On May 17th, “Internet Day” is celebrated, and to mark the occasion, the Spanish technology brand SPC pays tribute to the advantages that the Internet has brought to all citizens in recent years, making possible, among many other things, the expansion of remote work.
SPC has gathered some tips so that companies and employees can continue to embrace remote work without risking company security, employee privacy, or the efficiency of the tasks to be performed.
After the end of the health emergency was announced, remote work has remained in the business world as a form of employment that companies offer their workforce, aiming to improve their quality of life and thus increase efficiency in performing their job functions.
During the pandemic, 7 out of 10 companies implemented some form of remote or hybrid work, according to a report by the consulting firm PwC. This was unprecedented in a country like Spain, where in-person presence has always been very strong in the labor market, but now it has faded: 81% of Spanish workers expressed their desire to continue remote working at least two days a week after the pandemic. This trend is also driven by the market itself, as semi-presence and virtual work are now factors for attracting and retaining talent in companies.
However, remote work can involve risks in the digital realm, a danger that “Internet Day” reminds us of. This celebration, held every May 17th, promotes digital inclusion, technological innovation, and the safe and responsible use of the Internet. For this reason, SPC, the Spanish consumer electronics brand, has compiled a series of tips that will allow anyone using this work method to remote work safely and confidently within a framework of security and efficiency.
Use extenders and 5 GHz Wi-Fi for a fast and uninterrupted connection
When working remotely, it is essential to have a fast and stable Internet connection to maintain smooth communication with coworkers and company clients. To achieve this, using Wi-Fi extenders improves the Internet signal so it reaches every corner of your home, benefiting device connectivity. Also, when choosing technological gadgets for the “home office,” it is advisable to select those that support 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection to maximize Internet speed for remote work.
Set up a workspace that facilitates portability
To create the ideal workspace at home, adapted to the demands of hybrid environments, it is essential to equip the space with devices that promote portability. This is the case with the tablet, a tool that offers the necessary performance to manage projects from anywhere, especially if you are away from your usual home, such as a second residence. There are more advanced tablet models perfectly equipped with features that enhance mobility, such as an included stylus for making notes on the go comfortably, as well as connectivity options to adapt to any situation and a battery capable of lasting a full workday.
On the other hand, when choosing devices for remote work, we first need to understand our needs and acquire everything necessary for ergonomics and “multitasking” in the workspace, such as ergonomic chairs or docks for charging, data transfer, and Ethernet internet connection. This will allow us to work more efficiently, have an organized and ergonomic workspace, and be confident in properly configuring the space to get the most out of our devices.
Likewise, to ensure the security of our information, it is recommended to have specific devices for remote work separate from those used for leisure or personal matters. Besides being more efficient, since we won’t mix information from both environments on the same computers, it is also safer in case one device is compromised.
However, sometimes we may have devices used both for leisure and work at home, such as a smart monitor with Android operating system, which can be used both to connect the computer and to enjoy leisure moments thanks to its ability to install streaming apps directly from the device’s Play Store. A perfect option for everything you need at any time of the day.
Cloud solutions, as essential as the office itself
Workspaces are no longer conceived without a cloud location to store the various documents being worked on. Especially because in hybrid work mode, we need to access that information from different places, and we cannot carry heavy storage devices that can easily be lost.
Using cloud-based services to share, store, and collaborate on documents and projects is one of the best options for remote work, as it allows all team members to access information from wherever they are at any time. The most common work devices, such as laptops or tablets, facilitate access and teamwork from different locations, making them a key choice when designing a remote work plan.
Properly configure your security and privacy settings
Uncontrolled remote work, with devices not adapted to professional use, can even jeopardize the company’s viability. Therefore, it is essential to protect our equipment with basic recommendations such as a good, always updated antivirus. Our personal ability to identify when we might be victims of a scam also plays a role here (for example, when opening emails from suspicious senders intending to steal our data or compromise our devices).
Special attention must also be paid to privacy, so that our data cannot be breached by third parties and we do not endanger our personal information. And be careful with video calls, because when we are in a meeting from home, we must protect others living with us so they do not appear on screen (especially if they are minors). The best advice is to have a space adapted for this type of remote meeting, where no one can disturb us, make noise, or unexpectedly appear on camera. If we also use an external webcam, we can better adjust the framing to avoid showing areas of the house we don’t want to reveal. Also, don’t leave microphones open, as they could cause trouble.
Use the Pomodoro technique to track time and tasks
When working remotely, time tends to blur. It’s not the same to work an 8-hour day in an office with a clear start and end time as it is to blend work hours with the rest of our day. Although it may not seem so, simply eliminating the need to change settings (from home to office and vice versa) removes a boundary that sets limits on our day. This boundary doesn’t exist when remote working, which is why many people end up working longer, more chaotic days without any schedule.
To prevent your day from becoming chaotic, it is recommended to use tools or apps to monitor work progress and ensure you are on track with tasks and projects. Also, if you want to increase efficiency, the Pomodoro technique allows you to structure your day into 25-minute work periods followed by 5-minute breaks, which help you disconnect and relax. Your day will feel shorter; but above all, you will see that you gain efficiency.
Additionally, it is recommended to eliminate all digital ‘time thieves’ around you: on devices used for remote work, you should only have installed the programs and applications necessary for your job. The rest will only burden your equipment and concentration, negatively affecting your productivity.
If you follow these SPC tips for safe remote work, you will see how this successful formula, very popular in Northern Europe, becomes an ally for companies and employees to create a new flexible, secure work model that puts people at the center.
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