52 PROFESSIONAL WOMAN'S MULTICULTURAL MAGAZINE WWW.PROFESSIONALWOMANMAG.COM

CAREERS

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lthough a growing number of businesses are sfpqfojoh! uifjs! jo.qfstpo! pgdf! tqbdft-! nboz! are maintaining remote workforces or implement- ing hybrid schedules. While this shift signals steps toward more traditional, familiar work environments, it also presents some challenges. If your temporary remote work schedule is headed for a more permanent status, or if you'll be straddling cpui!xpsmet!joefojufmz-!ju!nbz!cf!ujnf!up!nblf!tpnf! dibohft!up!fotvsf!zpvs!ipnf!pgdf!jt!vq!up!uif!ubtl/

Do Your Research

Cfgpsf!nbljoh!boz!tjhojdbou!qvsdibtft-!ep!tpnf! digging to learn all you can about the devices and equipment you're considering, especially if you're qmboojoh!up!dsfbuf!bo!fgdjfou!tfuvq!vtjoh!tnbsu!ufdi- nology. While many devices work well together, for others it's not always the case. You should also be aware of the controls and how you'll manage smart functions; choose the setup that's most intuitive for zpv!boe!ut!cftu!xjui!zpvs!xpslpx/

Identify Unique Requirements

B!tvddfttgvm!ipnf!pgdf!offet!up!sffdu!uif!offet! of your particular job, so you may need special equip- nfou!ps!uppmt!tqfdjd!up!zpvs!spmf/!Jg!zpvs!kpc!uzqj- cally relies heavily on collaboration, you'll probably need a video conference setup. Another common challenge: access to a printer. More than one-fourth of desk-based workers ranked

63%

of desk-based workers said having to collaborate with colleagues virtually is either a challenge or major barrier to working remotely, with

24%

saying it is a major barrier, according to a survey by HP.

Create a Home Office

That Works for You

ibwjoh!bddftt!up!uif!pgdf!qsjoufs!bnpoh!uif!upq!uisff! uijoht!uifz!njtt!bcpvu!uif!jo.pgdf!fyqfsjfodf/ Jg!zpvs!ipnf!pgdf!jtou!bmsfbez!frvjqqfe!xjui!b! printer or you need to upgrade, you may be wonder- ing where to start. Convenience is more important than everything else in a home printer, according to survey participants. You may also agree with the 52 percent of remote workers who indicated that if they were considering buying a new home printer in the future, it must be easy to use and simple to set up.

Start Small

Ftubcmjtijoh! b! xfmm.frvjqqfe! ipnf! pgdf! ublft! time and money. Identify the equipment and essen- tials you need to get started, then create a wish list with other items you can add over time. As you're setting priorities, remember it can pay to invest in quality products from the get-go. If you have to make repairs, or upgrade or replacement equipment, you may actually spend more in the long run.

Get a Strong Network

Bu!uif!pgdf-!zpv!qspcbcmz!ibe!bo!JU!efqbsunfou! responsible for keeping your network up and running. At home, you may still have some level of tech sup- port, but your home connectivity is likely your own concern. A good network starts with a quality router. You'll also want to shop for an internet provider with uif!cftu!tqffet!bu!b!sbuf!zpv!dbo!bggpse/!Kvtu!cf!dpo- scious of any restrictions on volume or speed that could hinder your ability to do your job.

Keep Security in Mind

Smart devices collect a lot of information and because much of the technology is still so new, it's relatively vulnerable to hackers. Get familiar with privacy settings on all your devices and adjust accord- ingly so you're not divulging proprietary data or other information that could be used inappropriately.

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