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productivity
14 Mar 2022
How to Boost Team Morale in Remote Teams
Remote working is the way of the world these days. While many employees love the flexibility of working from home and avoiding busy commutes, there are also many challenges when it comes to managing remote teams and boosting team morale. Without the bustle of a shared office and team coffees during lunch breaks, employees can feel somewhat disconnected, and this can directly hinder business success. Undeniably, morale is essential for teams to succeed. It boosts employee productivity, sparks innovation, and encourages team members to go the extra mile. When enthusiasm is deflated, feelings of loneliness and disconnect can loom, and productivity begins to decline.   Happily, there are some brilliant tried and tested ways to boost morale within remote teams. Table of Contents 1. Communicate often  2. Have daily/weekly check-in meetings 3. Create a chat group for queries and concerns 4. Offer transparent and honest feedback 5. Make sure you're on the same page 6. Online calendar 7. Chat feature 8. Task tracker 9. Encourage breaks, downtime, and positive mental health 10. Plan social online catch-ups 11. Motivate staff, acknowledge their efforts, and trust your team The Takeaway 1. Communicate often  Good communication is one of the most important components of managing your remote team. When teams are working in an office setting, it is easy to have quick catch-up meetings and address issues as they arise. When teams work in remote environments, however, communication modes have to be adjusted accordingly. Some key ways to guarantee successful communication between team members include the following: 2. Have daily/weekly check-in meetings Check-in meetings are a great way for teams to stay connected and to make sure that everyone is on the same page with regard to the current project. It also gives managers the opportunity to rectify any issues and stay on top of deadlines.   Remote teams need to know that their managers are there if they need them, even if they aren't there in the flesh. Normalizing virtual meetings drives this point home. If your team is comfortable with video meetings on platforms like Troop Messenger, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom, opt for video meetings rather than calls. This allows your team to connect on a deeper level since they will see facial expressions and body language.   Make time for meetings with the entire team and regular one-on-one meetings where you can check in with individual employees. This will ensure that employees feel seen and supported and allow them to share any concerns before they hinder team morale. Also, you can create a video on new tasks and share it with your team so they can watch the video whenever feels any confusion. It boosts their productivity with fewer mistakes. 3. Create a chat group for queries and concerns Another way to ensure that communication continues is to create a chat group for your team. This will allow employees to ask clarifying questions at the moment, and in turn, tasks will get done with a greater sense of urgency. It might, however, be worth stipulating that the team chat should only be used during office hours as encroaching on personal time might have a negative effect by diminishing morale rather than boosting it.  4. Offer transparent and honest feedback If a team member is dropping the ball or not understanding a concept, it's imperative to give them feedback fast. Sitting on minor problems and not addressing them head-on can result in more significant issues within your team down the line. A great way to prevent this is to organize weekly feedback sessions. Coach your staff and encourage them to find solutions to problems through creativity, innovation, and collaboration. 5. Make sure you're on the same page It's essential that every member of the remote team is on the same page, especially when managing multiple projects or complex tasks. This is where project management platforms like Indy can significantly improve collaboration. The all-in-one platform offers remote teams everything needed to manage projects with ease. Top features include: 6. Online calendar This function allows team members to easily sync their calendars and collaborate. Schedule group meetings set deadlines, and ensure that everyone knows precisely what component of the project is due. When it comes to managing remote times, timing is everything, and this feature is a must-have for brilliant coordination. 7. Chat feature The chat feature ensures communication flows and allows for centralized conversation between the team. Create different chat groups for various projects and build a culture where staff feels confident asking questions and asking for support. 8. Task tracker This is an excellent feature for big projects that require many components. Check off tasks as they're completed and allow the team to monitor the project's progress.   Other features include invoice templates and generators, a time tracker, contract templates, and space to upload forms and files. Since everything can be accessed via a centralized dashboard, team members can clearly see what each project entails. 9. Encourage breaks, downtime, and positive mental health When your team is feeling happy and supported, they will naturally produce better work. For this reason, it's imperative that you encourage employees to take care of their mental health and spend time doing activities that rejuvenate them. If you notice a shift in the mood or output of a team member, organize a one-on-one chat and see if they need some support. If finances allow, sponsor some sessions with a therapist or consider onboarding an organizational psychologist to work with your team. It's also important to take an interest in your staff outside of work. Remember those important details like their kids' names, their upcoming birthdays, or the holiday they just went on. 10. Plan social online catch-ups All work and no play can have a detrimental impact on a business and team morale. Organize online catch-ups that are solely focused on encouraging connection outside of work and having some fun. Ideas could include virtual after-work drinks once a month, online gaming tournaments, themed quizzes, or a book club. This also gives employees and managers a chance to really get to know each other and build rapport. This will naturally have a great impact on communication and teamwork. 11. Motivate staff, acknowledge their efforts, and trust your team One of the best ways to encourage better morale is to show your team how much you appreciate them. Give them positive feedback when they do a great job, recognize their hard work, and celebrate their wins. Numerous studies have showcased that a positive culture – whereby staff members are given positive feedback and appreciation – can considerably impact overall morale. In fact, a study by Robert Half discovered that around 66 % of people leave their jobs "because of a lack of appreciation." Appreciating your staff will boost productivity and motivation and result in greater employee retention. You might also start an employee of the month system or reward employees with bonuses when a project is particularly successful. Trust also plays a huge role in boosting morale. While you might have the urge to micro-manage employees and follow up on every moment of their day, it is essential to showcase that you trust them. When your staff feels trusted, their work will naturally improve. Allow employees to plot their own projects and instill a culture of trust from the get-go. The Takeaway There are loads of ways to boost team morale within remote teams and enhance overall productivity and workplace satisfaction. Prioritize communication, make sure your team is all on the same page with projects, foster a culture of trust and appreciation, and don't forget to have some fun!
