7 Future-Forward Tech Solutions for the Remote Office
Remote office essentials boil down to more than just a laptop and residential Wi-Fi. As companies grow their remote workforce, their employees need the latest technology and top-of-the-line security software to keep the business in question afloat. A company computer and some Wi-Fi might tie companies over for a few weeks, but they need to invest in remote tech in the long run to achieve the success and growth they crave.
If you want your remote company’s star employees to think one tech innovation ahead, equip your MVPs with the gizmos, gadgets, and future-forward tech solutions mentioned below.
Virtual offices
Rather than shoveling money into an on-site office space, employers can turn to virtual offices, like those from iPostal1. With a virtual office, employees can access their mail, faxes, and packages. The virtual office scans items and stores these images on a high-security online database. From there, employees can retrieve information pertaining to their parcels and incoming mail and proceed accordingly.
With a virtual office, remote workers can also give one centralized address and phone number to clients, simplifying the process for employees scattered worldwide.
Team apps
Remote business owners need to acknowledge the importance of streamlined communication for WFH-friendly offices. Although emails are a tried-and-true method of relaying a message, this mode of communication isn’t the most efficient or practical choice.
To nip communication delays in the bud, remote offices should consider team-based chat apps that organize conversations and projects. Most team-based chat apps have document-sharing capabilities so that remote employees can collaborate and troubleshoot unexpected speed bumps in real-time.
Remote enterprise platform
Remote workers appreciate having easy access to information about projects, products, customers, and schedules. With enterprise platforms, employers can share databases and projects with all employees. Most platforms are web-based, meaning employees can access them via Wi-Fi.
Real-time document sharing
Along with chat apps, remote workers can collaborate on real-time documents in Google Docs and Microsoft 365. Team members can work on the same doc, spreadsheet, or slide show simultaneously and even use the in-document comment feature to ask and answer questions. Ultimately, productivity improves when remote employees can work on a doc together rather than having to share it back and forth.
Web conferencing
Gone is the day when employees have to get on an airplane to attend a meeting in a faraway place. Now, remote workers can easily chat through video conferencing.
Remote webinars and video conferencing have erased the need for travel expenses, and employees can connect from the comfort of their home offices. The latest versions include collaborative whiteboards and screen sharing.
Time-tracking apps
Some employers appreciate having proof that employees are working. With time-tracking apps, employers can see what their employees are doing while online. These apps capture screenshots at random times so employees can see if their remote workers are productively working or wasting time.
Other time-tracking apps allow workers to automatically send their work time, projects, and communications to human resources and payroll.
Security protocols
Because typical residential Wi-Fi has limited security, remote employers need to provide their workers with robust security software. Additionally, a privacy-centric employer will need to implement firewalls and VPNs, and employers should install malware protection and VOIP to reduce costs.
If employers cannot provide significant security, these business owners will need to limit the information employees can access on company time. To minimize security risks further, employees can commute to the brick-and-mortar office or a secure location to access confidential data for a project.
Wrap up
To help businesses grow and succeed, remote office workers need the latest tech. With the help of virtual communication tools, enterprise solutions, and security updates, star players can remain productive while working from home or on the road.
