6 Tech Developments Spurred by the Work-From-Home Trend
As COVID-19 continues to affect countries throughout the world, businesses are shifting to remote work. From March through today, technology has supported this transition and allows employees to work from home.
Further, technology developments are now emerging due to the shift. These tech trends are influencing the future of remote operations.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is an overarching tech trend that is continually changing and adapting to users’ needs. As employees transition to remote work, they will need a method of organizing and sharing information. Cloud computing offers that organization. From increased storage capacities to real-time collaboration, employees can use the cloud in several ways.
Since companies started embracing the work-from-home trend en masse, the switch to the cloud has helped businesses digitize. It is now a growing trend in and of itself — for companies to properly keep up with competition both during and after the pandemic, they will need cloud computing. This technology could be something as straightforward as Gmail or something more complex, like IT consolidation.
Pluggable Optics
Fiber-optics is the transmission of information, energy or data through a thin strand of material like glass or plastic. They commonly transmit light — as in television pictures. However, pluggable optics are an evolving trend that specializes in high-speed internet connections.
Working from home requires fast connectivity. With pivotal projects and meetings, employees cannot afford to have slow internet speeds. A pluggable optic device connects with other devices, like a transceiver, to boost connectivity and speed.
They bring cost-effective options to the remote workplace, work with a range of devices and help efficiency. Pluggable optics are now one of the central tech trends driving internet innovation forward — using them creates an optimal space for working from home.
Secure Communication
As the pandemic has continued its spread, 91% of enterprises have seen an increase in cyberattacks after employees started working from home. With people habitually turning to digital resources for information and communication, this increase makes sense. Accordingly, cybersecurity has also ramped up.
Digital security comes in many forms — from decentralized forms of communication and payments to encrypted document storage and sharing. As more and more workplaces transition, cybersecurity will become invaluable to each enterprise. This security comes in the form of firewalls, antivirus software and phishing training.
Other businesses are using virtual private networks (VPNs) to have secure communication and internet use at all times. From any location, a VPN gives remote employees the safety they need to handle critical information.
Better Video Conferences
Zoom, Slack, Google Hangouts and Skype are just a few of the countless communication and video conferencing apps that have emerged as leaders during the pandemic. With social distancing in place, video chats have become essential tools for friends and family to stay in touch. For businesses, they are now the new norm.
These platforms have adapted as one of the most significant technological developments during COVID-19. For instance, users now have access to Zoom features like breakout rooms and annotations. With these tools, employees can present their ideas in meetings and take notes to emphasize their points. Hosts can also separate staff into individual rooms for smaller collaboration groups.
Ultimately, these platforms strive to imitate in-person conferences. Since those dynamics are likely to be off-limits for a while, using technology is necessary for all meetings.
Digital Payments
“Contactless” has become a keyword throughout the pandemic. Limiting exposure to the virus means changing the way people interact. For work-from-home employees, “contactless” applies to payments, too. Physical checks are a relic of the past. People want their salary as soon — and as safely — as possible.
Direct deposit has been a popular form of employee payment for a while. Now, though, new methods are coming about. Virtual wallets like PayPal and Venmo are growing popular. Some businesses let customers pay for purchases via these apps, and other companies are using them for employees.
Even cryptocurrency — which has been in the background for years — is making a statement as a paycheck. Virtual, instant and contactless are the three necessities that have come from working from home.
Telehealth
Telehealth has taken off during the pandemic. People need safe ways to talk to their health care providers without risking exposure to COVID-19. Telehealth allows that with virtual meetings and treatment.
For those working from home, though, telehealth is becoming a lifestyle. Wearable technology like smartwatches helps workers monitor their vitals, activity and breathing. It shows them when they need to stand, exercise and take a breather.
Staying at home can mean less activity for some. Monitoring health can also be a concern as the pandemic continues to rise and fall throughout the world. Telehealth and wearables are crucial for remote employees to stay healthy while at home.
Remote Innovations
Working from home is here to stay. With tech giants like Twitter and Google allowing employees to work remotely for the foreseeable future, more businesses are likely to follow along.
These tech trends have not only emerged from the work-from-home movement but are also now actively helping employees. The next wave of innovations is likely to advance remote work even further.
