Of course, things have worked out slightly differently than that. Many business people are still working at home. The office staff, the sales team, the administrative staff. We are all still operating a large percentage of the time from our houses instead of from the office.

“Knowing” that it was only a temporary move, the solutions we put in place seemed acceptable at the time. Looking back now, however, too many people set up shop on the dining room table with their 5 year old 14” laptop. Too many people made do with a different, less expensive, and less secure setup at home than what they have at the office. We think it is time to make a few adjustments to be more comfortable, more productive, and more secure working from home.

Most of us should already have started planning on working from home for what could be described as an indefinite amount of time. In some states, the transition back to the office will be very slow. In other states, people are starting to filter back into the office, but it means something very different than it meant in late February. This might include rotating days between the office and home, or staffing the office with a skeleton staff, or redesigning the physical layout of the office to provide for more distance between desks. Lest we not forget that many experts are warning that we should brace ourselves for a second wave of this pandemic. The point is, we are going to spend more time working from home, so we might as well consider ways to improve that situation. Here are five tips to consider:

Tip 1. Upgrade Your Chair and Add the Second Monitor

The dining room chair that you started sitting on back in March is not meant for sitting in for 8 hours a day. Same with the tiny screen on your laptop. Stop squinting to see what is on that screen. The dual monitor setup that you had at your office made you more productive, so why not be that productive at home too? Set up a place in your home where you can use two large monitors and sit comfortably all day long.

Tip 2. Get a Quality Headset

A good noise-canceling Bluetooth headset will allow you to walk away from your desk and take conference calls all over the house. Not only can you hear and speak better and clearer, you can leave the Zoom conference and get a snack without having to miss out on what people are saying. Further, the proper headset will cancel out unnecessary house noises that can be a distraction. You will be so happy when you add this component to your home office that you will likely want to use it at work too.

Tip 3. Upgrade Your Image on Zoom

Today, lawyers are working with clients, executives are holding staff meetings, and farmers are working with buyers, investors, and vendors. Most of us need to look more professional on Zoom or GoToMeeting or Teams, especially for those critical meetings. Try to improve the lighting. You need light in front of you, not behind you. If your home office room has a window, face towards the window. Also, raise your camera to be at eye level. No one wants to see your ceiling fan or the inside of your nostrils. Finally, shave and dress for the office. The time for celebrating casualness has passed.

Tip 4. Consider Alternative Business Software Solutions

There is a big difference between Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Teams excels in collaboration features, specifically within your own organization. Zoom excels in user-friendliness for group meetings, but really cannot compete on the internal collaboration side of things. There are also software tools to help manage staff work schedules, online productivity, remote access, etc. The point is that things are different than they were in February. There is a good possibility that your organization will need to consider making permanent changes to the tools you use so that everyone can stay as productive as possible.

Tips 5. Cybersecurity Matters

In March, cybersecurity was not as critical as getting set up to operate from home. But today, it is essential. Cyber thieves have really increased attempts to exploit the weaknesses in home networks, vulnerable remote access solutions, and end user tendencies to contribute to fake COVID-19 charities. With so many people working from home for what will likely turn out to be an extended timeframe, now is the time to harden your home and corporate cybersecurity solutions.

• Secure Your Home Router: Most home routers supplied by a reputable internet provider such as Comcast or Verizon are already configured properly for secure WiFi. However, many people are still using a 5-year-old 3rd party router that they purchased from Staples or Best Buy. Ensure that your WiFi connection requires a lengthy password and is using WPA2 encryption. Failure to meet these requirements could result in a breach of corporate data.
• Get a Professional Consult for Remote Access: Back in March, you might have been unable to plan properly for the entire staff to be remote because everything happened so quickly. Now that we know this might last a while, an IT professional should evaluate your remote access solution and make appropriate recommendations. Are you using a VPN solution? A Remote Desktop solution? A 3rd party solution? You now have an opportunity to plan for and implement a proper remote access solution so you can be secure and productive.
• Avoid Oversharing Your Screen: During online meetings, be cautious when sharing your screen. If possible, do not leave any windows open that you would not want others to see. Accidents happen.
• Audit Your Remote Computers: Require that any device, especially home computers that your team is using, has the latest antivirus and malware protection. If employees are using their personal computers, you want to develop a plan to ensure that their personal computers are protected with a proper endpoint security solution.
• Watch for COVID-19 Scams: Internet criminals have widely exploited the COVID-19 outbreaks. It has been the topic of numerous national and international phishing/scamming campaigns. If you receive emails with any suspicious links or attachments related to COVID-19, do not be tempted to open them. Provide education to your staff members so that they can better understand how to differentiate legitimate from suspicious. Better safe than sorry.

