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Remote working: More than just a back-up option

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17th Jun 2010
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Andrew Millard offers five top tips for businesses considering their remote working technology options.

For some, the recent travel mayhem caused by the volcanic ash cloud reinforced the importance of putting in place flexible working practices which can enable continuity of business in the face of unexpected disruptions. 

The potential impact on small to medium-sized business employers in particular shouldn’t be underestimated. However, despite some companies’ continuing reservations, the regulatory, social and environmental pressures on employers to offer a more flexible working environment - by increasing opportunities for staff to work from home or other remote locations - is undoubtedly growing.

The good news is that technology no longer presents a barrier. Affordable voice and data collaboration solutions are now available which allow staff working away from the office to remain fully operational, by communicating effectively and securely with their colleagues or customers, wherever they are.

New technologies, new benefits
Offering more flexible arrangements and supporting remote working practices can be highly beneficial to both individual employees and the business. For example, by providing remote access tools that enable PC or Mac users to securely and easily access their office computer, businesses can ensure employees can use all of their files, email and applications to work at any time of day, from any location.

For employees who regularly collaborate with others, simple web conferencing tools will enable them to host or join an online meeting at the touch of a button where they can share their screen and interact just as if they were there in person.

In the past, network access security has been a major concern for employers when considering whether to let staff have remote access to the corporate network - particularly where this involves work on sensitive client data in real-time. However, this no longer need be the case as today these solutions are available in a completely secure environment.

A better working environment
There is no doubt that employers are warming to this changing world. Business owners themselves see the benefits of flexible working and web commuting – using the internet to work from anywhere – as it gives them more control over their working day and provides greater job satisfaction. In passing these same benefits on to their staff, employers also see the positive impact this would have on occasions which cannot be anticipated, such as family emergencies or bad weather.

In addition, where employee travel is required, businesses are becoming more willing to allow participation in online meetings in place of in-person meetings, as they see the commercial benefits of increased productivity and reduced travel costs at the same time as keeping an eye on carbon reduction as part of a corporate social responsibility commitment.

Top tips
For employers considering offering remote working capabilities to staff, there are five key points to bear in mind: 

  • Make sure the remote working technology replicates the key aspects of normal office working, to ensure business as usual, with minimum disruption to the effectiveness of partners and other key staff when off-site on a planned or unplanned basis.
  • As part of this, select a solution which provides full and secure remote access to your Mac or PC, from any location, via a simple web browser.
  • Choose a vendor offering comprehensive remote diagnostic support, to ensure technical problems are resolved as quickly as possible.
  • Select a virtual solution which offers the breadth of functionality your partners and staff need, including remote meeting, webinar and training tools. A software-as-a-service option will also minimise upfront investment and ongoing management costs.
  • In order to ensure maximum use internally, choose tools that are highly intuitive and easy to use, which will encourage staff and customers to use them regularly. By enhancing the user experience in this way, this will both improve engagement and ensure that online isn’t just used as a fall-back option but is adopted with confidence by all parties when it is the most appropriate and cost effective means of communication.

A positive response
Today these solutions are readily available and financially within reach of even the smallest business.
By providing the tools to enable employees to work from anywhere, companies can help staff achieve a work/life balance that will increase satisfaction levels and staff retention, while maintaining productivity and minimising disruption to the business - a rare but powerful example of a win/win situation.      

Further reading

Andrew Millard is marketing director EMEA at Citrix Online which provides secure, easy-to-use online solutions that enable people to work from anywhere with anyone. For further information and to download a free trial please visit www.gotomeeting.co.uk or www.gotomypc.co.uk.

 

Replies (2)

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By The Minion
17th Jun 2010 15:23

one other point

to bear in mind here is that you need to do a Health and Saftey assessment for the area you are working in - no this is not a joke!

How you deal with that when you are not at home but in the pub/airport/layby (delete or add as necessary) etc is debateable!

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By drintoul
18th Jun 2010 15:18

Children

The technology may be there, but if you have a young family, it can be hard to get the peace to work without being distracted.

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