3 minute read
Tech-Topics
Over the last year and a half, working from home has been the new “norm”; changing the work lives of virtually everyone. Despite the quick shift, change was needed. Changes were ultimately made to keep businesses afloat and to keep people safe. Some prefer working from the office, making this change rather difficult, while others had no issue working remote. We've broken down remote work into 4 points of discussion.
Working from home can cause a slight financial impact to a business. One cost that comes with working from home is software. One piece of software that would be needed is a Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which cost roughly $12-$13 per month per user. We'd also have to take into consideration remote connectivity software, management software, and VOIP softphones. This combination would cost around $50 per user per month on average.
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Hardware is another cost remote-users face depending on what the business provides. On average, a monitor ranges from $200-$500. Another accessory could be a webcam, which can range from $25$200. Employees may also need additional or more accommodating computers, which can range from $400 to $3,500, depending on job function. As an alternative to a softphone, some may want a VOIP desk phone, which is on average $50-$150. Having a business router with VPN function may also be needed.
Security
Working from home may bring up the topic of security, raising concerns that weren't previously considered beforehand. A security concern that is consistently brought up while working from home is the use of personal devices. A global survey by Gartner found that 55% of those surveyed are using personally owned computers or smartphones. The use of personal devices can bring data risks with the possibility of devices being lost or stolen, getting malware/viruses, or being exposed to data breaches. Use of personal devices can be ideal to employees but can raise issues for companies.
Sharing data securely is also a concern. A method to help securely transfer data while working from home is mandating the use of a VPN. Other tactics that can be used to help with securely sharing data are offering basic security training and installing Data Loss Prevention (DLP) security software designed specifically to prevent data theft or exposure. Implementing and utilizing organized file sharing tools is an effective way to keep sensitive data secure, especially when transferring it. Transferring and sharing data from your work computer to a personal device is strongly discouraged.
Connectivity
Working from home may create a different work environment for many, but the concern of connectivity may remain. One aspect is office accessibility, mainly having access to files, applications, or other data. Access to these resources can be available by using company-managed cloud storage such as Google Drive or OneDrive.
A repeating topic of concern is a user's home network. Power outages and internet outages at home can be aproblem, putting a halt to productivity. Home networks are somewhat unreliable as they may not have the proper wireless strength and direct connectivity to the router. The overall network health could be unknown, such as uptime, bandwidth, and usage by other people.
Besides network connectivity and office accessibility, department collaboration and overall morale is important to consider. Working from home means virtual meetings rather than meeting in person, possibly leading to gaps in overall communication. Something else that is missed are the “water-cooler” conversations, which could either be workrelated or a distraction from work, but in any regards a way to socialize, which can influence morale. Some people go into the office to provide a different atmosphere away from home, whereas some people would rather enjoy being at home.
Productivity
A major topic of conversation when discussing working from home is the impact it could have on productivity. When discussing productivity, work-life balance comes into play. Working from home provides the flexibility of working hours rather than the typical 8am-5pm at the office, of course depending on the manager. Another change is reduced travel time, reduced frustrations with traffic, and the advantage/disadvantage of being around family more.
Distractions also play a key role in productivity while working from home. There is always the possibility of dogs barking, someone being at the door, or kids screaming while on a virtual meeting. There is also the temptation of doing household chores or home projects.
In conclusion, working from home brings its own challenges, but also brings benefits. As long as you and your company have a plan of action to sustain the work-fromhome era, it can be a win-win situation.
