Remote work has become the norm for many companies.
More and more companies are taking a hybrid approach, working from home a few days a week or moving to a coworking space.
Others have turned their backs on working from home entirely and now work from anywhere in the world as digital nomads.
It can give entrepreneurs the flexibility to pursue their dreams while also seeing the world. And for those looking for a more welcoming workplace, remote work can be essential in helping to attract and retain the right staff.
However, it is not without its challenges. Regardless of whether you work at home or abroad, there are a number of factors you will need to consider.
We explain how you can work from anywhere seamlessly and ensure your business remains as secure as possible.
Get ready with technology
The first step when transitioning to remote work is to ensure you have the right equipment and technology to ease the transition and ensure your productivity.
It’s important to have technology that you can trust and use easily. A small laptop may be suitable if you travel a lot, but may not be suitable if your work requires two screens.
You’ll also need a good internet connection wherever you are, especially if you spend a lot of time making video calls with colleagues and/or clients. A good pair of headphones will also help reduce background noise on these calls.
Finally, it will be helpful to maintain a space dedicated to your work. You may not have space for an office, and if you travel this will be even more difficult, but having a dedicated desk or table will help you separate your work and living spaces.
stay connected
Collaboration is an important part of running a successful business, but it can be challenging if you and your colleagues are not in the same place.
The good news is that there are many collaboration software tools that can bring the workforce together without having to meet in person.
These include project and task management tools, which help everyone know who is doing what and when, as well as virtual whiteboards.
Sharing documents is also easier than ever, so multiple users can edit documents at the same time, wherever they are.
Information is updated as soon as changes are made, meaning it is always up-to-date.
Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive are some good low-cost options. Vodafone Business has presented the best cloud collaboration tools here.
You may want to consider a team messaging app like Microsoft Teams to maintain communication as well.
You can set up separate channels for socializing to help create the feeling of being in the office and mimic that water cooler chat.
Security
Security may be at the bottom of your priority list, but it is one of the most important things to consider when running your business, especially remotely.
Almost two-thirds of small businesses would be forced to close if they suffered a cyber attack, according to a report from the European Commission.
If you’re out of the office you’ll have to take security even more seriously. Remote working means we are more reliant on the internet, which can leave businesses at greater risk of a cyberattack.
The first step to consider is what cybersecurity regulations apply to you based on your industry and the type of data you handle.
Vodafone V-Hub digital advisors can offer you free, personalized guidance and support to help you get started.
ANDYou’ll also want to make sure you have things like antivirus software to help protect your business, as well as strong passwords and a two-step verification process for laptops, computers, and smartphones.
You should also consider using a virtual private network (VPN), which will help you hide your IP address from hackers.
While technology has made it easier for you to work from anywhere, you will still need to back up your data.
Vodafone Business offers a dedicated cloud backup for businesses to give you peace of mind and allow you to focus your time on what matters.
Cost management
Economic uncertainty and persistent inflation continue to hit small and medium-sized businesses hardest, meaning managing costs is more critical than ever.
While working remotely can help with the price of an office, there are still costs that need to be controlled.
It’s hard to keep track of where your money is going, and budgeting can be a daunting task at first. However, there are many software tools that can help you control your costs by creating templates and setting up budget allocations.
Opting for low-cost, easy-to-use tools such as Quickbooks or Sage accounting platforms can free up more time to run your business and increase productivity.
If you’re stuck for options, it’s worth seeking specialist help, especially when it comes to areas such as security and data protection.
A cyber attack could result in the loss of customer data and therefore loss of business due to reputational damage. It could be more expensive in the long run and potentially result in spending more money while you react to the consequences.
The move to remote work shouldn’t be a hindrance to your business; In fact, it can be one of the most productive and flexible ways to manage it.
From connecting your team wherever they are to ensuring they are protected from cyber attacks, your business can lay the foundation for long-term success.
Making technology work for you can be simple. To find out more visit Vodafone Business.
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