The days when every working shift must start and finish behind a desk are at an end. In the modern world, it is no longer necessary for your employees to work from the office, and there are many advantages to either working remotely or working on the go. However, your staff will only work productively and to the best of their ability if you provide them with the technologies they need to do a good job. Technology has enabled the mobile workforce to work remotely and do an excellent job without micromanagement, but what do your employees actually need to thrive away from the office? Take a look at just some of the products that may well be on the remote working agenda:

The issue of BYOD is an oft-discussed one, and for good reason. BYOD (an acronym for Bring Your Own Device) refers to the process of employees providing their own digital technologies with which to perform work-related tasks. They might, for example, work from a personal laptop in order to prepare for a meeting, or use a privately-owned smartphone to conduct conference calls or Skype call clients. BYOD can be highly beneficial for your business, saving you money by removing the need to purchase expensive equipment and letting your staff work using products they feel comfortable with. However there are security concerns related to BYOD, and you have little or no power over the web security and browsing habits of your employees while they’re at home. Could BYOD be exposing your company’s sensitive data to cybercriminals? Perhaps it’s worth providing your remote employees with company laptops, smartphones and tablets after all.

Just because your mobile workforce rarely works from the office, it doesn’t mean they should be denied the comforts of on-site staff. You have a duty to provide your employees with the equipment they need to perform their work safely and comfortably, without running the risk of injury or other health complaints. Hours spent hunched over a laptop computer in an uncomfortable chair can wreak havoc with an employee’s back, neck and shoulders. The last thing you need is for a serious strain or injury to sideline one of your mobile workers for a prolonged period of time. With that in mind, it’s important to provide employees with products designed to increase their comfort and safety while working remotely. Laptop stands can be used to raise a laptop screen into an employee’s eyeline, improving posture and protecting their back from damage. In order to utilise a laptop stand, external peripherals such as mice and keyboards are also necessary. If your mobile workforce spends a long time sitting behind a computer every day, then you might even consider providing them with a comfortable, ergonomic office chair too.

When an employee works remotely, it’s important that you’re able to contact them, and they you, at any time. When employees are allowed to drift too far away from the company, mistakes are made, balls are dropped and money is wasted. It’s often necessary, then, to provide your mobile workforce with communications tools designed to help keep them in the loop with head office. Sometimes, these tools will be as simple as free-to-use software programs such as the collaborative office suite Google Docs or the video messaging software Skype. At other times, however, it may be necessary to invest in other tools such as audio headsets, printers and scanners, which can ensure that no important documentation is lost in the digital ether.

All of the above technologies could prove vital for your mobile workforce, as could many others we’ve not mentioned here. Fortunately, Staples Advantage offers a host of technology products suitable for both remote and office-based use. Why not contact a member of our team and find out more about how we can help?

April 9th 2014 | Back to Industry Insights