We at Feedwire have been working from home and working remotely supporting our customers for many years. Most of our work can be done from virtually anywhere with an internet connection. Given the current uptick in work-from-home requests and policies, we are sharing what we have learned in the hopes that we might save others from repeating already-made mistakes.

Audio before Video

We will all find ourselves engaged in more videoconferences than before, with the intention of replacing meetings. Video is exciting, but the most important factor that contributes to the success and efficiency of an online videoconference is the audio. A videoconference with no video is a conference call. A videoconference with no audio is a waste of time. To that end, we recommend that you use a headset when connecting to a videoconference. Frankly, a headset will probably help with phone calls too, because it will leave your hands free to type. If you do not already have a headset for your computer, here are a few options:

You might need a USB-C to USB-A adapter if you have a newer laptop: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01COOQIKU

Mind the mute button. It is your friend and your enemy. Keeping yourself on mute when you are not talking is polite. Forgetting that you are on mute is frustrating.

Collaboration

There are myriad tools that enable face-to-computer-to-face collaboration in the modern office. Here are our favorite tools, with boldface type indicating the system that we ourselves use:

  • Conferencing: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts

  • Chat: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts Chat

  • File Sharing: Dropbox, Box, Google Drive

  • Document Editing: Microsoft Office Desktop, Microsoft Office Online, Google Docs and Sheets

If you are not already using these tools, we can help you get ramped up. If you are, we can help you learn and streamline.

Access

There may be some premise-based resources in your office that you need to access remotely. Some of these systems are likely candidates for cloud migration. Most of the function of local file servers can be replicated by hosted file sharing systems like Dropbox and Box. Some systems do not lend themselves to cloud migration. Examples include finance files with complex excel linking, video storage for post production, and specialty design or finance software.

The two main flavors of remote access to premise resources are VPN and Remote Desktop. Depending on your particular application, one will likely be a better fit. In general, VPN is slow and lends itself to workflows that do not involve media. Remote access to media will likely require a screen sharing solution, though there may be other options depending on the specifics.

Environment

Do not neglect the ergonomics of your work-from-home setup. Your dining room table is not a motorized standing desk. Your couch is not an ergonomic office chair. Plan to spend the time saved by not commuting addressing the new physical demands work-from-home places on your body. Take frequent short breaks and change up your positions.

Consider your home network. It is basically upside-down. Your home network has been built and optimized for home activities, which mostly involve consuming content. You are now going to use it for creating and distributing new work and information. It may be overtaxed and not perform in the way you expect. Please do contact us if you have problems with your home network - we can help.

Emotions

We are all in this together. We are all doing the best that we can. Remember that. We are all frazzled, confused, and uncertain, but we are all still here for each other in spite of new “social distancing” restrictions.

Throughout my career, due to the nature of our work, I have had many work-from-home days. I have personally found that in spite of the triple threat to productivity of the bed, couch, and fridge, I am able to get myself in a go-to-work mindset by keeping my daily routine as intact as possible. I wake up at the same time as usual, keep the same morning hygiene ritual, and I get dressed for the office. I put myself into work mode and it helps me to focus and be productive.