Just because your employees are working remotely doesn’t mean you should leave them isolated.

Remote work isn’t a “set it and forget it” approach. It demands strategic planning and investment, much like the resources you'd deploy for your in-office IT setup. When done right, remote work is seamless and a catalyst for higher productivity and happier employees. 

Setting your remote employees up for success starts with viewing their IT and workflow needs just as critical as you would for office employees. From the right technology to creating a culture of IT safety, let's break it down step by step. 

Step 1: Provide the Right Technology & Equipment 

Your employees can’t succeed if they’re squinting at a decade-old laptop or struggling with slow, outdated systems. Investing in their hardware is the foundation of setting them up for success. 

Equip Them with High-Performance Devices 

At the very least, each remote employee needs a reliable computer that matches their role’s demands. For example:

• A marketing team member likely needs strong multitasking capabilities and design software compatibility.
• A developer may require high-performance specs to compile code efficiently.

By providing standardized, high-quality devices, you ensure employees have access to reliable equipment without guessing what they’ll need. Pro tip? Make sure repairs are painless. Send pre-labeled return boxes and offer replacements during repairs to avoid downtime. 

Invest in Accessories That Matter 

Beyond computers, don’t overlook the accessories that improve productivity. Think ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, high-resolution monitors, noise-canceling headphones, and webcams. Comfort and efficiency go hand in hand, and a proper home office setup helps employees work better and reduces long-term health issues. 

Step 2: Deliver Training on Software & Tools 

Having the latest software won’t mean much if your employees aren’t equipped to use it effectively. Remote employees often rely heavily on apps and programs for communication, collaboration, and task management. Misusing these tools can lead to confusion, inefficiency, or even security risks. 

Make Training Mandatory (But Fun) 

Take time to train employees on the tools at their disposal. Whether it’s onboarding them to the ins and outs of project management platforms like Trello or ensuring they’re confident with communication tools like Slack and Zoom, training pays dividends in efficiency later. 

Use bite-sized videos, hands-on workshops, and cheat sheets to make learning simple and accessible. Create ongoing sessions for those needing refreshers or to onboard new hires into existing workflows. 

Cultivate Performance with Regular Tool Upgrades 

Ensure tools are not left to stagnate. Software evolves quickly, and so do workplace demands. Stay on top of new updates, features, and emerging platforms to keep your team ahead of the curve. 

Step 3: Provide Proper Access to IT (Without Frustration) 

While protecting company data and sensitive files should be a top priority, clunky IT restrictions can slow your team down. The key is striking the right balance—providing security while empowering employees to work without roadblocks. 

Set Up Secure, Yet Seamless, Remote Access 

Provide remote employees with secure options like VPNs, password managers, and multi-factor authentication. These solutions create a safety net for sensitive company information while enabling easy access to necessary files, systems, or shared drives. 

While strict IT policies help maintain security, overly rigid rules can frustrate employees and create bottlenecks. Instead of saying "no" to every unusual request, create an adaptable IT structure. When needs arise—such as needing niche software for a project—be prepared to accommodate rather than block progress. 

Step 4: Build an IT-Safe Culture 

Security isn't just your IT team's problem. Remote employees, whether they know it or not, are on the front lines of cybersecurity. Teaching them how to safeguard sensitive data without creating unnecessary friction is essential. 

Regular IT Awareness Training 

Host quarterly training programs that address cybersecurity basics:

• Recognizing phishing scams.
• The importance of strong, unique passwords.
• Safe file-sharing guidelines (e.g., avoiding public Wi-Fi without using a VPN).

A little education can go a long way toward protecting your company while empowering employees to use systems confidently. 

Reward IT-Smart Behaviors 

Why not go beyond training? Build a little fun into your culture by rewarding employees for good IT practices. For instance:

• Recognize team members who’ve resolved suspicious incidents.
• Award team points for staying consistent with security updates.

This not only gamifies cybersecurity but keeps it at the top of all employees' minds. 

Step 5: Offer a Knowledgeable, Friendly Help Desk 

Even with the best preparation, technology will fail, software will crash, and questions will arise. A knowledgeable and approachable IT help desk can make or break the remote employee experience. 

Make IT Help Desk Accessible 

Establish multiple avenues for remote employees to reach the IT team through email, dedicated ticketing systems, or real-time chat systems. Regardless of the format, make your employees feel supported no matter their IT issues. 

The tone of your help desk matters just as much as its efficiency. A friendly and understanding IT team can transform a stressful situation into a seamless fix experience. Remember, not all employees are tech-savvy—patience and clarity are key. 

Encourage your IT support staff to approach issues with empathy and foster a supportive environment where asking for help feels easy and judgment-free.

With POINT, we can help set up your business’ remote works for success with our Apple Ecosystem. Contact us now to learn more