Remote working is the way of the world these days. While many employees love the flexibility of work...
collaboration in the workplace
14 Mar 2022
What is Cyberbullying and How it Affects Work Productivity?
What is cyberbullying? Before learning about it, let's take a look at it in chronological order to get a better sense of cyberbullying impacts. The world has undergone the most significant transformation in its history. The present can seem weird to individuals who lived in the stone age when compared to the stone age. Perhaps if we were in the stone age none of us would have predicted that the stones would be sold as diamonds, and we will witness the evolution. When it comes to evolution, cyber evolution has taken a leading role in transforming the globe and accelerating the human cycle. Just to appraise what is cyber? The prefix cyber suggests a connection to information technology. Cyber refers to everything that has to do with computers, such as the internet. That was the bright side; according to Einstein's theory, every action has an equal and opposite reaction, and cyber development has brought threats closer to the surface. While cybersecurity threats may not have reached the same level of development, the inclination of initiating it and cyberbullying can be overwhelming. Table of Contents What is Cyberbullying? Types of Cyberbullying Workplace bullying Effects of Workplace cyber bullying How Workplace cyberbullying be stopped? How to track workplace bullies and victims? Conclusion What is Cyberbullying? Before you misinterpret what is cyberbullying? Let me answer what may be accumulated with your thoughts and perception, Cyberbullying, commonly referred to as cyber harassment, is a kind of harassment that occurs over the internet. Texting, sending, uploading, or spreading unflattering, cruel personal information are examples of online bullying strategies. It is possible to induce embarrassment or disgrace by disclosing personal or sensitive information about another person. It has become increasingly widespread as virtual media has increased and technology has evolved, particularly among youth. I hope now you have a better understanding of what cyberbullying is. The world has witnessed the effects of cyberbullying. There are already a few occurrences of cyberbullying that have led to the loss of lives, the reputation of the company, compromise of national security, and among other things some of the impacts of bullying. Types of Cyberbullying As active internet users, we are continuously posting updates in the form of messages, status updates, videos, GIFs, and so on for a variety of reasons. Do you realize that there are persons and just a few of them have been appointed, who can use your data against you in public to bully you? Here are some types of cyberbullying that can happen with or without your knowledge. Permanent cyberbullying This sort of cyberbullying takes place online and leaves a permanent digital imprint on you, making you infamous. According to the statistics, women seem to be the victims in large numbers, which are not reported, therefore the information remains on the internet platform indefinitely unless the bullies pay the price. A persistent cyberbullying post might follow a sufferer for the longest time, causing him/ her to suffer in the present as well as the future. Unfortunately, along with the victim, their families will be affected. Cyberstalking Cyberstalking is a type of online harassment in which the offender stalks a victim via electronic communication. Since it usually contains a serious threat to the victim's safety, this is regarded as more harmful than other types of cyberbullying. Cyberstalkers may send threatening or harassing communications repeatedly, and they may persuade others to do the same, perhaps overtly or by impersonating their target and requesting that others contact them. Do you know every professional hitman will monitor your social media activity to assess your daily routines and intend to kill you in remote locations or situations? Masquerading Masquerading is nothing but a bully or offender establishing a false identity to torment someone without being identified. The bully can mimic someone else to send nasty messages to the victim in addition to constructing a false identity. This can also be a form of catfishing, in which people create profiles to entice people into relationships with strangers they meet online such as on dating websites. Bullies like this are habitual offenders who are very skilled at playing on other people's emotions for their amusement, profit, or humiliation. Such bullies can be undoubtedly referred to as sociopaths. Trolling Trolls have been ingrained in the life of celebrities; however, normal individuals and employees have also been targets of trolling. Trolls purposely annoy or offend others to elicit a response. Some fans will usually make a troll to gain a response from their favorites; nevertheless, the celebrity's response may be more preachy, which will be exploited by the troller for his or her mutual enjoyment. Trolls and cyberbullies don't always have the same intentions; although some trolls engage in cyberbullying, others may be causing comparably minor havoc. Workplace bullying Although the objectives are more precise, workplace bullying appears to be similar to many types of cyberbullying. Workplace bullying is a predefined humiliation or mistreatment by colleagues that leads the victims to harm themselves physically and emotionally. Verbal, nonverbal, psychological, and physical abuse, along with humiliation, can all be used. This sort of professional aggression is extremely challenging because business bullies frequently operate within their organization's and society's established laws and policies. Bullying or harassment at work more frequently are committed by someone in a place of leadership over the victim, since they feel that they have the power to intimidate them. Work colleagues or, in rare situations, subordinates can be bullies.   