Why Is Remote Work So Popular?
Remote work became necessary for many during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure safety and social distancing. After working remotely for a time, many employers and employees realized the possibility of seamless communication and collaboration from virtually anywhere and appreciated the flexibility that comes with remote work. Even when businesses could meet in person again, remote work remained popular: In 2022, 61% of remotely working adults reported that they did so out of choice, rather than necessity—a percentage almost double that of 2020 when only 36% chose to work from home.What Are Common Challenges with Remote Work?
Working remotely has many benefits, but it also comes with a variety of difficulties. We’ve highlighted a few of the most common below.Connectivity Issues
Internet connection makes remote work possible, but it can also be one of the most significant barriers to productivity. Unreliable internet connections can lead to disruptions in meetings and delays in project and task completion. Remote IT support is crucial for keeping your team online and on track.Security
Remote work presents unique security challenges as employees access company data from various locations and devices. Protecting sensitive information requires robust cybersecurity measures, including the use of multi-factor identification (MFA), and employee training on safe practices.Employee Awareness
Employees should be informed not only of security procedures but of all company policies and best practices for working from home. They should also be given access to remote IT support so they can quickly resolve issues and find answers to questions. Without this awareness, miscommunication, errors in work processes, and security breaches become more likely.Project Management
Managing projects remotely necessitates effective tools, communication, and strategies to keep everyone aligned and on track. Without direct oversight, it’s easy for tasks to fall through the cracks, making project management software and regular updates a key to success.Client Communication
Maintaining clear and consistent communication with clients can be more challenging when not working face-to-face, and some clients may not be fully comfortable with all digital communication. Be sensitive and creative with video calls, emails, and instant messaging to preserve client relationships.Employee Communication
Effective communication among remote teams can be equally challenging, but it’s critical for collaboration and completing tasks. Encourage employees to use messaging platforms and video conferencing to bridge the gap caused by physical distance and foster a more connected workforce. Offer remote IT support so they can stay in touch throughout the day.Remote Work Trends That Will Save the Day
While these roadblocks can be frustrating, developments in technology have allowed for reliable solutions to combat them and keep your business running like a well-oiled machine:- The cloud has revolutionized remote work by enabling employees to store, access, and share data seamlessly from any location. With features like backup options, the cloud will help your business run smoothly and protect your data from corruption.
- Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology facilitates clear and reliable voice communication over the Internet, rather than a traditional phone line. VoIP services support functionalities such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and virtual meetings, helping to bridge communication gaps between remote teams and clients.
- Microsoft offers a suite of tools designed for remote work, including the messaging platform Microsoft Teams, Microsoft 365 (the apps you know and love, like Word and PowerPoint, with a cloud feature allowing for real-time collaboration), and Infrastructure-as-a-service.
- Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are companies that offer customizable in-person or remote IT support to meet your needs, from cloud management and cybersecurity to software and hardware repairs and updates.