March 26, 2020
Less than a month ago, most of us weren’t working from our kitchen tables, basements, or spare rooms. Instead, we were commuting back and forth from our homes to our offices, unaware of the looming circumstances ahead. Virtually overnight, however, things changed.
Many companies that don’t normally have to support high numbers of remote workers now have entire departments or staffs working at home when they’re used to interacting face to face. To keep things running as smoothly and efficiently as possible for your employees, there are a few small things you can do to boost the performance of computers and smartphones. Adding these things to the technology employees already use can save time and frustration when everyone’s doing all they can to stay productive.
To determine what your employees may need, have them examine their workspace and then ask following:
- What else is happening in the space? Are there other people, children, or pets nearby who may create noise? Are you able to close the door or are you working out in the open?
- What types of tasks are being completed from home?
- Are you working in an environment with a suitable background or are you temporarily set up elsewhere?
If employees are working alone with no distractions, a portable desktop speaker/microphone combination can be helpful to provide crystal clear sound in both directions while keeping hands free. Connecting to a phone or computer via USB or Bluetooth, they offer features such as built-in echo cancellation and omni-directional microphones – which is great for long calls.
If employees aren’t working alone and ambient noise is a concern (videogame sounds during a conference call, the dog barking during a video chat, etc.), a headset with a noise-cancelling microphone can minimize background noise and block ambient sounds without impacting audio transmission.
Next, consider what they’ll be doing from home. Primarily making phone calls? Data entry? Creating presentations and marketing collateral? Updating spreadsheets? Depending on the answer, it may be worthwhile to upgrade from working on a laptop to using a docking station and adding a comfortable-sized external display (or two) so multiple programs can be viewed and used at once.
Lastly, consider the actual working environment. If it has a neutral background and isn’t cluttered, it will probably work to hold video calls from that location. Tools such as Microsoft Teams, Webex, or Zoom are popular platforms that combine file storage, audio and video meetings, and workplace chat functions. In addition to providing easy videoconferencing, these tools can also support document and screen sharing to further enhance collaboration.
To get remote employees up and running quickly, CEC created a custom Work-from-Home Solution. It provides everything your employees need for professional communication and collaboration – no matter where they’re working:
- An HD camera that provides a visual connection during remote meetings
- Bluetooth speakers that offer excellent sound quality during audio and video calls
- USB cables to connect your devices
- A noise-canceling microphone that blocks ambient noise to make sure your voice is heard
- A wireless headset that frees up hands and allows you to stay moving during calls
- 24/7 access to CEC customer service for troubleshooting
Learn more about how to remain connected and productive while working remotely.
