With most of the professional workforce now operating from home, ServiceScaler has put together some tips for overcoming technological challenges you may experience while working away from the office.

Connectivity

For best connectivity, we recommend avoiding the WiFi and cabling yourself in. If this isn’t feasible, then make sure you have good WiFi signal. A better WiFi router or a range extender might help.

Always have a backup. Tethering from your mobile using hotspot could be the difference between joining and missing that critical meeting, so make sure it works in case you need to switch to it on short notice.

In limited bandwidth scenarios, close all applications. Background applications can consume bandwidth, even when not being used. Disabling HD video can also help for video conferencing.

Hardware

Having the right hardware to work and collaborate effectively can help immensely. Hardware critical to your success should include;

1. A modern laptop with forward facing HD camera (Freedom to move about and work)
2. A wireless keyboard and mouse
3. A second monitor
4. Noise cancelling headphones and microphone
5. Mobile phone available for business use
6. Printer / scanner
7. Desk phone connected to company network
8. Adequate room lighting

Software

Ensure that your IT team have provided you access to all corporate software you have access to in the office, no exceptions. Limited access to company resources will limit your ability to complete your job function.

We would also recommend video conferencing software such as Teams or Zoom to maintain “face to face” contact, chat software with a Status function to quickly check your colleague’s availability, and VoIP phone software (Where hardware can’t be provided).

Support

Ensure you can receive IT support for your home network when there’s an issue. You won’t be dropping by the office for support in the meantime, so remote support is essential.

Working from home can be challenging at the best of times, but access to the right tools and techniques will enable you to maximise your effectiveness as a remote worker. And who knows, once this all blows over you might continue working from home, now you have the tools to do so.

Need help?

The team at ServiceScaler and I help businesses move to digital technologies every day. Feel free to reach out to us on (02) 9146 6339 or email us enquiries@servicescaler.com

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