After the pandemic, many found themselves working from home. Working from home proved to have its benefits and challenges, particularly where technology is involved.
What do you do at home when technology seems to be working against you? Are these issues you can solve on your own? How do you know when you reach out to your IT helpdesk for resolution?
For over 25 years, WEBIT Services has helped clients discover and apply effective security practices. It is passionate about knowledge, education, and online safety.
By reading this article, you will learn about some common problems when you work from home, how to fix them, and when to ask for help from the IT department.
5 IT Problems When Working from Home
1. Slow or Bad Internet Connections
Problem: Sometimes, the internet is slow or unreliable, making it challenging to accomplish work-related tasks. You may experience dropped calls, slow download or upload times, or lengthy application buffering times.
Fix:
- First, check your internet speed using an internet speed test and compare it to your internet plan speed range.
- If your internet is often slow, think about getting a faster plan from your provider.
- Don't download or stream big files while you work, as this can consume much of your internet bandwidth.
- Check your router's location to ensure your computer can receive an excellent wireless signal or be plugged directly into your router.
- Try resetting your router.
2. Problems with Computer Software
Problem: Sometimes, your computer programs don't work as they should. They may freeze, crash, or load very slowly. For example, your email might not load or may randomly delete messages.
Fix:
- Keep your software and apps updated. This can help fix any problems.
- Remove temporary files that may clog your computer's memory and make it run more slowly.
- Stop programs from starting up when your computer turns on. Unnecessary programs running in the background can slow down your computer.
3. Issues with VPN
Problem: Many companies use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to connect to their IT system. A VPN helps ensure that only authorized users can connect and access company data.
VPN login issues can make connecting to your company's network difficult.
Fix:
- Make sure you have the newest VPN program.
- Double-check your login details and how you log in.
- Restart your VPN or ask for help from your IT department if it still doesn't work.
4. Broken Hardware
Problem: Sometimes, things like your keyboard, mouse, or screen don't work as they should. This can slow down your work.
If you're in the office, you might go to your IT department and request a replacement or a tech visit. But what can you do at home?
Fix:
- Check the cables and connections. Make sure everything is plugged in right.
- Restart your computer. Turning technology off and on again can fix a great many issues.
- If a part is broken, ask your IT department for help. They can fix or replace it.
5. Worries about Security
Problem: Cybersecurity problems, like phishing emails and viruses, can harm your work and information. These problems aren't limited to the office—IT security is a genuine concern for remote workers.
Fix:
- Don't click on strange email links or files.
- Be aware of the latest phishing strategies and security risks. Participate in company IT security training.
- Keep your IT security tools up-to-date.
- Don't use your work devices for personal use, or let friends or family use them.
- Tell your IT department if you think there's a security problem.
When to Ask for IT Help
While many IT problems can be fixed by yourself, there are times when you should ask your IT department for help:
1. Problems Keep Happening
If you keep having the same problem and basic troubleshooting doesn't fix it, it's time to get help.
Tell your IT helpdesk the issue and the troubleshooting you've performed. They can help you navigate the recurring problem and find a solution.
2. Complicated Technical Problems
For tricky technical problems or issues with the network, your IT department can help.
3. Security Issues
If you have a cybersecurity issue, contact your IT department immediately. They will try to isolate the breach and protect the network and data from further damage.
4. Hardware Failures
When hardware parts break, like your hard drive or video card, your IT department can repair or change them.
5. New Software or Updates
Before downloading new software or apps, talk to your IT department. They can ensure it is safe and compatible with your company's IT network. They can also help with software updates when needed.
Next Steps for Smoothly Working from Home
As the work landscape shifted drastically with the rise of remote work post-pandemic, the reliance on technology became more pronounced.
Common technology issues remote workers encounter include:
- Slow internet connections
- Computer software issues
- VPN connection problems
- Broken hardware
- IT security concerns
Many of these problems can be corrected through basic troubleshooting or restarting devices.
However, there are instances when self-help isn't enough. Recognizing when to seek IT help is crucial.
Whether faced with persistent problems, intricate technical issues, security concerns, hardware failures, or the introduction of new software, your IT department emerges as a valuable ally.
Talk to your IT provider or internal IT team to determine what tools and procedures could benefit your remote employees.
If your IT provider is unwilling or unable to support a remote workforce, it may be time to look for a new provider.
For over 25 years, WEBIT Services has helped hundreds of clients build successful IT strategies and processes.
If you are looking for a new IT provider, schedule a free 30-minute consultation to see how WEBIT can help.
If you're not ready to talk to our team of experts but would like to learn more about technology in remote work, we recommend the following articles:
