Are you considering implementing remote work for your employees? You’re not alone: More than one-third of startup businesses hired fully remote employees in 2023, according to Gusto’s 2024 New Business Formation Report.
However, ensuring your remote team’s satisfaction and productivity requires some forethought and planning. Investing in the right tools and creating a secure, comfortable environment will help small business owners set themselves up for success. This remote office setup guide can help—even if you’re not tech-savvy.
1. Start With Remote Work Hardware
Computer hardware is the first step in equipping your remote employees for success. You can purchase equipment for your team or let them use their own devices. Although the “Bring Your Own Device” approach may seem easier and cheaper, purchasing hardware for your team is usually the better option for several reasons:
Greater security: Employees using personal computers can expose your business data and network to serious risks, especially if family members share those devices. Providing your employees with company devices, such as a laptop, lets you restrict them to business purposes and equip them with firewalls, antivirus software, and other cybersecurity protections. Consider AI-powered business laptops for enhanced security and performance.
Regular maintenance: Instead of relying on employees to update their computers or solve technical issues, you can set up remote management to monitor, update, and troubleshoot employee devices from the office.
Enhanced productivity: By purchasing the devices, you can ensure employees have the equipment they need to do their jobs efficiently, instead of making do with a slow, outdated personal computer. Here are the essential remote work tools your employees will need.
Laptops or desktops: Assess each employee’s role duties to match the device to the individual. Most employees will find laptops offer greater flexibility.
High-quality monitors, keyboards, and ergonomic chairs: Monitors improve multitasking; ergonomic accessories help prevent injury. Accessories like wireless keyboards and mice can improve comfort and efficiency.
Reliable internet routers and backup power solutions: Choose routers with WPA2/WPA3 support and invest in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to keep systems online during outages.
2. Choose the Right Business Software
Software that facilitates remote work will help you and your team stay connected, communicate easily, and collaborate securely. The best software depends on your business needs, size, goals, budget, and technological capabilities.
Choosing an office suite, which offers essential software plus a wide range of business tools, can streamline IT management. You can also customize solutions to fit your needs.
Office suite: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Zoho Workplace offer essential tools and features.
Virtual meeting tools: Google Meet, GoToMeeting, Microsoft Teams, Skype, and Zoom.
Project management platforms: Asana, Basecamp, Monday.com, SmartSheet, Trello.
Cloud storage solutions: Apple iCloud, Box, Dropbox, and Google Drive.
Quick communication tools: Flow, Google Chat, and Slack.
3. Secure Your Business
Employees working remotely are vulnerable to cybercrime. Firewalls and antivirus protection are critical. Tools like Bitdefender and Norton Small Business also offer VPNs, password managers, and phishing detection.
Security tools help, but employees are your first line of defense. Create a cybersecurity policy and train your team on safe computing habits, such as strong passwords, VPN usage, and cautious email handling.
Consider AI-enhanced security features in modern business devices for real-time threat detection and biometric security.
Ongoing cybersecurity training is essential. For training and resources, check with your local SCORE office, SBA, or SBDC. The FTC’s cybersecurity guidance and NIST’s resources can also help.
4. Create a Positive, Productive Environment
Remote work can make your employees happier and more productive. A FlexJobs survey found that 93% of remote workers say it benefits their mental health, 90% say it improves physical health and 77% say they’re more productive at home.
Promote these benefits with the following tips:
Create a comfortable, clutter-free workspace: Ergonomic accessories and proper lighting reduce strain and improve posture. The NIH’s ergonomic guidance is a great resource.
Help your employees get physical: Encourage breaks and movement. Apps like Moova, Wellnomics, and WorkBreak support workplace wellness.
Promote work-life balance: Set boundaries and expectations around work hours. Evaluate performance based on outcomes—not hours logged. Regular check-ins are key.
Create team spirit: Mix virtual meetings with voice calls and in-person events. Show appreciation and celebrate wins to foster connection.
Make Working Remotely Work for Your Business With SCORE
Remote work can increase employee loyalty, productivity, and cost savings. Need help? Schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with a SCORE mentor to develop a remote work strategy tailored to your business.