Navigating Technology Post Covid-19
Still Working from Home? Seven Strategies for Increasing Productivity and Decreasing Budgets
Do you still have employees working from home? This sudden shift in workplace normalcy was an effective and efficient solution as the world hunkered down in isolation. Even school children and teachers made the jump to the virtual world. As people of all ages adjusted to our new normal, many found this new approach to be just as productive, if not more so, than the old normal of one-on-one meetings and business lunches. Many companies are slowly transitioning back to the office; however, some have decided that the new office interface is worth keeping around for many areas of their businesses.
Major companies have announced that they will be keeping their employees home indefinitely, while others have posted a more hybrid home – work balance. This flux in workspace operations creates a new challenge for the IT staff, who must now manage the logistics and security of employees coming back and forth to the office.
It is important to partner with a company that can help you navigate these changes, whether temporary or not, to ensure your business continues to run smoothly and employees are able to quickly adapt to the changes.
Redeploy what you already own – Extend the life of the machines you already have on your desk by refurbishing and configuring existing machines.
Setup your home office – A laptop sounds simple, but in order to maintain efficiency and increase productivity, a workstation complete with a monitor (or two), docking station, and keyboard may be desired.
“Plug and Play” ready – When machines are transferred to a new environment that may not have its own IT expert, it is important to keep the deployment as simple as possible. Equipment should be ready to plug in and work. Partnering with an IT hardware supplier can make this seamless.
Consider Refurbished technology over new – A certified, business-class refurbished machine is just as reliable as a new one, at a fraction of the cost. Whether you are looking for a short-term solution or a permanent fixture, business-class refurbished machines are a less expensive, sustainable option that can be quickly configured to meet the needs of your home agents. This cost-effective choice can be available with warranties and can look as good as new.
“On-Site” Spares are a Must – Since employees may be working from home on a more-frequent basis, it is important to have back-up machines, ready to go. Many IT vendors can provide full system on-site spares that employees can easily swap out. Simply trade machines and get back to work!
Less Initial Investment = Lower Risk – Accidents happen, especially if devices are traveling back and forth from an office to home. Hesitant to let brand-new IT assets out the door? Purchasing certified, business-class refurbished laptops at a lower cost lessens the financial risk of allowing machines to leave the brick and mortar office settings.
Maintain Peace of Mind – These changes are new for everyone. When choosing an IT hardware partner, make sure you are working with someone that is meeting your company’s specific needs. In this world of uncertainty, the last thing on your mind should be if your technology is failing. Ensure your devices have a warranty and can be configured to company’s specifications.
As the cliché says, “We will all get through this together”. Whether or not you believe that to be so, one thing is for certain, we are getting through this! Working with a trusted IT partner can help alleviate some of your company’s pain and make the road a little easier.
