Microsoft Teams is a powerful tool that enhances employee collaboration by seamlessly integrating chat, meetings, calls, and project management into a single platform. With the recent outbreak of COVID-19, businesses—especially small to mid-sized companies (SMBs)—have faced the challenge of rapidly adapting to a remote workforce. Imagine Technology Group (ITG) has been proactive in assisting customers with this transition, leveraging Microsoft Teams to ensure business continuity in this new remote work landscape.
While remote work is becoming the “new normal,” some companies remain hesitant to fully embrace this shift, often citing the intangible benefits of in-person work. However, data from The Forrester Study: The Total Economic Impact of Microsoft Teams suggests otherwise. According to the study, “information workers were able to save 4 hours per week through improved collaboration and information sharing.” These productivity gains give employees the time they need to focus on pressing tasks and tie up loose ends that frequently disrupt workflows. Additionally, the study highlights that by year three, companies using Microsoft Teams replace an average of 150 overnight trips with online meetings. This translates into significant cost savings and is a crucial advantage for companies adjusting to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve been helping businesses transition to remote workforces for a while, and it’s not as complex as many business owners think,” said Mark Lasinis, CIO/Vice President of Technology at ITG. “The technology is mature enough now that business owners can recreate the same collaborative moments virtually with Microsoft Teams—connections that, in the past, could only be achieved in person at a physical office.” Mark went on to explain, “With the Coronavirus in play, many businesses don’t have a choice but to adapt, but what we’re seeing is that once they do, they end up with a more productive team that’s able to respond more quickly to business needs.”
Another significant advantage of Microsoft Teams is the centralization of resources, making them accessible online. This has a considerable impact on reducing downtime. According to the Forrester Study, “having resources available online in Teams reduces downtime by 14.6 percent.” By providing a centralized, cloud-based location for all resources, companies can lower downtime, streamline operations, and improve security and compliance—critical factors in today’s digital environment.
Lasinis added, “To successfully shift your workforce to a remote environment, that environment must be well-supported. Several technology solutions need to be implemented beforehand to ensure a smooth transition and to maximize efficiency. With minimal investments in time and capital, businesses can stay resilient and keep operations strong, no matter what natural disasters, pandemics, or economic challenges may arise.”
ABOUT IMAGINE TECHNOLOGY GROUP
Imagine Technology Group (ITG), an Arizona-owned and operated company, offers customers a single point of contact for all their office technology needs. ITG provides a wide range of document management solutions, workflow improvements, multi-function devices, VoIP phone systems, digital signage, managed network services, and IT solutions. Through our manufacturers’ National Programs, we can offer service and support worldwide. Our goal is to be our customers’ “ONE SOURCE” for any office technology solution they need. Through exceptional customer service provided by highly trained employees, ITG manages your technology so you don’t have to. To learn more about our products, services, and support, please contact ITG at 602-454-0720 or submit an inquiry at itgarizona.com/contact-us.