According to Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI) statistics   At work, 30% of adults are bullied. A total of 76.3 million people are affected. Bullying amongst people of the same gender accounts for 61.3 percent of all bullying. 43% of workers are bullied in remote teams.   Did you know amid the pandemic time, a few corporate companies while holding business meetings with their clients and morning calls with their remote teams were intruded on by bullies who were complete outsiders? Instead of blaming the bullies companies should've been ensured in using safe & reliable remote work tools rather than mediocre tools' free versions. Because such instances would influence not only team communication but also team collaboration in the workplace. Bullies can't do it openly for fear of being discovered. Yes, they process their cyberbullying in the workplace via team chat apps, emails, social chat apps, and so forth. Unfortunately, most victims are unable to disclose such occurrences to their superiors because of the bully's projected image at the workplace or because they fear that management or HR will not believe in them because they are senior employees and due to their closeness with the management.   Since it usually contains a serious threat to the victim's safety, this is regarded as more harmful than other types of cyberbullying. If you're experiencing this, it's a good idea to look for anyone you suspect of cyberstalking you on a criminal records lookup site to see if they have any charges of violence or stalking against them already. Effects of Workplace cyber bullying Workplace cyberbullying does have several ramifications for both the perpetrators and the team collaboration in the workplace, as demonstrated below.   Employees will tend to lose their enthusiasm, and fun at the workplace resulting in low productivity. No matter how the victim was extroverted by nature would suddenly become an introvert. Workplace cyberbullying drops the victim's self-esteem and causes them outrage, anger, and shame and they tend to endure a lot of fear and worry due to the feeling of helplessness despite they are surrounded by many colleagues at the workplace, which can lead to major issues such as suicidal tendencies, depression, mood swings, and other issues that can undermine their professional and personal lives. According to psychiatrists, such victims will self-harm and may vent their fury on their parents, spouses, children, friends, and other family members.   How Workplace cyberbullying be stopped? At no cost, workplace cyberbullying must be normalized. Adapt the strategies mentioned below to control the threats of cyberbullying in the workplace.   Email bullying can be stopped by urging your employees to write all the emails with a cc to the manager or team leader, which informs the superiors of what information has been communicated. Companies must change their rules to give workplace cyberbullying the same attention as sexual harassment of women because both circumstances can lead to depression and suicidal thoughts in victims. The HR team and management should be notified immediately without any protocols followed, or any manager or team leader from any team can be contacted, and action should be taken as soon as possible. There are some team chat apps on the market that empower administrators, such as Troop Messenger, by allowing them to quickly track bullying. Employees, especially newly onboarded employees, should not discuss personal information with coworkers unless they trust them. One-on-one meetings with employees, monitoring workplace cyberbullies and victims, and certain other HR tasks should all be included in the HR workflow. HR policies especially about bullying must be discussed in every random employee all-hands meeting. If you discover the bullies and excuse them by not taking necessary action because they are senior or management's favorite, such inept reactions will only encourage them, and they will continue to harm the victim more and it will affect the other team members' impressions of the company.   Every organization should use such preventative measures. You may believe that such policies will become additional tasks; nonetheless, they are perfectly relevant techniques that will result in positive work culture. Assign the tasks to your team properly; as the adage goes, "teamwork makes the dream work." How to track workplace bullies and victims? Even though the data suggested that workplace bullying could not be traced, several ways may be employed to trace bullies and victims at work.   When a team member's performance falls, let go of your preconceived notion that they are unable to perform as their manager or team leader has claimed. Meet and discuss with them and try to figure out what's causing the problem. Conduct the exit interviews with the same passion you conduct interviews for candidates. Keep an eye on your staff to see if they are enthusiastically participating in the events or activities. Employees may understandably be concerned if they reveal the offender's identity to management, so ensure that their identities will not be revealed or encourage them to file a complaint anonymously.   Finding out about or chasing bullies is better than learning about similar incidents occurring in your firm without your knowledge via online employee reviews, which can severely destroy your company's brand. Conclusion I hope you now understand what cyberbullying is, how it affects people, and how it can be tracked. A company may be profitable, but you can't consider it successful unless your employees are happy with it. The expense of creating an ideal workplace may exceed your budget, but it will undoubtedly increase team productivity in the long run. Using every method available to avoid workplace cyberbullying will boost your employees' trust, loyalty, and devotion toward the organization. 'Teamwork makes the dream work,’ just remember this phrase.  
