COVID-19 changed the world of work,, and remote work means business survival during the pandemic. So, many workers are asking themselves how to stay efficient while working remotely.
That’s a critical question. Telecommuting is not only essential to getting through the lock-down. Rather, experts say, the future holds much more of it:
Our best estimate is that 25-30% of the workforce will be working-from-home multiple days a week by the end of 2021.
Kate Lister, President of Global Workplace Analytics
As employees learn to work off-site, they need to learn how to stay efficient while working remotely. Employers can help them by getting them set up with the right tools. So, take a look at the basic technology necessary to get them up and running smoothly.
HARDWARE FOR EFFICIENT REMOTE WORK
The laptop, cell phone, and access to the internet have become standard business components. And, with remote work, they have become even more important.
Arming remote workers with fast, dependable laptops will, in the long run, save money. Quality equipment designed to upload and download quickly keeps business flowing.
Likewise, a good cell phone allows your employees to use your business apps. Meanwhile, an inadequate phone and service can leave staff members stranded.
Finally, hardware and software work only as well as their internet connection allows. You can help your employees stay productive by helping them set up an effective home network. Usually, it just requires a good router, modem, and a dependable internet connection.
COMMUNICATION APPS TO STAY EFFICIENT WHILE WORKING REMOTELY
Communication apps bridge the gap between remote employees. Without them, they may feel isolated.
Your business probably already uses email for much of its official communication. Perhaps, though, your employees use their own personal emails.
Upgrading to a business domain email helps separate work and personal mail. In addition, a service like G Suite also comes with other benefits. For example, it includes some storage, Gdocs, Sheets, and other basic business apps.
Using a specific instant messenger for business also helps workers stay in touch. Examples include Whatsapp, Slack, and Skype. They effectively handle minute-to-minute communication, file sharing, and even video calls. They also allow the formation of groups to facilitate teamwork.
VIDEO CONFERENCING APPS
Instant messengers have improved for many business functions. But, full-fledged video conferencing apps really make meetings a snap. Platforms such as Zoom, GoToMeeting, JoinMe, TeamViewer, and Uberconference get users together in real-time.
Most of them offer screen sharing, live video conferencing, chat, file sharing, and more. Participating in these video conferences really feels like being in a face-to-face meeting. And, when you have to sneeze, you can mute the microphone! No one will know!
FILE SHARING APPS TO STAY EFFICIENT WHILE WORKING REMOTELY
Emailing files back and forth, especially during editing, can get really confusing. File-sharing clouds can help your employees stay up-to-date. Each employee with access to files will have the latest version.
Examples include Gdrive, Dropbox, and WeTransfer. Gdrive has the additional benefit of being integrated with word processing and spreadsheet apps. And, WeTransfer excels at sending big files to coworkers quickly.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLATFORMS
Big projects need effective project management (PM). And, PM platforms keep everything in order. Relevant apps include Asana, Basecamp, and Teamwork Projects.
Project management software has become quite comprehensive. It now provides visual spaces for organizing, planning, and monitoring project tasks. In addition, it connects your employees who collaborate on shared projects. They can communicate, schedule, and share right on the platform.
CYBERSECURITY
Keeping your employees productive and connected means nothing if cyberattacks destroy data. Today, businesses need cybersecurity apps more advanced than the hackers.
Make sure that employees use multi-factor authentication to enter any business-related system. A virtual private network (PVN) can keep data away from general internet hackers.
Business systems should also include real-time security monitoring and multi-point network backups. Laptops and servers should also carry cybersecurity software. This includes an antivirus, anti-malware, and a firewall.
Also, businesses need to protect against intentional and accidental employee-caused data and resource misuse. Employee monitoring software can help detect abuse.
STAY EFFICIENT WHILE WORKING REMOTELY
Stay efficient while working remotely, and arm your employees with the right technology. Invest in quality hardware and apps for your business. In addition, provide your employees with the support necessary to stay connected. It will all seem worthwhile as you see their productivity climb.
