Top of mind for most employers in the Coronavirus situation is productivity and engagement of a sudden remote workforce. About a third of US companies were prepared with a “work at home” system in place leaving many that were not when the Pandemic swept the nation.

Remote Employees Productivity

Employees who thrive in a remote work environment are self-motivated, self-directed, and self-disciplined. People prefer remote for many reasons including work-life balance and commute. Bosses have challenges managing remote employees mainly due to the inability to talk face to face. Also, the perception is there may be less focus, no accountability, and slacking off. Now, we are faced with a forced work at home situation and companies are pressed to make the most of the situation.

Remote Employee Time Wasters

According to Veriato, an Employee Monitoring & Insider Threat Detection Software company, the following is what remote employees may do while “working”:

• Watch TV, the News, or a Movie – 43%
• Do Household Chores – 35%
• Take Naps – 26%
• Drink Alcohol – 24%
• Play Video Games – 20%

Employee Engagement

According to Human Resources professionals, remote workers without visibility is a challenge. Signs of disengagement are:

• Decreased productivity
• Social withdrawal
• Attendance problems
• Negativity
• Lack of Initiative to improve

Visibility is key. When workers are remote, it is often difficult to observe the above challenges. Fortunately, properly deployed technology can help.

Software and Data Threat Detection – Secure Your Network

Add to the above concerns, lack of adequate technology, ruthless cyber-attacks, and less or even no control of company data and information while employees are using home computer systems.

Consider a data driven management tool for a proactive instead of reactive approach, such as a VPN (Virtual Private Network) like Barracuda, Remote Desktop, or Citrix, and monitoring with metrics with Veriato, Workpls, or the many others to consider. The cost of such systems is well worth the investment. The impact of employing monitoring controls results in increased sales, higher profitability, protection of data and lower employee turnover.

The Value of Employee Monitoring Software

There are multiple types of software systems available for companies to consider while deploying a new remote workforce. The capability of these systems, which can monitor multiple devices, including home computers, laptops, smart phones and tablets include:

• Application usage time
• Websites visited & time spent
• Email
• Long-on, Log-off and active time details
• Uploads & Downloads
• Unusual Behavior
• Screenshot Recording
• And Much More

Take Action to Monitor, Retain and Help Remote Employees

PC Magazine has produced a list of “The Best Employee Monitoring Software for 2020.” It is well worth the investment to review all options.

Whatever software you decide, some type of remote employee monitoring is key to success, as is technology to protect company data.

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