What is cyberbullying? Before learning about it, let's take a look at it in chronological order to g...
team collaboration
11 Mar 2022
Smart Ideas to Improve Team Collaboration [2023]
In today's fast-paced business world, effective teamwork is essential for success. One key aspect of successful teamwork is the ability to improve team collaboration. By implementing smart ideas to improve team collaboration, businesses can increase productivity, improve communication, and achieve better results. In this article, we will discuss some practical and effective ways to enhance collaboration among team members. So, let's dive in and explore some strategies that can help you improve team collaboration! Table of Contents 1. Use Technology Wisely 2. Encourage Face-to-Face Interaction 3. Set Clear Expectations 4. Foster a Collaborative Environment 5. Use Gamification 6. Promote Diversity Conclusion 1. Use Technology Wisely In order to improve team collaboration, businesses need to use technology in the right way. This means providing employees with the tools they need to communicate effectively and working to create a collaborative environment. Too often, businesses rely on email and other forms of online communication that can actually inhibit collaboration. Instead, try using tools like video conferencing, online chat software, and collaborative whiteboards to help team members communicate more easily. One way is by using team collaboration software Team collaboration software is designed to help groups of people work together more effectively. There are a variety of different software packages available, each with its own set of features. Some teamwork software packages allow team members to share documents, chat online, and schedule meetings. Others allow team members to track the progress of projects efficiently manage project spending and share ideas. Choosing the right teamwork software package can be a daunting task. It is important to consider the needs of your team and the type of work you will be doing. Some packages are better for small, informal teams, while others are more suitable for large, complex projects. When choosing a teamwork software package, it is important to consider the needs of your team and the type of work you will be doing. Some packages are better for small, informal teams, while others are more suitable for large, complex projects. The best way to find the right software package is to try a few different ones out and see which ones work best for you. Most software packages offer free trials or demo versions, so you can test them out before you buy. 2. Encourage Face-to-Face Interaction While technology is important, it's not always the best way to communicate. In order to truly collaborate, team members need to be able to talk to each other in person. This means encouraging face-to-face interaction and holding team meetings whenever possible. Not only will this help improve communication, but it will also help team members get to know each other better. There should always be clear lines of communication. This means that everyone knows who is responsible for what tasks and when they should expect updates from other team members if necessary. A great way to improve communication is to use a project management tool such as Asana or Trello. These tools make it easy for team members to see what everyone is working on and how far along they are in the process. This will help reduce the amount of back and forth that often occurs when trying to communicate via email! 3. Set Clear Expectations One of the main reasons teams don't collaborate well is that they don't know what's expected of them. This can be easily corrected by setting clear expectations. Make sure team members know what they're supposed to be working on when they're supposed to be working on it, and how they're supposed to be communicating with each other. This will help keep everyone on the same page and make collaboration easier. This includes what their role is within the company and how they can contribute to its success. For example, if someone is responsible for SEO then this person should know what search engine optimization entails as well as why it's important for your business. It also helps if everybody understands that SEO takes time before results start showing up. This way, there are no surprises and everyone is on the samepage! Lastly, make sure that everyone is on the same page. This can be done by having regular meetings where everyone gets their chance to speak up and give input. You may also want to consider creating a daily stand-up meeting where each team member talks about what they accomplished yesterday as well as what they plan on doing tomorrow. You should also make sure that everyone knows what their role iswithin the group and how they can contribute to its success. It might sound simple but this one step will help your team feel more connected! 4. Foster a Collaborative Environment In order for team collaboration to succeed, team members need to feel comfortable working together. This means creating a positive and supportive work environment where people feel free to share their ideas. You can do this by promoting open communication, providing training and development opportunities, and giving employees the freedom to take risks. It will also be beneficial that everyone to be responsible for key tasks and accountable for them. This means that they should be held accountable for their own results as well as the results of the team as a whole. One way to do this is by using a tool such as Google Analytics. This tool will help you track how well each team member is doing and identify any areas that need improvement. You can also use it to see which pages on your website are receiving the most traffic. This way, you can focus your SEO efforts on the pages that matter most! 5. Use Gamification Gamification is a great way to encourage team collaboration. By turning tasks into games, you can make work more fun and engaging. This will help team members work together more effectively and learn from each other. It can help to improve team collaboration by motivating team members to work together towards common goals. By providing awards and recognition for teamwork, gamification can encourage team members to cooperate and communicate more effectively. This can result in a more productive and efficient team. Lastly, gamification can also help to build team spirit and create a sense of camaraderie. By working together towards common goals, team members can develop a stronger bond and feel more united. This can lead to a more cohesive team that is better able to work together effectively. 6. Promote Diversity Having a diverse team can actually improve team collaboration. When everyone has different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives,  it leads to more creative problem-solving and a better understanding of the customer. Promote diversity within your company by hiring people from different cultures, industries, and educational backgrounds. Diversity is important in any organization, but it’s especially critical in teams. Teams with a variety of backgrounds and experiences can come up with better ideas because they have different perspectives to offer. A team that is too homogeneous will likely have the same perspective on everything, leading to stagnation. In order to harness the power of diversity, a team needs to be open to new ideas andperspectives. This means that everyone on the team needs to be willing to listen to others and be respectful of different viewpoints. If team members are constantly arguing or trying to one-up each other, then the team will not be able to achieve anything. Conclusion With the right tools in place, your team can work together seamlessly to achieve common goals. In 2023, we predict that team collaboration software will be a must-have for any organization looking to improve its productivity. If you want to be ahead of the curve, start investigating team collaboration software now and see how it can benefit your business. Are there any other ways that you think technology can help improve team collaboration? Let us know in the comments below!
