Over the last few years, the remote workforce has increased dramatically. And over time, it seems like remote work may become the norm. Generally, remote workers poll higher for job satisfaction, but they also face numerous issues regarding productivity. From meeting problems to trouble accessing documents, it’s important that you know what your remote workers are up against; once you understand these issues, you can provide the proper remote working tools to fix them.
Here are three technologies that will help your mobile workforce stay connected and productive (which will help the rest of your business, too).
Voice over Internet Protocol
Phone calls seems like the surefire way to stay connected with employees. However, traditional phone systems aren’t always reliable, which means your business will need an alternative option. Fortunately, Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, provides the reliability that email lacks. With VoIP, all you need is an internet connection and you can make a call directly from your computer.
One reason why VoIP is preferable to traditional phone lines is that it’s cloud-based. You won’t have to worry about phone lines being down, and your company won’t have to pay any maintenance fees. In fact, VoIP is almost always less expensive than traditional landline phone services. Thus, you’re not just increasing productivity for remote workers; you’re also decreasing your overall expenses.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is a central component of modern businesses. The cloud allows you to access data whenever (and wherever) you need it, which allows you to remain productive while working remotely. Additionally, you can easily share your documents with coworkers, which allows everyone to edit and review pieces while in different locations.
Of course, the cloud is only helpful if you’re using it correctly. Security and compliance are two major concerns, especially for remote workers who may not be using the safest networks. For this reason, it’s important that you train all employees in best practices, and it’s even more important that you test them on these procedures. Your remote workforce should be part of these tests, too, and if they’re not taking appropriate security measures, it might mean it’s time to retrain.
Remote Access Software
Although many companies utilize laptops, some still rely on PCs. This reliance becomes an issue when an employee needs to access something on their work computer. Of course, one solution is to upload these documents to the cloud, thereby ensuring access from any location. But in cases where the documents need to remain on the PC, remote access software (like that found with Windows) can help an employee access the data they require.
Conferencing Solutions
One of the biggest pitfalls for remote workers is the inability to attend in-person meetings. In-person meetings are a core part of productivity, as they allow attendees to more easily ask questions, gauge responses, and stay on track. But thanks to conferencing solutions, remote workers can virtually attend these meetings from their own living room.
In order to ensure a productive meeting, it’s important that you have exceptional audio and visual tools. Additionally, it’s integral that these tools operate effectively—the last thing a remote worker wants is to show up to a meeting and not hear anything! Fortunately, an MSP can help you manage your tools, thus ensuring they always work. A good MSP can even log into a meeting and help you diagnose and fix your issue right then and there.
Remote workers are an integral part of your company. But without the proper remote working tools, these employees will face issues communicating, accessing files, and staying informed. Fortunately, with the proper tech—VoIP, cloud computing, remote access software, and conferencing solutions—your company will get in front of these issues, and your remote workers will be just as productive as your in-house employees (or maybe even more productive).
