually single.

What are the Pros and Cons of remote working?

Media reports about remote working are mixed. Some say employees prefer working from home, others say the majority prefer the office. HR managers have said that encouraging employees to work in the office full-time is becoming increasingly difficult.

The happy-medium seems to be hybrid working whereby employees spend two or three days in the office and two or three days at home. The alternative is that employees that like to be around other people find a company in coffee shops or coworking spaces.

A hybrid model works for both parties as well. Whilst a distributed workforce is more difficult to manage, it does allow companies to cut the costs involved in renting office space. And because employees spend less money on commuting and office day lunches, there is an opportunity to lower salaries.

Advantages

Better work-life balance

More freedom

Improved employee satisfaction

Reduction of infrastructure costs

Increase in productivity

Less commuting

Disadvantages

Lack of personal connection

Loneliness and isolation

Zoom fatigue

Challenges with collaboration

Advantages of Coworking Spaces

In order to accommodate an entirely happy workforce and foster the advantages that remote working offers, consider coworking spaces. There are several advantages.

One of the key benefits of renting coworking spaces with BluDesks is it gives you the flexibility your employees want and helps managers to organise a distributed workforce.

There are also opportunities to expand your network with other companies that share the same space – including talented freelancers that may come in useful for one-off projects; web designers, content writers, graphic designers, developers etc.

In addition, coworking spaces typically organise keynote speakers which can provide insights into various aspects of the business including innovation, emerging markets, and trends. This type of professional talks that inform and inspire.

4 Benefits of Coworking Spaces

Reduce Infrastructure Costs

Lowering operational costs can present companies with more opportunities to expand in the market. The money you save can be invested into new product designs or marketing campaigns that expand your reach and visibility.

However, it is worth noting that reduced costs may not always be the case. The majority of coworking spaces tie companies to long-term contracts. Whilst you can pay this on a convenient month-to-month basis, the contracts usually include payments for things you are not using such as desks, private offices and meeting rooms.

BluDesks offer a different solution. All our facilities are available on a pay-as-you-go basis. That means you only need to rent space when you need it, and you only pay for the time you book.

With our model, you have more control over your spending and really can save on overheads. What’s more, we host multiple coworking spaces on our website that you can book with a single membership pass and one login.

This makes booking office space more convenient and gives you more options to book private offices and meeting rooms anywhere in the city you live. We have registered thousands of coworking offices around the world, so no matter where you are, BluDesks probably has a remote working solution for you.

The coworking spaces on offer are also fully-equipped with various technologies such as wide-screen TVs, overhead projects, printers, photocopiers and charging points. So you won’t need to invest in typically office technology either.

Easier to Collaborate

Whilst cloud-based technologies claim to make it easier for co-workers to collaborate easier in remote locations, the benefits are limited. You can work on the same documents and have quick chats and virtual meetings but beyond that, collaborators miss out on all the benefits of being in the same space.

Companies that are either pivoting to a hybrid model and don’t have enough space to accommodate a dedicated, full-time team, or if you’re doing away with the office and deploying a distributed workforce altogether, coworking spaces bring teammates together.

Face-to-face interactions are typically more productive and innovative than sporadic chats on instant messengers and the odd virtual brainstorm. It’s the conversations and examples that employees have when they’re together which produce the best ideas.

Integrate New Starters

New starters can feel isolated and confused if they are asked to work remotely when starting with a new company. It’s important for businesses and their employees to have a mutual understanding of culture, work preferences and strengths.

People also have an innate need to feel as though they belong. The workplace, therefore, becomes especially important considering the amount of time we spend at work.

Helps to improve potential mental illness

The major complaint with remote working was feeling lonely and isolated. The lack of engagement with other people is not good for mental health or emotional wellbeing.

Without the mental breaks, employees are more likely to suffer from burnout, work less efficiently and take sick leave. Being in solitude for long periods can even make people anxious.

Coworking spaces help to resolve the potential for mental health problems. Studies show that the social aspect of the workplace fosters good mental wellbeing, and the majority of employees that have been surveyed said it was the social interaction with their work colleagues that they missed the most during a lockdown.

Is Remote Working Effective?

It’s perhaps too early to answer the question as to whether remote working is effective or not. Only time will tell. However, the initial signs are that remote working does have benefits for both employers and employees – if you take advantage of solutions like coworking spaces.

BluDesks offers even more advantages to employers and employees, so no matter how you feel about remote working, we are confident we can find solutions that meet the needs of everyone.

Pivoting To A Hybrid Model? Here’s What You Need

Date: Tue May 3 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

As employees return to the office, many companies expect requests for more flexible work options. According to McKinsey, 68% of organisations do not have a plan or a vision for pivoting to a hybrid model.

On the one hand, employees want more flexibility and autonomy. On the other, they want to spend time around their work friends and collaborate in person with teammates.

Hybrid models ticks both boxes. However, the hybrid workplace complicates matters for personnel and office managers. Fortunately, there are existing solutions that make the transition to a hybrid model smoother.

The key is to encourage a culture that fosters the benefits of working from home with working in the office. Not everyone will want the same thing all of the time.

According to Gartner, companies need to accommodate four different work models.

Working together in collaborative teams in a shared space
Working apart as a member of a collaborative team
Working in a team but with an individual workload
Working remotely with an individual workload

The three solutions below facilitate all four working conditions.

Co-Working Spaces

A key benefit to a hybrid model is the capacity for businesses to reduce the amount of office space they need – and the overheads that come with it. For some companies, the potential cost savings of a hybrid model are huge.

However, you will probably still need a fully-working office to serve as a base and provide access to a variety of facilities employees need to perform their job to the best of their ability.