In today's fast-paced business world, effective teamwork is essential for success. One key aspect of...
remote teams
11 Mar 2022
How to Upskill Your Remote Human Workforce?
In today's ever-evolving digital landscape, organizations are increasingly relying on remote human workforces to achieve their goals. The ability to hire someone from anywhere in the world and leverage their expertise has opened up new possibilities for businesses across industries. However, managing a remote workforce comes with its unique set of challenges.   While technology has enabled seamless communication and collaboration, it is crucial for organizations to invest in upskilling their remote human workforce to maximize productivity and maintain a competitive edge. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of upskilling and provide practical strategies to help you unlock the full potential of your remote team. Table of Contents Why Upskilling Matters for a Remote Human Workforce? Strategies to Upskill Your Remote Human Workforce 1. Cybersecurity training 2. Project management training 3. Communication training 4. Time management training 5. Customer service training 6. Coding and programming training 7. Graphic design training 8. Social media marketing training 9. SEO training 10. Business administration training Conclusion Why Upskilling Matters for a Remote Human Workforce? When you hire someone for a remote position, you may be seeking specific skills or expertise required for the job. However, the business landscape is constantly evolving, and new tools and technologies emerge at an unprecedented rate. To stay ahead of the curve, it is essential to foster a culture of continuous learning and growth within your remote team.   By investing in upskilling, you empower your employees to adapt to changing demands, acquire new skills, and enhance their existing knowledge base. This not only boosts their individual career prospects but also equips them to contribute more effectively to your organization's success.   Upskilling also has the potential to improve employee satisfaction and retention. Providing opportunities for professional development demonstrates your commitment to the growth and well-being of your remote team members. It fosters a sense of loyalty and belonging, reducing the risk of turnover and ensuring long-term stability within your workforce. Strategies to Upskill Your Remote Human Workforce Upskilling your remote human workforce is essential to ensure their professional growth and adaptability in an evolving work environment. Here are some strategies to effectively upskill your remote workforce: 1. Cybersecurity training Cybersecurity is one of the most important skills that a remote worker can have. According to a study by the Ponemon Institute, the global average cost of a data breach is $3.86 million. That's why it's essential to make sure your remote workers are equipped with the tools and training they need to keep your data safe. Examples of cybersecurity training include things like password management, phishing prevention, and malware identification. 2. Project management training Project management is another critical skill for remote workers. When your team is spread out across different time zones, it's essential to have someone who can effectively manage projects and ensure that everyone is on task. Project management training will teach your remote workers how to plan, organize, and execute projects effectively. 3. Communication training Communication is another key skill for remote workers. When you can't see your team members face-to-face, it's essential to have a strong communication platform such as a team chat app for exchanging office communication skills. Communication training will teach your remote workers how to effectively communicate with team members both locally and remotely. Examples of communication training include things such as email etiquette, meeting facilitation, and conflict resolution. 4. Time management training Time management is another critical skill for remote workers. When you're working from home, it can be easy to let your work hours spiral out of control. That's why it's important to have a good understanding of time management principles. Time management training will teach your remote workers how to effectively manage their time so they can stay productive and on task. 5. Customer service training Customer service is another critical skill for remote workers. When your team is spread out across different time zones, it's essential to have someone who can provide excellent customer service. Customer service training courses will teach your remote workers how to provide great customer service no matter where they are located, giving your business a competitive edge when it comes to delivering great customer service.  6. Coding and programming training Coding and programming are essential skills for remote workers. When you're working remotely, it's important to have coding and programming skills so you can easily work with developers and other members of your team. Coding and programming training will teach your remote workers the basics of coding and programming so they can easily work with developers and other members of their team. 7. Graphic design training Graphic design is another essential skill for remote workers. When you're working remotely, it's important to have strong graphic design skills so you can easily create visuals for your team. Graphic design training will teach your remote workers the basics of graphic design so they can easily create visuals and add a tremendous amount of value to marketing efforts. Consider providing things like Adobe Creative Suite training to your marketing employees. 