Future of work: The transformative impact of managed IT services

SevenC Computing, a leading managed service provider in South Africa, looks at how managed information technology (IT) services support remote work, hybrid workspaces and artificial intelligence–driven workforce management.

Remote work and hybrid work models

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, working remotely was considered more of a luxury than a popular working practice. During quarantines and social distancing, businesses were faced with little choice: Either allow employees to work from home or shut down operations.

“Interestingly, a Deloitte survey revealed that 66% of businesses in South Africa were considering making remote work a permanent option post-COVID-19,” says Graeme Millar, managing director of Seven C Computing. “Many companies, however, were hesitant due to concerns about cybersecurity, data protection and the challenges of maintaining IT infrastructure for a distributed workforce.”

How managed IT services decrease risks

In the case of managed IT service outsourcing to providers like SevenC, businesses can achieve the following:

Secure access anywhere

Employees can access company systems, files and applications from any location with network security supports using a virtual private network (VPN) or a cloud system. This is necessary for safeguarding sensitive information, especially when staff are using different networks and devices to log in.

Seamless collaboration tools

Hybrid work is dependent on effective communication. An outsourced IT service includes the setup and support of interactive platforms for staff working at home and at the office, such as Microsoft Teams, Slack and Zoom. Whether it’s videoconferencing, file sharing or messaging, these tools keep teams connected and productive.

Strong cloud infrastructure

As more businesses embrace cloud solutions to sustain a hybrid work model, it is the responsibility of managed IT providers to deploy, scale and secure these cloud solutions. With cloud systems, workers are able to immediately reach common files and information sharing for effective workflow.

Comprehensive device management

Managing various devices (laptops, tablets and phones) across different locations can be challenging. Managed IT services provide centralised device management, keeping all devices updated, secure and compliant with company policies, no matter where they’re used.

Improved security focus

Employees working in a hybrid work system are more susceptible to cyber threats, especially when they access systems from a less secure home network. Managed IT service providers utilise multifaceted approaches to reinforce cybersecurity, including the deployment of firewalls, data encryption and constant surveillance of possible threats.

24/7 IT support

In a hybrid work model, technical issues can arise at any time, not just during office hours. Managed IT services provide around-the-clock support, ensuring problems are quickly resolved to minimise downtime and keep productivity high, regardless of where employees are working.

AI-driven workforce management

Outsourced IT services can provide your business with AI technologies that can help with recruiting and performance management.

AI-powered systems can analyse résumés, conduct initial interviews and even anticipate which individuals are most suited for certain tasks. This speeds up hiring and makes sure the right candidates for each role are found quickly and easily.

AI can also be used to assess employee performance. With the help of AI, managers can get a better understanding of how their teams are performing and identify areas for improvement. This is especially useful in a remote or hybrid setup, where monitoring of daily activities can be difficult.

Conclusion

Managed IT services are increasing workplace efficiency, productivity and innovation via remote work and flexible workplaces, as well as the use of AI in workforce management. With managed IT services such as SevenC, your business can adopt advanced technologies to increase operational efficiency, cut costs and remain competitive.

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