Work from home has been around for a long time and was sped up during pandemic lockdowns. As we approach the five-year mark, it’s important to evolve the hastily implemented processes and tools of the past. Stay up-to-date with the latest work-from-home technology and consider your role as an employer in supporting your remote employees through technology.
The Latest Apps
Productivity Apps
In the office or at home, project management is always a daunting task. Apps like Asana or Monday.com enable you to plot out all of the components and tasks involved in a project. You can get granular by assigning a deadline and staff member to each task or look at a project on a high-level level in a Gantt chart or Kanban.
When you build a project in the app, you can also set the amount of time and money budgeted for each project so you can compare the progress made against the remaining budget.
Whiteboard apps
We’ve discussed the importance of staff collaboration tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams to streamline communication across distances. A brainstorming app like Mural or Miro is a great addition to your repertoire. These apps provide a virtual alternative to your office’s whiteboards and sticky notes. Your team can brainstorm and organize ideas visually and in real-time.
Don’t be daunted by a blank canvas. These apps also have pre-built templates to get the ideas moving such as SWOT analysis and mind maps. This allows your team to jump right into it without worrying about how to structure the session. These also integrate with project management and task-tracking apps, ensuring adaptability and ease of use.
Hardware
In addition to cutting-edge software, it’s important to provide your staff with the latest devices. First, you should determine if you want to provide employees with company-owned devices or Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) workplace. There are pros and cons to each.
If you provide equipment to your staff, you know that everyone is working on the same operating system, has the same processing capabilities, and is up to date. It ensures that no one will have difficulty accessing any specific company-used programs. You are responsible for disseminating the products, including getting them to new hires and ensuring they are returned when an employee leaves.
In a BYOD environment, staff can choose based on their preferences or what systems they are most comfortable with and what works best for their specific type of work. This choice empowers them to pick what works best for their space and working style. To make sure this isn’t a strain on your employees, it is important to provide a technology stipend. This ensures that your staff can purchase what works best for them. It can also cover many aspects of their workplace environment, including premium software subscriptions or monthly internet bills.
Regardless of how you provide mobile technology to your staff, make sure you follow recommended protocols to keep your workplace secure.
Benefits of Updated Work From Home Tech
The right tools and support can enhance your employees’ productivity and job satisfaction. They can also provide a competitive advantage in recruitment since potential employees can be confident they will have the necessary equipment and support to succeed in your organization.
Are your current WFH offerings providing you and your employees with everything you need? Contact FSA to review your current plan and determine what upgrades you should consider.