Many HR and payroll solutions are designed with the mobile workforce in mind, but managing such a team brings unique problems. While managers want their mobile employees to be productive, workers argue this is not always possible. Security is another issue. The information stored on human resource systems is gold dust to hackers, and easy to get to if the lap top, smart phone or other device it is stored on is unsecured.
Below are some hints on how to manage a mobile workforce, and protect any HR software devices they may have with them.
1. Choose An Environment Conducive To Work
Airports, railway stations, service stations, fast food outlets, coffee shops … there are no end of places for mobile workers to access free WiFi. However, some can be too noisy to keep phone conversations at a professional level. Also, eateries tend to work on rapid table turnover rates, and will want to limit the amount of time patrons use their facilities. A coffee from the library vending machine might be better.
2. Beware The Hotel Wifi Trap
Business hotels seem great places to set up a mobile office, as they invariably have WiFi in the guest rooms and lobbies. However, it can be prohibitively expensive; even “free” WiFi may incur steep charges after a while.
3. Minimise The Hacking Risk
Companies use things like scheduling software as an aid to workers on the move, but it is imperative that the HR software budget also includes advanced threat protection, to prevent hacking. A remote cloud-based facility is the safest place to store sensitive company data.
