Businesses frequently mistakenly believe that converting existing VoIP infrastructure to the hybrid office model is a major problem. However, smooth, and timely communication is essential for staff productivity. This situation is when VoIP for business solutions comes in handy.
VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol business phone features keep businesses linked and provide a variety of useful functions.
With that, here are some of the essential hybrid-friendly VoIP business tools.
The Importance of VoIP Solutions in the Hybrid Office Setup
Compared to a regular landline phone service, one of the main benefits of VoIP is its flexibility.
Most VoIP solutions do not necessitate the purchase of additional hardware, allowing customers to easily transition from their desk phones to desktop and smartphone apps. Because VoIP solutions are often user-based, each subscription is associated with a single user who can access the platform from any location.
On the other hand, some businesses prefer to add specialist equipment to their VoIP systems, such as headsets, speakerphones, or web cameras. They are not as bulky as switchboards, but neither are they as portable as a smartphone app.
The following are some of the most useful hybrid-friendly VoIP business tools to consider:
Automated Attendant
Automated attendants are probably the most well-known and important VoIP business phone feature. It enables incoming calls to get routed to the appropriate extension without the assistance of a receptionist.
Many businesses value auto attendants because they assist consumers in swiftly reaching the appropriate department, eliminating the need for needless intermediaries. The less time a consumer needs to wait before connecting to the right employee, the better.
Call Analytics
Call analytics is a VoIP business phone function that uses artificial intelligence to track and analyze calls. Sales and marketing teams make use of this digital knowledge. The data gathered covers everything from consumer needs to lead creation. Analytics, when applied correctly, improves the customer experience, and directs marketing and sales initiatives, resulting in better results for both leads and customers.
Call Barging
Call barging may appear forceful at first, but it is ultimately a useful training tool.
Management can use this tool to keep an eye on staff to assess how interactions are going, respond swiftly to customer feedback or concerns, and provide real-time assistance to team members. There may be times when a supervisor must listen in on calls and take control if things start to go wrong. It is preferable to have call barging accessible in such situations than without it.
Call Flipping or Pulling
Call flipping, also known as call pushing or pulling, allows you to transfer an active call to a separate device. If you are on the phone with someone on your PC, for example, this feature will enable you to transfer the call to your mobile phone swiftly.
This option is one of the most useful VoIP business phone features because it gives you many flexible options.
Call Holding
Without call holding, many businesses, large and small, cannot survive. The call holding feature will “park” a caller while keeping them on the line and connected to the company. However, it prevents them from hearing or communicating until the call recipient is ready to answer. While the option to hold calls is useful, previous research indicates that up to 60% of customers will hang up after only a minute.
Call hold does, however, provide certain advantages for businesses. Employees, for example, can finish up vital work or have a conversation with another customer before speaking with the one on hold. The trick to getting the most out of call holding is to combine it with other features like on-hold messaging or music on hold.
Caller ID
It is difficult to deny that Caller ID is one of the most important calling features available. Knowing who is calling you ahead of time might help you mentally prepare and adopt the appropriate tone before speaking with the caller. You might also get a few crucial seconds to prepare necessary papers or screen tabs for the next conversation.
Furthermore, because robocalls are an annoyance for both individuals and businesses, Caller ID prevents you from wasting time answering spam calls.
Hot Desking
It is not always possible to give staff their dedicated place and a personal line. Fortunately, hot-desking as a VoIP tool allows employees to log in and have their accounts accessible from any connected device.
When you have employees who work at different times and share desks or stations, such as receptionists, hot desking is useful. Each individual can access their data without fear of inaccuracies or delays.
Integrations
VoIP is much more than just an online phone service. Some VoIP integrations assist firms in making better use of sales data, collaborating across departments, and providing better customer service. Many VoIP companies now offer CRM or Customer Relationship Management solutions, which allow you to evaluate client interactions and feedback to boost income and improve customer satisfaction.
Live Chat
Live chat is becoming increasingly important to a rising number of organizations. Even though many businesses use voicemail, many callers who encounter it do not leave a message. Meanwhile, live chat features allow clients to feel heard and appreciated.
Furthermore, most clients prefer to be assisted by a real person rather than an AI chatbot. Moreover, callers want to communicate in real-time; relying on a service like voice mail may be costing your company money.
Speed Dial
Speed dial allows members of an organization to contact a critical party in a matter of seconds, with just a few clicks. This VoIP function allows your company to communicate with clients, vendors, other departments, or anybody you need to contact without wasting time looking for their phone numbers in emails and papers.
Conclusion
As a result of the COVID pandemic, several firms worldwide have recently changed their working arrangements. When it comes to variables like cost, productivity, and work-life balance, remote working environments, and hybrid office settings have a lot to offer.
Adapting your company’s VoIP infrastructure to a hybrid office model can be difficult at first, but the shift can be simple with the right solutions and solutions provider.
