Remote Work Setup Made Secure And Productive By Experts In IT

Companies and employees alike are embracing remote work in a way unlike ever before. In addition to lowering operational costs for business owners, research even shows that remote employment can help boost productivity for employees. However, success when working remotely is largely dependent on employees’ at-home remote work setup. Without the proper equipment, tools, workspace, and security protocols in place, working from home can be detrimental to both businesses and the people working for them.

Let’s dive in and discuss the top five factors to consider before setting up a home office for remote working.

Table of Contents

Equipment

When your business is looking to set up home offices for remote or hybrid employees, the first place to start is by deciding the equipment that your employees will need. Some of the basic equipment employees will need for an optimal home office setup include:

Desk or equivalent table
Computer (desktop with monitor or laptop)
Ergonomic chair for back support and posture
Keyboard
Mouse
Headset with a mic or headphones
Speakers
Printer
Scanner
Proper lighting

Of course, the specific equipment that employees will need will largely depend on the type of work they do and what works for the individual and their space. Not all devices, such as headsets, are needed for all jobs. In addition, every employee may have unique physical or mental health needs that will influence their equipment needs. For example, some employees might consider getting a standing desk or a more supportive chair. Others may opt for multiple monitors on their desktop setup. The exact equipment employees need will vary depending on what the workers need or want.

Applications

The next thing to consider for employees who are working remotely is the selection of applications they’ll need to access your business’s data and systems. Without access to the cloud, company communication systems, and online company systems, remote jobs would not be possible. Regardless of how your business manages remote teams, providing access and communication to your employees is key. Some of the top applications for remote work setups include:

Cloud Applications – Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Dropbox, etc.
Communication Platforms – Zoom, Slack, Skype, etc.
Project Management Applications – Trello, Teamwork, Monday, etc.

With these applications, your employees can work remotely while still having access to company meetings, team communication systems, and task management tools.

Location

A key part of any remote setup is the place in which the office is located in the home. Whether employees have a large room for a dedicated home office or have to configure their work-from-home setup into a smaller living space like a one-bedroom apartment, finding the right area in the home is a must. It’s important for remote workers to have a dedicated workspace that is private, eliminates distractions, and features everything they need to complete their work. Finding a balance between life at home and work at home is tough, so having an environment that is only for work can help create the necessary division.

Internet Connection

Remote work is reliant on a strong internet connection. Everything from video calls to uploading files requires a strong and reliable internet connection. It is typically recommended that employees have a minimum of anywhere from 50 to 100 Mbps download speeds and at least 10 Mbps upload speeds. Some companies provide stipends to employees for a high speed internet connection.

Security

With the rise of remote work, cybersecurity threats like phishing and ransomware have become more common. Any business that is looking to switch to remote work must prioritize security in order to keep office data and systems safe. There are many steps that can help keep remote workstations secure, including installing anti-virus software, using strong passwords, changing passwords regularly, using dual authentication, and more. To ensure the highest possible level of cybersecurity, many businesses get the help of a managed services provider. Professional information technology (IT) experts can provide guidance and support when it comes to securing remote work stations.

Houston's Remote Work Setup Experts

If you are switching your Houston operation to working remotely for at least some of your employees then getting an IT expert that understands remote work setup will be a must for a seamless transition for your employees as well as the business. Not only do you need to be able to transition without any issues but your business will also have to overcome new network security issues that are best handled by IT experts.

Embrace Remote Work With The Right Remote Work Setup