Long gone are the days of 9–5 jobs and everyone sitting in a cubicle for the entire workday with a landline phone glued to their ears. Even before the pandemic, there has been a shift towards remote working, which was accelerated after the lockdown ended.
The constant evolution of technology, including AI, has allowed a new era of remote work to emerge. Today, remote desktops and devices keep employees connected anywhere they find themselves in the world.
How the Work Experience Became More Connected
Before remote desktop solutions existed, employees who wanted to work from home could not access critical work resources, including company databases and servers. Moreover, they faced limitations when working with specific software, which was often incompatible with their devices.
Now that remote desktops are the norm, there is no gap between office employees and those working from another location. All of them can connect to their designated work computers as long as they have a stable internet connection.
This connection allows them to work on a familiar desktop without searching for files and apps. Employees can also continue collaborating with colleagues through emails and Zoom meetings. Remote desktops mean no disruption of daily operations, benefiting businesses and employees.
Using Different Devices
Remote desktops are also synonymous with flexibility. This means employees do not have to use a traditional desktop computer to connect to their office computer virtually. They can use any device, including a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
This also allows employees to work from anywhere, not just from home. They can still connect to the office via smaller devices if they frequently travel. It also allows them to stay productive, even if one of their devices does not work well.
Security Considerations
While it is highly convenient for employees to connect to their work computers via a remote desktop app, companies must have security protocols in place. There must be policies and measures to ensure that all data accessed through other devices stays secure.
This may include things like password policies and multi-factor authentication. It should not be overlooked, especially given the sharp rise in cybersecurity threats.
The remote desktop protocol (RDP) uses a standard network protocol to allow a device to access a remote computer. This process enables employees to interact with their work computer’s interface using an encrypted connection.
If an employee’s login credentials are weak, the connection is vulnerable to cyberattacks. What’s worse, cybercriminals know the RDP process requires port 3389, so they target it constantly. This means even more stringent security measures are needed to protect remote connections.
Security training for employees should also be emphasized. Staff aware of the consequences of not following security processes are more likely to adhere to them.
Security training should include identifying phishing attempts and how to report suspicious activity or communication.
Remote Desktops and Devices Are Reshaping Modern Workplaces
The pandemic ensured that remote working is not a passing phase or a trend. It is a permanent shift in the modern workplace. Remote desktop technologies make for a more distributed workforce model, which offers several benefits for everyone.
For businesses, remote desktop solutions can mean saving money. Remote employees do not need office space, which leads to lower operational expenses.
Even better, it becomes easier for businesses to recruit top talent because they no longer focus on location. This automatically means a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
For employees, remote desktops mean a better work-life balance. They can manage their time efficiently while never slacking on productivity. An improved work-life balance means greater job satisfaction, which translates into better staff retention. Overall, this can be seen as a win-win for the employer and the employees.
Furthermore, remote desktop solutions allow businesses to centralize computing power on dedicated servers. This means no more individual workstations and a vast reduction in hardware costs.
Centralized servers are easier to maintain and update, saving time and money. With all the streamlining that happens and fewer employees going into the office, carbon emissions are also reduced. Companies that actively work towards a more sustainable work environment appeal to a wider consumer base, which is great news for any business.
Embracing the Future of Remote Working
There is no denying that remote desktops and associated devices are the way of the future when it comes to modern offices and workspaces. There may be challenges in the initial setup of these technologies and while getting everyone onboard. Still, the potential benefits outweigh these temporary issues.
