The Best Technology Setup for Your Remote Staff

While there’s been a rise in remote working in recent years, not all remote employees work for companies that provide work-approved mobile communication tools. Inefficiency aside, by depending on a non-work-approved BYOD (bring your own devices) approach, these companies are putting themselves at risk.

It’s important to be aware of the latest remote technologies that will ensure your team remains organised, connected, and safe. Many companies still don’t allow remote working, even though employees feel more productive and happier when permitted to work away from the office. So it stands to reason that employers should look to get on board the remote train if they wish to attract and retain talent. But what kind of setup should the modern employee have in place in order to effectively work from home?

While it’s a given that they need a quality laptop, there are, of course, other technologies required to make remote working a breeze. Let’s explore the five top technologies that transform how people work from home and why a hybrid employer should consider integrating them into their processes.

Cloud computing

Any company that has yet to invest in cloud computing is reminiscent of those that failed to embrace the Internet at the turn of the century. Basically, if that’s you, you’re already falling behind your competition. Cloud computing not only increases safety, but also grants user access to a remote virtual work environment.

Other benefits include scalability, as you add/remove services as and when needed, and convenience, as having the cloud and easy access makes file sharing and collaboration easier.

Remote workers appreciate the cloud because it creates a secure and seamless experience, as they’re able to access it from anywhere and on any device with a single sign-in.

Business apps

While being set up on the cloud is great, employees can collaborate even further with cloud-based business apps, such as those related to communication and project management. These grant remote workers the same access level as their in-house colleagues. Integrating apps for remote workers takes some thoughtfulness and planning, but the payoffs and rewards are worth it.

Mobile tools

Remote workers often base themselves out of multiple locations, depending heavily on their laptops and mobile devices. If you emphasise mobile as a key part of your workflow strategy, employees can benefit from the flexibility and your company will be able to be more efficient.

For example, it will be easier for your employees if they can use mobile devices with mobile-based apps and have remote VPN access. If they’re given portable WiFI devices, they can enjoy a stable connection no matter where they’re working from.

These tools will allow your employees to work from locations such as co-working spaces and even coffee shops. When working from home, however, they’re obviously responsible for their personal setup, such as having outdoor sockets installed for those summer months working in the garden.

Unified communications

Unified communications enable employees to benefit from integrated, interconnected communication channels, simplifying access. There are numerous benefits that come with using virtual communication tools, such as increased productivity and the ability to improve collaboration.

The great thing is that it can happen in real-time, boosting efficiency and convenience factors as well. Useful tools include Skype, Slack, and Google Suite for live collaboration and idea-sharing.

Video conferencing

Phone conferencing is so yesterday. In the world we live in, video is the only way to hold remote meetings. In fact, as employees are often unable to attend meetings in-person, video conferencing has become a helpful technology for both remote and in-house employees. Smart video conferencing cameras give remote workers the chance to feel like they’re in a meeting room with their in-house colleagues.

The modern remote worker requires the right technology in order to be productive. By integrating modern tools, your employees can achieve this objective while your company can position itself as an innovative organisation that can more easily attract potential talent.