In this day and age, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that remote work is the way of the future. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many non-essential employees to work from home — and for some businesses, this meant that all employees were forced to work from home. While working remotely is challenging (if not impossible) for some businesses, you may have discovered many advantages to a work-from-home situation. In fact, you may decide to keep this model even after the pandemic subsides.
Though working from home is not without its challenges, with the right technology, it can be much more accessible than it once was. Furthermore, working from home means that businesses no longer need to pay the rent required for office space, which is especially valuable in a world that is increasingly financially unstable. But again, it is crucial than any work-from-home scenario comes with the right technology.
Employees cannot be expected to provide their own work-from-home technology if they’ve been relocated from a standard office to a home office. Even employees who are hired as remote employees usually should be provided with most of the technology they use on a daily basis. With 42% of employees reporting that they’re likely to quit a job with subpar tech, this issue can’t be ignored. Let’s look into some of the technology companies should be prepared to provide remote employees, whether they need to work with wired technology or not.
1. A Work Computer
Work computers are remarkably important for remote employees. While some companies intentionally hire employees who can use their own computers for work, this is not necessarily the best approach. This would potentially require having employees store sensitive information on their own computers, which could pose a major security risk to any company. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that while a company can set the standards for their own computers’ abilities, personal computers may not run efficiently or be as reliable. It’s also important to consider offering computers that are accessible through wired technology. If employees have been relocated home and rely upon a wired connection versus a wireless connection, their work computers are still usable; they just need to be capable of using wired technology.
2. Audio Visual Technology
In recent months, Americans have become much more familiar with audio visual conferencing technology than they once were. Audio video solutions are remarkably important for most employees, as being able to call in to speak with supervisors is crucial. Furthermore, there is an element of team-building in retaining the ability for employees to see each other through audio visual technology. While computers may offer built-in webcams, it’s important that employees have separate webcams provided to them if those built-in versions are insufficient. Furthermore, headphones, as well as proper speakers and microphones, are crucial to ensuring that the team is able to communicate effectively, both with clients and each other. This is crucial to establishing a unified communications system.
3. Security Software
There is always a risk of data breaches and cyber security issues for any business. But these risks become especially heightened when a business has its employees working remotely. This is one area in which a connection through wired technology is not necessarily less preferable, as these connections can sometimes be more secure than wireless connections. The fact is that when employees do not practice the right approaches to cyber security, they could endanger the company. Therefore, employees must be strongly educated on the right security practices and access to cyber security software. This will make security breaches much less likely.
4. Instant Communication Tools
Of course, there may not always be time for a lengthy correspondence over video chat. There are a lot of reasons why you may want to incorporate an instant communication option for employees. This shouldn’t be used for casual conversation, but for conducting businesses. There are many services, like Slack, which make these communications secure. This way, business can be done quickly and can be recorded for future references.
Working remotely can be challenging at first, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right technology, it’s an accessible means of working for the future.