[2023] 17 Work from Home Software (with Choose Tips)

Recent technological advancements have enabled businesses to completely re-calibrate employee working environments.

Before the turn of the century, the overwhelming majority of companies – regardless of their size or scope – would require employees to perform their working duties in-person at a designated bricks-and-mortar workplace.

However, given the increasing sophistication of corporate IT infrastructures, alongside the rapid development of communication technologies, businesses are now able to deliver remote working solutions, opening up the opportunity for specific individuals or teams to perform their job role (or at least some tasks) from home.

In this article, we consider the advantages and disadvantages of remote working, and review the essential tools businesses must have in order to successfully support employees operating outside of ‘traditional’ workplace environments.

1Inconveniences of Working from Home

In the notes below, we’ve highlighted several key inconveniences of remote working set-ups for both employers and employees. Clearly, the severity level of these issues is dependent on the extent to which they impact operational outputs, and how far they undermine the productivity of workers. Nevertheless, all are likely to present a headache at some stage:

1) Network slow speed and instability

The internet plays a critical role in how businesses operate, as it facilitates direct communication to employees, connects departmental teams, and supports in-house applications. Therefore, when network speeds drop or internet access is disrupted, there could be significant repercussions.

2) Poor communication

Delays in response times/misunderstandings: If all employees are located on-site, it’s often easier for them to meet with a colleague they need to speak with – a direct, in-person approach may be quicker than attempting to connect with someone through remote channels, whether that be over the phone or via a video call platform.

Furthermore, face-to-face interactions usually allow individuals to get a better sense of how messages are being conveyed; body language, tone of voice, and level of eye contact are indicators which are far easier to assess when speaking with someone ‘in the flesh’

3) Limited access to company resource

Although some businesses are able to provide remote workers with the same tools available to on-site colleagues – whether that be in relation to the usage of specific equipment, software, or training materials – not all are in a position to do this. Without these resources, employees who primarily work from home will undoubtedly be less effective in role.

4) Lack of protection for data/accounts

Corporate devices need to be supported by a suitable security system, which offers protection regardless of the asset’s whereabouts, or whether it is connected to an internal or external network – unfortunately, some businesses are not appropriately equipped in this way, and are therefore vulnerable to falling victim to cyberattacks. If a device is compromised by an unsavoury actor, there is a high risk of sensitive data being exposed.

5) Insufficient work performance monitoring

Managers are unable to directly view employees in action, and therefore do not have the opportunity to provide on the spot feedback, coaching, or support. Most businesses will have the capability to track productivity via a digital measuring platform, but this does not always provide a comprehensive insight into the overall performance of an employee.

6) Difficult to resolve device/software failure in a timely manner

Unless a company’s internal IT infrastructure is supported by a remote device management solution, the end-user (i.e., the employee working from home) will need to perform repair actions in order for a device or software application to return to full functionality. Inevitably, this slows down the resolution process, as substantial support from IT personnel will likely be required.

2Five Essential Tools for Those Working from Home

There are a number of vital mechanisms that serve to support those working in remote environments – these work from home tools are as follows:

317 Recommended Work from Home Software (With Tips to Choose)

We've discussed the type of tools that can provide essential assistance to employees who regularly work from home, but now let's turn our attention to some of the specific software programs that businesses utilize when attempting to deliver this support.

Under the five categories referenced in the previous section, we've listed a handful of the most popular software programs available on the market. We provide a brief summary of each product's key features and an overview of their associated price plans.

Underneath each table, we've highlighted several key considerations businesses must take into account when selecting software packages, in order to ensure the product chosen is fit for its intended purpose.

N.B. In all instances, plan price increases are index-linked to the number of user licenses offered and the nature/scale of services provided.

Best Team Communication & Meeting Tools

Best Device Management Tools for Remote Working at Home

Best Remote Access and Support Software Tools to Solve Technical Issues

Best Project Management & Time Tracking Tools

Best File Cloud Storage & Sharing Tools for Working form Home

4Trends of Remote Working

Although employers have been equipped to facilitate remote working for some time, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic forced companies to embrace this operational methodology as their primary vehicle for communication, task allocation, and workflow monitoring and execution, as governments demanded employers take necessary precautions to slow the rate of COVID-19 transmission. This paved the way for an increasing number of labour forces to conduct their daily duties from home, away from ‘physical’ workplace settings.

As the vaccine roll-out gathered pace, some businesses began to request their employees return to the office, but even in this select group, very few would mandate that staff needed to be on-site for the full duration of their working week. According to a survey released last spring, a colossal 58% of all U.S workers are able to work remotely for at least one day per week.

Similarly, a recent UK study revealed that 50 of the county’s largest corporations have no plans to invite workers back to the office on a full-time basis for the foreseeable future. Plenty of employers continue to permit their teams to work exclusively from home, and have shown no desire to re-instate pre-pandemic working arrangements.

In reality, most enterprises have adopted a hybrid model, whereby employees split their working hours between home and the office.

So, why have a substantial cross-section of companies opted against reverting back to previous practices? Quite simply, because they don’t need to.

Over the last two years, we’ve learned that individuals can perform just as productively whilst working from home, and teams are still able to collaborate effectively whilst operating in a remote capacity. Indeed, by exploiting telecommunications platforms, deploying remote mobile device management systems to protect corporate assets, and using appropriate software applications, modern-day businesses are able to ensure their people can work safely and efficiently from any location. As a direct consequence, more people than ever are now working from home.

FAQs

Is work from home software secure?

Maverick

Generally, yes. However, it may depend on which software you use. We would advise thoroughly researching any product before purchasing.

Do I need a strong internet connection for work from home software?

Maverick

Yes – a strong internet connection will always help you to get the most out of your software; applications, programmes, and platforms always perform better when supported by good network connectivity.

Does work from home software improve productivity?

Maverick

Absolutely. Work from home software enables you to communicate efficiently with colleagues, access important files and training materials, utilise secure corporate devices and networks with confidence, and receive around the clock technical support – all whilst working remotely.