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Two years post-pandemic, many companies still rely heavily on remote workers. A necessity during the height of COVID has become an option countless employees prefer. But with remote work comes the importance of having IT support ready and able to assist the team working remotely.
And that’s what it is – a team. One downside of remote work is the feeling of isolation due in part to having coworkers you’ve never met in person. A simple way to make remote employees feel like part of the team is by providing the IT support necessary to get the job done. How?
Offer Employees Proper Equipment For Remote Work
Employees enjoy the safety and ease of working remotely. But they can’t do their jobs without the proper equipment. If the company provides computers for in-office employees, it’s reasonable to provide a laptop for remote workers.
Additionally, a company-issued mobile phone can help keep the company’s work product secure from cyber hacks. Essentially, any equipment provided to employees working in the office should also be provided to remote workers on the company’s dime.
Provide Round-The-Clock IT Support
Most office employees rely heavily on their IT support co-workers to help with various issues that can come up throughout the workday. However, with remote workers, the workday is no longer 9-5.
As a result of an open-ended work schedule, IT support needs to be available 24 hours a day.
Companies must also factor in time zone differences. A remote worker based in the United States may need IT support from Brisbane.
Have A Plan In Place For IT Emergencies
IT support is the unsung hero of the workforce. Not only do they fix minor issues, but they are also responsible for emergencies that can come up. Emergencies can happen at all hours of the day or night.
It’s important to have a plan already in place on how IT support handles emergencies. Having a local IT specialist available for remote workers is one step of an emergency plan. In some cases, the employee might be unable to get to the office to have their IT problem fixed.
A local IT specialist, preferably available 24/7, can get the problem resolved quickly to allow the remote worker to continue their task.
Train Remote Workers In Cybersecurity
An increase in cyber attacks takes up a significant amount of IT support’s time. The time could be better spent troubleshooting and resolving computer problems. Training all workers, including remote employees, on cybersecurity can help decrease the number of cyberattacks.
Many companies implement two-factor authentication protocols to prevent hacks. Stressing the importance of strong passwords versus easily-guessed passwords can also help keep networks secure.
Remote work is more popular than ever thanks to Zoom and other communication platforms. The popularity is unlikely to wane in the coming years. Companies should bolster their IT support team to provide much-needed assistance in keeping the remote workplace secure and functional.
