A new study commissioned by Mitel finds that 84% of organizations surveyed say modern communications solutions are vital to their success. Although many seek to modernize their business communications, businesses are not investing sufficiently to support new work environments. This is despite the fact that many companies now permanently operate with a mix of an onsite and remote workforce.

The survey, conducted by analyst research firm Techaisle, unveils insights into the wide-ranging communications needs of organizations.

Mitel’s Daren Finney

Daren Finney is senior vice president, global channels at Mitel.

“Techaisle’s latest research underscores the urgent need for organizations to modernize their communications experiences in ways that will help employees and customers thrive in the era of hybrid work,” Finney said. “However, with the amount of persistent change organizations are facing and needs that vary greatly from one organization to the next, it can be challenging to figure out how to successfully navigate the modernization process.”

Flexible UC solutions

When it comes to tools that foster hybrid work, organizations don’t want just any solution. More than two in three (69%) organizations surveyed want to invest in multi-purpose communication and collaboration technology. According to survey respondents, the right unified communications (UC) solutions allow for flexibility. They also include a breadth of features and integrate well with other technology solutions. These solutions include office suites, project management and CRM solutions, making them suited for a hybrid work environment.

Businesses also want convenient ways to buy modern UC solutions. When it comes to on-prem UC specifically, 40% prefer to buy these UC solutions as a capital expenditure. And one in three (33%) prefers an operational expenditure model. UC providers that offer flexible purchase models, including services by subscription, are better positioned to attract organizations wanting to modernize their communications.

Mental Health and Wellness

As “The Great Resignation” continues to play out, 51% of employees expressed worry about work-life conflict, compared to just 23% of employers. Further, 34% of employees cited concerns about loneliness while working remotely, while 27% of employers expressed the same concern. One-half (50%) of organizations reported having a continuous feedback and assessment process; however, 26% still do not have an employee feedback mechanism in place.

Techaisle’s research suggests that increased investments in modern UC solutions can be a catalyst for more efficient work. Also, seamless connections between employees, employers and co-workers help alleviate stress and fuel engagement. Yet, there’s much more to explore in closing this gap between employee and employer perceptions.

Techaisle’s Anurag Agrawal

Anurag Agrawal is founder and chief global analyst at Techaisle. He is also a member of the Channel Futures/Channel Partners Conference & Expo advisory board.

“As Techaisle’s research finds, organizations are not investing sufficiently in hybrid and remote work tools and resources to effectively meet the needs of a rapidly evolving hybrid-first business environment,” Agrawal said. “The complexities of choice and deployment, economic uncertainties and the need to quickly adapt to changing conditions present enormous challenges for organizations seeking to modernize and equally enormous opportunities for unified communications providers to support customers in that process. Based on our research, providers who offer comprehensive customer life cycle management designed to evolve as their clients’ needs evolve have a winning strategy.”

The research surveyed nearly 1,400 organizations globally, and across verticlas. These included construction, finance, health care, hospitality, manufacturing, IT, professional services, retail/wholesale, telecom, transportation and utilities.