5 Tools to Help Your Employees Work from Home

Monica Morris • Nov 06, 2020

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.

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown

Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats in Fort Wayne: A Guide for Local Businesses

05 Jan, 2024
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.

The Benefits of Cybersecurity Dark Web Monitoring for Business Owners

06 Dec, 2023
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.
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