Many companies rely on remote workers, especially as today’s technologies make it efficient. However, preparing to transition a larger workforce to work from home may come with challenges and complexities you may not have considered.

 

  • Do our remote workers need access to highly sensitive business data?
  • Do they work with large, complex files that their home Internet may not support?
  • How can teams used to working together continue to communicate and collaborate effectively?

 

Here are the top considerations Tim Singleton, president of Strive Technology Consulting in Boulder, Colorado says businesses must address when transitioning employees—even if just temporarily—to remote work arrangements, as well as how to address them:

 

Security

Personal devices and home networks are prime targets for hackers. Companies should provide remote employees with devices designated solely for work. If that is not possible, you should require that the company’s antivirus software be installed on their personal computers.

 

Also consider:

 

  • A virtual private network (VPN) provides a secure portal for employees to access the company network because it encrypts all information. Keep in mind, moving large files over a VPN can cause slowdowns, especially over slower internet connections. It might require increased bandwidth.
  • Screen-sharing tools such as TeamViewer or LogMeIn can be a more efficient and secure alternative to VPN. This option requires that the employee’s computer in the office is on and remains connected to the company network.
  • Multi-factor authentication should be used whenever an employee logs into the applications used to access their work files.

 

Productivity

It’s important to consider how efficiently remote employees can work. Home internet is often used by multiple household members for activities such as streaming music, online courses and TV—slowing down the connection for remote workers. Providing them with a designated Internet connection for work ensures they can continue to work without the slowdowns often experienced on home networks, while reducing the security risks.

 

Here are two other technologies to consider for boosting worker productivity:

 

  • Project management software such as Microsoft Project or Smartsheet can keep employees on task and organized by creating a one-stop place in the cloud for file sharing, project planning and task lists.
  • Employee time-tracking and productivity-monitoring software such as Hubstaff or DeskTime can help if managers are concerned about how to monitor employees who work remotely.

 

Remote Collaboration and Communication

Remote employees will need tools that help them collaborate and communicate with their team. This can include:

 

  • Online meeting software such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and GoToMeeting that can be accessed by any device—whether computer, mobile phone or office phone. They provide many features, including video conferencing, screen-sharing functionality and commenting tools.
  • Internal messaging platforms such as Slack that allow team members to communicate faster and focus conversations around projects, while reducing the risk of important messages getting buried in their inboxes.
  • Screen-sharing and web camera tools like Soapbox make it easy for employees to create videos and share information.

 

These are just some of the technologies to consider when employees work from home. It’s worth making an investment in technology, so remote employees can work as easily and seamlessly as they would at the office.

 

Spectrum Business offers products and services to help companies facilitate remote workers. Call 855-299-9353 today to learn more about Spectrum Business Internet and Phone.

 

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