Many companies are adapting to today’s economic climate by exploring new ways to cut costs. The majority are looking for strategies that won’t strain staff or lower productivity. If you’re in this group, take these proactive steps to cut costs without sacrificing productivity, quality or morale.

Make Saving a Team Effort

IT team members are a great – and often untapped – source for cost-saving ideas. Because they’re on the frontline, they often see waste and/or opportunities that aren’t visible to the C-Suite. Set up a reward program for them that focuses on cost savings; for example, distribute gift cards in small amounts to anyone who submits a viable money-saving idea, and award more valuable cards to those who come up with ideas that are implemented. This process will yield savings and boost morale.

Like any staff program, take time for planning upfront. Articulate criteria for success, how you’ll evaluate the feasibility of ideas, and other information that should be communicated to your IT team before the program begins. This will prevent your company from ending up with pile of unusable ideas and discouraged employees.

Get Proactive

“Reactive” technology maintenance may be costing your company more that your IT team wants to admit, especially in terms of work inefficiencies and equipment downtime. This is especially common in tight times when reduced teams often find themselves managing more work. Ask your tech team about their ability to proactively monitor and maintain your network. If they’re struggling, consider contracting with an IT managed services provider for network monitoring and maintenance. Services can often be arranged for a low monthly fee and can reduce the chance of data loss or downtime significantly. More importantly, your IT staff will have more time to focus on strategic, revenue-enhancing projects.

Go with the Pro

Installing Data Balance Edge, Data Balance’s network monitoring and protection solution, eliminates direct costs like licensing fees for products like Symantec MailSweeper, while protecting against costly events like virus invasions, which can results in thousands of dollars worth of downtime and IT support needs. In addition, Data Balance Edge can be set up to prevent staff members from spending time on unproductive activities like personal web surfing, instant messaging and downloading movies.

Telecommuting

Setting up team members to work from home, either full time or part time, is a surprisingly effective cost-saving tactic for many companies. Using flexible and affordable tools like high-definition video conferencing, Skype and remote network access, home-based workers can connect to clients and the office seamlessly, regardless of location. How does this save money? Lower utility bills, fewer employee-related expenses (like morning coffee, paper supplies and parking fees) and, if telecommuting is a permanent solution, a need for less office space. In addition, you may end up with a better performing workforce. Telecommuting has been credited with reducing absenteeism and increasing productivity.

Contact us for more information