Remote working is on the rise, rapidly becoming a norm. Technology and a changing attitude towards the offsite office supports the trend but can also present challenges in the form of higher expectations.
Read on to learn how today’s remote worker – and employers – can use today’s apps and remote working tools to work smarter, and more efficiently.
Who’s in-house, and who’s at-home?
More and more American workers are spending the day in fuzzy slippers – fielding calls, creating and sending documents and being more efficient to boot.
The remote workers' utility belt
Working on the road, at home or at a mobile hotspot only works when you can actually get work done. Apps and tools now enable instant access to the latest files, support simultaneous team collaboration, and connect us with co-workers all over the globe to communicate and move work forward. Here are some tips for working remotely along with the tools you need for optimum productivity:
Remote working tools to keep you connected
Fast, reliable internet and back up mobile hotspot(s) are essential and with access so readily available, you don’t need to worry about weak connections or small data packages.
Remote desktop apps provide a secure connection to a computer at another location and enable viewing of your device by others outside of the remote working space. A virtual private network (VPN) extends a private network securely across a public network for use with a laptop, desktop, or smartphone.
24/7 technology that goes where you go takes one less worry off the remote worker’s plate. Xerox mobile solutions make it easy to communicate, connect and work securely, while our free download mobile express print driver lets you print to virtually any printer while travelling or working in multiple locations.
Real-time communication apps run the gamut from simple mobile instant messaging apps to sophisticated software to deliver video-conferences, the ability to collaborate on shared files (sharing your screen), and team/single chat.
Remote collaboration software offers users the flexibility of working “together while apart”; online office suites allow simultaneous editing, and shared file storage apps like Dropbox and OneDrive give ready access to documents. Cloud-ready printers like Xerox ConnectKey printers let you download, share, print, scan, distribute and even translate documents on the go from anywhere, via laptop, tablet or smartphone.
Keep your projects moving
Project management software is as common as Post-it notes and as easy to use. Choose your favourite based on how you best like to track your to-do list. Note-taking and web-clipping apps like Evernote and OneNote help organise a multitude of information and make it shareable.
Virtual workspace tools offer a central hub for remote members to store shared files and join in discussion forums, calendars and to-do lists, or go old school and download our attractive day planners.
Keep your files secure with file disk encryption software and always backup your files. Use a password manager and utilise two-factor authentication (2FA) for a second layer of password protection. And make sure your digital data is safeguarded as you share it via the cloud and mobile devices.
Is working remotely right for you?
There are numerous considerations to weigh if you’re thinking of going remote, or if you’re an employer deciding if enabling remote work teams makes sense (cost- and efficiency-wise). For the latter, studies show greater productivity along with greater work-life balance and overall job satisfaction. It also costs less to bring remote employees onboard and widens the prospects pool.
For freelancers, contractors and those whose jobs require frequent travel, setting up shop remotely is second nature, and usually preferred. But working “outside the cube” has its challenges: unless you are practised at handling distractions, disciplined to remain focused, self-motivated and a champion organiser, you may run into problems. If your job allows telecommuting, consider a test run of a few days a week to test the waters.
Digital communication, collaboration and mobile tools are advancing everyday, empowering workers to do more than ever before – and feel better doing it. Maybe it’s time you give it a try?
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Altron Document Solutions
Altron Document Solutions (ADS) is Africa's leading document management technology and services company and the largest Xerox distributor in the world. It is the authorised Xerox distributor in 26 sub-Saharan countries offering the complete range of Xerox document equipment, software solutions and services. ADS forms part of JSE-listed Altron Limited.
Xerox Corporation
Xerox Holdings Corporation (NYSE: XRX) makes every day work better. We are a workplace technology company building and integrating software and hardware for enterprises large and small. As customers seek to manage information across digital and physical platforms, Xerox delivers a seamless, secure and sustainable experience. Whether inventing the copier, Ethernet, the laser printer or more, Xerox has long defined the modern work experience. Learn how that innovation continues at xerox.com.