8. Social media marketing training Social media marketing is another essential skill for remote workers. When you're working remotely, it's important to have strong social media marketing skills so you can easily promote your business online. Social media marketing training will teach your remote workers the basics of social media marketing so that they know how to go about increasing brand exposure online through social media. 9. SEO training SEO is another essential skill for remote workers. When you're working remotely, it's important to have strong SEO skills so you can easily rank your website higher in search engines. SEO training will teach your remote workers the basics of SEO so they can carry out better SEO, the foundation of digital marketing, and one of the best long-term lead generation strategies. 10. Business administration training Business administration is another essential skill for remote workers. When you're working remotely, it's important to have strong business administration skills so you can easily manage your business. Business administration training teaches your remote workers the basics of running a business so that they are better able to conceptualize how your business works, how they factor into it, and what is necessary for its success. Conclusion Upskilling your remote workforce is essential to ensuring that your data is safe and your business is productive. By equipping your remote workers with the right skills, you can make sure that they are able to do their jobs effectively, no matter where they are located.
In today's ever-evolving digital landscape, organizations are increasingly relying on remote human w...
cyber-security
03 Mar 2022
How to Make Sure Your Remote Team Isn't a Cybersecurity Threat?
In today's digital landscape, remote work has become the new norm for many organizations. The flexibility and convenience it offers have revolutionized the way we work, enabling teams to collaborate seamlessly regardless of geographical boundaries. However, this shift to remote work brings with it a heightened need for robust cybersecurity measures. With sensitive data and critical systems accessed from various locations, ensuring that your remote team isn't a cybersecurity threat becomes paramount.   In this blog post, we will explore essential strategies and best practices to safeguard your remote team and protect your organization from potential cyber threats. By implementing these measures, you can create a secure working environment that allows your team to remain productive while minimizing the risk of cybersecurity breaches. Table of Contents Tip 1: Be careful with public Wi-Fi Tip 2: Use a secure connection Tip 3: Make sure all devices are up to date Tip 4: Use strong passwords Tip 5: Be aware of phishing scams Tip 6: Use two-factor authentication Tip 7: Don't share too much personal information Tip 8: Use a strong antivirus program Tip 9: Update your software and apps regularly Tip 10: Backup your data Tip 11: Educate yourself and your team Conclusion Tip 1: Be careful with public Wi-Fi Public Wi-Fi can be a hacker's dream come true. It's easy to set up a fake Wi-Fi network, and once someone connects to it, the hacker can see all of their traffic. If you have a remote team, and especially digital nomads on your team, there is a good chance that people are going to be connecting via places like airports, shared workspaces, and cafes around the world.   For this reason, it's important to be very careful when using public Wi-Fi. Don't do anything sensitive (like online banking) on a public network, and make sure to use a VPN or encrypted messaging software whenever possible. You should lay some ground rules for your remote workers when it comes to working at these sorts of places and what kind of work can and cannot be done here. This can also be coupled with good data center monitoring and compliance to make sure access is tightly controlled. Tip 2: Use a secure connection When you're working remotely, it's important to use a secure connection. This means connecting to the internet through a VPN (a virtual private network) or using an encrypted messaging app.   A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the internet, making it harder for cybercriminals to eavesdrop on your traffic or steal your data. Similarly, encrypted messaging apps like Signal or WhatsApp encrypt all of your communications, making them unreadable to anyone who might try to intercept them. Tip 3: Make sure all devices are up to date One of the easiest ways to make sure your team is practicing good cybersecurity is to make sure all devices are up to date. Outdated devices can be more susceptible to cyberattacks, so it's important to keep them updated with the latest security patches. Instruct your remote employees to regularly check for and install updates to their devices' operating systems and software. And ensure the office chat app you are using is end-to-end encrypted.   Additionally, you can have people set up all of their applications and devices for auto-updates so that as soon as a new patch or piece of software becomes available, it can be immediately installed. Often, these patches are expressly created to address a cybersecurity issue, so they are important to stay on top of. Tip 4: Use strong passwords One of the best ways to protect your data is to use strong passwords. A strong password is one that is difficult for a hacker to guess, and it should be different for each of your accounts.   