The practice of employees working remotely is becoming more and more common, as technology makes it easier than ever to stay connected. While this presents many advantages for both employees and employers, it also creates some new challenges when it comes to managing IT needs. Here are 10 tips for managing IT needs when employees are working remotely. By following these tips, you can ensure that your remote workers have the best possible experience while still meeting your business’s IT needs.
The traditional IT set up for employees who work solely in an office is usually comprised of a desktop computer, printer, and server. Particular computers may be set up with specialist software or technology, and all computers are on the premises for regular maintenance and updates. When employees start to work remotely, however, these traditional IT setups become more complicated. Whether you manage your IT through in-house staffing, or if you work with an external provider for your IT needs such as IT Services Irvine, here are some tips on how you can manage your company’s IT needs with an increasingly remote workforce.
1. Review and Update Security Protocols
Make sure your remote employees have the right security protocols in place to protect both their data and your company’s. Ensure that employees are using secure networks and that their devices are regularly updated with all the latest security patches. Ensure you update any company policies and procedures to ensure IT and remote working is adequately considered. You’ll need to include information about data protection, equipment usage, and VPN access.
2. Provide Access To Secure WiFi Or Mobile Connectivity
Allow employees access to secure WiFi or mobile connectivity so they can get their work done without having to worry about slow speeds, lack of service or insecure networks. Make sure you also provide access to VPNs where necessary, which will help to protect your company’s data. VPNs are used to provide a secure connection between two or more computers, allowing them to access each other’s data securely.
3. Set Clear Remote Working Rules
Create clear and easy to understand rules for employees working remotely, such as what equipment they must have access to and how they should store files or data securely. When people are transporting company equipment such as laptops around with them, there are also risks if this equipment becomes lost or stolen. Ensure there is a process in place for reporting lost equipment and ensuring data cannot be accessed by anyone who gets hold of this equipment.
4. Use Cloud Computing and Storage Solutions
Using cloud computing and storage is an effective way to share data with remote workers, allowing them access to the resources they need while still keeping this data secure. Cloud computing also makes it easier to manage software and IT systems, as there is no need to install anything in-house.
5. Establish Clear Communication Channels
Having clear communication channels in place will make sure that all employees, regardless of where they are based, can contact each other easily. This could be through email, phone, Skype or another type of messaging system.
6. Make Good Use Of Networks
Networks can be hugely beneficial for remote workers, as they allow employees to access resources and communicate with each other more easily. You should also look into setting up any necessary intranets, which will give employees access to key information and files.
7. Ensure All Employees Have The Necessary Equipment
Make sure that all employees have access to the right equipment to do their job, such as laptops and other necessary technology. As well as this, they should also have all the necessary software they need in order to do their job effectively. Remote working requires reliable equipment that can handle a heavy workload and won’t crash or become slow, so make sure you invest in the right equipment that will support this. Remember that this helps to create a positive work culture around remote working, where it is seen as easy and beneficial, and not a burden.
8. Implement Remote Desktop Software
Remote desktop software such as TeamViewer or LogMeIn can be beneficial for remote workers, as it allows them to access their own computer and resources from another location. This is a great way to give employees access to important software and files, without the need to physically transfer the data.
9. Provide Remote IT Support
Ensure that you have remote IT support in place for employees who may need it. This can be in the form of an IT department or a third-party IT service provider who is experienced in remote working solutions.
10. Implement Regular Training and Maintenance
Regular training, such as cyber security awareness sessions, is essential for remote working teams. This will help to ensure that employees are up to date with the latest security measures and best practices, so they can effectively protect the company’s data. Regular maintenance of equipment and software should also be carried out, as this will help to keep everything running smoothly.
Managing IT needs for businesses where employees work remotely can be a challenge, but if you take the right steps, it can be managed effectively. By following these tips and creating a secure remote working environment, businesses should have no problem providing remote workers with the necessary resources they need. This will provide a safe and secure way for employees to access the data they need while still keeping it secure and protected.