If employees do not have enough resources such as Wi-Fi at home, inadequate space to work or a laptop, and the like but they are required to work from home by the company, how do they deal with these scenarios and why?
In this phase of “work from home”, shoddy Wi-Fi and the digital distractions might make remote working very miserable. Too many people working from home because of COVID-19 crisis, this might sound like a luxury.
The reality is, your home Wi-Fi might slow down to crawl, the new software might confuse your computer, and the mouse might be a piece of junk. At home you don’t have an I/T department, you’re on your own.
Most of the technology problems slow down the productivity of the company; Slow internet connection, poor quality video calls and outdated software programs create uncomfortable workstations. The employee will be, therefore, susceptible to many poor returns from the company.
According to Jason Fried, there are reliable measures which make up the most effective remote working tools, such will keep technology disaster waiting.
In consultation with remote-working veterans, there are fixes and lessons which can be applied to help you any time you’re working from home.
Here Is What You Can Do
“On Lack Of Appropriate Tools To Handle Remote-Working.”
46% of employees were somehow prepared for workplace shift in response to Coronavirus pandemic Future of Work Report. Currently, according to Git Lab Survey, 90% of remote workers are more likely to recommend “working from home” to a friend. Therefore, Remote work is here to stay; IT leaders should commit to adjusting themselves to stay aligned with the digital transformations. With that, should invest the right tools and technology in improving their organizations. “Organizations should utilize the remote-working policies to prepare their employees who are unaccustomed to working from home in order to navigate the associated challenges,” Shainaz, Firfiray, Professor of Human Resource, Warwick Business School. “This include creation of support networks to support the employees in transition to a new work structure.”
- Which devices are required for successful remote work? Presumably laptop or tablet and smartphone. Internet access hardware might be needed. However, specific business requirements dictate what it’s needed. Additionally, for a superior remote work strategy, you need better accessories that will help you improve your experience with little expenses, McKinsey shares. These might include, webcam used for video conferencing, high-quality headphones or headset with microphone and the secure remote access assets.
- How do you get remote working tools for better collaboration, organization and communication? Some remote working tools are available for free; it’s just you to download and install; others need little investment to maximize your productivity. Premium packages are available at little cost to ensure that remote work is secure and the communication channel used is better than ever before. Companies should buy remote working tools from reputable firms and in wholesale prices. Employees might spend too much money if they buy one by one. This will still minimize expenses and maximize profits. Organizations should ensure that employees have the necessary equipment that makes “working from home” a success.
“On Internet Challenges.”
Let’s address the number one technology issues first: Internet connectivity. Our home internet is slightly sluggish compared to the zippy broadband connection in our workplaces. Our Wi-Fi connections are slightly spotty.
- If your Wi-Fi signal is weak, it’s recommended that you try investing in mesh Wi-Fi system. It allows you to connect several wireless access points to blanket your home with a strong and reliable internet.
- If the internet speed is slow, use a modern Wi-Fi system, which can support the current wireless standards such as Google Wi-Fi and Amazon’s Eros. If the speed gets sluggish again even after your upgrade, contact your network provider and inquire about other networking gears. You might be given the faster broadband speeds at a slightly higher price.
Generally, many people now are experiencing slower speeds; this might be because we’re sucking up the bandwidth of the internet provider, that causes the drop of average speeds. However, it’s wise to have some backup options which will get you sorted as soon as the speed problems arise, you can use the smartphone’s hot spot. This turns cellular device connection into miniature Wi-Fi network.
Final Thoughts
There is never a one-size-fits-all recommendation to create the best remote workstation. We all have different jobs. The rule of the thumb is: you should make the most out of your technology set up. In addition, there might be some distraction as you work from home, you’re responsible for making most happiness out of it. Create boundaries and take advantage of working from home as you keep parenting.