How to Hire the Best Remote Workers

How to Hire the Best Remote Workers

Hiring the right talent is the biggest step toward achieving success in your business. However, geographical barriers limit the scope of finding the best candidate for a particular job opening. But you can overcome this problem by hiring remote workers. Remote working is now the latest trend, though virtual onboarding is difficult for some companies. Though similar to hiring in-office employees, HR professionals implement a unique strategy to find remote workers. Let us provide you with a guide to engaging remote employees for a company.

Write down a clear job description

Potential candidates like to read your job description before applying for the position. They try to know the roles and responsibilities of the positions available in your company. So, your job description must include some common elements-

  • A relevant title
  • The type of employment
  • An overview
  • Responsibilities 
  • Minimum qualifications needed for the job
  • Company culture
  • Contact Preferences 

Outline the obligations for working remotely

Smooth communication is highly important during interview sessions for remote workers. There may be some anticipations regarding team interactions, availability, and work styles. To avoid any obstacle, you have to focus on a few questions before finding your talents.  

  • Will it be a permanent remote position?
  • What will be the maximum distance between the office and the employees’ current location?
  • Where and when will employees be needed to attend in-office events?
  • Will the virtual meeting be necessary frequently?
  • Deadline-driven versus scheduled work hours- How do employees work?
  • Which time zone do you target while searching for remote employees?

Use freelancing sites and social media to search for potential employees

There are different online platforms to hunt for talent. For instance, hiring a candidate on Upwork (a freelancing site) makes it easy to assess talents and start a short-term project. You can also stay within your budget with this approach. You can find candidates with top rates and positive reviews written by other clients. 

So, there will be a shorter onboarding process to engage some talents. Upwork and other freelancing platforms also ensure easy hiring for projects. You will pay only for the projects that have been accomplished. The best fact is that you will easily be able to access global talents.

Some recruiters also prefer job boards to hire remote workers. After posting your job opening details, you need to wait for the applications of candidates. 

It is important to provide up-to-date information about the company. However, one downside is that several applicants on job boards do not have the skill level and experience you desire for the post.

Social networking platforms like LinkedIn also give you the opportunity to find talents for working remotely. LinkedIn lets you build a professional network with potential job hunters. You can also easily verify the candidates’ qualifications and work histories by checking their profiles. 

Check the experience and skills of candidates

You have received lots of applications for a limited number of vacancies. So, you have to review these applications to find highly skilled, qualified, and knowledgeable candidates. You should check the candidate’s ability to work as a remote worker. For any job position, you can ask a few general questions.

  • Have you worked remotely in other companies? How long do you have remote working experience?
  • Have you dealt with similar projects as a remote employee?
  • Which is your preferred communication mode?
  • How would you like to ask for help when needed?
  • Which factors are most important to achieve success?
  • How do you make your fellow workers accountable?
  • Do you face any challenges while working remotely? Have you adopted a strategy to overcome these challenges?

It is to be noted that you should not disqualify candidates for lack of remote working experience. You can analyze their resumes to check other skills suited for the job. They can work with others in different time zone. Other skills that are essential for a remote worker include clear communication, good time management, and organizational skills.

Schedule a video calling session for an interview

Usually, an in-person interview is arranged for hiring on-site workers. However, you can rely on a video-based interview if you like to hire remote workers. So, you can decide on the time to set up a video call using platforms like Zoom.

However, Upwork also has built-in video call tools to hire independent professionals.

More tips for interviewing potential employees

Make sure that you have chosen a secure video chat platform to interact with job applicants. We have shared some more tips for hiring the best candidate for the job.

  • Try to know how enthusiastic the candidate is about the desired position. You should pay attention to their passions before finalizing the candidate.
  • During the interview session, you have to ask questions about their past work experience. You can ask questions related to what is mentioned in the candidate’s resume.
  • It is also important to know the candidates’ views about the post for which they are hired.

Although you can ask questions related to the job position, there are some general queries for interviews. For instance-

  • How would you manage big projects?
  • Do you know any hack to maintain productivity while working from home?
  • How will you try to refine yourself in the future?

