Supporting Remote Workers With a Smarter Home
The COVID-19 pandemic sent shockwaves through the business world. Offices throughout the country reduced their in-person workforce or closed completely. Workers have transitioned to remote work from their homes. This upheaval has also resulted in a change of expectations for workers. No longer do they receive the in-office perks of which they are accustomed, whether it be snacks in the break room, easier access to coworkers, or even simple social interaction. Business leaders and executives should recognize that top talent will require new incentives and benefits, especially when many top companies may be shifting to remote work permanently. Here are some smart home suggestions that could help remote employees increase productivity in the work-from-home environment.
Faster Internet Connectivity
Now that meetings are held over a video conferencing app such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams, workers are finding that Internet connectivity problems can grind their day to a halt. Meetings become a slog when their video and/or audio freeze on their devices, and they can no longer accomplish goals and objectives due to miscommunication.
As a business owner, you can increase your workers’ productivity by providing them with faster Internet access. Whether it be providing them with a 5G hotspot or paying to upgrade their home Internet connection to gigabit fiber, faster Internet access will result in completion of tasks in a timely manner. You’ll also want to make sure that employees have network security on their home Internet connection.
Home Security System
When they used to commute to the office, workers had building security or front desk reception that could prevent unwanted visitors or communication. Now that employees are working from home, they have lost the sense of security from these amenities. As an employer, you can restore confidence and safety for your employees by helping provide a home security system.
A DIY home security system like Scout Alarm will help protect valuables including laptops, phones, and other electronics. When using a home security system, you can rest easy knowing that sensitive information on your work computers are protected from thieves.
Doorbell Camera
A knock at the front door of the home can be a distraction during a busy workday. Rather than getting up and going to the door, it’s much easier to check a video feed on your phone. That’s possible with a doorbell camera like the Scout Video Doorbell. The Scout mobile app can send a push notification when the doorbell rings, or even when it detects a person walking to the door. Two way audio allows the homeowner to communicate directly with someone at the door without having to leave their desk.
A doorbell camera also makes it easier to discern who is at the door. If it’s a solicitor, there is no need to open the door and engage with them. A package delivery, on the other hand, may be a more important event. Packages should be picked up immediately to prevent porch pirates and package thieves. A live video feed and recorded clips make it easy to keep an eye on the front door without interrupting workflow or virtual meetings.