5 Tools to Help Your Employees Work from Home

This blog post is brought to you this week by: Anthony Stevens from Excel Templates

To say the world has changed a lot this 2020 is an understatement. Apart from the obvious health ramifications, COVID-19 has also halted global business operations and forced people to self-quarantine and work from home.

Eventually, many businesses realized that working from home is not only possible, it may even be beneficial. A whopping 75% of remote workers claim they are more productive when working from home as there are fewer distractions.

Understandably, the learning curve has been steep, and the transition has been challenging. Fortunately, there is no shortage of tools like worksheet templates and apps you can use to make working from home very easy. 

Below are five of the most beneficial tools that can help make working from home effortless:

1. Cloud Storage 

Cloud storage apps are considered a necessity for remote work. Ideally, your team should be able to access the cloud storage regardless of the devices they use. The great thing is using cloud storage is very straightforward.

Typically, all that’s required is WiFi access and a folder the whole team can access. That means everyone has access to the files shared on the folder and can work on it anytime necessary.

Usually, cloud storage updates automatically and instantly. Each time someone makes a change, they are tracked and saved . The ideal cloud storage app should come with a physical hard drive to ensure added security. 

2. Project Management Software

For projects that require team management and coordination, a project management software can come in handy. For instance, popular project management software like Trello can help organize and streamline workflows, manage essential details, and stay on top of deadlines.

Ultimately, project management software is designed to help remote workers eliminate back-and-forth emails, keep track of tasks, and move forward as a team. Each time a team member has finished a specific task, they have the option to tick it off, so everyone is aware of the status.

Another enticing benefit of project management software is it can help employees rearrange schedules and deadlines if one of the employees falls behind due to unforeseen circumstances. 

Project management software is not only beneficial for remote workers, they can also provide peerless value to employers as it allows them to monitor work that is carried out by the team easily. This means that even though everyone is not working side-by-side, employers can still keep up with their progress.

While there are several free project management apps available, they are typically limited in terms of projects and employees who can access the app. In line with this, it would be better to invest in premium plans. It is also recommended that you try a free trial before purchasing.

3. Communication Tools

Understandably, it is way more challenging for employees to stay in touch when they are not working in the same office. Thankfully, communication tools are available to make communication easy. Most communication tools are designed to help ensure the team is on the same page, and everyone is up-to-date with what is going on.

A good communication tool should be accessible from any device, regardless of the device they are using. It can also easily centralize tasks and messages. Others come equipped with voice and text capabilities.

4. Presentations

For teams who need to do presentations, it is reassuring to know they can do it remotely. While PowerPoint has been the presentation software of choice for many years now, other options are deemed reliable alternatives.

One option that’s often used is Prezi, a cloud-based presentation app that comes with great options like rotate, frame, and zoom-ins. SlideShare is another popular presentation app that allows embedding of the presentation on blogs so those who cannot attend the live presentation can watch it later. 

5. Video Conferencing Apps

Even when working remotely, seeing everyone in the team is still possible through video conferencing apps. While not video conferencing tools are not always perfect, they can be a great alternative to face-to-face communication. 

Aside from improving communication and camaraderie, video conferencing apps can also go a long way towards ensuring nothing is lost in translation when working on a new project. 

Nowadays, there’s no shortage of video conferencing apps available in the market. Thanks to its ease of use, Zoom has become a popular choice among businesses. All users need to do is use the link provided, and they will be able to join the conference call. 

Most video conferencing apps are built for team collaboration, so they have high-quality sound and video. Google Hangouts is also a free video-conferencing app that has a clean interface and is easy to set up. 

Final Thoughts

While working remotely has unique challenges, it is reassuring to know that there is no shortage of tools you can use. As long as you invest in the right ones, working remotely can become seamless and straightforward.

 

About The Author: Anthony Stevens is the Content Specialist for Excel Templates , a resource for free Excel templates including calendars and charts. When not writing, he spends time building furniture and running with his dog.

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.
April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.