Set guidelines and have clear anticipations

After hiring remote workers, you should be clear about your anticipations and guidelines. Most commonly, employers assume that the employees will deliver work according to their needs. However, their anticipations should be clear. It has to cover every detail, including the company culture, response times, standard procedures, and working hours. 

So, this is how you can hire remote workers for your company. Use different platforms to source channels. You can also hire a team of HR consultants to engage the best remote employees.

Transitioning to a virtual and remote environment is challenging due to the absence of in-person elements. You should try to build a relationship with new employees and make them familiar with your business. It will benefit both you and your employees.

cybersecurity

Everything You Need To Know About CyberSecurity

Our daily life has become highly reliant on technology, and it is now easy for us to access information from the web world. Businesses also choose technologies for different activities. Their online activities lead to the generation of a vast amount of data. However, modern techs have increased the risk of cyber security threats. Cybercriminals apply a range of tactics to steal data. That is why it has become more important to think of cybersecurity. Let us talk more about cybersecurity and its significance in the business world.

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a way to protect your interconnected systems and data from cyber threats. Both enterprises and individuals can take steps to prevent unauthorized access to their computerized systems and data centers. 

An effective strategy for cyber security lets you develop a security infrastructure that fights against malicious attacks. Most commonly, these attacks are intended to destroy, alter, delete and access the users’ systems. Moreover, cybersecurity prevents attackers from disrupting and disabling the device’s operations.

Why should SMEs give importance to cybersecurity? 

It is a misconception that cyber criminals target only large organizations. Small business owners and startups think that they have no risk of cybercrimes. However, in reality, it is not true. They can also fall prey to hackers.

Cybercriminals think that it is easy to target small and medium-sized businesses. Why? Check the reasons-

  • Lack of training and low budget for developing a secure infrastructure
  • Lack of knowledgeable cybersecurity specialists 
  • No security awareness in the workforce
  • Security systems not updated regularly
  • Lack of risk management policy 

There are some other reasons why your small business should invest in cybersecurity solutions-

  • Your business information is valuable

Your computer systems and other devices have stored sensitive details about your customers and employees. Hackers try to hack their financial and personal information, including banking details.

  • Damage your business reputation

As you are a startup, your business status is not much strong. To avoid the risk of reputational damages, you need to focus on cyber security. 

  • Hackers look for easy targets

Cybercriminals always search for good opportunities to make malicious attacks. As large organizations have strong security systems, hackers turn to small companies. 

Types of cyber-attacks

Cyber-attacks can be of different types-

  • Malware

Malware is malicious software that contains viruses like Trojans, adware, ransomware, and spyware. Ransomware attacks prevent you from accessing key components of the network. Similarly, adware displays ads like banners on the screen. Use firewalls and anti-virus to prevent malware.

  • Password attacks

Hackers try to crack passwords using different tools and programs. Brute force attacks and other password attacks can be prevented by choosing strong alphanumeric passwords. Moreover, it is important to update passwords occasionally. 

  • Phishing

It is also known as the social engineering attack, as the criminal pretends to be a reliable contact. He sends fake emails to the victim. When the victim opens the email and hits the malicious link, confidential information gets leaked. You can use an anti-phishing toolbar to prevent these problems.

  • SQL injection

Database-driven websites have a risk of SQL injection attacks. Hackers control a standard SQL query and inject malicious codes into websites. It is safe to implement an intrusion detection system to identify unauthorized network access.

Different ways to ensure cybersecurity

  • 2FA

2-factor authentication is a special login process where the system sends an OTP after the user has entered the password. The OTP is sent via SMS and email. The user has to submit the code to access the dashboard. 

  • Strong password

The combination of alphanumeric letters makes the password stronger. Do not choose common words and names as passwords. 

  • Software updates

You have installed software in your business computer systems and laptops. However, without updated versions of the software, there is a risk of viral attacks. You may also activate automatic updates.

  • Reporting phishing

When you have noticed phishing attempts, you can simply report them. It will reduce the risk of scam communications in the future. Scammers will not easily target.

