Once you’ve seen the benefits that flexible working can provide for your business, you’ll need to start thinking about the technology you need. There’s loads of neat little gadgets out there, so we thought we’d pull together a list of the must-have pieces of tech to help you work flexibly:

1. Smartphone

You can’t do without one, for access to email, calendars, the web and calls on the move, a smartphone is essential. Also, some smartphones allow for tethering, which turns your phone into an on-the-go wifi spot!

2. Laptop

Ensure the battery life is reliable and that it’s portable, light and secure should you need to work away from your usual workplace. Also consider size, and whether you have the right bag to carry your laptop around. Nothing is worse than hopping from meeting to meeting with a sore shoulder from carrying a 3 tonne laptop.

3. Internet

It might sound obvious but keeping connected whatever the environment will keep stress levels to a minimum. Think ahead and check for free wifi spots. My Hotspots works quite well, and most phone companies offer packages to connect to BT Openzones around the country (Vodafone have a page on BT Openzone). As a backup, always carry a dongle or mifi, allowing you to connect anywhere on the go!

4. Communication tools

Instant messaging, video conferencing, and audio conferencing can help ensure your work force are in regular contact and that clients feel connected to you. There are a slew of different options out there, so scout around and see what the people you need to keep in contact with use. Tools like Skype, Lync and Yammer are great for keeping in touch when you’re out of the office.

5. Put it in the cloud

Consider moving management of your IT infrastructure to the cloud, to avoid unnecessary costs and allow access to email, important documents and people whenever and wherever you need. Again, there are loads of different options out there, but you can have a play with SkyDrive to get started with the cloud.

Have we missed any? What are you using? Let us know in the comments or @Anywhere_Work