There are many benefits to allowing remote work setups. For one, it provides better flexibility for workers to finish their tasks without the pressure of appearing “on” all the time. Additionally, it lets business owners cut down on operating costs while also allowing employees to eradicate their commuting expenses completely.
On the other end of the stick, there are some drawbacks to remote work setups, including lack of access to the top-level infrastructure and connectivity that exists in the office. That is not to say, though, that you can’t seamlessly transition to remote work without your powerful office technology.
Here are some ways you, as the business owner, can ensure that your operations will be just as efficient and smooth sailing with your employees in their respective homes instead of in the office:
Loan out office infrastructure
The easiest and most foolproof way to simulate the office environment as closely as you can is to pack up every tech piece you can from the office and divide it among your most essential employees. You actually can’t expect workers to invest their salary into buying a high-end computer when it wasn’t their decision to work remotely.
The least you can do is to ship out your office computers to those who need them to work from home. After all, nobody’s going to be using them in the office.
Provide tech allowances
A good alternative, if it’s impossible to ship out your office equipment, is to at least provide a tech allowance to your employees. This way, they can invest in units with sufficient computer specs without feeling a significant dent in their salary or savings accounts.
If you do provide a tech allowance, make sure you guide your employees as to the right kind of equipment they should purchase for the kind of work that your business demands.
Also, some of your employees may have powerful enough computers, but their internet connection might need a boost, so make sure you have provisions for that, too.
Have enough VPN access for everyone
Access to virtual private networks (VPN) is a must when business is decentralized. VPN provides your employees with a secure connection and access to essential network resources, so don’t skimp on enough VPN licenses for everyone who’s going to work remotely.
Strengthen your data security and privacy
Along with allowing remote access to all your data and software, you need to secure your network as well as possible. This means employing extra security measures like two-factor authentication and password protection where they didn’t exist before.
Cloud migration is another useful process that safely improves remote access to your business networks. One option is JDE Software, which offers the entire package—cloud migration, cloud computing, and cloud server maintenance. This service likewise allows you to manage every aspect of your business digitally, perfect for remote business operations.
Watch out for all software updates
It’s not enough that you and your employees have all the best tech equipment and the latest software licenses; all of these won’t matter if your system will be bogged down by outdated patches and updates.
With any luck, you’d have a dedicated IT team keeping everyone on their toes about the latest updates on the software you’re all using.
Partner up with fintech companies
Teaming up with companies that offer fintech services is another move you can do to transition to remote work properly. Digital accounting, bookkeeping, and even digital payment solutions are some services that a fintech company can provide your business.
Hold internet safety seminars
It bears reiterating that there are many risks associated with giving remote access to your business’s networks. You might expose your business to threats like identity theft and hacking. But this shouldn’t be a problem if your employees are properly trained to stay safe and secure online.
Many businesses are contemplating a complete transition to remote work even at such a time that the pandemic will be over, and for good reason. Again, out-of-office work has many benefits, and if you follow the steps outlined in this article, you’ll get to enjoy those benefits without the common risks associated with them.