That’s a critical question. Telecommuting is not only essential to getting through the lock-down. Rather, experts say, the future holds much more of it:
Our best estimate is that 25-30% of the workforce will be working-from-home multiple days a week by the end of 2021.
Kate Lister, President of Global Workplace Analytics
As employees learn to work off-site, they need to learn how to stay efficient while working remotely. Employers can help them by getting them set up with the right tools. So, take a look at the basic technology necessary to get them up and running smoothly.
HARDWARE FOR EFFICIENT REMOTE WORK
The laptop, cell phone, and access to the internet have become standard business components. And, with remote work, they have become even more important.
Arming remote workers with fast, dependable laptops will, in the long run, save money. Quality equipment designed to upload and download quickly keeps business flowing.
Likewise, a good cell phone allows your employees to use your business apps. Meanwhile, an inadequate phone and service can leave staff members stranded.
Finally, hardware and software work only as well as their internet connection allows. You can help your employees stay productive by helping them set up an effective home network. Usually, it just requires a good router, modem, and a dependable internet connection.
COMMUNICATION APPS TO STAY EFFICIENT WHILE WORKING REMOTELY
Communication apps bridge the gap between remote employees. Without them, they may feel isolated.
Your business probably already uses email for much of its official communication. Perhaps, though, your employees use their own personal emails.
Upgrading to a business domain email helps separate work and personal mail. In addition, a service like G Suite also comes with other benefits. For example, it includes some storage, Gdocs, Sheets, and other basic business apps.
Using a specific instant messenger for business also helps workers stay in touch. Examples include Whatsapp, Slack, and Skype. They effectively handle minute-to-minute communication, file sharing, and even video calls. They also allow the formation of groups to facilitate teamwork.
VIDEO CONFERENCING APPS
Instant messengers have improved for many business functions. But, full-fledged video conferencing apps really make meetings a snap. Platforms such as Zoom, GoToMeeting, JoinMe, TeamViewer, and Uberconference get users together in real-time.
Most of them offer screen sharing, live video conferencing, chat, file sharing, and more. Participating in these video conferences really feels like being in a face-to-face meeting. And, when you have to sneeze, you can mute the microphone! No one will know!
FILE SHARING APPS TO STAY EFFICIENT WHILE WORKING REMOTELY
Emailing files back and forth, especially during editing, can get really confusing. File-sharing clouds can help your employees stay up-to-date. Each employee with access to files will have the latest version.
Examples include Gdrive, Dropbox, and WeTransfer. Gdrive has the additional benefit of being integrated with word processing and spreadsheet apps. And, WeTransfer excels at sending big files to coworkers quickly.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLATFORMS
Big projects need effective project management (PM). And, PM platforms keep everything in order. Relevant apps include Asana, Basecamp, and Teamwork Projects.
Project management software has become quite comprehensive. It now provides visual spaces for organizing, planning, and monitoring project tasks. In addition, it connects your employees who collaborate on shared projects. They can communicate, schedule, and share right on the platform.
CYBERSECURITY
Keeping your employees productive and connected means nothing if cyberattacks destroy data. Today, businesses need cybersecurity apps more advanced than the hackers.
Make sure that employees use multi-factor authentication to enter any business-related system. A virtual private network (PVN) can keep data away from general internet hackers.
Business systems should also include real-time security monitoring and multi-point network backups. Laptops and servers should also carry cybersecurity software. This includes an antivirus, anti-malware, and a firewall.
Also, businesses need to protect against intentional and accidental employee-caused data and resource misuse. Employee monitoring software can help detect abuse.
STAY EFFICIENT WHILE WORKING REMOTELY
Stay efficient while working remotely, and arm your employees with the right technology. Invest in quality hardware and apps for your business. In addition, provide your employees with the support necessary to stay connected. It will all seem worthwhile as you see their productivity climb.
Stay Efficient While Working Remotely: Technology
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