Whilst you could downsize and continue to rent a smaller office, co-working space is also an option. With BluDesks, you can rent office desks, private offices and meeting rooms by the hour.

A pay-as-you-go model typically turns out to be more cost-effective than renting office space and covering utility payments and maintenance costs.

BluDesks also gives you more options to find appropriate office space. With a single pass and login, we provide access to multiple co-working spaces that meet your needs and are in the most convenient locations.

Our business model is particularly useful for hiring meeting rooms. Let’s say, the meeting rooms in your office are fully booked, but there is a room free in an office around the corner.

There are also benefits for remote workers. Two colleagues that need to meet and live on the same side of town may find it more convenient to work together in a co-working space closer to their homes.

Cloud-Based Tools

Before the pandemic, cloud adoption was relatively slow. However, when world governments ordered lockdowns, cloud providers saw a 32% increase. Cloud computing was the only adoption and is an indispensable solution for companies that intend to pivot to a hybrid workplace.

The hybrid model relies on digital tools that can be accessed from remote locations and at the same time provide effective cybersecurity measures. Cloud-based tools are specifically designed to improve the interaction between co-workers in remote places.

Cloud-based tools facilitate collaboration through file-sharing, enhanced communication and more flexibility. Collaborative teams can work on the same document in real-time or separately.

Any changes that are made to co-working documents are highlighted with the editor’s name next to them. Everyone granted access to the document can make edits or comments on the document. Or you can set read-only options.

Communication tools foster instant messaging and virtual meetings. These channels are great for asking quick questions and even brainstorming.

If team members need a longer meeting that will be too intense for a video conference, they can either organise it when they’re all in the office or rent a meeting room for the afternoon in a co-working space that is most convenient for everybody.

Employees can also access a document stored in the cloud from anywhere and on any device. This gives your employees the option to work from anywhere and access cloud-based tools at convenient times. For example, catching up with emails during a commute.

Employees that prefer to be around people can also work in remote locations such as a coffee shop or hot desk in a co-working space.

Cybersecurity Plan

The move to remote working models has highlighted a need for effective cybersecurity measures to be put in place. Employees working from home are considered an easier target for hackers because home wi-fi networks, mobile phones and text messages are easier to penetrate.

Having said that, the threat of hackers can be dramatically minimised with the right cybersecurity plan. Whilst cloud tools and anti-malware programs give you some protection, additional layers of protection should be added.

The first place to start is to train your employees about cybersecurity risks. They should be aware of the various cybersecurity threats hackers use, how to identify phishing emails and how to avoid downloading infected documents.

Patch management should also be a priority. The software you use, at some point, will develop a security issue. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by hackers. This is why software companies consistently release software updates that include security patches.

Other gateways hackers look to exploit are home wi-fi networks and mobile devices. Digital technologies such as virtual desktops and mobile device management build a safety net around remote devices too.

IT experts claim that virtual desktops are the answer to the hybrid security conundrum. Because virtual desktops operate on cloud servers rather than on-premise servers, they provide higher levels of cybersecurity.

Crucially, virtual desktops mimic your business network without actually providing direct access to it. Therefore, if an employee’s device is hacked, malicious actors would not be able to access your live data anyway thus preventing a possible ransomware attack.

The actions an employee performs throughout a normal working day are saved on the cloud but not backed up to your network until someone authorises a backup.

In addition, remote monitoring tools help IT personnel identify potential threats and block potential gateways at the source. For example, if a phone location and registered device do not match authorised personnel, whoever is trying to access your network is shut out.

Staff Training Solutions For Businesses Of All Sizes

Date: Tue Apr 26 Author: Chelliah Nakeeran

Staff training is critical for the success of your business operations. After all, a company is only as good as its employees. Yet the performance of your employees largely rests on the quality of training they receive.

Whilst most companies may not have an issue with their training program, more and more businesses are finding they don’t have the right environment to deliver the program as effectively as they might.

With more companies switching to hybrid working, the space issue for HR & Training Managers has been exacerbated. Office closures and downsizing has meant even the largest firms don’t have the luxury of space they used to.

This poses a problem for training managers on a number of levels. In the first instance, a trainer may not have the scope to book a meeting room for an entire day. Other members of your company will still need to have meetings.

Then there is a question of space. Do you have a room on-site that is large enough to accommodate the number of people you’re training and allow them space to move around?

Another option most training would float is online training. With employees working from home, this may feel like the most logical and cost-effective solution.

But is virtual training really that effective to coordinate, deliver and understand? There have been at least 10 disadvantages identified when it comes to e-learning.

Another issue for businesses is that training new starters remotely doesn’t make a good impression. They will feel isolated, intimated and confused. It’s far easier to train staff in person – especially if they are new to the company.

Fully-Equipped Meeting Rooms

The best solution for a large percentage of HR & Training Managers is to hire fully-equipped meeting rooms. Whether you’re looking for your own staff or you provide external training courses as a service to third parties, BluDesks‘ cost-effective pay-as-you-go facilities provide a solution every time.

The primary goal of a training program is to deliver the material via appropriate formats. That could mean you need an overhead projector, a whiteboard or a sufficient amount of room to conduct role-plays.

Whether you need a meeting room for a small group of five or a large group of 20+ delegates, BluDesks provides a one-stop solution. With a corporate membership and single sign-in, you have access to multiple meeting rooms all over the city you live.

With the capacity to search and find a meeting room that serves the demands of your training program, you will dramatically reduce the amount of time it takes to scour the internet and sign up for dozens of co-working spaces that hire meeting rooms.

The meeting room we provide access to is equipped with adequate power points, projection systems, HV/audio, whiteboards and more. Whether you’re hosting a small training session, workshops, or a multi-day training course for a large number of people, BluDesks provides the staff training solutions with your business is looking for.