Work-from-home setups are steadily becoming the new normal for many businesses, whether by preference or default due to current circumstances. Most organizations are understandably focused on making remote work functional for their operations in the short term. However, don’t make the mistake of not looking at your long-term remote work structure and investing in technologies that will help employees stay productive and keep assets secure. 

Here are four remote work must-haves for businesses that are ready to embrace a new era. 

Cloud-Hosted VoIP

A cloud-based phone system seamlessly routes business calls to your employees’ desktop and/or mobile devices via Wi-Fi, making it an essential tool for any business with a remote workforce. Cloud-hosted VoIP systems typically take the form of an app that can be used across multiple devices which also integrates with other apps and collaboration tools, allowing your employees more flexibility to multitask. Cloud computing services provide features such as video conferencing, text messaging, call transfer, auto attendant, voicemail to email, call masking and advanced call screening. 

There are so many benefits of hosted VoIP, including the pricing: cloud-based phone systems are less expensive than on-premise phone systems, and the monthly subscription models offered by most providers can easily scale as your business grows or tightens its belt. 

Network Security 

For all its virtues, remote work can unfortunately create weaknesses in your network security. With employees geographically scattered and perhaps even using their personal devices, effective security tools are more important than ever. To ensure the protection of your assets, you will need to invest in solutions such as malware protection, network monitoring, data encryption, remote device management, VPN and mobile device management. 

While the products you implement play a critical role in your network security, it’s equally important to train your employees to do their part in protecting company data and assets. The benefits of IT security are only as effective as your employees’ cyber security awareness and practices. 

Data Backup

There are advantages and disadvantages to both physical and cloud storage, and you have to determine what risks your company is willing to take on. For remote work, however, a fully-automated, cloud-based backup and recovery system is the best option. Not only is it cheaper than physical data storage, but it also allows for faster file recovery and more advanced security. 

Productivity Software

Even with the ability to stay constantly connected with colleagues while working from home, it’s easy to feel disorganized and rudderless when your team is geographically scattered. Fortunately, collaboration software — like Microsoft Teams or Slack — can provide structure and facilitate productivity and communication, as well as streamline workflow. Microsoft Teams is fully integrated into Office 365, which can ease the transition for companies that already use applications like Word, Excel and PowerPoint. 

Enable Your New Remote Workforce

It's time for a more strategic approach, as experts predict a future of expanded remote business operations. We created this free checklist to cover everything you need to enable and equip your remote employees and your organization. 

How an MSP Can Help

Some businesses may never make a full return to the office, while others are likely to become more flexible about allowing or even encouraging work from home days. If your business is ready to make the transition permanent, or if you merely want to make sure your assets are protected during the current coronavirus crisis, it’s time to discuss your options with an MSP. 

At CoreTech, our experts are ready to provide your business with the IT support that will help your employees successfully and securely work from home. We have experience implementing and managing cloud-based phone systems, advanced security features, data backup and recovery plans, and other solutions that are vital to optimizing your business.

While you are busy working out the logistics of day-to-day operations, let the IT professionals at CoreTech help your workforce tackle the challenges of remote work. Contact us today to discover the benefits of managed IT services and begin optimizing productivity and security in your business’s remote workplace.