With home working here to stay, did you know one in four people could end up working from home permanently? Businesses are experiencing ongoing changes to their employment patterns as the coronavirus pandemic encourages more to work remotely.

With many companies having to input new systems, software and protocols to make this transition as smooth as possible, the large majority are looking into flexible working as a common practice. However, moving forward, businesses are looking into new ways they can improve their remote IT systems to make working from home permanently a possibility. 

The most crucial factor to consider when looking into long-term remote working is communication. Without it, your entire workforce can easily go off track, feel demotivated, and quite frankly fall into disarray. Clear communication is paramount in ensuring everyone knows what everyone else is doing and, more importantly, what they need to be doing. With smart policies and software in place, your workforce can stay on track and connect; enabling everyone to maintain their productivity. 

The first IT system to check is your company’s communication platform. Does this software allow all members of staff to easily communicate with each other, whether through messaging channels, video calls, or group chats? If not, you really want to consider upgrading.

Remote Working Policies and Systems

Depending on the nature and size of your business, your IT and management executives may have already created some policies regarding working from home. Whether these systems have been set up or not and with so many people now working remotely, these policies may need updating. 

For example, your company’s IT and management team may have already realised that new policies are needed surrounding devices. Devices, such as laptops and mobile phones, are critical to your workforce’s ability to maintain their normal productivity levels within their home environments. Without the correct equipment, and the relevant computer and internet accessories, your business’ success would take a hit. 

With policy covering devices, all staff who are new to working from home are able to pick up where they left off. A new or updated work-from-home expense policy will enable the company and employee to know exactly where they stand in relation to what equipment is essential for them to do their job at home. 

Moreover, processes must be put in place to support your IT maintenance team, especially if this is managed in-house. There will be more a much higher volume of requests, and the need to stay organised is heightened. There are smart approaches your company can consider helping improve collaboration and communication. These systems enable staff, who are working remotely, to file a question regarding their work device or ask for clarity on new remote policy. 

For your business to improve your remote IT services, productivity and communication need to be top of your priorities. 

Remote Hiring and Training 

Similarly to setting up new policies and systems, to make the transition as smooth as possible into long-term working from home, remote training and hiring must be set-up. IT can be utilised for hiring new members of staff and training up current employees on the best practises for their remote working. 

Hiring new staff remotely brings its own challenges. Their first interaction with you is virtual; but, similarly, their first impression of your company is also through your IT processes. The impact your business has on possible new recruits is huge. Therefore, your IT system must be reliable and easy to use. 

For existing employees, communicate any changes and new practices as early as possible, and keep them updated with any tweaks regularly.  For their ease in switching over to remote working practice, it is worth considering advice and guidance on setting up their workplace and how to get everyone set up on the same VPN.  With processes and systems in place that encourage collaboration, everyone is kept in the loop and has access to the support they require. 

How Global EMEA Can Help

Your IT system works as the backbone of your business, especially in these unprecedented times. It is crucial that your IT software can support your workforce, and those who look after it can cope with the influx of calls and questions on top of the day-to-day IT management. 

In order to guarantee your company’s success, it is worth considering whether your business needs to pull in more IT specialists. By outsourcing your IT management, not only can your company save costs, but your IT systems will maintain the high standard of performance and security you expect. 

By working with Global, you can tailor your IT management package to suit your needs as we understand that each business is different. Whether you require hardware, software or network support, need network and system monitoring, or expect backups and disaster recovery systems, our experts can help. 

From upgrades to your IT assets to help support your remote workers, or performance and network maintenance, our bespoke services can help support your company as it branches out into more permanent flexible working arrangements. 

For more information, call us on +44 (0) 844 251 0471 in order to speak to one of our team about how best we can support you. Or visit our website to fill out an enquiry form today.