Tips for SMEs on Cyber security

We have shared some more tips on how to fight against cyber criminals-

  • Install firewall and anti-virus software- These 2 things will keep your device safe from hacking. Anti-virus software detects threats in your system and neutralizes them.
  • Provide technology training- It is the most important step for every business. Let your employees undergo comprehensive cyber security training. They should know how to identify malicious links and emails. Talk to a cyber-security consultant for this purpose.
  • Choose a VPN- Virtual Private Network is the best tool for SMBs and starts who do not like to pay for a costly internal network.

So, you can now take the most important steps for securing your business network and devices. The security infrastructure of your business should be strong.

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Top 10 Best Tools For Managing Remote Teams Outline

Remote working is fast becoming the norm.  The pandemic opened the possibility for many industries to consider remote or hybrid working, with staff working from home or from another place outside the office, either full or part time.  Technology is constantly evolving to accommodate this new way of working, allowing us to communicate as a team from different corners of the globe and enabling the job to be done from wherever we are in the world. 

There are many advantages to embracing remote working and interestingly, it has been shown that remote workers tend to be more engaged and productive than their office counterparts. 

Trending tools used for remote working: 

  1.  Skype/Slack

Skype is a great tool.  It is a robust and dependable software for voice calls.  Skype can be used for one-on-one calls as well as conference calls with multiple users.  It also allows you to have quick chat sessions on messenger, schedule meetings, send attachments such as documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and images, or create notes for reminders to manage your work seamlessly. 

Slack is a very popular messaging tool for remote workers.  It is a digital space that allows communication among teammates where they can share ideas and comment in real-time, so everything moves swiftly.  It brings all team communication to one place, making managing remote employees easier.  As an additional benefit, to provide complete functionality, slack offers fully native apps for iOS and Android.

  1. Trello

Trello is a visual collaboration tool that gives a shared perspective on projects for the team. Trusted by millions, it is an ultimate guide for remote working on projects.  Trello can be used to merge ideas on policies, take meeting notes, and share new ideas.  It is a flexible, collaborative, planning tool that multiple team users can access. 

Trello is another web-based tool packed with powerful features for managing projects. It is a collaboration and project management tool that enables teams to move work forward.

  1. Google Drive

Google Drive enables users to store many files on their server, synchronize files across their devices, and share files. It is simple, accessible, and easy to use, store and share documents, spreadsheets, and slide presentations. It can be used for reporting on weekly metrics. Additionally, you can sync Google Drive files across devices so that the individuals can view and update them from anywhere. Members can edit and proofread with access to a link, and others can see suggestions and resolve comments. You can stay organized and retrieve files from Google Drive using categorized folders, ensuring the Drive is clutter-free!

  1. Jira

Jira software is equipped with excellent features.  It is part of a family of products designed to help the team manage their work. Originally intended as a bug and issue tracker, it has evolved into a powerful work management tool for any situation.  It is a great workflow tool for any team to organize, assign, track and update responsibilities assigned to them. 

This easy-to-use app provides flexibility for remote workers.  It provides a central point of information for individual team members and encourages employees to work independently, as the tasks and responsibilities are distributed.

  1. Hubspot

Hubspot is a great tool for marketing insights and web page building.  The software incorporates invoicing, time tracking, project management, and Hubspot CRM integration.  It organises the sales process and helps save time in each phase with streamlined processes and enhanced communication. 

Gaining complete visibility in the business helps nurture leads and builds better relationships with clients.  From reporting to management, Hubspot simplifies all aspects of this process. 

  1. Billmytask

Billmytask helps you manage the staffing process with a few clicks of a button. Owned by Corient Business Solutions Limited, it provides an integrated platform and processing service for clients. It promotes services with finance and accounting, technology services, and back-office services with specialized reporting and KPI monitoring. 

By helping you manage your staff payroll, client invoicing and back-office services efficiently, the application is a great tool for taking care of things in the background while allowing you more time to focus on your core business. 

  1. Microsoft teams

Microsoft teams is a cloud-based platform that allows hybrid workers the flexibility needed to work from anywhere.  It can enables remote workers to chat, meet, call and collaborate on a single platform.

Document collaboration, instant messaging, and screen sharing can be used through the web as a desktop application or a mobile application.  Teams also includes multi-factor authentication, which provides secure guest access, and auto encryption of data. 