Unfortunately for the people we live with, we are all going to keep working at home a lot longer than we imagined on March 12. We hope you will take a few minutes, spend a little money, and set yourself up to be more productive and secure at home.

At TechSolutions, we want you to expect more from your IT vendor. We think you should expect more from them than simply keeping your internet and your computers working. We would be happy to help you get set up at home so that you can be more productive and more secure. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have so that we can show you how to “expect more” from your IT firm.

The post Getting Your Home Office Ready for Spending More Time at Home appeared first on TechSolutions, Inc..

Microsoft’s software offerings are filled with features that allow and even augment enterprise work from home (WFH) setups without sacrificing security. Here are some updates about the company’s applications, as well as other common third-party applications in the Windows and Office ecosystems, which will ensure data security when you’re working remotely.

Before the pandemic broke out, companies across the United States had already been on the lookout for remote work possibilities, because of the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of the cloud. Back then, the technology was used to take advantage of market and location opportunities, but with entire cities going on lockdown to stem the transmission velocity of the coronavirus, enterprises across the continent have turned to digital solutions for their respective workforces to remain productive at home.

Microsoft’s Windows and Office 365 engineers have geared both sets of software to be user-friendly across different platforms — and by extension, many Windows-ready third-party applications enjoy the same benefit. For many organizations, especially small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), this means no need to switch to a more remote-friendly system. But because of the suddenness of the transition, there are questions whether Windows, Office, and other supported software have ample security features in place.

Windows 10 1709

Microsoft announced in mid-March that Windows 10 version 1709 (Fall Creators Update) will remain supported for six more months, in anticipation of the socioeconomic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The tech giant also stated that vital updates will continue for version 1709 through its regular channels, namely Windows Update, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), and the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Through the service coverage extension, Windows 10 version 1709 can still be managed through all supported versions of Microsoft Configuration Manager. This will allow users to retain existing management workflows until October 30, 2020.

Remote-ready setups

Virtual private networks (VPNs) and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections are necessities for work from home setups, but this has left many IT managers worried about security risks. Experts have suggested deploying a trial version of Windows Server 2016 or 2019 as a workaround. This server software has remote desktop services that are bundled with remote desktop gateway (RDG) and RDWeb technologies, ensuring encrypted remote access.

Microsoft has also published optimization instructions for Office 365 users to properly implement VPN split tunneling for their remote work setups. Routing Office 365 applications — such as Teams, SharePoint Online, and Exchange Online — through a split VPN tunnel ensures that the most critical, high-volume Office 365 traffic is quickly patched through to the company server, and not left at risk of loss that stems from the common customer-performance and network capacity issues many enterprise-level clients report.

Other practical tips for WFH

Remote performance depends largely on home internet performance, so that matter boils down to the reliability and speed of your employees’ internet providers’ services. Your staff can take steps to limit their bandwidth loads, such as by not using video streaming services while working, cutting down the recording quality of home security cameras from HD to standard definition, and allowing office IT to remotely optimize the personal devices your employees intend to use for remote work.

Lastly, consulting with your IT partner will surely put you in a better position to cope with the demands of remote work. Managed IT services providers (MSPs) like us are regular remote access practitioners. We handle remote services on a daily basis and provide you with valuable insights on how to keep your business running smoothly through these trying times. Contact us today to learn more.

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Flexible work setups have often been the subject of debate — employees want the option to work away from the office at least some of the time, but many businesses value well-founded methods and processes. Will the world’s largest work from home experiment change that?

Enforced flexibility

A pandemic is one of the most socially, economically, and politically disruptive events that could ever happen. Infections and fatalities constantly increase, business operations are shut down, and scientists race against time to find a cure.

Companies lucky enough to remain operational still face a significant challenge: maintaining business continuity. For most, the simplest way to achieve this is by moving their business resources online and adopting an effective remote work strategy.

With resilience and careful decision-making — as well as the right tools and processes — you might just find your employees more productive, less stressed out by work, and expressive as ever.

A wealth of benefits

Remote work offers several benefits for both employees and employers. In addition to saving time and eradicating commute-related stress, remote work can improve employee productivity. A number of studies reveal that the freedom to create a comfortable environment and schedule encourages employees to perform at their best.

At the same time, employers benefit from reduced overhead expenses while also having access to a wider pool of applicants. Because workplace flexibility is among the top considerations of many young job seekers, remote work arrangements would be right up their alley.

