The month is March 2020 and the world is talking about potential lockdown because of a human-spread virus. Schools are shutting down and workers are requesting the option to work from home.
For a tech-hero who has not encountered a human lockdown scenario before, the current situation provides a unique opportunity. While many organizations already offer work-from-home solutions, my organization requires more in-person interaction. Changes have enacted to protect both the staff and the people we serve.
Video Conferencing
One option for schools, organizations, and homes across the globe is video conferencing. There are free and commercial options that allow people face-to-face video interaction for meetings and classes. Even medical consults and counseling sessions can be done online.
(It is important to note that medical and counseling services require a HIPAA compliant video option and schools must abide by FERPA. This limits such organizations to specific paid options like securevideo.com or Zoom for Healthcare or Education.)
VPN Access
A VPN allows employees to access their workplace network from another location, like their own home. Some organizations utilize a VPN that allows the employee to have the exact same access offsite that they would have in the office. Others may use a server with apps so employees can access only the files and programs they need to. This will secure the assets of a company while allowing employees the option to work from a different location.
User Training
The truth is, there was some semblance of mobility in place before the mention of a lockdown, but we didn’t have it on a scale to support everyone. Now that we’ve adjusted, it is my job to make sure my tech-users know their options and how to utilize the technology we have to fit their roles. This involves meeting with tech-users, listening to their needs, and determining a solution that will work for them.
Will it work?
I sure hope so! Organizations around the world have been offering remote solutions for their workers for years. While not every member of the workforce can go into isolation during a time like this, many companies will be able to continue business-as-usual, thanks to their local tech-heroes.