The need to work outside of the four walls of your workplace is on the rise.
Workplace flexibility, non-defined work hours, and a need to be reactive to your clients have elevated the importance of your remote work environment.
To better understand how to enable a successful remote work environment we’ve covered some important considerations to get you started.
Remote Desktops and Devices; Mobile Device Management
Once you decide that your business needs a remote work environment it can be tempting to consider your staff’s personal PCs as an easy option to get things underway, but have you considered the risks associated with devices that are not in your control?
Your employee’s personal devices are vulnerable. They often sit in a domestic environment, have unknown installed software, are accessed by people outside of your control, do not have I.T. support or centralised security and may not be fit for purpose.
In the event an employee leaves your business it is extremely difficult to secure the data on devices you do not have control over. For this reason, it is best for businesses to provide devices directly to their staff that is centrally controlled and administered by a capable Managed I.T Service provider.
As mobile phones become more embedded in our everyday work processes, a need has arisen to manage this successfully. Mobile Device Management (or MDM) can take care of your phone and tablet fleet.
You can, for example, ensure that devices are configured correctly and protected with a strong password, and define which settings, apps, and files should be installed automatically on devices. If a device is lost or stolen there are protection measures for remotely securing the device.
MDM gives your business control of this important remote touchpoint.
A virtual remote desktop will enable your teams to access their work desktop including files and applications from any device with an internet connection.
Businesses can save money on laptops and provide virtual desktops and even introduce effective hot desking. Access the same work environment from home and work, on Mac and PC, laptop or desktop.
Virtual Desktops create a secure, controlled, and consistent experience for your staff no matter where they are located.
Cloud Computing & VOIP
Preparing your current workplace infrastructure to be accessible outside of its physical location takes planning and consideration.
Think about what applications and software can be moved to a cloud computing model, eliminating the need for being tethered to the workplace to access company data.
VoIP phones can now operate in the cloud environment enabling your businesses to have a connected phone system wherever your employees reside or work. VoIP cloud systems create a seamless phone network no matter where your staff is, creating an effective public image from a fragmented work environment.
Secure VPNs & Managed Networks
In some cases, you may not be able to move company applications and software to the cloud, however, your staff needs access to it.
Secure VPNs provide dedicated access to servers, data and network resources that reside at the business site. VPNs provide authenticated and encrypted access to these resources where cloud computing is not available.
Cyber Security & Network Security
With the increase in remote workplace, uptake comes a heightened security risk to your organisation.
It is important to implement strategies to minimise the risk of a breach such as:
- Provide employees that need to work remotely with devices your business owns and controls.
- Implement MDM (Mobile Device Management) on mobile devices and RMM (Remote Monitoring and Management) on laptops and PCs.
- Create remote workplace policies and procedures as part of your staff onboarding and education.
- Ensure Multifactor Authentication is part of your security infrastructure to protect staff logins from compromise.
- Create secure, controlled Virtual Desktop Machines that are accessible from work or home and create a layer of separation from insecure devices.
- Engage in centrally managed internet security and antivirus software across the entire device fleet.
IT Support
Remote workers often encounter a higher level of difficulty as they move between different internet connections and I.T. environments.
It’s important that your staff’s devices are covered by your I.T. agreement and include Remote access and Remote Monitoring (RMM).
This allows for timely resolution of issues by your I.T. support staff no matter where your employee is located, improving efficiency and productivity.
Transform Your Business Digitally
The age of workplace flexibility and efficient access is upon us. The company success stories of the future will be from those that successfully recognise the efficiency and adaptability of a remote workplace environment.
By using the services of an experienced managed IT company, you’ll be able to support your workers when working away from the office and ensure productivity remains high, while your data and equipment remain secure.
We Can Help Your Business Get Set Up
If you are unsure of how to make a move to a secure and flexible remote work environment, it is time to reach out and discuss your strategy with an I.T. managed service provider.
It is more important than ever to arm your teams with the tools to transition seamlessly from the office to home, and anywhere in between.
Start your remote workplace journey today by calling Cicom on 1300 324 266 or submitting an online enquiry form.