Employers can also hire outside of reasonable commuting distance, as employees won’t have to report to the office as frequently, if not at all. What’s more, mandatory daily attendance is going out of fashion — more businesses are now prioritizing performance over hours clocked in. Many prefer focusing on the quality of outputs rather than just keeping people in the office from 9 to 5.

Businesses reap great rewards for recognizing performance instead of just presence. This approach makes for more engaged, efficient, and satisfied employees, consequently creating a healthy and progressive company culture.

Encouraging development

Many businesses believe that a traditional office setup helps bring about better relationships and collaborations. However, data actually points out that interpersonal behavior and communication — not solely proximity — are the key drivers of trust and teamwork.

Traditional work arrangements also make it easier for managers to look after their employees — it’s easy to see who is and isn’t at their workstation during office hours. However, mandating work hours and location makes sense only for time-sensitive and location-dependent jobs like retail, manual labor, and healthcare, where employees need to be physically present.

Meanwhile, for knowledge workers whose jobs involve non-routine problem solving, an office cube isn’t always the most conducive environment for devising solutions and innovations. Sometimes, the best and most unique ideas come from exposure to the surroundings, people, and events outside the confines of an office.

Embracing change

Being forced to adopt a work from home policy in the face of a global crisis isn’t an ideal circumstance to test the waters. Full-time remote work doesn’t and won’t work for all businesses. But this shouldn’t stop you from accomplishing projects and sustaining productivity and efficiency. Leverage your resources to help you weather the storm and emerge stronger than before.

Though we have yet to see if remote work is here to stay, it’s currently a nonnegotiable aspect of the corporate setup, and we should learn how to make the most out of it.

Having a strong strategy in place and the right tools and equipment are crucial to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and management. Our experts can help you configure the perfect remote working setup for your business. Call us today.

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More and more people are now forced to stay at home and work remotely to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Unfortunately, those who are used to working out in the gym may find it impossible to continue their regular exercise routine. The good news is, we have compiled a list of five easy exercise moves that don’t require gym equipment.

#1 Bridge

Also known as the hip raise or glute bridge, the bridge is a great way to strengthen your core, glutes, and hamstrings. Many people use this move as part of their warm-up.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Keep your hands by your sides, with your palms facing the floor.
2. Tighten your abdominal muscles and buttocks as you raise your hips off the floor. Make sure your hips form a straight line between your knees and shoulders.
3. Hold this position for three deep breaths, then return to the starting position.

#2 Knee push-up

The knee push-up works your arms, chest, and shoulders. It’s a modified version of the standard push-up that’s perfect for beginners.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Kneel on the floor then slowly bend forward, and put your palms on the floor shoulder-width apart with your arms straight. Bring your feet together behind you.
2. Keep your knees planted on the floor as you lower your body. Try to get as close to the floor as possible, with your chest between your hands.
3. While keeping your body tense, use your hands to push your body back up to the starting position.

#3 Squat

This lower body exercise uses your body weight for resistance to tone and strengthen your glutes and legs.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. With your arms fully stretched out in front of you, sit back like you are on a chair while keeping your back straight. Lower your hips until they are parallel to the floor. Make sure your knees are also behind your toes.
3. Push back up to the starting position.

#4 Reverse lunge

Reverse lunges or backward lunges tone your legs and strengthen your thighs and hips.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, and put your hands on your hips for balance.
2. While keeping your torso straight, take a big step back using your left foot.
3. Lower your hips until your right knee is positioned directly above your right ankle, and your left knee is bent at a 90° angle with your left heel up.
4. Push back up to the starting position.

You can repeat this exercise on one leg before switching to your other leg, or opt to alternate legs.

#5 Jumping jack

Mostly used for warm-up, this childhood favorite exercise activates your entire body and elevates your heart rate.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Stand straight with your legs together and your arms at your sides.
2. With your knees slightly bent, jump with your feet shoulder-width apart as you overextend both arms over your head.
3. Jump back to the starting position.

Encourage your employees to do these basic exercise moves every day to keep them healthy while they work from home.

Having tech problems as your employees work remotely? Give our experts a call today and we’ll make sure you won’t have to worry about your IT again. 

The post Working from home? Stay fit with these 5 easy exercise moves appeared first on TechSolutions, Inc..

With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing employees to work from home, you and your staff can take advantage of Microsoft Teams to stay productive. Microsoft recently enhanced this already powerful tool’s capabilities, making it easier for more people to take advantage of its advanced features.

What is Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams combines workplace chat, video conferencing, and file storage and collaboration. It also has extensions that integrate with third-party apps, even those not made by Microsoft. As a unified communication and collaboration platform, Teams is like combining Slack, Google Drive, and Zoom into a single app.

