MAY 2020 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 21
Custom Computer Specialists,
a technology solution provider
based on Long Island, normally
provides technology solutions
such as networking, data
security, and staffing to
organizations throughout the
region. However, because of the
coronavirus pandemic they’ve
beefed up their services to
help businesses set up their
workers to telecommute from
home during social distancing
orders. Here are some
frequently asked questions
the company receives.
Q: How do you establish good
communication practices
when everyone is in a
different place?
MB: It’s not easy to ensure
good communications when
everyone is in a different
place, especially when they’re
used to working together. In
those situations, we find that
a videoconferencing platform
is the best solution. Video
allows for a more connective
experience than phone calls,
by allowing everyone to see
someone’s face and observe
body language.
Q: Is it important to set
expectations for when a
remote worker must be
accessible?
MB: Absolutely. It should be
clearly defined for when a remote
worker must be accessible and
on which medium, i.e., text,
phone, video, etc. As great as
technology is, it won’t be helpful
unless people use it.
Tech Insights
HOW TO SHIFT TO A REMOTE WORKFORCE
Q: I’ve heard that remote
workforces often feel
isolated. How do I keep my
remote workers engaged?
MB: When managing a remote
workforce it’s important to take
every opportunity to create
and foster a real connection.
Consider starting one-to-one
and team meetings by checking
in and sharing how each person
is doing. Create a no-judgement
zone to encourage people to
share more about themselves
and personal stories. Also, make
sure that everyone is using a
real profile picture versus an
avatar.
Q: How can I ensure that
my remote workforce is
productive?
MB: If you’re just setting up
your workforce to work from
home, be conscious that this
is a change for everyone
involved, managers included.
The most important factors
to consider are that a remote
worker completes objectives
in a timely manner, and does
so professionally. Focus on the
metrics, objectives, outcomes
and behavior instead of the
amount of time someone works.
Q: What technologies should
I use to maximize my remote
workforce’s productivity?
MB: While there are many
technologies available, you’ll
need only a few, and most you
probably already have. Email,
Webex Teams and phone will
pretty much cover all your
needs. Email is necessary for
communicating long ideas
but lacks the informality of
in-person friendly communication.
This is where Webex
Teams comes in. It brings
together messaging, file
sharing, video meetings and
whiteboarding, all designed
to streamline teamwork and
produce faster results.
Q: How will I know when my
team members are available?
MB: Ensure that the people
in your remote workforce
are making their calendars
available to coworkers to keep
them up to date, by marking
when they’re busy or not.
Custom Computer Specialists
Right People. Right Results.®
MaryAnn Benzola is the
director of marketing and
business development
at Custom Computer
Specialists. She is the
author of Tech Insights, a
weekly blog published at
customonline.com
By MaryAnn Benzola
/LONGISLANDPRESS.COM
/customonline.com
