6 Tech Tips For Remote Working

Due to the pandemic, the way we work has changed and it has resulted in more people than ever remote working. Lockdowns forced us to think about the way we work. The “old normal” for many would include long commutes, travel between meetings, etc. Video conferencing tools such as Zoom now mean we can do our day to day work via remote working. Here are 6 helpful tech tips for remote working!

Share video messages

Sharing video messages can be more inclusive for those who are unable to attend particular meetings e.g. due to reasons such as childcare, as they can then view the message at a time which is more suitable for them.

Use robot tech to connect with others

If someone cannot attend a meeting in person, perhaps due to a reason such as self isolating, they could be present from a remote location using a meeting robot. A robot can be a great and effective tool for multiple reasons including social inclusion, keeping distance to prevent the spread of illness, and more. These robots can also be used to help children with long term conditions access school, education and their peers, by being active in the classroom in the form of the robot. These robots have a microphone so that the user can hear what is being said, but also a speaker so that they can communicate back. There is also a camera, or multiple cameras, so that you can see each other and the surroundings.

Share files easily

Google Drive is my personal favourite for easily sharing files with each other. It is straight forward to set up and easy to use. The settings can be changed so you can share files via a link, or directly by adding a specific person who you would like to share files with.

Utilise technology for training and presentations

There are many tools, such as Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams, which can be used to share presentations or training sessions with others remotely. Some are more user-friendly than others and it can be worth taking some time to work out which one will work best for you and your purpose/requirements.

Collaborate remotely

Tools such as Pin It To Me are helpful and it’s free. It is a virtual corkboard where you can collaborate with others in real time. Everyone can create their own notes and drop them onto the virtual corkboard. This could be used for ideas sessions, scheduling, meetings, etc. You can also return to it later, as each corkboard has its own unique URL.

Use headphones with a microphone

Using headphones with a microphone is a good idea when you’re video calling, especially if there is a background noise/you have a busy home. It’s important to pay attention to where your microphone sits e.g. if it is rubbing against your shirt for the duration of the call, everyone in the call will be able to hear it.