The Small Business Guide to Remote Work

Assess physical equipment

First, review your physical network configuration. If you haven’t been in the space in a while, you’ll need to check wiring and cabling, firewalls, switches, and access points. Change batteries, clean network closets, and dust off server racks. Note any equipment that isn’t working properly and slate it for replacement at the earliest opportunity.

Accelerate the shift to cloud

Companies of all sizes are adjusting their networks to support a work-from-anywhere reality by moving data and applications to the cloud. Increasing reliance on cloud, while enabling mobility on a new scale, can also dial up bandwidth requirements.

Evaluate bandwidth needs

Whether in the office or working remotely, employees need speed. Evaluate what your work model will look like—in person, hybrid, or remote—and select the speeds you need based on historical usage and expectations. Consider purchasing dedicated business Internet for employees you expect to remain fully remote.

Enable network monitoring

Network monitoring tools can help you evaluate data usage and system performance, and send system notifications. In a hybrid working environment, however, these tools can also keep you apprised of who is at the office and logged onto the network versus who is at home.

Back it up

If the power goes out at your business location, you can’t afford to cut off Internet access to any employees or business processes. An automatic 4G LTE wireless backup that helps maintain connectivity even during power outages can give you peace of mind and allow business to keep running.

Unified Communications

Unified Communications tools include capabilities like instant messaging, conferencing, desktop sharing, and audio, web, and video conferencing. Teams can collaborate seamlessly, often communicating and sharing files and updates on the same platform. Additionally, easy, quick, real-time communication can help foster a close-knit culture, even if team members can’t be together.

Video-conferencing

Although video conferencing capabilities are included in some Unified Communications platforms, the video communications market has exploded since the beginning of the pandemic, with online video tools surging in popularity.

Collaborative productivity tools

Solutions like Microsoft Office 365 and the G Suite allow employees to create, share, and collaborate on projects in real time, even enabling multiple users to work on a document simultaneously.

Project management

While tracking projects in documents and spreadsheets is the norm for many small businesses, it can become onerous and unorganized fast. Especially in remote or hybrid environments, small business owners should consider dedicated tools to help keep workflows organized and efficient and help employees stay informed on progress.

Regular updates

With employees no longer tied down to the idea of location, it can be easy for far-flung employees to lose a sense of connection to the business and its mission. A newsletter or company bulletin covering goals, updates, and new initiatives can help keep employees connected, as does regular employee recognition for everyday wins.

User education

Human error is the root cause of many cyber breaches. Keeping employees educated on cyber threats through regularly scheduled training that starts with onboarding can help eliminate one of the biggest variables in your cybersecurity strategy.

Threat monitoring, firewalls, and anti-virus

Threat monitoring tools can actively intervene to block malicious threats like malware and ransomware on every device connected to your network, while some anti-virus tools detect and block known malicious files on installed devices and firewalls, and allow only authorized traffic using configured controls. A good strategy may include a good mix of all three solutions.

Password management

From company-owned laptops to employee-owned cell phones, there are a lot of devices connected to your network, and each of them contain pathways into your network through password-protected systems and applications. One weak password can make you vulnerable to a breach. Tap into a password management system that creates and stores strong passwords or require employees to change passwords at regular intervals.

Patch management and updates

Unpatched vulnerabilities can provide hackers with documented pathways into systems and applications. Enact strong patch management policies, or consider automating software updates.

VPNs

Virtual Private Networks (VPN) can establish a secure connection between remote workers and your company network and help reduce the risk of security breaches and cyberattacks.

Make sure you’re reachable

As some businesses went offline during the pandemic, they may have disconnected phone service. If your numbers changed since a year ago, update your online information as soon as possible so customers know how to reach you.

Take your calls with you

Use a cloud-based phone service that allows you and your employees to select where their phone rings, either at the office, a cell phone, or home land line. Additionally, if you begin a call at your desk phone but need to head out before the conversation wraps up, you can seamlessly move the call to your mobile phone.

Create a virtual switchboard

Present a polished image for those who call your company, even if there’s no one in the office. Automated attendants can provide greetings and information and route calls to the right person, whether at the business or at home.

Put remote work in your handbook.
Having a written remote work policy gives employees guidance.

Keep it a work in progress
The purpose of a remote work policy is to set expectations and ensure that employees are supported, but you’re unlikely to write the perfect draft your first time. Collect feedback from employees and fine tune your policy as needed.

Get big
The rise of remote work has broken down geographical barriers for job seekers and hiring managers. As you’re looking to fill new positions, don’t just look for candidates local to your office. Through broader recruiting, you can bring in top-tier talent, regardless of location.