Using digital platforms to enhance remote working opportunities

During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote working and working from home (WFH) became the new norm for many professionals, including accountants.

While this may have seemed like a fleeting solution to a global problem, statistics suggest that WFH has become a more integrated part of our society as a result.

According to Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data (WISERD), in January of 2020, only 5.7 per cent of workers worked from home exclusively, but within a few months, this number rose to 43.1 per cent.

Some businesses and workers realised that WFH was beneficial both for staff morale and overall productivity, so many have kept the arrangement in place to some degree.

A CreditSummit study shows that 58 per cent of workers now actively prefer a hybrid model of working, as opposed to the traditional arrangement.

The rise of WFH means that technology has had to adapt rapidly across all industries to keep pace.

The transition from traditional office environments to virtual settings has emphasised the necessity for robust, cloud-based solutions that prevent a drop in workflow productivity.

As such, cloud-based platforms have become integral in the accounting profession.

The shift to remote working

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of WFH arrangements, making them a staple in the modern workforce.

This shift wasn’t just a temporary measure – it has reshaped the way organisations perceive and manage work.

For accounting professionals, this meant adapting to a setting where direct, in-person collaboration was no longer feasible.

The transition required tools that could facilitate efficient remote work without compromising the quality and security of the service provided.

The future is remote working (or, at least, hybrid)

Numerous studies have pointed to the fact that hybrid and remote work is likely to increase in popularity.

According to Microsoft, 21 per cent of people who quit their jobs do so because they wish for more flexible working arrangements.

PeopleDataLabs reports that companies who implement fully in-office working are growing slower than those who don’t.

By headcount, structured-hybrid companies grew by 1.5 per cent, versus 0.8 per cent for fully in-office companies.

In a digital age – and with a digitally native generation joining the workforce – this is demonstrative of a change in perception and a key predictor of future trends.

How do cloud platforms facilitate virtual collaboration?

Cloud platforms have emerged as a vital tool in this digitally transformed working environment.

In a professional services context, a cloud-based platform allows accountants to manage documents, workflows, and queries remotely, ensuring that the geographical separation of team members does not hinder productivity.

The software’s collaborative features mean that whether team members are in the office or working from their living room, the level of collaboration remains consistent and effective.

How cloud-based platforms are enhancing productivity

One of the critical challenges of remote working is maintaining, if not improving, productivity and efficiency.

MyWorkpapers addresses this by providing seamless integration with major accounting software, enabling the easy import of financial data and cutting down on time-consuming administrative tasks.

This integration not only saves valuable time but also reduces the likelihood of errors, ensuring that accountants can focus on more strategic aspects of their work.

Security in the digital workspace

With the increase in remote work, concerns around data security have grown and the accounting profession is increasingly wary about the consequences of data breaches.

The cloud-based nature of new software, like MyWorkpapers, means that data is stored securely offsite, with advanced encryption and regular backups ensuring that client information remains confidential and protected.

As the world continues to adapt to the remote working and WFH model, the role of tools like MyWorkpapers becomes increasingly pivotal.

These technologies are not just facilitating a smooth transition to remote work but are also enhancing productivity, collaboration, and data security.

MyWorkpapers is proving to be a critical component in the evolving landscape of accounting, enabling professionals to not only meet the challenges of today but also to prepare effectively for the future.

The platform’s flexibility allows it to cater to the varied needs of different firms, whether they are fully remote, operating in a hybrid model, or gradually returning to the office.

MyWorkpapers stands as more than a software solution – it’s now an essential partner in numerous accountancy journeys.

To find out how MyWorkpapers could benefit your firm, view our list of features, or try the software for free.