As businesses worldwide transition to a work-from-home or hybrid arrangement, employees are making sure their home offices are up to the task. Working remotely has many benefits, but there are also technical needs and challenges that come with a decentralized workspace. Over the last few years, businesses have noted many benefits of a remote workforce, including improved work-life balance for staff and increased productivity.
At Line One, we understand the complexity of a remote work environment and the technical needs of a home office. We’ve created this checklist to help you set up your remote office for success!
Modern and Reliable Computer
A dependable computer with up-to-date software like Windows 10 and Adobe Reader will make it easy for you to complete your work and connect to cloud applications such as SharePoint Online, Google Docs, and iCloud. Some businesses prefer staff to use a laptop, so their home office is more mobile, but desktop computers are still the most popular option.
Fast and Dependable Internet
High-speed internet is essential for a successful work-from-home arrangement. Remote working is all about staying connected to your employer and colleagues. A slow internet connection can be frustrating and cause dropped calls, missed messages, and errors loading or sharing documents and files. Ensure you have a high-speed fibre, cable, or satellite connection.
Secure Network Connection
Data privacy and the protection of client and staff information are essential safeguards all businesses must take. Regardless of the type of work you do or the sensitivity of the information, having a secure network connection is crucial. Network security will prevent phishing scams, hacking, and unauthorized access to information. Some companies also prefer the added protection of connecting to the network through a virtual private network (VPN).
Access to Files, Applications, and Intranet
With remote work, staff must have the necessary permissions and technical equipment to access centralized files, systems and applications, and internal intranet sites or user portals. Before starting your remote working arrangement, ensure you have the correct permissions and have downloaded the required tools ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to test your access before your first day working remotely.
Webcam
One of the challenges of working from home is creating and maintaining a team dynamic and social atmosphere. With the popularity of video conferencing applications like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, it’s essential to have a quality webcam. Most laptops and tablets have built-in webcams, while desktop users will need a stand-alone camera that mounts to their computer screen.
Headset or Earphones
If you’re using collaborative tools and videoconferencing to communicate with your employer and colleagues, a headset or a pair of earphones is a must! Headsets allow you to hear what’s going on during meetings, review training materials, and interact with stakeholders without disturbing anyone else in your home.
On-Call Technical Support
Since there is such a significant technical component to working from home, it’s crucial that you have access to technical support services whenever you need them. Since some technical issues will lead to users being unable to use the internet, it’s also important that your technical support services areas accessible by mobile phone, email, and text. On-call support from a contact centre like Line One minimizes downtime and helps maintain business continuity.
Looking to Expand Your Remote Workforce?
Our technical support solutions allow you to take your business remote! Line One Contact Centre offers technical support services that enable businesses to respond to and manage critical technical incidents effectively. Modernize your business and adopt a remote or hybrid office model assisted by Line One’s team of support technicians. Contact us today!