Cloud migration is one of the most valuable and impactful things that companies can do to improve their employee experience. It’s a process that allows you to move your computing and storage needs from on-premise hardware systems to cloud-based resources, giving employees more access to technology and better tools.
The cloud has already had a profound impact on the way businesses operate, but its potential to improve employee experience is only beginning to be realized. Here are the top ways that cloud migration enhances the employee experience:
1. Access to Better Technology
One of the biggest benefits of cloud migration is that it gives employees access to better technology. With on-premise systems, businesses have limitations to the hardware and software they can afford to purchase and maintain.
Businesses can take advantage of the latest and greatest technologies without breaking the bank using cloud-based resources.
As an example, say your company uses an on-premise email server that starts to show its age. Migrating to a cloud-based email service like Google Apps or Microsoft Office 365 gives employees access to newer, more powerful email tools.
2. More Flexibility
Flexibility became a major selling point for the cloud, and for good reason. Cloud-based resources can be accessed from anywhere in the world, at any time. This sets employees free from the constraints of the traditional 9-to-5 workday, allowing them to work from anywhere they have an internet connection.
This sense of freedom does wonders for employee morale, and it can also make employees more productive. It’s especially important in a post-pandemic workplace. Now that so many people experienced the benefits of working from home, they are not likely wanting to go back to a traditional office setting.
3. Increased Collaboration
The cloud also facilitates increased collaboration between employees. With on-premise systems, employees are often siloed off from one another, working independently on their own machines.
But with cloud-based resources, employees can share files and work on projects together in real-time, no matter where they are in the world. This makes it easier for teams to stay connected and work together effectively, even if they’re not in the same physical location.
Aside from boosting productivity, this can also help deepen employee relationships no matter where each team member is.
4. Enhanced Security
Another big selling point for the cloud is enhanced security. Physical infrastructure may seem like it’s more secure than the cloud, but this is not always the case. In fact, it’s more vulnerable to hacking, data breaches, and other security threats, all of which are stressful to your team.
Cloud-based resources are often more secure than on-premise systems because they’re built with security in mind from the ground up. They also benefit from the economies of scale. Because so many businesses use cloud-based resources, providers can invest more in security than most businesses could on their own. The cloud isn’t free of security risks, but they’re typically easier to manage.
Employees who feel confident that their data is secure are more likely to be productive and engaged in their work.
The Biggest Challenges of Cloud Migration
Of course, cloud migration is not without its challenges. The biggest challenge is typically the cost. Moving to the cloud can be expensive, and it’s not always clear how long it will take for businesses to recoup their investment.
There can also be technical challenges involved in migrating to the cloud. Not all businesses have the in-house expertise necessary to make a successful transition. This can lead to frustrating delays and setbacks.
Finally, there’s the issue of security. Some businesses are hesitant to move to the cloud because they’re concerned about entrusting their data to a third-party provider.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of cloud migration are hard to ignore. For businesses that seek to improve employee experience, the cloud is an essential piece of the puzzle.
Employee-Centered Tips on Transitioning to the Cloud
If you’re thinking about transitioning your businesses to the cloud, there are a few things to do to make the process go more smoothly:
1. Define Your Goals
Before you start the transition process, it is important to sit down and define your goals. What are you hoping to achieve by moving to the cloud? What pain points are you looking to address?
Consider involving your employees in this process, as they may have valuable insights that you didn’t consider. Once you’ve settled on some goals, you can start to map out a plan for how to achieve them.
2. Do Your Research
There’s a lot to learn about the cloud, and it’s essential to do your research before making the switch. Read up on different cloud providers and find out what other businesses in your industry are doing. Again, your team can have a lot to contribute here.
This will help you avoid potential pitfalls, and it will give you a better sense of what to expect from the transition process.
3. Work with an Expert
If you don’t have in-house expertise, it is worth working with an external consultant or cloud provider like Argano that can help you through the process. Migrating to the cloud is a major undertaking, and it is not something you should try to do on your own.
Working with an expert ensures that your transition goes as smoothly as possible. Additionally, it gives you peace of mind knowing that you have someone to turn to if something goes wrong.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, migrating to the cloud is not just excellent for business — it can also lead to happier, more productive, and more loyal employees. So, if you’re thinking about making the switch, keep these tips in mind. And if you need any help along the way, don’t hesitate to ask for help from an external consultant or cloud provider.
