Technology Strategies to Thrive Through the Coronavirus Crisis
As our world is devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, more and more workers are being forced to work from home, if they still have jobs at all. While this can be particularly debilitating for some businesses, others have the opportunity to thrive under the conditions. You’ll just have to make an effort if you want to make the most of this time. Learn about the most effective technology strategies to thrive through the coronavirus crisis to keep your team happy, motivated, and productive.
Virus Protection
When employees are forced to work remotely, many will simply want to take their work computer home. Others may shift to using their personal computer, however, if that’s more feasible. While undoubtedly convenient, that can also present a problem. Virus protection for a business computer tends to be superior to what you’d find on a home computer. Virus protection, as Neil Rosenblum says, “is only as good as the last time you got an update.” That’s why remote workers need endpoint virus protection that can deal with new threats.
Enable Remote Work
Many companies make use of cloud computing services to conduct their business. This is particularly useful when so many are being forced to work remotely. There are a few problems. However, that can go along with that for specific business functions. For example, some payroll software is only accessible on-site. Always make sure everyone is capable of doing their job remotely when possible.
Upgrade Bandwidth
Internet bandwidth at a business is typically quite large, while people’s home providers tend to fall much shorter. Because so many people will need to exchange information and communicate throughout the day, every remote worker needs to make sure they have the necessary bandwidth to facilitate this at a reasonable speed. A small bandwidth can be particularly troublesome during webinars.
VoIP Configuration
More business has moved online, but much of it is still done over the phone. With the introduction of VoIP devices, the phone and the internet have merged into one. You just have to make sure those phones still work off-site. Businesses can’t function if clients call them, and no one picks up the phone. Not only does any phone taken home need to function the same, but it needs to have the same number.
Don’t Assume There Are Remote Licenses
Access to cloud-based software is often granted through licenses. While a central location like an office will have a license, there are typically a limited number of remote licenses available. You have to make sure every remote worker has the licensing they need.
Enhance Cybersecurity
Cybercrime has increased due to coronavirus. More and more phishing emails are being sent out claiming to have information about the pandemic or offering masks. To combat this, you’ll need to educate your employees about how to recognize and handle cyberattacks. Fail to do so, and your business could be seriously hurt. Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, is helpful as well. After all, the most common password in 2019 was “123456,” according to CNN.
Train People to Work Remotely
Working remotely is going to be a significant change for a lot of people. Some will need a bit of extra training to complete their work smoothly. That means establishing how communication will be conducted, scheduling webinars, and instilling general standard practices.
With these strategies in mind, you’ll be better equipped to have your team work remotely. Don’t sweat the technical stuff, either. BoomTech is happy to take care of it for you. Contact us today to get started!
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Hear from Philipp Baumann, owner and founder of BoomTech: