Part of the reason for the wider embrace of remote work by companies that may have been previously hesitant to jump on board may very well be the better technology that is available. Aside from Zoom, there are programs that offer breakout rooms, real-time collaboration on tasks and projects, and many resources that allow for quick delivery of services.
The IT and telecom worlds may have been some of the first to jump in on remote work allowances, with 72% of tech companies today allowing for remote work. This may be because they were the first to be aware of the technology available that makes remote work accessible and effective.
To be successful with remote work, teams must have access to robust technologies that can keep up with the delivery demands of the company, whether that company is providing an online service, IT support, or creating a product. For instance, reliable laptops and desktops are essential, Many companies will provide these for their employees so all hardware and software remain consistent across teams, but other companies may allow workers to use laptops or desktops of their choosing if the specs of the machines are not of great importance.
Whatever the company chooses, it’s crucial that the hardware is in good working condition and up-to-date. You can’t expect workers to do their best if they’re working off a tablet, their phone, or their kid’s old computer that is full of malware and old computer games.
Additionally, robust video conferencing software is a must-have for remote workers. Many organizations are still loyal to Zoom, which boasts ownership of more than half of the worldwide video conferencing market. There is also Microsoft Teams, GoTo Meeting, Cisco WebEx, and a host of other options that allow one’s teams to collaborate, meet, and speak to one another “face to face,” just as they would in an office setting.
Reliable and cost-effective cloud storage solutions are also vital for companies operating within a remote environment. Through the cloud, team members can access files and data from anywhere in the world and share updates in real-time, while ensuring their data is backed up and stored safely.
Remote companies also typically require work management software, preferably one in which their CRM (customer relationship management) software can be integrated to form a fully operational system to organize tasks, communicate updates, and manage customer relations. Furthermore, collaborative tools such as Slack, the Google Suite, and project management software like Asana can help teams stay connected and communicative throughout the workday and the lifespan of projects.