Spring is here, and it is the perfect time to review your business’s remote work policies and hybrid work capabilities. Post-pandemic, the benefits of a flexible work environment are clear. Today, we touch base on a few ways you can ensure that your workplace is secure whether your employees are on site or across the globe.
What is a hybrid work environment?
Simply put, a hybrid work environment is one in which employees can seamlessly switch back and forth from an in-office to a remote work environment. Having the ability to work from anywhere while maintaining a brick-and-mortar presence has many benefits, including greater productivity and less downtime in case of an emergency.
Your IT checkup
As you update and refresh workplace technology to ensure a seamless transition between locations, make sure that you use multi-factor authentication and other security measures, cloud-based collaboration tools, your incident response plan, security awareness training, and more. You also want to create clear policies outlining your remote work guidelines, acceptable usage for company-owned technology, and whether or not your employees will be allowed to use their own devices.
Tools of the trade
While no two hybrid work environments will be alike, there are a few universal tech tools that will offer a more secure and better connected experience. This includes:
- Virtual private network (VPN). A VPN is essentially a service that creates a secure and encrypted connection between your employees and your servers. It is a protected “passageway” that provides privacy for your businesses online activities.
- Secure Wi-Fi. Consider providing your employees company-secured routers so that you aren’t leaving your sensitive data to chance.
- Encrypted communication platforms. No matter how many miles separate you and your employees, having the ability to communicate clearly and effectively is crucial. Mandate that all company business be communicated via an encrypted platform, which might include file sharing, videoconferencing, and direct messaging.
- Cloud technology. The cloud can power your world from anywhere. Ask your ITC technology expert about commercial cloud solutions and other solutions that help you run your business with lowered costs and greater security.
Ultimately, the world is changing, and your business must learn to adapt. So while you’re spring cleaning your home and office, make a point to spruce up your IT infrastructure so that you can have a secure and well-connected hybrid work environment.
