Working is something that brings us satisfaction in our lives and keeps us thriving in life. However, with the current situation, working by ourselves and away from others has made our work life slightly harder to separate the personal and the professional. Rather than being in our offices and big screens, we are instead within the comfort of our own homes, beds, and fridges nearby. Below is a technology checklist to use when working from home, to ensure maximum effectiveness!
Virtual Meeting
Being away from the office means that you are unable to connect with your co-workers. With advances in networking, apps such as Zoom, or Microsoft Teams can be used to connect and share in real-time and can easily be downloaded.
- Zoom; Zoom is an online or downloaded video calling app allowing up to 100 members (1000 members with the large meeting add-on.) Cameras and microphones are optional and information can be shared via speaking or by sending it in the chat. Additionally, the screen-share and annotation feature allows individuals to demonstrate what they are talking about at that moment. The free zoom meeting time is 40 minutes, but with the upgrade, it is unlimited.
- Microsoft Teams; Microsoft teams is an application that is similar to zoom but has a few additional features. A voice call meeting is capped at 300 people, however, there is no limit to the time. Additionally, with Microsoft teams, you are able to share files, notes, and messages with everyone who is in the group.
- Google Meet; Google meet is yet another application that is used to connect colleagues from by sharing the link or code. You are able to pin users, as well as send private or group messages. You do not need to download an app for this.
These three apps were used during the lockdown, assisting thousands of office workers to connect with their co-workers. It has also made sharing information and upcoming events easier and less stressful. There are also break-out rooms, meaning large groups can be separated into smaller groups.
Webinars
Webinars allow speakers to share Powerpoint videos, presentations, etc. with the rest of the people in the call. These also usually have audio and visual components. All three applications are able to hold webinars, due to their shared ability to share screens, use audio and share links or documents. Webinars are also extremely effective as listeners can ask the speakers questions in real-time through direct messages or audio.
Staying Connected
Another useful feature for all these video calling applications can be to simply catch up with colleagues, whether it is eating a meal together, watching a show together, or talking about the weather. This is a great way to maintain connections whilst working from home. These aspects of connection play a vital part within the technology checklist.
VoIP Phones
VoIP is short for the Voice over Internet Protocol, which converts the voice into a digital signal, compresses it, and then sends it over the internet. This is instead of a traditional landline meaning that there is no charge for telephone service, cutting out any long-distance costs. This is also extremely handy, as it allows employees to work effortlessly from home, especially given the current circumstances.
Furthermore, the VoIP system allows users to multitask, increasing the work productivity. This means that if you are in a queue with another client, manager, etc. you are able to read direct transcriptions straight to your email of voicemails received. Additionally, you are able to easily forward messages or emails to three other people at the click of a button. You are also able to forward calls to different phones after a certain amount of rings so that no call is missed.
Noise Cancelling Earphones
Working from home and around the rest of the family can be difficult when there are loud noises and distractions. Thus, a simple yet effective solution would be to purchase some noise-canceling earphones. There are many out there, whether they are over- the- head or earbuds, and can allow you for a better study session.
Coloured LED Lights
Around the office, there is often a mood that drives people to work their hardest. However, at home, this may be difficult with a different type of atmosphere and mood. However, with the LED lights that seem to be coming back into trend, working at home may be made easier. Drawing upon the psychology of colour, setting a specific colour for your home office may boost concentration and improve productivity. This is because a specific colour is able to trick your mind into thinking that you are in the office!
File-Sharing Tools
File-sharing tools such as dropbox and google drive are extremely useful in sharing documents or presentations, etc. to those that require them. This is effortless and removes the stress of having to email out the same document to many people. All that is required is an email and the email of your colleagues!
In Closing
It is vital to remember that new technology to improve work is out there waiting for you to utilize! Working from home certainly isn’t easy but this technology checklist can allow you to make sure you have all you need to be productive.
