If there’s one positive to the Coronavirus, it’s that it’s teaching businesses and organizations that it doesn’t need on-site staff. There are many benefits for both employers and employees in allowing your workforce to work at home. The chief among those is that it saves the business money. If you’re one of those employees or an employer who has made the transition to work at home, then you need to ensure you’re ready to provide the same quality service as before. Here are a few tips and tricks to follow.
1. How to Set Up Your Home Office
Perhaps the most important part for any entrepreneur or employee that works from home is setting up their office. An office that is set up properly can ensure you have the same amount of productivity at home that you did in the office.
The first thing to keep in mind is the location. Unless your home already has an office, you may need to move a few things around to transition a room into an office. There are a few things to note about choosing a room for an office. The first is that it should include some views. You don’t want to feel as though you’re trapped in jail when you work from home. At the very least, have a window.
The second important aspect of choosing your home office is that it should also be far enough from distractions. In regards to the Coronavirus, in particular, many children are being sent home as schools close down. Children generate a lot of noise. This can make working from home difficult to achieve. To ensure your productivity remains unhindered, your office should be far enough that you can’t hear the children playing or causing chaos.
With your room chosen, it’s time to set up the actual office. You’ll need a sizable enough desk with plenty of storage. The true secret to being a successful entrepreneur and employee is being organized. Remote work requires just as much organization as working in a traditional office, if not more so.
You’ll want to use filing cabinets or files that you can place in drawers. Label each one with clear instructions, so you always know where to look when you need a document. You can also write down client lists, contact information, and other quick-access information on a sticky note that you can stick to your computer monitor.
Certain software may also help you stay organized. Virtual calendars, meeting planners, and other applications can ensure that you never miss a deadline. There are also various sites and apps that help you track your time and limit internet access if you tend to become distracted.
One final aspect of your home office is your chair. At your business, you likely have a comfortable chair that’s made with ergonomics in mind. You may not be able to afford such an expensive chair at home. However, you should still invest in a good chair. Your comfort is going to determine how well you work at home. If you’re uncomfortable, you’ll be unfocused and unable to work well. If you’re going to splurge on anything, splurge on your office chair.
2. Technical Requirements for Working From Home
No office is complete without a computer and other pieces of equipment. Depending on your work, you may also need a webcam. Some businesses may require you to attend a virtual meeting with the webcam. Or you may need it in order to work with your teammates or to speak with your clients.
None of this will work without the internet. While you may already have the internet at home, it may not necessarily be capable of providing efficient and uninterrupted service for your work. Internet capabilities for work and internet capabilities for residents are two very different things.
You may need to invest in a higher caliber of the internet. In particular, you’ll want to look at the speeds. At the very least, you should have an internet plan for 100mbps. Check with your company beforehand, however, as they may ask for a different requirement.
You may also need additional pieces of equipment like a headset and mic if your webcam isn’t great for audio quality. It may also be worth it to buy an additional phone for work.
3. Create an FAQ Page for Home Office
It may also be beneficial to create a FAQ page for your service. If you’re someone starting their own business at home and intend to do remote work, then an FAQ page is vital. This page can solve a lot of the problems or answer a lot of the questions that your clients may have.
You likely don’t have a lot of time or resources to devote to answering every question that is sent your way. To refrain your support staff from being overwhelmed, an FAQ can go over some of the most common questions that they receive from customers.
You’ll want to be as specific as possible when answering those questions. It may even be a good idea to post a video of how to do something, if applicable.
4. Utilize Communication Services
Since you’re no longer able to simply walk to the desk of your coworker when you have a question, you’ll need a site that offers quick and easy communication between workers. Some examples may be Slack, Discord, Skype, and Zoom. While most of these services are free, you can also receive benefits if you choose to become a paid subscriber.
Depending on the site, you have your choice between text, audio, and video communication. You can easily host a meeting or work session. Or it can simply be in the background and be available in the event that you have any questions or someone has questions for you.
5. Cloud Identity Access Management
Since your business is primarily being held online, you’re going to need a lot of security. That’s where Teamstack comes into play. Teamstack offers identity access management services and security. Our applications are secure, private, and can ensure that all the work you do is safe and protected. Teamstack works with over 500 applications, so you can be sure that we support and offer the access management program that you need.
Working with a Cloud is also important. You wouldn’t want to buy servers and storage for your home. Yet you’re going to have a ton of data that needs to be saved and quickly accessed. That’s where Cloud storage and management really shines. You can upload your data into a secure environment, so your computer doesn’t become over-encumbered with the data.
6. Cybersecurity
Finally, you need to ensure that you have cybersecurity in place. Firewalls will further ensure that your identity and other information are kept safe. With plenty of businesses falling prey to hackers, you don’t want your company to be the next victim.
There are plenty of security programs out there to choose from. Find one that best fits your business model.
Keep Profits on the Rise
Even though the Coronavirus is hitting a lot of businesses hard, it doesn’t have to hit yours. Making the switch to a remote environment can save your business now and continue to save it money in the future. There will always be another Coronavirus pandemic around the corner. Making the switch to remote work now with Teamstack at your back can keep your business prepared for the future. Make the switch today and watch your profits continue to rise.