Support for Newly Remote Small Businesses and Their Workforces

Many people are jumping head-first into the world of remote work. More businesses and their workforces are suddenly adapting to moving business operations online and working in ways they’ve never considered—or prepared for—before. 

This can be a difficult period of adjustment, so here are a few ways to create and maintain a productive and secure online environment to support your sudden move from brick-and-mortar to the remote, online world.

Take the time to assess your business environment before you dive in. 

The number of tools and technology that support communication and collaboration can feel overwhelming. We strongly encourage you to take the appropriate time to evaluate how different tools will work in your business environment and what processes and procedures will best support your workers and your business. 

The most important thing you can do is to stop and think about how you will use these tools before you start using them and create a plan for how you will ensure security and safety. There’s no shame in taking a step back, even in the midst of a crisis transition. 

Improve your business communications with the right technology. 

Business communication tools can enable small businesses to operate remotely beyond conference calls and emails. For example, video conferencing and online meeting tools are incredibly easy-to-use and will allow you to do much more than talk. You can present PowerPoint slides, write on a virtual whiteboard, and record the meeting to replay or review later. Talk to your IT services provider to make sure you have the communication tools you need to support your business, your employees, and your customers. 

Cybersecurity and safety are paramount. 

It is critical now to make sure all of your devices, software, and programs are up-to-date. Check-in with your IT services provider to see how they are proactively monitoring and protecting your devices and networks, addressing security and communications, and ensuring you have a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plans in place. 

Through these uncertain times, the continuity and success of small businesses require that you keep your staff focused and productive. Now more than ever, small and medium-sized businesses deserve the same protections and solutions as large enterprise operations. If you need help,  support, or have any questions about managing your remote workforce or business operations, please contact our team today. Fill out our online form, send us an email, or call us at 412-432-3800. We’re here to help.