Love it or loathe it there’s no denying it, the way we work has radically changed over the past two years. The pandemic forced employees and employers alike to adapt at a lightning-fast pace and as we take stock of the post-covid work scape there’s only one question on everybody’s mind: home or office?
Given the choice between working from home or the office, 61% of Americans opt for home-working. This is in stark contrast with approximately 50% of companies that would prefer to have their employees return to the office full-time.
The compromise? Hybrid working. Almost ¾ of U.S. companies have or intend to implement a hybrid work model. That’s a staggering statistic considering the percentage was less than half pre-pandemic. When you think about it though, it makes sense. Now employees and employers can experience the best of both worlds: greater work-life balance without sacrificing collaboration.
Unfortunately, solutions are rarely perfect and although the hybrid model has rectified a lot of issues, it has also introduced numerous additional logistical and operational challenges, including:
All of these issues have the potential to seriously hamper productivity. This is where remote access software really comes into its own - bridging the divide between the home and the office and transforming both into a single harmonious space. Remote access: once optional, now an operational necessity.
Remote access allows you to connect the device in front of you to another device anywhere in the world. Going beyond basic screen mirroring, remote access can give you complete access to the connected device, including all its software, hardware, and peripheries.
In practice, that means you could use applications such as Microsoft Office or Photoshop at home without needing to download them onto your personal device - simply connect to your work machine and you’re away. It also means you never have to worry about leaving files at home again, remote access can open any document wirelessly. For IT support the potential is also huge. Troubleshooting can be done remotely by handing over device access to a technician - worlds apart physically yet sat beside you practically.
Whether you are a one-person team or a leader of 100s, here are some of the essential features to consider when choosing your best-fit solution:
Now that we know what we are looking for, let's explore three of our favorite remote access solutions for 2024.
Many first-time buyers don't even know what to look for in a remote software app. It's totally understandable; after all, remote working wasn't exactly a thing until the pandemic forced everyone out of their offices and workplaces. No worries, our team tested a bunch of remote access software so you can avoid the pitfalls of choosing the wrong software solution for your business. Below are some factors that influenced our top 10 recommendations:
Remote access software can be beneficial for an individual user as well as a larger company. For the individual, it allows for seamless syncing of different devices and worry-free access to all your important files, anywhere, at any time. For the company, remote access can hugely streamline a range of processes including; IT support, productivity monitoring, collaboration, and hardware/software setup.
Trying to guide a user through technical and complex troubleshooting is typically hugely inefficient. It is far simpler to hand over device access to a technician who can then complete the necessary steps themselves, in essence cutting out the middle man. Remote access can also allow IT to perform necessary updates, download essential software, and check the suitability of home/work devices.
As remote access involves connecting devices over a wireless network it is important to practice safe digital security measures. Ensure any connection is encrypted with a strong password only accessible by trusted users. Consider only allowing access to trusted devices and avoid using public Wi-Fi, at least without first enabling a VPN.
Free software is available with limitations. Many lack basic functions such as file sharing and are limited to a low number of devices. Advanced options such as collaborative features and productivity tracking are typically limited to paid models. For the basic user, free software may serve a limited purpose, though there really is no replacement for premium remote access software.