One essential tool for remote work is VPN technology, which has seen a massive spike in interest recently. A VPN can help you work securely and efficiently, ensuring your business continues to run smoothly.
This blog post will explore what ‘work from home’ means, what a VPN is and how it can benefit your business. We’ll also share extra tips and tricks for a productive home office.
What is a VPN?
A VPN (virtual private network) offers a secure way to connect to the internet by encrypting the data you send over the connection. This not only protects your privacy but also allows remote workers to access their office networks safely.
Note: Clik does not set up VPNs for customers.
What Does Work From Home Mean?
Work from home refers to when employees perform their jobs outside the office, often at their residence. They don’t commute to a traditional office. This setup uses digital tools and cloud software. It lets employees connect with their teams and work from anywhere with the Internet.
Some of the key benefits include:
- Flexible hours and location
- A better work-life balance
- Improved self-discipline
- Enhanced time management
- A tidy workspace
These are key to staying productive and meeting work duties.
Remote Access VPN
Remote Access VPN is a method that will allow remote working employees to connect to Clik Service and other internal data securely while offsite.
First, you will need a remote access server (RAS), also called the network access server (NAS). This is a server that the user connects with over the internet to access the office network. The second component is the VPN client software. Which establishes the connection to the RAS, and ensures privacy through the encryption process.
This is the technology that is useful for remote workers. Or engineers in the field who require access to Clik Service, NICEIC Cert Software or other resources on the company private network. After the remote worker is authenticated, they are connected to the network back in the office.
(It is best to get your IT department to set up any VPN for you. Clik do not do this sort of thing for customers, unfortunately).
Benefits of Using a VPN for Remote Work
VPNs can help teams work from home efficiently. Here are some key benefits of using a VPN for remote work.
1. Enhanced security
A VPN encrypts your internet connection, creating a secure tunnel for your data to travel through. This encryption protects sensitive business data from cyber threats, like hackers. VPNs can protect your confidential information. This includes your financial details, client records and internal communications. It keeps them safe from unauthorised access. Enhanced security is vital when using public or shared Wi-Fi. They’re more vulnerable to breaches.
2. Remote access
A main advantage of using a VPN is that your employees can connect to office networks from anywhere. This capability ensures seamless access to resources. These include internal databases, apps and files. It’s as if they were in the office. Remote access via VPN means your team can maintain productivity and continuity, regardless of location. This technology helps remote workers or field engineers. They need access to Clik Service, NICEIC Cert Software and other resources on the company’s private network.
3. Increased privacy
By masking your IP address, a VPN provides better online privacy. A VPN hides your real IP address. It makes your online activities seem to come from the VPN server’s location. This masking makes it harder for third parties to track your online behaviour. This includes internet service providers, advertisers and potential cyber criminals.
Increased privacy is vital for protecting sensitive business operations. It helps ensure compliance with data protection laws, like GDPR and CCPA.
Setting Up a Remote Access VPN
A remote access VPN allows remote employees to connect to Clik Service and other internal data securely while off-site. Here’s what you need to setup remote access to help work from home.
Remote Access Server (RAS)
Also known as the network access server (NAS), this server is a critical part that connects users to the office network over the Internet. The RAS serves as a gateway between the remote user and the internal resources of the office. When a user connects from a remote location, the RAS authenticates their credentials. It then creates a secure link. This allows access to the corporate network as if they were in the office. A strong, reliable RAS ensures stable, secure remote connections. It provides seamless access to needed data and apps.
VPN Client Software
This software is installed on the remote user’s device and is responsible for establishing the connection to the RAS. The VPN client software encrypts the data before sending it over the internet. This keeps the information confidential and safe from eavesdroppers. The software handles the encryption process, making it easy for remote workers to securely connect to the office network.
Note: It is best to get your IT department to set up any VPN for you. Clik does not provide this service for customers.
Additional Remote Work Tools and Solutions
To enhance your remote work setup, consider these additional tools and software to help with remote working.
Clik Remote
If you use Clik Service, Clik Remote Manager allows you to manage your business remotely. You can see who is working on what at a glance, assign work to field engineers and track progress in real time. Additional modules include:
• Clik Remote Sales: For your sales team to manage leads and sales remotely.
• Clik Remote Engineer: Engineer portals allow field users to view diaries, site history and jobs and capture customer signatures.
• Clik Remote Customer: Customer portal software keeps customers informed about the progress of their work.
TeamViewer
TeamViewer lets you access and control your computers and servers remotely. You need a 3G or better internet connection. It’s device-agnostic and secure. It turns any modern smartphone into a window to your workplace.
GoToMyPC
GoToMyPC gives you remote access to your computer from any device. It is fast, secure and easy to use. It lets you log in and connect to your host computer from any remote computer or mobile device.
Top Tips to Work from Home
Working from home can be highly productive and satisfying if approached with the right strategies and mindset. To help you maximise your efficiency and maintain a healthy work-life balance, here are some top tips for working from home.
1. Establish routine
Aim to wake up at the same time each morning, establish a dedicated workspace and prepare yourself for the day ahead.
Even if you don’t plan on leaving home, take normal breaks and lunch like you would in the office.
2. Share work hours
Make yourself available at the same time as your team. This is crucial for projects that need collaboration and communication.
3. Take breaks
Regular breaks can boost productivity and prevent burnout. Step away from your workspace to recharge.
4. Stay connected
Digital face-to-face chats with coworkers help people feel connected to their team and their work. It’s also good to keep weekly one-on-one meetings to check in and connect on work and life.
Use virtual collaboration tools like Zoom, Slack, or Microsoft Teams to stay in touch with your team. Having digital water-cooler conversations can boost camaraderie and generate great ideas.
5. Practice good ergonomics
An ergonomic workstation is key for health and productivity when working from home. Poor ergonomics can cause discomfort and strain. They can also lead to long-term issues, like back pain, neck strain and repetitive strain injuries.
6. Track your progress
Perhaps one of the most important things to have is a way for everyone to submit work, receive feedback and get approvals. Long email chains are not the place for this.
Instead, use one of the many task management applications available to track and streamline the work your team is doing.
7. Manage your time
Time management is key to productivity and work-life balance when working from home. By employing time management techniques, you can stay focused, meet deadlines and avoid burnout. One popular and highly effective time management method is the Pomodoro Technique.
8. Trust your colleagues
Each person on your team was hired for a reason because they’re good at what they do. Trust is crucial to a productive work-from-home environment. It means believing they will complete tasks on their own.
By integrating these tips and tools, you can create a productive and secure work-from-home environment. Whether you’re new to remote working or looking to enhance your current setup, these strategies will help you succeed.
This post was first published in March 2020 and has been edited with updated information.