What Tools Do You Need in Order to Work From Home

Basic Tech Tools

What Tools Do You Need in Order to Work From Home:

Computer

Do you have a portable work computer? If not, work with your IT department to determine the best workaround. This may mean accessing work desktop computers through a secure connection on your personal computer or temporarily outsourcing office equipment for the extended work-from-home period.

Monitor

Do you have a large enough screen to do your job? If you have two screens at the office but one at home, it will mean a large shift in your workflow.

Keyboard/mouse

While it’s possible to respond to emails, create reports, and manipulate data with a laptop keyboard, it’s nice to have a full-size keyboard and mouse when working from home for an extended period of time. Ensuring you have access to these seemingly basic accessories can improve comfort and typing speed, which boosts productivity.

Printer

Some jobs require printing hard copies. Do you have the capability to do this at home?

Appropriate apps for mobile devices

Can you access communication tools on your mobile devices as a backup? What other apps will you need for your job?

Communication Tools

Microphone

Ensure that you have a way to communicate vocally on conference calls. Adding a microphone can help meetings feel more like they’re being held in the same room.

Chat software

These help you to keep in contact with each other. These tools don’t necessarily have the same interruption power as a tap on the shoulder (and that can be a good thing), but they do allow you to work together and keep up relationships.

Screen sharing software

Sometimes it’s easier to show than tell. With screen sharing, you can show others your desktop and the files and apps you have open—and they can watch as you work on your computer. That means virtual team members can essentially look over each other’s shoulders without needing to be in the same room.

Conferencing software

Software like Google Meet or Zoom lets you meet together virtually. If you are unfamiliar with the etiquette of virtual meetings, take the time to set expectations, such as when to mute the microphone and how to set up an appropriate backdrop for client calls.

High-speed internet

You will need fast upload and download speeds to make video calls, communicate with your colleagues, or work within a cloud-based platform.

Cloud storage

A cloud storage app you can access from any device is critical for remote collaboration. And it doesn’t have to be complicated: just save a file to the shared folder, and you and your other coworkers will instantly have the latest changes.

Accountability Tools and Techniques

Cloud-based time tracking

Having well-integrated and intuitive time-tracking software is one of the most essential tools for remote work.

Shared calendars

Encouraging everyone to list their focus hours, meetings, and other projects on a shared calendar can help teams visualise what’s going on.

Shared goals

As news continues to roll in and it feels like the crisis will never end, setting goals can give you a reference point to work towards.

Reporting

Using software to create reports can help track your performance, productivity, and other important metrics.

Sources:
https://www.bamboohr.com/blog/tools-for-working-from-home/
https://zapier.com/learn/remote-work/productivity-apps-remote-work/