Technology plays a vital role in the majority of businesses today.
Computers, smart devices, the internet, etc. helps people communicate. Workers within a business are able to make contact with clients, other employees, and anyone involved in the company thanks to the technology readily available. There are several video conferencing applications like Skype, Zoom, and Facebook Messenger that have allowed people to easily communicate and manage employees during the ongoing pandemic.
Technology is often used to secure businesses’ important data. Data is the most important asset in business, and there are plenty of modern storing options out there that businesses can use to securely store data.
However, with cybercriminal activity accelerating at such a fast pace, it is of vital importance that employees working for businesses understand what to do. Business owners are looking for ways to increase cyber security, and improve work performance with modern technology.
1. How to Manage Employees who Work from Home?
Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in March 2020, more people than ever before are working from remote locations. To help reduce the spread of Covid-19, medical experts have advised businesses to encourage their staff members to work from home.
Managing employees working remotely without modern technology is not easy. It would be hard to imagine how businesses would operate during these unprecedented times without access to the internet.
Luckily, there are several software packages, systems, cloud sharing applications, etc. that allow employees to stay productive without having to go to the office. People can train their workers without having to meet them face to face. Businesses can take advantage of video conferencing applications, email, social networking, etc. to manage employees.
After implementing new technology in the workplace, don’t hesitate to ask your employees for feedback. At the end of the day, they will be the people using the technology on a regular basis. They might be able to provide you with critical information that you can use to get the best out of the technology, and changes that could be made to improve productivity.
2. Cyber Security.
Whether employees are working from home or from the office, cyber security is often a company’s top priority. Training is key to ensuring sensitive files and folders don’t become compromised. Each worker must understand the dangers of cyber criminal activity, so it is important that you educate everyone working for the company.
Here are a few things employees should understand:
- The importance of using a strong password: By now, many of us are well aware that a strong password is needed to increase security. If login details for the company’s accounts fall into the wrong hands, it could put the business’s data at risk. However, trying to remember complex passwords can prove challening, which is why a lot of businesses invest in a password manager. There are some password tools available designed to securely store password management for teams.
- Encourage your team to run a reputable VPN service: People working from remote locations often connect to the company’s network through an unsecure network, which is why they should run a quality VPN service at all times. A VPN should be used when connecting to a network, not just when connecting with a computer, but with a mobile device too. Recent reports show that cyber criminals have been targeting mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones.
- Antivirus software: Most computers with Windows 10 preinstalled come with an antivirus package. However, you should consider investing in better antivirus and malware software to boost your company’s security. When people are working from home, or working from the office, a quality antivirus package should be in operation. If you are in the market for an antivirus software system, make sure it provides regular updates against new viruses. If a virus spreads around the company’s network, it could delete or damage the businesses data.
Technology experts believe that the majority of hackers target small businesses. Because large and medium sized businesses often use top of the range cyber security applications, cybercriminals believe that smaller companies don’t implement top notch security protocols. It is important, no matter the size of the business, that it does whatever it takes to avoid data breaches.
3. Keep Your Employees Up To Date.
Trying to convince employees to adopt new technology can prove challenging. A lot of folks are afraid of change, but upgrading technology is normal in today’s modern world, and businesses are constantly on the lookout for new ways to increase productivity, communications, and efficiency.
However, you can’t leave your employees in the dark if tech changes are made. If you implement new software into a business, workers need to be educated. If the changes are basic, you should hold a meeting and a training session to show people what to expect, and what to do. If the business is introducing a new system, you might want to hire technology experts that can teach your staff members.
If changes are made, and you don’t provide your workforce with proper training, you can’t expect them to be able to understand what to do. Everybody working for the company must have a clear understanding on how to use the technology.
4. Introduce a Virtual Data Room.
Storing sensitive data in a physical data room isn’t as common as it once was. Traditional data rooms were a highly secure area, often in the workplace, where people could store confidential files. Unfortunately, the only way a person could access these files is by physically going to the data room.
Instead, companies have been investing in VDRs in recent years. These cloud based storage areas are great for keeping data secure, and people are able to access VDRs if they have been given permission from wherever they are in the world. Managers can keep on top of their employees workload by accessing the files stored in the virtual data room. Workers will be able to easily upload data to the VDR whenever their work has been completed. Managers will be able to decide who has access to the documents and who can make changes to them.
5. Try Multiple Applications to see which one Works Best.
There are lots of different applications out there that can be used to manage employees. Trying to find one that suits your business can be tricky, so what not consider running a few trial versions first.
Most software developers offer potential customers the chance to trail their software before buying it. Consider downloading a few different software packages and see which one works best. However, just because the manager is able to operate the new application, doesn’t mean the employees will be able to adapt. Get your employees to test a variety of applications before spending the company’s money. Find out if the application is secure, user friendly, and how it can improve the business. Ask workers for feedback before introducing the new software.
A lot of managers who have implemented new software into a business post reviews online. Find out what other companies thought of the application, and how it impacted managing employees. There are several websites, online forums, social networking platforms where people post honest reviews about the applications they have used.
