Technology for your remote workforce

Even in ordinary times, overseeing a remote workforce can be a challenge for multiple reasons.  Ensuring availability of all technology for remote workforces, managing remote endpoints and having a fail-safe contingency plan.

The current global health crisis has made things that much more complicated. COVID-19 has drastically changed life as we know it, forcing us to change the way we live and work. Your business is no exception to this change as you transition to survive with a primarily (or fully) remote workforce.

The right technology for remote workforces, when used correctly, can ensure the transition is smooth and your business continues to operate efficiently without interruption. To help you do that, here is a list of tips to follow.

Install Secure VPN Connections

It goes without saying that while working remotely, your employees will access your business applications from different home networks.

To avoid an unsavoury security incident, as well as Zoom bombings, you need to install a business VPN that will secure the connections with encryption. Additionally, having your employees test it in advance from their respective locations would avoid a load of hassle.

Prepare to use Video Conferencing

Although nothing can replace in-person meetings, video conferencing is certainly the best alternative, especially now.  There are many solutions but we’d suggest 3CX or Microsoft Teams.  It not only helps your employees stay connected with each other, but also helps you conduct business with your clients.

This is a good time to sign up for a reliable conferencing platform (Microsoft Teams is currently free!) and to ensure your team has all the necessary tools they would need.

Ensure Cloud Application Connections are in place

Working offsite shouldn’t be a challenge for your business if you already use cloud applications. However, if you do not, it is high time you consider it.

First and foremost, modify the necessary settings, if needed, to ensure your cloud applications are ready for remote logins.

Subsequently, ensure your team has the right devices to handle the memory and performance needs of all your business’ cloud applications.

Devise a Remote Communications Plan

Employees working in silos isn’t something you want to be dealing with in these testing times. It’s time to huddle up and chalk out a thorough remote communications plan.

Make use of tools, such as Microsoft Teams or Slack for team communications, “away” messages, project-specific chat channels and even team collaboration tools to ensure every employee is on the same page.

Explore Remote IT Support Options

With your IT infrastructure spread out like never before, remote IT support could save you from loads of hassle of managing endpoints while also mitigating cybersecurity issues.

Using an encrypted remote connection and appropriate authentication, an IT Support Technician can access a device and resolve issues while you get to keep a close eye on it. While the technician is at it, he or she can also discuss the problem and the solution, eliminating any communication gaps.

The list of issues that can be addressed by remote IT support include software-related issues and queries, software updates, startup optimisation, virus scan and cleanup, and slow computers.

As you steer your business through this hopefully temporary storm, you can be sure that we will support you with all the necessary resources and we can muster.  We go the extra mile.

Here’s to your business pushing through this phase with minimal worries or damage!