  1. Asana

Asana is cloud-based software that provides users a virtual workspace to collaborate and complete a project. It enables a project manager to create tasks as part of a global project, assign them to different people and schedule jobs with a deadline.  It is suitable for long-term and short-term projects, with the option to archive completed projects for future use. 

Asana offers a free plan which makes it popular.  It offers a variety of integration, focusing on productivity, built-in admin controls, customizations, and a collaborative workspace. It is stable and reliable software that aids project management and boosts productivity. 

  1. Dropbox

Dropbox is widely known and is a popular cloud storage service that can be used to store and share files. You can back up your files from anywhere and can have access to documents while working from anywhere in the world. 

Dropbox is a good collaborative tool which makes it easy to sync files, as sharing large files does not work well over email. It is also a great way to organize work from freelancers and your remote team when they need to submit projects.

  1.  Blink

Blink is the ultimate mobile employee engagement application. Blink takes communication and collaboration in the workplace to the next level. It can combine everything from documents and news updates to collaborative tools in the same place. 

It has a social media-style interface which fully engages the workforce. It is a fully secure and compliant system providing a great working environment for remote workers. 

Bottom Line

Each workspace is different and offers various benefits.  There are many options to set up these apps in combination to best suit you, your team, your business and your way of working.  These tools for remote working, allow your teams to be flexible while staying connected to their organizations.  Overall, tools for remote work are designed to help you achieve a higher level of productivity, see what works best for you.

emerging trends

Emerging Trends In Technology for 2022

A lot has been happening in technology over the last few years. Following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a gradual change in the perception of technology among professionals. 

Here are some emerging technology trends that will shape the future of technology in 2022 and beyond:

1. AI

Artificial Intelligence is the buzzword in the field of technology these days. Apps for speech recognition, ride-sharing, navigation, and smartphone personal assistants, it has transformed the way of communication and perceptions. Additionally, it has also been instrumental in improving the overall user experience when using different applications. With AI, digital technology is leaning towards stepping out from a 2-dimensional screen to a 3-dimensional environment surrounding individuals. 

In the future, it will play a decisive role in drawing insights and making predictions of the demand for different services. Plus, it will also help with the optimum use of resources with automation and provide a better understanding of customer behavior based on a data-driven approach. AI will work in conjunction with machine learning to lead to these long-term benefits.

2. RPA

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is an emerging technology that relates to automation. It refers to the utilization of software for performing different tasks without manual effort and is an upcoming trend that will definitely have a big impact. Among other things, it reduces time, effort, and hassle in completing repetitive tasks.

At present, it is already in use for a wide range of purposes. These include sending replies to emails, managing data, processing transactions, and interpreting applications. While some people believe it will kill many jobs, others are of the opinion that RPA will create new job opportunities in the future. 

Such job opportunities will involve attractive remuneration. RPA will enable professionals to think out of the box and explore new technological dimensions in the future. On the services front, robotics and artificial intelligence services will help automate processes and develop various tools.

3. Blockchain

Everyone who knows a thing or two about digital technology also has an idea about blockchain and cryptocurrency. Most people consider both to be similar, but blockchain has a wider scope and stores data in a digital format. 

Unlike cryptocurrency, which is a form of digital currency, blockchain entails a chain of data that cannot be altered or changed. This feature helps it validate transactions and make them secure for the benefit of users.

Given the rising demand for the implementation of blockchain technology, it will create new job opportunities for blockchain developers. Their services will be in demand for the implementation of blockchain architecture and solutions related to it. 

The increase in buying, selling and trading of cryptocurrencies will add to the rising number of digital transactions.  These transactions will be processed via the blockchain and can be analyzed efficiently using AI and RPA.

4. Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is a new technology based on quantum theory. It is based on the main principles of quantum physics and uses qubits or quantum bits, for performing calculations and computation. This form of computing is capable of solving complex problems in a better way than even supercomputers.

With time, quantum computing will witness a further improvement in the properties of collective states such as entanglement, interference, and superposition for performing quantum computations.

5. AR/VR/Metaverse

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are the two most commonly used terms in the world of gaming. While AR involves a real-world setting, VR is virtual by nature. VR plays an important role in improving fictional reality, whereas AR improves the experience of users in terms of both real and virtual worlds.