It's also important to never use the same password for multiple accounts. If your password is compromised at one site, hackers will have access to all of your other accounts. You might also consider recommending a password randomizer to your employees. The more random the password, the more difficult it will be to guess. This should always be in addition to good phishing protection practices as well. Tip 5: Be aware of phishing scams Phishing scams are one of the most common ways for hackers to steal people's information. A phishing scam is an email or message that looks like it's from a trusted source but is actually designed to steal your data. Use a secure notification system like WeavePoP, WeavePOP notifications aren't in regular phone systems, see how WeavePOP works. For this reason, it's important to be aware of phishing scams and never click on any links or open any attachments unless you are sure they are safe. If in doubt, contact the company directly to ask if the email is legitimate. Tip 6: Use two-factor authentication Two-factor authentication is a security feature that requires you to provide two pieces of information in order to log in to your account. This could be a password and a code that is sent to your phone, for example.   Two-factor authentication is a great way to protect your account from hackers, as they would need both your password and your phone to log in. You can enable two-factor authentication on most websites and apps. Tip 7: Don't share too much personal information When you're working remotely, it's important to be careful about what information you share online. Cybercriminals often use social engineering techniques to steal people's personal information, so it's best not to give them anything they can use. When you're working remotely, it's important to be careful about what information you share online. Cybercriminals often use social engineering techniques to steal people's personal information, so it's best not to give them anything they can use. Now that so many people are working remotely, criminals know people are doing personal and professional business at the same time which makes for a prime target. If you're reviewing cryptocurrency prices in your account at the same time as replying to the email you may be in jeopardy of losing more than access to Gmail.   Don't share your passwords or credit card information, and be careful about what information you post on social media. And if you ever receive a phishing email, don't click on any links or open any attachments – just delete it. Tip 8: Use a strong antivirus program Antivirus programs are essential for protecting your computer from malware and other cyber threats. Make sure to install a good antivirus program and keep it up-to-date. If you use Windows, then the built-in Windows antivirus software does quite a good job, but there is always room for more robust antivirus protection.   Consider using a paid antivirus program, like Norton or McAfee, or a free antivirus program, like Avast or AVG. Tip 9: Update your software and apps regularly One of the best ways to protect your computer is to keep all of your software and apps up-to-date. Hackers often exploit known vulnerabilities in software, so it's important to install the latest updates as soon as they become available.   Many apps and programs will automatically update themselves, but you may need to manually update some of them. Check the settings for your apps and programs to see if there is an automatic update option, and make sure to enable it.   At the same time, you have to educate your staff on what types of apps are safe to download. For example, your iPhone could be compromised if you granted a shady app permission to use your data. Fortunately, there are ways to tell if your iPhone is hacked. If you or your employee's iPhone is using more data than usual, jailbroken when it shouldn't be, or has an unfamiliar app installed, speak to your IT department immediately to reduce the damage. Tip 10: Backup your data If your device is ever compromised or lost, it's important to have a backup of your data. This could mean having your files saved to a cloud storage service or an external hard drive.   That way, if something happens to your device, you'll still have your files safe and sound. Not only that, but as ransomware becomes an ever-larger threat, it's important to have a backup of your files in case they get encrypted by ransomware. Tip 11: Educate yourself and your team Cybersecurity is a complex topic, and it can be tough to keep up with the latest threats. But it's important to educate yourself and your team about the dangers of cybercrime so that you can stay safe online. Cybersecurity training & programs are the best options to keep your employees up to date with cybersecurity threats and prevent an attack! There are lots of great resources available online, so start by doing some research and then follow it up with some hands-on training.   It is a fact that employees and their lack of up-to-date cybersecurity knowledge continue to constitute the biggest cyber threat to businesses. In addition to simply making people aware of the dangers, there are also plenty of cybersecurity consultants and courses you can look into. Conclusion In summation, practicing good cybersecurity is essential for anyone who works remotely. By following these tips, you can protect yourself and your team from cyber threats and keep your data safe.   Remember to always use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and install a good antivirus program. Additionally, make sure to update your software and apps regularly and back up your data. And finally, educate yourself and your team about cybersecurity so that everyone stays safe online.
In today's digital landscape, remote work has become the new norm for many organizations. The flexib...
business
01 Aug 2022
Will HR Workflow Automation Ever Rule the World?
