The outbreak of COVID-19 has prompted many employers to shift to a remote work model for all employees possible in a bid to limit the pandemic. According to some industry experts, the Coronavirus epidemic is the tipping point for a wider acceptance of Teleworking (ref: Teleworking and Work-from-Home: Is Coronavirus epidemic the tipping point?)
It was rare for people to work remotely a a decade ago. Teleworking was only available as a special arrangement to accommodate specific family needs. Teleconferencing and telework technology enabled by high-speed internet have advanced in the past decade and it is no longer rare for businesses to allow their employees to work from home.
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Here are the top tools and technologies to consider while you work from home
- High-speed internet – Perhaps the most essential technology is access to high-speed internet as you plan to work from home. The past few weeks in March 2020 has seen a surge in request for high-speed internet access from homes (ref: the Verge – AT&T CEO addresses major surge in mobile, Wi-Fi usage as more people work from home). Experts suggest that you have a backup internet connection and also consider using your smartphone’s data connection as a backup. Your backup plan can include tethering your smartphone or having a Cheap Mobile Hotspot.
- Good hardware – While a reliable laptop is an essential tool, you should also invest in a dedicated keyboard, mouse, noise cancelling headset and webcam to enjoy seamless communication experience while at home.
- Separate voice and data connections – While Voice over IP (VOIP) technologies have advanced considerably, it is worth investing in a dedicated phone line in addition to using your data connection for voice calls.
- Meeting solutions – There are several popular meeting solution tools. These include Cisco WebEx, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype, GoToMeeting etc. If you work for a large organization, it is likely that there is already a preferred conferencing tool or two available.
- Instant messenger – Most organizations have one or more messaging platforms that enable instant communication between folks who are online. Instant messaging tools can make individuals feel connected and makes sending memos or even sharing jokes and link convenient. Popular IM tools include Skype, Slack, WhatsApp, WeChat among others
- Remote project management tools – Digital collaboration is the backbone of any virtual office. When you colloborate with teams working in different locations, and across time zones, investing in a team collaboration tool will help your remote staff stay on top of assigned tasks and keep you informed of their progress. Tools like Microsoft’s Project online, Trello, and Wrike provide users with web based solution to manage projects and remote teams. Some features include real-time bulletin board, action items, work breakdown and task assignments.
- Remote Access VPNs – A remote access Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows remote users to connect to a private network while accessing your company’s online resources. Your organization may define policies for use of VPN to access internal applications, software and data.
- UPS and uninterrupted power – While working from home, you should prepare for power outage and should consider investing in a Uninterruptible power supply
- BlackBerry (BB) Gears Up for Secure Remote Working Facilities – BlackBerry Limited recently announced that it is implementing immediate steps to facilitate remote working facilities for a larger population across diverse companies in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its employees, the strategic move will enable it to fulfill corporate social responsibilities amid testing times.
- Other online tools – You should familiarize yourself with online tools for Note taking, file sharing, Time Zone Converter. Remember to keep note of all your passwords you use across online and cloud based tools. Remember, when you work from home, you are your own tech-support guy!
Other useful references to prepare to Work from Home
- ZDNet – Upgrade your work from home office with these tools and gadgets – Here is a selection of tools and gadgets to make working from home more efficient, safer, and enjoyable.
- The Verge – A guide to working at home using Zoom, Slack, and other tools – We’re taking the tech expertise of our staff, and the experience of many of our writers and editors, to put together tips and advice on working …
- The New York Times – The Most Crucial Tools for WFH: Kindness, and a Piece of Tape – Send questions about the office, money, careers and work-life balance to [email protected]. Include your name and location …
- BBC News – Tricks and tools for better working from home – If coronavirus means you have to work from home, then there is some tech you should consider.
- inc.com – These 5 Tech Companies Are Providing Free Remote Working Tools During the Coronavirus Outbreak – As many companies ask employees to stay home, these five are making their services available to others.
- Forbes – How To Work From Home: The Best Tools – Whether you’re in the market for a new office chair, a desk, a keyboard, or all of the above, here are the best tools for working from home. Best …
Before COVID-19 only a handful of Tech jobs could be done from home
- Computer user support specialist
- Computer systems analyst
- Software quality assurance engineer
- Computer and information systems manager
- Software developer
- Web developer
- Database administrator
- Information security analysts