How do you get Microsoft Teams?

If you have an Office 365 license, then you can readily access Microsoft Teams. But that’s not the only way to access and take advantage of the platform.

Individual users can use their work or school email address to sign up through this link. You will automatically receive a license valid until January 2021. This license lets you take advantage of chat, screen sharing and recording, video meetings with up to 250 participants, and Live Events for up to 10,000 participants.

If you have a Gmail or Outlook email address, you can sign up for the freemium version by clicking on this link. This version supports chat as well as group and one-on-one audio or video calling. It also gives you 10 GB of team file storage and 2 GB of personal file storage.

The previous freemium version used to have various limits on users, but Microsoft opted to lift these restrictions on March 10. Another notable change is the inclusion of meetings requests, which Microsoft has committed to include in the freemium version in the future.

Microsoft also offers assistance to IT professionals looking to roll out Teams for their company. Microsoft offers a free Office 365 E1 for six months. All you have to do is to contact your Microsoft partner or sales representative.

If you work in the education sector , Microsoft recommends getting Office 365 A1, a free version specially created for educational institutions. This version is available for students, teachers, and administrative staff.

How does Microsoft Teams remain at peak performance during the crisis?

The sudden increase in remote workers is sure to put a lot of pressure on many platforms, but Microsoft Teams is more than prepared to handle the load. In particular, it is designed to anticipate problems on three core aspects:

• Systems during a sudden surge in usage
• Location during an area-specific event, such as a hurricane
• People during an event that affects users, such as COVID-19

To address problems in these aspects, Microsoft implements what is called an Active/Active Design. This means that the system uses multiple instances in response to user request or input. These instances run in different datacenters, which means that an event that affects one cannot affect the others. This enables the system to isolate problems and resolve them without affecting performance.

Microsoft Teams offers a great opportunity for companies to remain productive in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you want to get started or understand how you can take full advantage of its functionalities, just give us a call.

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With the coronavirus disease or COVID-19 spreading around the globe at alarming levels, companies are opting to let their employees work remotely to reduce their risk of getting infected by the deadly virus. Remote working can help your employees cut down on commuting expenses and be more productive. However, it can also lead to loneliness and burnout. These tips can help your employees maintain a healthy balance while working at home.

#1 Dress up for work

Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you don’t have to look professional. As strange as it may sound, planning what you’ll wear while working remotely can help you be more productive and take out the rut from wearing sweatpants and hoodies every day.

#2 Motivate your brain

Before you start your workday at home, you need to get your brain moving in the right direction. Author Ayn Rand suggests doing something that involves judgment, discrimination, and awareness, such as walking your dog, meditating, reading a good book, or trying out a new recipe. Keep routine chores and choices to a minimum, as they can lead to decision fatigue.

#3 Go outside

This may seem like it defeats the purpose of working remotely, but going out at least once every 24 hours can help you avoid developing the hermit habit. You don’t have to go somewhere far. Take a morning walk and get some fresh air. Performing moderate exercises regularly can help improve productivity and can lead to a better work-life balance. If certain restrictions such as a lockdown or quarantine are implemented, you can take short walks around your house as an alternative. If you have your own exercise equipment, take the time for short workouts so you can insert some physical activity into your workday.

#4 Listen to new music

People often underestimate the power of music. Studies have shown that listening to new music is beneficial for your brain. Discovering new music helps activate the part of your brain responsible for making you feel excited and rewarded. The same study shows that people who listen to new music are more receptive to learning new things.

#5 Don’t skip your breaks

A key part of being productive while working remotely is remembering to take breaks. However, this is easy to forget, especially if you’re too focused on your work. To ensure you don’t skip out on your breaks, place the things you need out of reach. One example is keeping your phone in another room, forcing you to get up and check it when it rings.

Keep snacks and drinks away from your work area. This will help prevent you from bonding too much with your home office chair. If you find it hard to take periodic breaks, create reminders that tell you to get up and do a certain task that will break your concentration for a few minutes.

#6 Watch your favorite shows

If remote work is making you feel lonely, try watching some of your favorite shows. Studies have shown that watching shows you love promotes a feeling of social surrogacy. It simply means that watching an episode of The Big Bang Theory, Friends, or whatever your preferred show is can help you experience a feeling of belonging and make you feel less lonely.

#7 No one’s watching

If remote work is burning you out or making you feel like you’re in a rut, remember, no one is watching you. Try dancing by yourself or playing an instrument if you have one. This can help you loosen up and take the edge away.

These tips are just some of the ways you can create a daily routine that will prevent you from developing the hermit habit. If you want to learn more about working effectively at home, give us a call today.

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