Though these technologies are primarily used in gaming these days, their scope will extend much further in the future. These technologies will also feature in the scheme of things for marketing, education, entertainment, and training.

The metaverse, which involves a simulated digital environment featuring both AR and VR, will lead to richer user interaction. Currently, it mimics different aspects linked to the physical world in a virtual world. From its current scope of use in social media interaction, it will extend to other aspects of cyberspace in the future such as digital economies, NFTs, and virtual hangouts with holograms.

6. Cybersecurity

Computer systems and information technology (IT) constitute the backbone of the digital infrastructure of companies nowadays. Cybersecurity covers the security of computer networks and systems to prevent any damage to the hardware and the disclosure of confidential information and data stored on the hardware.

At present, cybersecurity exists in different forms. These include cloud security, network security, application security, critical infrastructure security, and the security of the Internet of Things (IoT). 

In all these forms, it will continue to protect the damage and theft to data in the future. It is already commonplace in the information systems of government organizations as well as in industry.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, these are the emerging trends of technology for 2022. Whether you are a working professional or aspire to be one, your career scope will depend on how well you adapt to these technology trends. these technology trends will transform the lives of individuals in some shape or form in the future.

Corient Tech provides robotics and artificial intelligence services for companies to automate processes and can develop various tools to help your business. These tools include BOT reconciliation tools, photo verification tools, and chatbots.  We provide remote software development services and can offer you a remote dedicated product development team.

1

How Can APIs Help You Reduce Manual Effort?

Uber, Facebook, and PayPal- these are some familiar names in the modern world. However, several internet users are not aware that they have already used the Application Programming Interface. The term, API, is something confusing for consumers. But, lots of organizations have taken advantage of it to ensure automation. APIs help in providing the best customer experience and are effective in uncovering the new source of revenues. As it brings automation, you can save manual efforts.

The present world is highly competitive, and thus, it is important to consider automation for successful digital transformation. You need to automate multiple business processes. Although you can find several solutions for automation, they do have few drawbacks. That is why APIs have become one of the best alternatives for automation.

However, what is an Application Programming Interface?

An API refers to some protocols, routines, and tools designed to build applications. At the basic level, APIs are some technologies to let software applications communicate through them. You may also make APIs accessible to the public. API saves time by automating tasks, and users have to rely on a single interface.

APIs have become the standard followed by organizations to exchange data and create seamless experiences for consumers. It links business processes, content, data, and services to channel their partners and in-house teams securely.

How can APIs be beneficial?

  1. APIs helping you to reduce human errors and overheads

APIs can give you the opportunity to get value from agile innovation. You can easily adapt to different market changes. In fact, APIs work like data pipelines, useful for companies to automate basic activities and data entry processes. These companies lower overheads, increase productivity and strengthen business development efforts.

  1. Deliver integration and interoperability due to APIs

To automate your business processes, your corporate systems have to fill the functionality gaps. Custom codes are useful for filling the gaps. However, the major issue is that custom codes are not visible, and thus, your IT team cannot implement modifications when they need to adopt new tools. Although customizations are important, it is essential to focus on integrations.

To distinguish your business from other companies, you have to remove your present challenges with data automation, interoperability, and integration. You can find better client outcomes with this effort.

Some companies have found that they need a unique platform to manage their workflows. APIs are the most affordable solutions, as they streamline the integrations of multiple applications and software interoperability. Thus, APIs have become the major driver for competitive success and innovations.

  1. Improved collaboration

A standard enterprise relies on more than 500 applications, and some of them are disconnected. By using APIs, they can promote integrations. Apps and other platforms can interact with each other seamlessly. With the integration, organizations will be able to automate their daily workflows. There will be smooth workplace collaboration. In the absence of APIs, these businesses will have no connectivity. There will be informational problems and performance issues.

  1. Data monetization becomes easy

Several organizations offer free APIs in the beginning. The major intention of these companies is to build relationships with their business associates. But, when your API gives access to digital resources, you may monetize them.

For instance, AccuWeather released its self-service portal and sold different API packages. It has taken a number of months to attract lots of developers and sell 11,000 API keys.

