GUIDE

How to overcome technology problems while working from home.

Technology problems are irritating at the best of times, but when you’re working from home, they can often be more than just an inconvenience.

If your internet connection isn’t working properly, or your computer suddenly starts installing updates just as you’re about to log on for an important call, these tech issues can have a serious impact on your work performance.

Without an IT department in the building to help you out, it can be difficult to know how to keep things running smoothly whenever you might run into these types of problems.

Thankfully, there are a few measures you can take to help ensure that your work won’t suffer if your technology ever lets you down when you’re away from the office.

BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS FROM THE OUTSET

Preparation is the first line of defence. If you or your any of your teammates are working outside the office on a regular basis, it’s important to ensure that everyone starts with the right software and equipment.

A good place to set out your technology requirements is in your remote work policy, but you could also outline your requirements more informally with anyone who’s going to be working this way on a semi-regular basis.

Things you might want to cover could include:

Backup devices – do people need to have any additional devices to use in an emergency (e.g. a spare computer or tablet)?
Bandwidth requirements – what is the minimum connection speed people will need to have? This is especially important to consider for video calls.
Do people need to have a backup option for their internet connection (e.g. should they be prepared to use their phone as a WiFi hotspot/do they need a dongle)?

Man laughing while overcoming tyechology problems working from home

USE APPS THAT WORK ON MOBILE DEVICES

To allow your team to work from home and not be confined to one space or device, it’s a good idea to use apps that can work on mobile devices.

These could include email apps, team collaboration software, or time tracking tools – anything that doesn’t require logging into a remote desktop.

By using mobile apps, people can communicate while they’re on the move or if any problems arise with their main device.

The easiest way to improve your team’s ability to collaborate when you’re working Anywhere is by using the right tools.

DISCOURAGE THE USE OF DOCUMENTS STORED AS PERSONAL FILES

Storing files on personal hard drives is best avoided when working from home. Transparency is an important part of working Anywhere, so it’s not ideal if all of your documents are stored on your personal devices where nobody can access or share them.

Instead, use cloud storage systems like Dropbox or Google Drive to prevent access problems or progress being lost due to computers crashing. Google Docs also allows your team to collaborate within documents in real-time, meaning you can avoid having multiple versions of the same file or emailing comments and suggestions back and forth.

If the use of personal files and storage is unavoidable, encourage everyone to create regular backups of their files to prevent anything from going missing.

ESTABLISH CLEAR SECURITY AND PRIVACY GUIDELINES

Issues around security and privacy are all the more important if you’re working outside of the office. You should establish clear guidelines with anyone who is working Anywhere to ensure that your business data doesn’t get lost or put at risk of exposure.

In an office environment, all computers tend to be centralized so confidential information is generally secure. But when you’re working Anywhere, there are a number of security measures employees should take to prevent any data breaches.

These could include:

Using a password manager to store and generate random passwords, and keeping passwords hidden when logging into a network
Installing antivirus software
Using a tracking blocker or VPN
Encrypting emails
Using secure networks instead of public
Keeping business assets secure (e.g. company laptops or phones)
Combatting data security/GDPR issues through encrypting hard drives
Not using public computers

Woman typing on floor with cat collaborating with her team from home

SUMMARY

Consider your business needs – Outline your technology requirements for anyone who is starting to work Anywhere.
Enable your team to work Anywhere – Use apps that can work on mobile devices.
Keep documents secure and accessible – Limit personal storage of documents and consider access levels.
Establish clear guidelines – Layout your security and privacy policies in advance.

DISCOVER ANYWHERE

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