Virtual Landline Business Preparation to Handle COVID-19

Specifically our technology infrastructure and business continuity planning ensures we can operate our systems and processes remotely with no interruption to normal service levels. Should any members of our team need to work remotely (e.g. through self-isolation or school closures) or should we decide to close our offices and switch to remote working we will be able to provide an uninterrupted service. We have tested our business continuity model over the previous month and can confirm we will provide a business as usual approach to existing services in the event of needing to work remotely.

Our platforms are cloud based in a distributed environment designed to operate without interruption and to be effectively managed from anywhere. All of our staff have access to their work phones through either soft phones or duplicate phones at home as well as the tools for managing enquiries, quotes and orders via remotely accessing our systems via home PC and laptops as well as working internally collaboratively through Microsoft Teams.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding our preparations, please reach out to us +44 (0) 203 488 0088

What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a type of viruses responsible for a variety of illnesses like the common cold and SARS. It spreads from person-to-person through close contact or from viral droplets caused by sneezing and coughing. The virus germs can live on surfaces from 1 hour to 1 whole day, this is why it is vital to keep good hygiene.

Preventing Spread as a Business

If you have any people coming back from high risk areas, then have them working from home to self-isolate and reduce risk.

If you have the ability to work from home e.g. computer based work should do so were possible to distance people and reduce risk.

Best action to take is to keep people informed about the risk/preventatives and measures you are taking as a business to protect your employees and customers in their work place environment at this time. Not only does information reduce risk, it will reduce panic which can be equally damaging.

Preparing Yourself for Home Working

Firstly, you must identify the vital aspects of your business and in which way these could potentially be dangerous.

-If you work in a shared office space be aware of basic hygiene and avoid contact if possible

-Consider software in the sky for any shared documents e.g. cloud based systems like drop box or google drive which you can share documents through a main account online. Very good for any freelance marketers/coders/accountants etc. as they can transfer documents and communicate online

-To avoid missing out on business and working inefficiently make sure your internet connection or router is up to scratch to keep productivity streamlined.

-If your business is something manual e.g. plumber or electrician – Make sure you are staying safe e.g. face mask, gloves when doing jobs and consider having a call management system to monitor your business

How Virtual Landline Can Help You

Communication is top of the list when working remotely and so having a strong and stable connection to all co-workers or customers will help make the transition smoother. With this in mind Virtual Landline offers many helpful tools.

Using our Virtual Landline numbers, you can create emergency contact lines, or buy a number specifically for customers to call that can be managed easier. These landlines can be easily incorporated using our free virtual landline app. It can be downloaded onto any device you choose (laptop, phone, tablet etc.) and has many handy features that can be utilised. For example; Auto-attendant, Call ID, Call diversions, Simultaneous ringing, whisper tone, time of day routing and more…

This option is perfect for you as it is a quick and easy sign up with 30-day rolling contract, a simple option that can mean the difference between organisation and chaos. It provides a temporary and flexible solution that will allow your business to run as smoothly as possible. Business contacts and customers can be updated swiftly about the number change through social media, email or your website. A simple swap for easier management.

The app is highly beneficial for smaller companies/personal businesses for emergency numbers and call management. You may not have the time to organise/answer your calls and our pro features can help with that. With monthly rolling terms it is simple to opt in and out of for whatever suits you.

Ultimately the main advice is to continue being hygienic and think ahead, don't be caught unaware as this could negatively affect your business. Stay prepared and think about the best equipment you can provide to keep your company running smoothly through the coming months.