6 Ways for Technology to Assist Remote Work

Thanks to technological advancements, the number of people working from home has been rising steadily over the years. According to Global Workplace Analytics, about 25 percent of the working population now works from the comfort of their homes. This is an indication of how technology has altered the boundaries of how people work. 

Through the use of web and video conferencing, the internet, laptops, and other tools, people are able to connect without having to meet physically. As such, it has become easy to work within flexible schedules and without the hassle that comes with commuting to work and back home. Here we look at some of the ways technology enables people to work from home. 

Staying Connected 

Technology has made it easy for people to connect without the limitations of distance. Options such as telephone conference calls and video conferencing are used to connect employees from wherever they are. Moreover, people use intranet and extranet to access their company's servers remotely, thus eliminating the need to be in an actual office. 

Other applications worth mentioning here that help to connect people are: Skype which facilitates voice and video calls; MindMeister which allows people to share ideas visually; and Google Keep which offers a platform for people to brainstorm. No doubt, technology has played an integral part in enhancing communication for people who work from home.

Time Tracking

Time tracking applications have ensured that employees and managers are able to check on their remote workers whenever necessary as they track project efficiency. More importantly, this technology has played a part in creating an environment of mutual accountability that is essential for a successful working relationship. It is recommendable to integrate time trackers to guide how people work and ensure that the schedules set are favorable to everybody. 

Sharing Files Instantly 

The evolution of technology has made it possible for people to share files remotely, and in the process, making it easy to work from home. For instance, DriveBox and Google Drive allow people to share documents and files instantly. Moreover, Yammer, a project management application, eases the process of communicating and sharing messages and folders among people. 

People who work from home have benefited significantly from this technology. The fact that one can send files to people who are miles away eliminates the need to work from an office. 

VPNs and Firewalls

Data security is critical for people who are working from home. Technology has brought forth ways to keep information safe. For instance, firewalls and VPNs protect devices from being illegally accessed or hacked. Companies are also investing in endpoint security solutions and enterprise mobility management to safeguard data. 

Computers that are not well protected are prone to be compromised. In some cases, important data may be used for the wrong purposes, such as to invade the privacy of individuals or expose private information to the public. However, technology can help protect people who work from home by securing their devices, making it impossible for non-authorized persons from causing any damage. 

Mobile Apps

Smartphones have facilitated working from home in a considerable way. Through this technology, people are able to keep updated on the latest events, send emails and files, and use other means such as voice mail without having to leave their homes. These devices carry all the essential applications that one would need to communicate and share information with others. Accordingly, they have contributed to making working from home possible. 

Healthy and Happy  

It goes without saying that people who work from home tend to be happier and more productive. Dell conducted a study that showed 46 percent of remote workers reported getting more sleep, experiencing less stress, and having a better sense of wellbeing. Such studies have led to an increase in people who work remotely as everybody wants to work within their own schedules and, at the same time, be more productive, healthier, and happier. 

As the concept of working from home continues to become a norm, there is no doubt that there is going to be a significant rise in individuals who work remotely.