Tips and Hints to Equip Your Remote Workers During the Pandemic
In a few short months, the bustling world of work, the humdrum of the office, has been replaced rapidly by remote work. Once upon a time, employees sitting at their desks in the morning had an office’s resources at their disposal.
They were ready for whatever challenges the day held. Those days are past. Where once working from home was a novelty enjoyed by a few, going forward it seems likely to continue, becoming the new normal.
As a result, many employers are scrambling to keep their employees equipped; working hard to provide them with the tools and facilities required to tackle their daily challenges, even if deprived of their old office environments. But what do employers need to consider if they are to succeed in the post-pandemic world? How do they equip their workers for the new normal?
Create an Inventory: What Do People Have?
Before employers start handing out equipment to remote workers, two questions should be on the tip of their tongue. What do people have; and what do they need? Most people won’t have the full plethora of equipment they’ll need to complete their jobs; especially given the rapid and unfolding nature of the pandemic.
Some might not even have a desk, creating makeshift workspaces from kitchen tables or their child’s chest of drawers. Make an inventory of what equipment each person has, urgently addressing any crucial requirements.
Laptops, phones, and printers are the most obvious candidates. If you need equipment on a non-permanent basis, consider hiring. However, remember that need comes first. If employees already possess a printer at home, request that they use their own, reimbursing them for the ink used.
Don’t just focus on hardware: software is vital too. Employees will need cloud-based storage to share files with their colleagues, ensuring the work flows smoothly. Additionally, access to a virtual private network (VPN) can help colleagues connect from home.
But remember: without the right tools, your employees will never be able to work to their potential. An investment in hardware and software, is an investment in productivity, enabling your business to bounce back towards future success.
Consider Special Requirements 
While most employees will need a basic setup to complete their work; some will have special requirements, relating to their specific job or medical conditions. Staff involved in the postage of important documents may require printers. Multiple monitors are essential for workers engaged in design or programming.
While a filing cabinet may well prove to be necessary for certain circumstances, for instance, if employees are receiving postal information to their home. Especially if such documents are highly sensitive, in which case lockable cabinets are a must.
It’s also important to consider any health conditions of employees. At work, many people enjoy comfortable office chairs with a seat cushion for office chair, ergonomically designed to support their backs or footrests that help better distribute their weight.
From home, many will have turned to chairs ill-suited to their posture. For employees with a history of back conditions, or with specific disabilities, special consideration must be given to ensure they stay healthy. After all, pain and discomfort are not conducive to productivity and efficiency.
Remote Workers During the Pandemic: Communication Systems for the New World
Communication in an office is rarely a problem; instead, it’s a little too much communication that causes bosses to complain. In the new normal, when people are deprived of face-to-face interaction, companies must keep the flow of information moving.
Primarily, most organizations have relied upon video conferencing to connect their employees. With the option to send a short message, drop in for a quick chat, or host a video conference with dozens of employees or clients.
Already companies are seeing the benefits of such platforms. Reduced travel expenses, rapid lines of communication, and the versatility of the software are proving critical incentives in the adoption of video conferencing apps; even if they do lack the interactivity of human contact.
With so many new video conferencing apps out there, companies are spoilt for choice. From industry giants like skype or Microsoft Teams to the up-and-coming names like Zoom, each offers a unique take on the new world of connectivity.
For the latter several innovative tools have been developed, such as virtual backgrounds, which allow you to virtually visit site locations, transforming the backdrop of your home into a classy office or plush apartment. With more people than ever video conferencing, the number of new tools on the market is likely to explode.
Remote Workers During the Pandemic: Stay Ahead of the Curve
As the work landscape continues its revolution, its vital businesses stay ahead of the curve. They must embrace the latest technology and ideas to keep their businesses thriving, even amongst the chaos and confusion.
Consider the pandemic as an opportunity to revitalize your structure. Listen to your employees and colleagues. Remote working doesn’t have to be negative; it can be the next stage of your company’s success and a great way to test some side hustles to make extra money.
