Remote work in the age of COVID-19
Article (PSA‑0013)
The COVID‑19 pandemic accelerated the shift to remote and hybrid work, and many of those practices are here to stay. Even though most regions are no longer under strict lockdowns, businesses continue to:
- Allow employees to work from home full‑time or a few days a week.
- Use cloud‑based collaboration tools for meetings, file sharing, and project management.
- Prioritize security — VPNs, multi‑factor authentication, and endpoint protection are now standard.
Key Tools for a Productive Remote Set‑up
Video‑conferencing
Popular choices (2024): Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Cisco Webex.
Why it helps: HD video, screen sharing, meeting recordings, integrated calendars.
Instant Messaging / Collaboration
Popular choices (2024): Microsoft Teams, Slack, Discord (for informal teams).
Why it helps: Real‑time chat, file sharing, searchable history.
Remote Desktop / Application Access
Popular choices (2024): TeamViewer, AnyDesk, LogMeIn, Microsoft Remote Desktop, VNC Connect.
Why it helps: Control a workstation from anywhere; useful for legacy apps.
File Collaboration & Storage
Popular choices (2024): OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, SharePoint.
Why it helps: Real‑time co‑authoring, versioning, secure sharing.
Security & Network Access
Popular choices (2024): Cisco AnyConnect, OpenVPN, Pulse Secure, Zscaler Private Access.
Why it helps: Encrypted tunnel to corporate resources; enforces MFA.
Three Simple Practices for a Balanced Remote Work Day
- Set Clear Work‑Life Boundaries – Define a start‑time and end‑time, and stick to them. Use a dedicated “work” calendar and mute non‑urgent notifications after hours.
- Move Your Body – Short walks, stretching breaks, or a quick home workout boost circulation and lower stress. Even a 5‑minute stretch every hour can improve focus.
- Stay Connected Socially – Schedule brief video coffee chats or phone calls with family, friends, or coworkers. Human interaction reduces feelings of isolation and improves morale.
Security Tips You Can Deploy Right Now
- Enable multi‑factor authentication (MFA) on all cloud services (email, video‑conferencing, file‑sharing).
- Keep your operating system and applications up‑to‑date; enable automatic patches.
- Use a trusted VPN when connecting to corporate resources or sensitive data.
- Lock your workstation when you step away – a quick Windows + L (or macOS Control‑Command‑Q) does the job.
- Back up critical files regularly (cloud or external drive) following the 3‑2‑1 rule.
Hybrid Work – The New Normal
Many companies now operate on a “flexible” model: a few days in the office for collaboration, the rest remote for focused work. When planning a hybrid schedule, consider:
- Which tasks need a physical office (e.g., hardware‑intensive work, team workshops).
- How you’ll keep security consistent across both environments (same VPN, same MFA).
- Ensuring all employees have a reliable internet connection and an ergonomic workspace at home.
Need a Hand Getting Set Up?
If you’d like advice on choosing the right remote‑work tools, or want a security review of your home office, give PSA Computer Services a call at (707) 506‑6802. We’ll tailor a solution that keeps you productive and protected.