Enabling a More Effective Remote Workforce

There is no denying that the 2020 pandemic has changed the landscape of the country’s workforce. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that remote work accounted for about 50 percent of paid work hours between April and December 2020, compared with 5 percent before the pandemic. Since then, remote work has become more commonplace than many could have ever expected. While technological advances have helped make this transition possible, many organizations are still sorely lacking when it comes to developing an IT strategy that supports day-to-day operations designed to keep everyone connected regardless of where they may be located. In this blog post, we’re going to discuss the ways in which associations can optimize their remote team to ensure that everyone is better equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital world. 

Strategy is Key 

When developing an IT strategy in 2023, it must be designed with the understanding that your organization either already has or will have a remote workforce. This means identifying and addressing gaps in your application stack. While most people may immediately think about productivity and collaboration applications, it is essential to consider all aspects of the application stack. One often overlooked example is securely managing and sharing business passwords without a physical office. In the past, team members likely knew each other's passwords or had them written down on nearby whiteboards. However, this approach is no longer viable. To protect vital information from potential malicious attacks, organizations should implement applications that securely store sensitive data, such as passwords, using robust encryption capabilities. 

Keeping your remote staff up to date on the latest training and developments is also crucial. Traditional face-to-face instruction methods are becoming obsolete, necessitating a shift to virtual online recordings and instructor-led sessions. Access to these materials from anywhere with just a few clicks is the only way to effectively keep your team on the same page. 

Additionally, it is essential to leverage the power of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). SaaS allows users to connect to and use cloud-based apps over the internet. Common examples include email, calendars, and office tools (such as Microsoft Office 365). SaaS capabilities streamline your workflow, helping you maximize the potential of productivity tools like M365. 

Transforming Remote Work with the Cloud 

The above-mentioned initiatives can be successfully implemented through a strategic adoption of cloud technology. It is crucial to have a team of IT professionals skilled in deploying cloud-based solutions to enable a highly effective workforce. This cutting-edge technology offers a secure platform for seamless online collaboration, as well as a safe and efficient environment for sharing and managing data. 

Utilizing popular communication tools such as Slack or Microsoft Teams, the cloud serves as the foundation that keeps operations running smoothly. As businesses adapt to new work models, they are increasingly recognizing the importance of investing in the right cloud technologies to maintain a connected and productive workforce. Prioritizing cloud security and governance is essential to safeguarding your organization's data and processes. When it comes to maximizing the success of remote work, the cloud proves to be an invaluable asset. 

Service Desk Support and Security  

The increasing prevalence of remote work has led to a growing demand for round-the-clock IT support. However, relying on in-house resources for such support can be prohibitively expensive, leaving IT departments to face the challenge of providing continuous assistance without straining their budgets. Implementing a comprehensive 24/7 service desk is essential to ensure that staff receive timely and adequate technical help whenever they need it. 

In today's world, IT security has never been more critical. Monitoring and controlling data from various sources present a significant challenge - how can one detect a breach? What measures must be taken to ensure laptops remain secure at all times? Providing 24/7 protection for staff, regardless of their work environment, is now a vital requirement. The evolving nature of workforces, which are becoming more flexible, necessitates a heightened focus on addressing potential risks swiftly and effectively. 

Getting Started with Concierge IT 

At Cimatri, we recognize the struggle that comes with finding both the leadership and resources necessary to ensure the effective and efficient use of technology. That’s why it is our goal to provide your organization with the people, processes, and technological resources needed to support your mission. These services are especially important in today’s age of remote work. 

From Infrastructure Management that monitors and manages your staff’s devices to an unparallel IT Service Desk to support your users with all IT support requests 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, we are here to ensure a stable and safe technology environment for your users. This also includes remote monitoring of corporate devices, regular cloud backups of your emails and corporate files from your Microsoft 365 environments, and both hardware and software management. 

At the core of Cimatri Concierge IT lies our 24/7 service desk. Available to all staff members, we're prepared to assist with any IT issues via email, phone, and live chat. As all our services are designed to be delivered remotely, you'll not only benefit from efficient handling of your day-to-day tasks, but also enjoy the accessibility of our services from anywhere, anytime, and on any device with an internet connection. This is particularly advantageous for non-profit organizations with staff working remotely or across multiple locations. With Concierge IT, every staff member can access our services, regardless of their location. 

Wrapping IT Up 

Having an IT strategy that supports remote work culture can be difficult, especially for non-profits and professional associations with limited resources. Technology is ever-evolving, which often leaves organizations scrambling to keep up with the latest developments. With Concierge IT, you’ll enjoy a cloud-based managed service that offers white-glove support from a team of experts who specialize in the specific obstacles that non-profits and associations face.  

If you would like to learn more about how Cimatri’s Concierge IT services could benefit your organization, contact us and let’s chat!