A shocking 49% of employees who work away from an office at least one day a week say their company does not provide them with remote collaboration tools. Of those given collaboration tools, 26% say the tools aren’t exactly right or haven’t received training to use them well.
To create a successful hybrid work culture, companies must enable their employees with the tools for remote collaboration and connection. Let’s look at the most important tools that companies should provide.
Remote Work Tools and Equipment Every Company Should Provide
Your distributed workforce needs the right tools and equipment to be successful. Employers should provide the following technology items and equipment in their official workspaces and employees’ home offices:
- Computer or laptop: Employees need a reliable, updated desktop computer or laptop. A laptop is an ideal choice for its portability and because it provides many of the items listed below.
- Monitor(s): Ask employees if an additional monitor would enhance productivity. Provide at least one monitor if you provide desktop computers to your team.
- Keyboard and mouse: Supply ergonomic keyboards and mice to provide comfort during long working hours and avoid potential adverse health effects.
- Headset or earphones with microphone: Improve call quality by giving employees a headset or earphones with a microphone. This will also enable them to type while talking.
- Reliable internet connectivity: Help remote employees secure a stable internet connection to prevent disruptions in their work.
- Web camera: Ensure remote employees have a functional webcam for video conferencing and virtual interactions.
- Collaboration tools: Provide access to collaboration platforms, a digital workspace or virtual office, and project management tools to facilitate seamless asynchronous teamwork.
- Video conferencing software: Select a platform for face-to-face video communication and virtual meetings, and set up accounts for your team members.
- Security software: Protect your team and company data from cyber-attacks by providing security tools like antivirus software and VPNs.
Help Virtual Employees Thrive From Day One
The above tools are essential for building meaningful connections in a virtual workplace, but employees must understand how to use each tool successfully.
Your employee onboarding is the ideal time to provide each employee with these tools and explain how they can use them. To help you craft the perfect virtual onboarding experience, download our virtual onboarding e-book to set your virtual and hybrid team members up for success from their first days with your company.