  1. Ensure higher security with APIs

APIs develop an additional protection layer between the server and data. Developers will make the API security stronger with the use of signatures, tokens, and TLS encryption. The implementation of API gateways will let you authenticate and manage traffic.

Other ways in which APIs help you with business process automation.

  • Different data entries can get into multiple systems without much effort.
  • Maintenance of data in several systems needs time, and thus, you can avoid this problem with APIs.
  • Automation ensures proper integration of different applications to avoid inconsistencies.

The most popular examples of APIs

Although automation is the most noticeable benefit of APIs, they are useful to maintain security. Check the most common examples of APIs.

  • Comparisons for travel reservations- Travel booking platforms show details of different flights and the cheapest available options for several destinations. To provide this service, you have to implement APIs. Your users will be able to use the APIs to get the latest data on airlines and hotels. Due to the autonomous data exchange, APIs significantly save the effort and time needed to check flights and accommodation.
  • Payment processing- You may have found some corporate websites that let you pay using PayPal. You can mostly notice it on eCommerce platforms, which work with APIs. Thus, automated and secure payment processing is highly advantageous.
  • Google Maps- Google Maps services enable usres to make use of APIs. The major APIs show the interactive and static maps. However, the app uses some other APIs to give directions to users. With multiple data layers and geolocation, user may interact with the Map API. One can locate travel routes and track delivery vehicles.

APIs of different types

There are multiple types of APIs. Open APIs are accessible with HTTP protocols. They have public APIs with defined response formats. Similarly, there are partner APIs managed by business partners. Moreover, developers will be able to access the APIs using the self-service modes. Still, they involve an onboarding process, and login details are essential to use the partner APIs.

In the case of internal APIs, external users cannot use the interface. The private APIs are not accessible to users who are not associated with the company. Thus, these APIs are best for communications between in-house teams.

Another category is the composite API, which blends multiple data. Developers use these APIs for different endpoints. Based on your needs, you have to develop the right API.

Conclusion

You can now start integrating the APIs into your digital platform. APIs are reusable for different automation activities. Reusable APIs eliminate the need for developing codes several times. With APIs, you can enjoy seamless connectivity and communications free from any interference.

Digitising Your Business To Take Care of Any Pandemic

Digitising Your Business To Take Care of Any Pandemic

The pandemic has brought significant changes to businesses, such as the need to digitise your business. This means turning your pre-pandemic daily operations, business travel, in-person meetings, and paper-based transactions to be done online. Without such, your business may not thrive during the pandemic. 

While some companies have already begun their digital transformation, some haven’t. If you belong in the latter, then here’s how you can start digitising your business: 

1. Moving Towards Cloud

It’s no secret that the myriad of cloud-based services paved the way for convenience and accessibility. Regardless of which Software as a Service (SaaS) you use, cloud-based programs have brought businesses more approachable for clients. Cloud-based SaaS software is powered by servers that transmit data from various divisions and pass it on to its central database known as cloud managed service provider (MSP). 

By moving towards the cloud, your business can improve operations, enhance flexibility, and give way to more efficient workflows. In addition, being cloud-based gives your business constant access to essential data—retrieving the information whenever you need, wherever you are. 

Thus, you can operate your business even when your brick-and-mortar office or establishment is closed. 

Perhaps the only thing stopping many businesses from transitioning to the cloud is the potential disruption of current workflows and processes. And add to that is the fact that transitioning into the cloud is no easy move. It’s somewhat intimidating and challenging, but that doesn’t change its necessity. 

But like anything else, there will be no opportunity for growth without the willingness to take on challenging situations. With such, here are the top two tips you need when you’re moving towards the cloud:

  • Selecting the Right Cloud Provider: Picking the right cloud partner boils down to your business needs and how much you’re willing to spend. Most importantly, choosing the right cloud provider means working with vendors who have knowledge and experience in your sector. Different industries require different strategies to make the transition easier. So, your vendor should be able to comprehend what sets your business apart from others. 
  • Employ Experts: Although cloud transfers are secure, transitioning can still be difficult if you’re not working with the right people. There are several services out there that guarantee seamless processes like Corient and similar companies. Hiring these experts who can accomplish the task for you is still the better choice and would even help you save time and money. 

