According to the 10th annual FlexJobs survey, 58% of respondents said they want to work remotely full-time even after the pandemic is long behind us. Additionally, an additional 39% would like to continue working in a hybrid model. That shouldn’t be too surprising, given the flexibility and convenience of remote working.
But there is one aspect of remote work that can be somewhat problematic for both businesses and their employees. Namely, having to use their personal phone numbers to make and receive work-related calls.
Cloud Talk
Cloud Talk is an easy-to-use, cloud-based telephony software for sales and support teams. It is used by startups, scale-ups, SMBs and e-commerce companies to improve their customer experience and team performance.
Inside the app, you can find over 70 advanced calling features and many seamless integrations with tools like CRM, help desk and e-commerce platforms. Thanks to the app’s intuitiveness, it’s one of the best virtual calling apps on Capterra – it was recently named an emerging favorite in the business phone system category.
There are around 40 integration options and over 70 functions in Cloud Talk, making it one of the most comprehensive platforms out there. Among them are several productivity tools for employees (such as one-click call recording, automatic callback, call forwarding, and call notes), unlimited phone extensions, and also a call masking feature if your agents want to hide their phone number.
Nextiva
Nextiva combines all available communication channels (including voice and video, SMS, chat and collaboration tools) so that businesses of all sizes can use all the methods they need to provide excellent customer service.
Functions
Nextiva’s app provides unlimited phone calls, faxes and text messages (but only in North America) . Inside the app, you can find useful functions such as anonymous call blocking, three-way calling, and personalized callback.
Sideline
The Sideline app helps employees get a virtual number to use for work-related calls and add it to their existing phone line. Sideline also has a special feature to detect unwanted calls and telemarketers, making it easier for your staff to avoid these annoyances.
Grasshopper
Grasshopper is another useful option for separating your home and work phone numbers on any device you prefer. As the app is available on both desktop and mobile, your employees can call from any device they choose.
Try Cloud Talk before you buy.
Ooma Office provides unified communications solutions for voice, video conferencing and call center operations, all in one package.
Functions
Ooma has all the major calling features you expect from a VoIP platform. Features range from a virtual receptionist and advanced call blocking features to call forwarding and recording, call groups and voicemail transcription.
Disadvantages
The final cost may be a bit high if you need multiple extensions or phone numbers. Some reviewers also mention that the fax function does not work as expected.
Inside the app, you can find most of the usual business calling features, such as call recording and routing, call forwarding, IVR, and video conferencing.
This is one of the cheapest options when it comes to finding a tool that can provide you with virtual numbers and a few other useful calling tools.
Unfortunately, the app has pretty poor reviews on both G2 and Capterra, with many users complaining of bugs, barely responsive support, and unclear billing.
Desktop and mobile apps provide access to many features such as text messages, conference calling, inbox and call recordings, and an SMS filter.
Regardless of the rate plan they choose, all users have access to standard tools such as voicemail to email, auto attendant and video conferencing. In addition, each user receives a free conference bridge number to make conference calls with up to 250 participants.
