How SaaS Is Changing the Future of Remote Work

In this guest post, Jeremy Smith from SaaS Academy delves into how Software as a Service (SaaS) is changing the future of remote work. He’ll explore the dynamic ways in which SaaS tools are benefiting companies and employees. Jeremy also provides valuable insights on the challenges and considerations of these cutting-edge technologies in the evolving landscape of remote work.

Approximately 12.7 percent of full-time employees work from home. And 28.2 percent work part-time from home and part-time in the office (also known as a hybrid work model). While the COVID-19 pandemic gave the remote work movement a significant jumpstart, the reason the trend has continued has to do largely with Software as a Service — or SaaS — solutions. SaaS companies are poised for major growth in the next few years as more companies move to remote work models. But what is SaaS, and why is it so crucial to work-from-home success? Find the answers to these questions and learn how SaaS is revolutionizing the future of remote work below.

SaaS Basics

Software as a service is an application delivery method that relies on the internet. Rather than installing software on individual devices, users can access it as long as they have an internet connection. SaaS applications are also known as web-based software solutions, on-demand software, and hosted software. All applications run on the software provider’s services. The provider also manages critical factors like application access, security, performance, and overall availability.

The software as a service market is valued at $333.03 billion, and it’s expected to reach a valuation of $819.23 billion by 2030. Much of this increase in value will likely come from a rise in software solutions used by remote and hybrid workers.

Advantages of SaaS for Remote Work

Software as a service technology offers various benefits for employers and employees. Here are some examples of advantages it provides to remote teams.

Employer Benefits

When employers are open to incorporating SaaS technology into their day-to-day operations, they may notice many improvements, including the following:

Increased Savings: Many SaaS options are available at a low cost (some are even free). Using SaaS to empower remote workers also eliminates the need to spend money on office rent, office supplies, utilities, etc.
Enhanced Privacy: The right SaaS tools offer superior security options, including encrypted messaging and automatic updates.   
Improved Productivity and Performance: With the help of SaaS solutions, employers and employees can stay connected more easily, which cuts down on misunderstandings and allows everyone to work more efficiently.
Better Collaboration: Remote employees can also work together more effectively when they have access to the right tools — i.e., those that allow them to easily send messages, chat via video, etc.

Employee Benefits

Employees can also benefit from software as a service tools. The following are some of the top perks they might notice:

Minimal Learning Curve: Many SaaS solutions come with a minimal learning curve, making them easy to incorporate into day-to-day workflows.
Device Compatibility: Many SaaS products are also compatible with a variety of devices, allowing employees more flexibility with where and how they work.
Improved Morale: Remote work often comes with improved morale, but that’s especially true when employees also have access to tools that make their jobs easier.
Fewer Meetings: One reason why morale improves with remote work and access to the right tools could be that teams have to have fewer meetings — meaning they have more time to focus on core responsibilities and can complete tasks sooner.

Challenges and Considerations

While employers and employees can benefit from software as a service solutions, there are also growing pains and unique challenges that come with adopting these tools. The following are some of the most frequently cited problems, with advice on how to overcome them:

Integration Difficulties

Generally, the best software as a service tools integrate easily into a company’s existing systems. Many of the most popular tools boast hundreds of integrations and help employees seamlessly transition from one tool to the next. There are always exceptions, though, and some teams experience hiccups as they adjust to a new tool.

To combat this issue, make sure you do your research before choosing a new SaaS solution and make sure it can integrate with your existing systems. It also helps to set aside plenty of time to incorporate the new tool and for employees to get used to it.

Security Concerns

The most popular SaaS tools offer superior security features. Depending on the nature of your team’s work and the level of security you need, though, you may need to do some extra research to ensure you’re investing in a tool that provides an appropriate level of protection.

Training and Adoption Challenges

Some employees may be wary of using a new tool and incorporating it into their workflows. This is another situation where sufficient time and adequate training come into play. Give your employees plenty of notice that you will be using a different software solution, explain why you’re making the switch, and allow them a few weeks to fully transition and get used to the new platform. Provide access to training resources as well so they can learn how to use the new tool.

Examples of SaaS-Driven Remote Work Transformations

Businesses and remote teams are already using SaaS solutions successfully, and their dependence on these powerful tools will only increase as time goes on. Here are some examples of how SaaS companies are helping organizations increase productivity, performance, and more:

Chat Apps for Improved Communication: Chat apps like Slack make it easy for team members to communicate back and forth, share documents, schedule meetings, and more.
Kanban Boards for Better Project Management: Many apps, such as Trello, use Kanban boards to help employees easily organize tasks based on their current status (e.g., “to-do” “doing” “done,” etc.).
Encryption Tools for Increased Security: Encryption software solutions allow employees to work from anywhere and on a variety of devices without sacrificing the company’s security.
Video Apps for More Efficient Meetings: Video apps make meetings more engaging, allow employees to stay in the loop, and create more opportunities for collaboration.

Embracing the Power of SaaS to Revolutionize Remote Work for Employees and Managers

It doesn’t matter if you’re an employee who wants to make your remote work easier or a manager who wants to empower team members to get more done from home. Either way, software as a service technology can play a critical role in helping you accomplish your goals. Keep the examples and advice shared above in mind so you can adopt the right technological solutions for you and your colleagues.

Author Bio

Jeremy Smith, Senior Account Executive at SaaS Academy, has a stellar track record of helping businesses grow in the digital space. If sales or team building are your core concerns right now, Jeremy is your guy.