M5 Networks Offers Clients VoIP Networking as Out-of-office Alternative for Workers Affected by H1N1
As the H1N1 virus threatens to cost American businesses billions of
dollars in lost worker productivity, hosted business VoIP phone system
provider M5 Networks today announced it is taking a proactive stance by
offering its clients a range of free or low-cost "out-of-office"
communications options based on its unique VoIP services.
"H1N1,
as well as conventional flu and other common seasonal ailments, pose an
enormous risk to companies this year," said Heather Bennett, marketing
director for M5 Networks. "Our VoIP-based telecommunications services
are key to maintaining worker productivity while employees are caring
for family members or otherwise doing their part to minimize the spread
of these highly communicable diseases."
According
to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the H1N1 virus can potentially create
massive absenteeism. A recent report by the group cites estimates by
the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), stating that infection
rates for H1N1 and seasonal flu may rise to a range of 12% to 24% in
communities where the viruses are present. The Brookings Institute, in
its assessment, states that the United States could lose 10% of all
work hours, based on the number of households in which at least one
parent or guardian misses work to care for their infected children.
Productive While at Home
The
CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home
at least 24 hours after they are free of fever, defined as at least 100
degrees F. This recommendation, combined with the number of workers
caring for sick family members, means that a large number of workers
who otherwise could be productive at work will be staying home.
M5 Networks can help overcome the negative impact of this displacement through its VoIP-based work-from-home alternatives:
- Remote IP phones can be plugged into any broadband Internet connection, at home or other remote location.
- Softphones allow
a laptop to be used as a phone from any location. M5 Networks offers a
softphone for a one-time charge of $45, that can be used with a
client's existing managed profiles at no additional cost.
- Fax-to-email service
converts and sends incoming faxes to the employee's mailbox. Outbound
faxes are sent as email attachments (scanner required for hardcopy
documents).
- Call forwarding reroutes any call coming to the worker's VoIP office phone to a home or mobile phone.
- Voicemail greeting and personal auto-attendant can direct callers to an alternate phone number.
- M5 Webportal allows
employees to access and manage their voicemail over the Internet. The
portal can also be used to check missed calls, play voicemail and
otherwise keep on top of messages.
- Companywide auto-attendant can provide useful information to callers (revised business hours, delayed response time, etc.)
- VoIP-based conference calling keeps everyone "in the loop" regardless of their location.
"Workers
who connect to their company's M5 Networks VoIP system via IP phone
have seamless telecommunications," noted Bennett. "They have all the
same features at home that they do in the office. What's more, they are
accessible to outside callers at their normal work number and
extension, without call forwarding or even involving a receptionist.
And co-workers can see when the person is available, on the phone,
logged out or in Do Not Disturb mode."