Nothing like starting the workday with coffee in hand and slippers on feet. Over the past several years, remote work has become a new normal for many companies. Businesses have had to adapt to new ways of doing “business as usual” in order to stay relevant and competitive. While working outside of the office has provided numerous benefits, such as increased flexibility and reduced costs, it’s also brought about new IT challenges for small businesses.
Here, we’ll discuss the impact of remote work on small business IT and how to adapt. We’ll also provide tips on how a managed services provider can help.
Impact of Remote Work on Small Business IT
The shift to remote work has forced many small businesses to rely heavily on technology in order to operate effectively. With employees working from different locations and often using different devices, there are many more opportunities for technical difficulties and security issues to arise. As a result, small businesses have seen a surge in the demand for IT support services to help them manage and maintain their technological infrastructure.
Benefits of IT support services
IT support services can include a wide range of offerings, from troubleshooting common software and hardware issues to providing ongoing maintenance and security updates. Some IT support providers, including CMIT Solutions of Cincinnati & NKY, also offer specialized services such as cloud computing, data backup and recovery, and network management.
One of the key benefits of outsourcing IT support services is that it allows small businesses to focus on their core operations without having to worry about technical and security issues that arise from remote work.
Small Business IT Challenges
There are several IT challenges that smaller companies face with employees working remotely. These can include:
Security risks
Away from the office, the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches increases. Employees working from home may have access to a different level of security than they do in the office. Overlooking security can put sensitive company data at risk.
Technical issues
Technical issues such as poor internet connectivity, hardware failure, and software compatibility problems can be harder to manage while working remotely. These issues can cause delays in work and impact employee productivity.
Communication difficulties
Communication is key to the success of any business. Working from home can make communication difficult due to the lack of face-to-face interaction. This can result in misunderstandings and miscommunication between team members used to working in a small office together.
Adapting to Remote Work
Love it or hate it, remote work is probably here to stay. Small businesses can take several steps to adapt to the challenges of having team members work from home. Here are some tips:
Prioritize security
Cybersecurity should be the number-one focus of any company with remote employees. This includes using secure passwords, encrypting data, and enabling two-factor authentication. Also, remember to provide proper training on how to identify and report security threats.
Invest in reliable technology
Invest in reliable technology to ensure that employees can work effectively from home. This includes providing team members with laptops, high-speed internet connections, and reliable software. IT procurement services can help ensure that all technology is working correctly and efficiently.
Foster communication
Use technology to foster communication between team members to ensure everyone is on the same page. Set up regular virtual meetings, use instant messaging tools such as Slack, and encourage open communication. There are also several team-building activities that can be done remotely through companies such as Glue and Confetti.
Provide training
Remember that people don’t know what they don’t know. A managed services provider can train employees on how to use new technology and software from the start. Help everyone feel more confident and productive when working remotely.
Consider cloud-based solutions
Cloud-based solutions allow employees to access company data from anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection. Not only do cloud services improve collaboration and productivity, but they also provide better security.
Conclusion
By prioritizing security, investing in reliable technology, fostering communication, providing training, and considering cloud-based solutions, small businesses can adapt to remote work and thrive in this new reality. IT support services can help companies implement these solutions and ensure their IT infrastructure is secure and efficient.
At CMIT Solutions of Cincinnati & NKY, we are dedicated to helping small businesses succeed in this era of working remotely. Contact us today for your free IT assessment and learn how we can help with your remote security concerns.
