Many workers around the world are now working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For some people, the transition was seamless: perhaps they were already working from home part-time or full-time, or enjoying not having to endure a long daily commute to the office. Others may find it more difficult to make the switch. For one, they weren't technologically equipped to turn their home into a workspace.
As you've probably discovered, working remotely actually has many benefits, including increased productivity and a better work-life balance. However, before you can enjoy the rewards, you'll need to be equipped with the right software - opens in a new tab - and tools for your home workspace.
Here are some of the most important tools and programs you should have at your disposal, no matter what you do for a living.
Material
It might sound a bit basic, but it's an essential starting point: You need basic hardware for your remote workspace, including a working desktop or laptop computer, reliable Wi-Fi, and a smartphone. Depending on your job, you may also need a printer, scanner, landline phone, and other equipment. For example, if you're a graphic designer, you'll probably want to be able to print proofs.
If you don't already have these devices and they are essential to your job, your employer will likely pay for them or reimburse you for the special equipment you need to purchase while working remotely. Even if they don't, these tools are a good investment that will serve you well in the future, even when the remaining orders run out.
Microsoft Office 365
You probably already use many aspects of Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and possibly PowerPoint. These programs are practically mandatory for any office job, as well as for jobs in which you are not in front of the computer all day, and they are included in the platform.
There are other features that can be particularly useful for remote work, including Microsoft Teams, which allows you to collaborate with your colleagues via messaging, live editing, file sharing, chats, etc. This is especially helpful when you don't have face-to-face time with the colleagues you usually see every day.
Project management tools are useful even when you're working in the office with your colleagues, but they're especially important when you need to keep track of projects remotely. Trello, for example, allows you to assign team members to tasks, set due dates, and more. The pictorial layout uses a system of cards that you can move around in different columns and allows you to see the overall progress of the project.
Many other popular project management platforms are also available, including Monday, Asana, Basecamp, Wrike, and many more. Some are free at their most basic plan levels, and most have paid options for larger teams or additional features.
Cloud computing
Cloud computing platforms essentially recreate your work environment in a virtual space, providing storage, application management, data analytics, security, support, and more. These solutions are scalable when you need to add resources and services, accessible to users who need to collaborate remotely, and often affordable.
There are many cloud computing platform options available, but major providers include Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, IBM Cloud, Microsoft Azure, Alibaba, and Oracle Cloud.
Video conferencing and chat platforms
As you probably already know, staying in touch with your colleagues during the pandemic, as well as under "normal" circumstances, is important for optimal collaboration. It's also easier than ever thanks to technology. With platforms like Zoom and Webex, you can continue to have regular face-to-face time, either one-on-one or with your entire team.
For less formal communication, like a quick check-in, try tools like Slack or Rocket.Chat. This app allows you to send direct messages or chat across channels, which include teams or selected groups of people. You can even send and share files across several of these platforms, and some also let you switch to video and audio conferencing when you need to.
Cybersecurity tools are not only important for protecting your own information and privacy, but are especially necessary when accessing potentially sensitive company files and data. After all, you don't want to put yourself or your organization at risk. These tools are important no matter where you work, and are essential for your home office.
One tool you should have in your repertoire is a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN protects your privacy by establishing a private network and hiding your IP address when you access the Internet. You will be able to hide your location and other data, allowing you to surf the Internet anonymously. This is especially important when accessing public networks, such as Wi-Fi hotspots, which make you particularly vulnerable.
Cybersecurity software, of course, is also important: it protects your devices from threats like malware and hackers. You can also set up a two-factor authentication system. This means that you must provide two forms of proof of your identity, such as entering your password and a code that is sent to you by email or SMS.
There are many other types of software and hardware that you may need depending on the nature of your work. People who work in creative industries, for example, may need Adobe Creative Cloud. Financial advisors, on the other hand, could use a program like Money Tree. However, the ones listed here are the basics needed by most workers in any industry, be it a software developer or a desktop administrator.
If these programs and tools are not already set up on your devices, check with your employer. They can provide them with the installation, which can often be done remotely, pay them, or reimburse you for the cost. Even if they don't, you should still make an effort to have these tools in your work-from-home environment - you'll use them over and over again for many purposes, regardless of your job or organization.
Malcom Ridgers, Bairesdev (opens in a new tab)