Certainly yes, why not? We all know that the HR teams are the backbone of offices of all shapes and sizes, as they are the ones who identify and bring potential and skillful resources to the company. The automation of the HR workflows would beyond any doubt, help the HR department save time from doing the repetitive mundane tasks of talent acquisition, hiring, employee onboarding, employee management, payroll, performance appraisals, and others. That being said, to help with the heavy lifting of the HR processes, we have some standard and AI-focused HR workflow automation tools available on the market for automating every HR process and workflow. Table of Contents A quick look at the HR workflows: 1. What is HR process automation? 2. What is workflow design in HR? 3. What HR processes should be automated? 4. What are HR automation tools? Benefits of Workflow Automation: Wrapping it up! A quick look at the HR workflows: It’s a known fact that the HR management team takes care of the people of the organization, the work culture, operations, manages resources, etc., to successfully build a strong workforce for the company’s infrastructure. Having said that, the HR workflows are quite repeatable tasks where the HR staff need to perform the same kinds of activities on a daily or monthly basis to address the needs and concerns of the employees. On any given day, the HR team spends an average of two to three hours on the same repetitive manual processes that are time-consuming and remain unproductive to the company. Here comes the need for automation software for managing HR workflows, where every organization must provide automated workflow solution tools to save time, lower expenses, and increase empathy towards the HR staff. Let me take you to the crucial elements of workflow for human resources: 1. What is HR process automation? When you think the onboarding process is inevitable when hiring a new workforce to the organization, let the specially created tools handle the work for you instead of using long-standing methods that consume an immense amount of time. The HR process automation helps the HR professionals to automate the common workflows, such as detailing the policies and procedures of the company without the need for manual intervention while onboarding the new hires. 2. What is workflow design in HR? Besides a standard set of automation flows that this type of software provides, they also let the HR teams create custom workflows to simplify the complex monotonous tasks of HR management. Although we understand that different organizations have distinctive work routines and processes, the HR manager should analyze the flow that suits the company and make a custom workflow with a fresh start to handle the entire HR workflow. 3. What HR processes should be automated? Automation breaks down the complexity of process-heavy tasks such as HR management and helps simplify the time-consuming manual work of each task. It thus reduces the burden on the HR team and improves the efficiency of the overall HR process. Let us take a quick look at a few of the Human Resources workflows that can be automated:   Recruitment and On-boarding process Time Sheets Management HR software solution Employee Information Managerial Approvals Leave Management Employee self-service portal Employee performance management Off-boarding and others   4. What are HR automation tools? The onset of a pandemic has opened doors to remote work, making the heads of business enterprises think about offering productivity tools such as automation software for HR teams, instant messaging software for collaboration and team communication, and others, to help their workforce perform office work seamlessly. For example, you can scan CVs only based on specific keywords first so you can shorten the recruitment process. This is especially useful given that so many resumes are written with AI support nowadays.   Also, many incredibly arduous and time-consuming tasks related to payroll can easily be automated these days. For instance, a reliable paystub maker like PaystubCreator could help simplify and save time on repetitive tasks such as calculating employee earnings, income deductions, and benefits. Many of these tools are fairly easy to use and can go a long way in helping eliminate human error.   As a business owner, if you are looking to reduce the burden on your HR teams and planning to modernize the workflows with the tools that provide the highest accuracy, competence, productivity, consistency, and data security, then start giving them the best automation tools on the market that make your HR teams work at pace. Benefits of Workflow Automation:   The age-old HR management practices that HR professionals use for employee management might slow down the efficiency of the company! These run-of-the-mill methodologies are more prone to manual errors, slow down the payroll cycles, and may finally result in a non-optimal approach that drains funds by expanding the HR teams of the company. Let me put you through the advantages of automation that boost productivity at work:   Streamlines end-to-end HR processes Reduces manual errors Saves costs to the company Centralized control of the HR staff Role-based access to modules Process Compliance Automates request management Faster Approvals and more   It is essential to switch to the best workflow automation software to handle administrative HR tasks with great ease while improving the efficiency of the HR team. Many recruiting tools are available in the market to offer practical solutions for the daily administrative tasks that HR professionals perform! Out of which, employee onboarding, induction, exit formalities, approvals, requests, etc., can be automated. Now let’s find out how these workflow automation tools help HR professionals get solace from tedious manual tasks:   Certain tools help you create agile workflows by letting you update employee personal records on internal databases, assign task dependencies, and collaborate with other departments. You can track the application status on documents, assign them to the approver, and send updates to other teams via chat instead of relying on the long email chains. This HR workflow software allows HR personnel to organize tasks using to-do lists, streamline business meetings, and notice board updates. Creating a payroll account for recruits. Integrate apps and create a workflow between your hiring software and other apps such as accounting apps, invoicing apps, etc., to help you while processing employee timesheets.   Wrapping it up! The HR department is one of the core departments of any organization which struggles so hard to get the best workforce. In the case of large organizations, the HR processes are even more tedious and hectic. Therefore, to ease the end-to-end HR processes of your organization, provide your teams with the best HR workflow automation tools. These days, many tools can be integrated into your office chat app, where you can associate with all your teams within a single interface for efficient business operations.  
Certainly yes, why not? We all know that the HR teams are the backbone of offices of all shapes and ...
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