Mobile technology has transformed not only the way the world works, but also how we define ourselves as workers. We no longer need to sit in an office to get things done—instead, we’ve moved into the era of remote, flexible, and firstline workers, who demand the latest tools to stay connected and get the job done.
By 2023, the remote workforce will reach 1.88 billion, accounting for 43.3% of the global workforce.1 Partners are uniquely positioned to support customers and ensure that they’re meeting the needs of these workers. It’s a profitable opportunity that’s worth exploring—take the first step by getting to know the characteristics of each type of worker.
Flexible workers
For the largest cohort of workers, flexibility is key. Brick-and-mortar offices and facilities still form the foundation of most companies, but employees are increasingly working away from the office at least part of the time. In fact, over half of the global workforce works from home at least once per week.2 These employees appreciate the flexibility of working outside the office and want technology to make that easy.
Remote workers
SMBs are now twice as likely to hire remote employees,3 who rely on connectivity and collaboration tools to get their work done, no matter where they’re located. They value reliable, portable devices and services like video meetings or file sharing, that keep them productive in or out of the office. Remote workers require solutions that help them collaborate and bring them closer to colleagues who might be located around the globe.
Firstline workers
Microsoft has identified firstline workers as the largest and most underserved segment of today’s 3.5 billion-strong global workforce. There are more than 2 billion frontline workers around the world, working in task- or service-oriented jobs in industries like retail, hospitality, and manufacturing. They need solutions that automate everyday activities and keep them connected with other team members.
How to take advantage of the partner opportunity
Flexible, remote, and firstline workers in today’s increasingly mobile workforce represent a huge opportunity for SYNNEX partners. We’re seeing significant demand from customers who want to embrace these workplace trends and use technology to empower employees to do their best work, no matter where they are.
You can capture this demand by building a practice with us that provides customers with modern collaboration solutions, either through Office 365 or Microsoft 365. You’ll equip customers with the technology they need to meet the needs of remote and flexible workers with meetings, file sharing, chat, and other tools that streamline communications and boost productivity.
The result? Remote and flexible workers will feel more engaged and connected to their teams, whether they’re in the same office or not. Firstline workers can also maximize efficiency with Office 365 and Microsoft 365 apps and services, which automate everyday activities, create and manage schedules, and connect dispersed team members with Microsoft Teams. Both Office 365 and Microsoft 365 allow workers to access and share files remotely and provide easy access to notes and conversations across different devices and platforms.
SYNNEX partners can drive profits in both the short and long term. For example, you can build your practice by selling Office 365 initially, then provide ongoing collaboration services, and eventually develop your own IP (applications) on Teams. Over a 3-year period, research shows partners are going from an initial sale of Microsoft 365 to adding new services with attach rates of between 20% and 35% of license deals. Many are then also reselling additional proprietary software solutions at attach rates that can be as a high as 50% to 60%.4
Collaboration is more important than ever to today’s workers and companies. Offering teamwork solutions with Office 365 and Microsoft 365 is an excellent way to fulfill your customers’ needs and grow your business.
For more details on how you can maximize this profitable partner opportunity, read the Microsoft SMB Teamwork Opportunity for Partners Guide.
1Global Mobile Workforce Forecast Update 2017-2023. Strategy Analytics. 2019.
245 Key Remote & Telecommuting Statistics for 2019. Owl Labs. September 2019.
3State of Remote Work 2017. Owl Labs. March 2017.
4Forrester Research, "The Microsoft 365 Partner Opportunity Total Economic Impact Study,” March 2019.