Unified Communications - giving the public more for its money
In the current climate of economic insecurity, many budgets are unsurprisingly tightening. At the same time, demands are being made for improvements in service provision. Historically, the public sector has not had the best efficiency record, so the need to reduce spending whilst providing new solutions for citizens only serves to exacerbate existing concerns. And these concerns are pressing. Yet the government’s 2007 Pre-Budget Report and Comprehensive Spending Review declares an “unwavering commitment to maximise the value of every pound of taxpayers’ money,” which in short, demands greater accountability from the public sector.
One significant recommendation is a reduction of estate, to shrink the quantity of high-cost office space that is used. Financial modeling carried out within the Lyons Review (2004) indicated that relocating 20,000 public sector posts could save the public purse over £2 billion after 15 years. As a result, a significant number of local and central government organisations are now looking to relocate and to mobilise their workforces to reduce the number of desk spaces.
Unified Communications is a critical component within these sweeping changes. Public sector workers increasingly have access to a diverse range of communications tools and applications such as IP Telephony, mobile phone, voicemail, email, and instant messaging, that is, the tools which enable efficient remote working.
Damovo’s experiences within the public sector indicate that such change not only helps reduce costs but can also provide a significant contribution to the increasing emphasis on ‘Service Transformation’ – the foundation for public services to become more personalised in order to meet the needs of citizens and businesses.
The unprecedented mobile connectivity and interactivity available today allows employees to spend more time in the field. Amongst many opportunities are the chance for social workers to visit a greater number of people under their care, decision makers to view a broader range of the facilities they control and the enhanced ability of an organisation to offer ‘out of hours’ services.
Many of the ‘technology enabled efficiencies’ which stem from a Unified Communications strategy also benefit office-based employees, enabling them to become more effective and productive. And this is what people want. A Damovo survey of UK workers in the public and private sectors revealed that over 75 per cent of people want to take work away from the office as mobile technology improves.
This new era of flexibility means that non-work commitments such as childcare, medical treatment or travel need not interfere with working life. The Damovo survey also revealed that 73 per cent of respondents have already seen an improvement in their work and life balance as a result of mobile devices.
There is undoubtedly an extensive range of options for implementing a Unified Communications strategy, and it is important to ensure interoperability among the various components. Ultimately the public sector needs to look at which vendors will give the best user experience both for their employees and for the public, and it is with this in mind that an increasing number of public sector organisations are working with Damovo.
Find out more on Unified Communications and Mobility. Got an enquiry, why not email us at talktous@damovo.com?
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