Working remotely is the norm for businesses today. This can be a great way to increase productivity, as long as you have the right tools and strategies in place to support them. Here are five ways to support remote workers and increase productivity:
1. Adopt cloud platforms
Cloud platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace give your employees the flexibility to work from anywhere with an internet connection. These platforms come with a suite of productivity tools, including word processing, spreadsheets, and email apps. These tools enable workers to easily share files, sync their schedules, and collaborate on projects in real-time. That means everyone in your company can stay productive no matter where they are.
What’s more, cloud solutions are managed by the vendor, so your IT team doesn’t have to waste time keeping them up and running. Also, cloud data is backed up automatically in multiple servers, so employees always have a copy of their most important files.
2. Facilitate seamless communication
Effective communication is essential for any business, but it’s even more important when your employees are spread out. There are several tools that can increase communication between remote workers.
Microsoft Teams is a cutting-edge communication platform that enables coworkers to quickly share files, ideas, and updates with each other. It’s perfect for those impromptu brainstorming sessions or for sending a quick message when you can’t get someone on the phone. Plus, it comes with HD audio and video conferencing features, so you can effortlessly host virtual meetings.
3. Install endpoint management software
Endpoint management software allows you to manage and monitor company-registered devices from a central location. As a system administrator, you can use this to set granular access restrictions based on the employee’s role within the company, their location, and the overall security posture of their device. If endpoint management software deems certain devices vulnerable to attacks, you can distribute security updates and alerts to the affected employees.
This type of software is particularly useful for businesses with remote workers, as it helps to keep track of company-owned devices that are being used outside of the office. By having visibility into all devices accessing your network, you can reduce the risk of data breaches and other security threats.
4. Provide IT support
It’s important to have a dedicated IT support team that can assist your employees. After all, things can and do go wrong, even with the best technology. By having someone on hand to help troubleshoot issues, you can keep disruptions to a minimum and ensure that your workers are able to stay productive.
There are a few different ways to provide IT support for remote workers. You can set up a help desk that employees can contact when they need assistance. This gives them a single point of contact for all their IT needs, and it helps to ensure that issues are dealt with in a timely manner. Another option is to provide remote IT support directly to employees’ computers. With remote IT support, IT technicians can connect to an employee’s computer from anywhere and troubleshoot the issue.
Regardless of whether you have an onsite or remote workforce, IT support services are fundamental to smooth-running operations. That’s why it’s important to hire an IT support provider you can trust.