2. Utilise Collaborative Tools

Digitising your business has never been easier, thanks to collaborative tools. Such software keeps information flowing from all members of the team. 

Whatever your business is, you must maintain good communication with your team members. They need to be able to reach you quickly and vice versa to avoid potential miscommunication. That’s why having a collaborative application where you can discuss anything and tackle misunderstandings is crucial. This also sows the seeds for open and proactive communication even when you’re miles apart. 

With such, here’s a non-exhaustive list of the most popular collaborative tools:

  • Google Workspace: Google workspace is by far the most popular collaborative program. It has multiple office-related apps such as Docs, Calendar, Keeps, Gmail, and more to address your operational business needs. It also has a video-calling service so you can communicate with your team anytime, anywhere. 
  • MS Office: MS Office 365 offers a top-of-a-line project management suite where you can manage, collate, and send documents, spreadsheets, and other files to your team members. It also provides various productivity and collaboration apps such as Teams and Outlook. 
  • Slack: Slack is a work management software often used by businesses in remote work setup. Slack allows you to create multiple channels for different projects or departments. It also allows accessible and direct communication with specific people from your team. On top of that, Slack allows you to integrate with other project management software to access the data you need quickly.

3. Digitise Customer Servicing to Your Clients Through App Development

Developing mobile apps for your business is another way to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, regardless of what industry you’re in. Since most people nowadays use smartphones, developing an app that allows customers to access your services is the best way to engage them. 

You can easily connect with clients, provide a more positive experience, and make you more memorable with an app. Depending on the industry you’re in, you can create an app where your customers place an order or book a service. With Corient, you can hire app developers that can personalise the app suitable for your business.

An app is also an excellent way to market your business since clients are more exposed to your logo. They can see your brand logo whenever they scroll through their phones which increases customer retention.

In addition, here are some industries that would benefit from having an app:

  • E-commerce: E-commerce is continuously growing day by day. Within the last few years, most of the growth in retail was brought by e-commerce, and it’s still anticipated to double in size in the coming years. This is no surprise since most customers now prefer to make purchases in the comfort of their homes. 

If you’re in the e-commerce business, developing a mobile app increases customer satisfaction. Additionally, more than 70% of customers are motivated to do more business transactions for companies with outstanding customer service. 

What’s more interesting is to add a call to action button on the app so they can easily talk to your agent. To make it even better, deploy a live support system to help your clients navigate through the app. 

  • Home Delivery Services: Most customers prefer to order online, especially since pandemic protocols have limited people from going out. With an app, you can make customers quickly scan through your products or services without worrying about long lines. 

And since online delivery apps act like your business’ digital storefront, it contributes a lot in determining customer engagement. This means that you should have an intuitive app where customers can place orders without hassle. 

  • VoIP Telephone Systems: Telephone services have moved from being limited to on-premise systems to cloud-based services. Customer representative agents can now communicate with customers and vice versa using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calling apps. What’s more is you can make and receive calls regardless of where you are for a fraction of the price. 

The Bottom Line

By doing the tips above, you can continue operating your business regardless of a pandemic. You no longer have to rely on a brick-and-mortar business because you can digitise your processes using the cloud, collaborative tools, and apps. What’s important is to start now, hire Corient, and employ the tips above.

Data Security While Working Remotely

Data Security While Working Remotely

Working remotely became more popular during the pandemic. While this is beneficial to most, one problem with it is the vulnerability of data for remote workers. When data is unsecured, the data from the worker and company are exposed to cybersecurity threats. For instance, cybercriminals can use your data to hack into your system, steal your information, and use it for malicious activities.

With such, you need to employ the following cybersecurity measures to protect and secure your data:

1. Install Antivirus

One common way to strengthen data security while working remotely is having antivirus software. With this software, you can protect sensitive data and fix security flaws in your system.

Not only that, but it works automatically. This means that you only have to install it, and it would automatically detect cyber threats like phishing attacks, Trojans, spyware, and malware.

That being said, you can ensure that all your data, including your company’s data, aren’t prone to cybersecurity threats.

