SMBs favour remote working but struggle with the technology

Australian small businesses are embracing working from home, according to new research from analyst firm IDC.

The research, conducted on behalf of Telstra Business, found that six out of 10 small businesses allow staff to work from home.

Moreover, the study found that 35% of small businesses have the majority of staff working out of the office more than they work from it.

“The lines between home and office are increasingly blurred,” said Telstra Business Group Managing Director Deena Shiff.

However, small businesses are having difficulties coming to grips with the technologies that can facilitate remote work.

“The research shows most small businesses acknowledge they are not making the most out of the mobility solutions available and they find it difficult to keep up with the latest technology solutions,” Shiff said.

“For example, even though 61% of non-home-based small businesses allow staff to work remotely, only 21% are equipped with network solutions that allow them to access computer files remotely,” she said.

“This potentially exposes them to real risks by having unsecured data.”