COVID-19
Remote Workforce Considerations
As a small business owner, we all know that this is a very trying time. As businesses are required to send their workers home or stop working completely, we’re all trying to figure out how to navigate these uncertain times. When it comes to your employees working from home, there is a lot to think about.
Employee & customer safety
- Safety is our ultimate concern. During this pandemic, we encourage you to practice social distancing and to utilize the available technologies to continue with your day to day.
HR Policies
- This can be tough as many companies may not have an established work from home or flextime policy. There may be concern about employee productivity, data access and communication. As part of our business resources, there are policies provided by a top-notch HR Company and communication options.
IT/Data Security and Access Policies
- Making sure your employees are able to access what they need can be tough. Your IT partner should be able to assist you in creating policies and making sure your employees have ONLY the access they NEED.
Business Continuity Planning
- During an emergency is not when you should be thinking about business continuity. Your IT partner should have been having these conversations with you about making sure your data is safe and backed up.
Physical security for your office if you’re not there
- While you’re away from your office, are you confident that your space and equipment is safe? Physical security, cameras and alarm systems are vital in protecting your company. Knowing who has gained access to your company and when is a large part of keeping your data safe.
The bad guys (hackers) taking advantage of the current situation to gain access into your systems
- Unfortunately, hackers are taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are using fear to their advantage. One example of this is the John Hopkins COVID-19 map. Hackers have duplicated this and created a map that allows them access to your computer once you’ve clicked on it. Making sure you are getting information from credible sites and that you have virus protection on your computer is crucial. Some hackers will also call impersonating your IT partner, the IRS, etc. Do not allow anybody access to your computer unless your are expecting them and make sure you know who is calling you. If you are unsure, you can always hang up and verify.
- The FTC has provided a list of Coronavirus scams – click here to view
If you need assistance, Oversee My IT is available to answer questions and guide you. You can reach us by filling out the information on the Contact Us form or by calling 817-866-2400.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Resources
Fortunately, there are a lot of resources available for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. As more resources become available, we will update the below list. If you need assistance, Oversee My IT is available to answer questions and guide you. You can reach us by filling out the information on the Contact Us form or by calling 817-866-2400.
Small Business Administration –
Businesses being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for a business loan.
The Small Business Administration is offering a webinar to review the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program for Businesses. If you’re business is being impacted by COVID-19, attend one of the following webinars to learn more about the program and how to apply for it. More information can be found by clicking here.
For more COVID-19 small business guidance & loan resources, visit the Small Business Administration page here.
Microsoft Teams –
If you work for a business that isn’t currently licensed for Teams, we’ve got you covered with a free Office 365 E1 offer for six months. Contact your Microsoft partner or sales representative to get started today.
If you work in education and want to set up teachers, students, and administrators on Teams, use Office 365 A1. This free version of Office 365 is available to all educational institutions.
Microsoft Teams has the ability to chat, call, collaborate and meet so you can stay connected to your team. You can access Teams from anywhere and allows you to chat face to face if you have a camera.
See the press release from Microsoft regarding COVID-19: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2020/03/05/our-commitment-to-customers-during-covid-19/
3CX/VOIP Calling –
Does your company have the ability to make phone calls remotely? When your clients call, are they having to leave a message for your team to call them back, or are they reaching your staff directly? We all want the transition to working from home to be seamless for both our employees and our clients. 3CX is a VOIP phone system that allows you to make and receive calls as if you were sitting in your office. Their mobile app allows you to call from your cell phone or your computer. 3CX is offering a 3-year free basic license during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reach out to your IT partner for assistance in getting this setup. As an authorized 3CX reseller, Oversee My IT is able to assist you with any questions you may have.
See the press release from 3CX regarding COVID-19: https://www.3cx.com/phone-system/covid-19-remote-working/
SANS Security Awareness –
SANS is offering resources for businesses to help with the transition to working from home.
https://www.sans.org/security-awareness-training/sans-security-awareness-work-home-deployment-kit
https://security-awareness.sans.org/sites/default/files/2020-03/02-SSA-WorkingFromHome-FactSheet.pdf
For security questions, please reach out to your Security Partner or Oversee My IT.
4 Point Consulting –
4 Point Consulting is a leading HR/Recruiting company that focuses solely on small to medium businesses. They have provided a COVID-19 Toolkit with policy samples for you to use in your business. Sign up for their webinar series to help you through this transition.
Their coronavirus resource page is found here: https://www.4pointconsulting.com/coronavirus
Intermedia –
A VOIP provider that is offering unlimited free AnyMeeting Pro video conferencing license for individuals and ONE free webinar pro license for your company. These licenses allow remote workers and companies to hold global on-line meetings using high definition video and audio conference, screen sharing, call recording, chats and more.
Coronavirus Scams –
The FTC has put out a list of scams related to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Click here to review so you can better identify and avoid these scams.