On top of that, you can keep your device’s performance optimum since it can prevent malicious and unwanted actions from altering or interfering with your device. Keeping your device at its best performance is essential when working remotely as it affects efficiency and productivity.

2. Restrict Copying Data Into Local Machines

Another data security measure for virtual workers is to restrict copying data into local computers. This is especially important if you’re sending files containing sensitive data to other people, like colleagues or potential clients. With such, you can set access rights depending on who the receiver is.

For instance, you may restrict file copy actions while allowing read rights. Doing this can prevent data leaks that may occur when a file is copied to different machines.

However, you may need to use some tool or software to track files that require copy data restrictions. If you’re unfamiliar with this, you can always consult technology experts like Corient and others. These tech experts are always in the loop with the latest technologies, and they can even suggest what tools you can use based on your needs.

3. Limit Usage Of Cloud-based Storage Solution

While cloud-based storage solutions like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and others offer easy access to files, you’re exposing your data to risks. That’s because when using cloud-based storage, you’re not in control of your data. You don’t know what and how your data is being kept and secured. This can become a problem, especially if persistent hackers get into your cloud storage.

And you know what might happen when hackers get a hold of critical information. With such, it’s best to limit the use of these storage solutions when transmitting sensitive data.

4. Control Email Usage

If you have a working email provided by your company, then you should use it. These emails are usually paid, which means they have better security than the free ones. However, you should only use it for work purposes.

It’s best not to merge your personal affairs with your business email. This means you shouldn’t use your company email to subscribe to personal needs. You may also have to restrict yourself from using such email outside working hours. By doing these things, you can protect both personal and business data from cybersecurity threats.

For instance, your company may access your business email containing your personal information. Although they’re not allowed to access your email, it’s still best to be wary of this.

On the other hand, you may introduce dangerous viruses to your system through your business email. This, in turn, may allow unauthorized individuals to access your company’s data. Or they may use your email to jeopardize your organization by sending offensive messages to clients or colleagues.

5. Utilize A Secured VPN Tunnel

Since internet usage is a lifeblood of a remote worker, you may want to strengthen it by using a virtual private network (VPN). That’s because a VPN creates a secure tunnel between a server and your computer.

On top of that, you can boost your security because all information is encrypted when you use a VPN. This is more vital when you’re sending or accessing critical data. When someone intercepts your network, all they can see is gibberish information since data is encrypted. As a result, they’ll have a hard time deciphering such data.

6. Follow Internet Restriction Policy

While this is most familiar to employees working on-site or inside the company’s establishments, an internet restriction policy can also be applied when working remotely. This means you have to be responsible when accessing the internet.

You may want to limit using the internet for illegal or inappropriate use to endanger any data you have on your device. For instance, downloading free movies from an unfamiliar website may seem unharmful.

However, if you’re not familiar with viruses attached to downloadables, you’re more likely to infect your device. As a result, they can crawl data from it, depending on the virus they’ve integrated into the free downloadables.

Or when you’re using your company device at home, you shouldn’t use it to access the internet for personal activities. That way, you can avoid potentially risking whatever’s stored in that device.

7. Try Proctoring

Lastly, you may want to try remote proctoring, especially if you’re handling a virtual team. While proctoring is most popular in the academe to monitor online exams, virtual employees can also use this. Generally, remote proctoring refers to viewing the shared screen of the other user to monitor their activities.

When applied to remote working, there are apps or software that allow you to monitor your team. This software records the user’s screen and activities to detect unnecessary activities that may pose a risk to the company’s data.

However, you may have to monitor your team in real-time to prevent these risks immediately. But if not, you can use the recorded ones to track who might have caused such troubles.

The thing is, you can instill discipline in each user since they’re aware that everything they do is recorded. Set consequences when they don’t comply with your rules, like the internet restriction policy, to make it more compelling. That way, you can lessen the chances of exposing your data to potential harm.

The Bottom Line

Working remotely can both be fun and dangerous. You may be unconsciously attracting cybersecurity threats if you don’t know how to keep your data secure. But when you apply the tips above or work with a reputable tech expert like Corient, you can work with confidence and security.

No more worries about potential risks because you know that you have strong data security.