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The events of the past few weeks are essentially unique in the history of the modern world. This crisis has completely changed the way we live — although we know things will get back to a new normal.
Still, as we adapt to this new normal, we all have to continue to work efficiently. Schools, companies, and organizations have been turning to technological answers to the question of how we continue working and learning.
Many businesses have adapted to the current environment by dispatching their teams remotely. Although remote work is brand new for many businesses, there are a host of companies that have employed “remote” or “virtual” teams for years now.
By building virtual workspaces and remote cultures now, responsible leaders can manage the demands of today’s environment, while keeping businesses prepared for the future.
Take advantage of training resources
Many software, service, and support companies have been offering discounts or free access to training and software. A great deal of the tools help organizations to work better in moving to a virtual office.
There are also many small business owners taking advantage of free training courses so they are able to put new skills to work to help their business.
This Airtable doc features a list of resources to help companies who are currently working remotely or building a distance working strategy. https://airtable.com/shr80xyNQnIoDBi0s/tblq6Vs7UG85iJZsj?blocks=hide
Virtual meetings or virtual operations?
When you first decide to use more virtual options to connect your team, you’ll need to know whether you need virtual meeting spaces, or whether you need true virtual operations.
Of course, virtual meeting (or conferencing) spaces are much easier to set up these days. There are many popular online meeting applications like Zoom and others. The solution for your company should be as easy as finding a service you like, acquiring the right number of licenses, and setting up your meetings.
Virtual operations are a completely different animal and can be extremely difficult and complicated to properly implement. If you need your team to work in a proprietary system, or through their desktops at work, you will want to engage with a professional IT service provider.
These providers (often called MSPs, or Managed Service Providers) will help you take care of everything you need to get virtual operations up and running.
Make sure your virtual operations are secure
Most companies recognize the need for serious cybersecurity in their systems and networks. The potential damage hackers and other criminals can cause is simply too great to allow them even a chance to harm you. Secure firewalls, limited access credentials, and other measures help keep these people out of your business.
If your business requires virtual operations, it could be especially dangerous for you, with employees using private home connections to enter your system.
Beware of the crucial need for security throughout this time. Helping your employees secure their connections may be vital to keeping your company safe. Again, talk with a professional IT service provider about measures you can take.
Get the right number of virtual licenses
Of course, many businesses around the world already use virtual environments to get work done. Some are completely online, while others have a mixture of online and physical spaces. For these organizations, one tricky problem we’ve seen crop up recently is software licenses.
For example, a company has 100 employees, of whom 10 are always working virtually. Those 10 are set up with the complete suite of access tools they need to get into the company’s systems and do their jobs. Now, though, all 100 employees need that virtual access.
Along with security concerns, it should be a priority to double-check the number of licenses required for all the virtual office tools you’ll need.
Make your remote meetings a success
Leaders and managers aren’t the only keys to a successful meeting or remote work environment. In fact, when you have a good number of people together online, it takes the effort of each team member to contribute to the success of a virtual meeting.
We recently sat down with experts Josh Garrigus and Jake Guptill to talk about some of the ways that a virtual meeting can be more successful.
Josh Garrigus is an A/V expert who specializes in the design of large and small media experiences like in-person and virtual conferences. Jake Guptill is an IT expert and has recently been involved in the set-up of remote work environments for several companies during the recent crisis.
The panel also collaborated on a list of 21 Ways to Make Your Remote Meeting Successful. Feel free to download and share the PDF or check out the list here.
Seek the help of a trusted advisor
Because company sizes and industries vary so much across the U.S., there is not one specific solution that is a fit for all businesses. If your business has A/V needs that you don’t have the answers for, always seek the help of a trusted advisor.
From design engineering and installing cabling infrastructure to building your conference room, A/V system, or virtual environment – Call the FSG guide center today at (512) 615-6615. We have a team of trusted advisors that can help guide you to the right solution for your needs.
