We just told you about telecommuting a mere week ago, but constantly-breaking news about the new coronavirus has us writing a follow-up already.
As you've surely seen, schools are already using online coursework as they work to close schools and protect students from infection. Likewise, businesses are asking employees to work from home.
What does this mean if implemented on massive scales?
In households around Legacy, students and their parents will be working together, all seeking online access.
Consider how many devices (computers, pads, phones) you have. How much bandwidth? How many quiet areas to work or study? Many households simply won't be ready for this.
Businesses have more bandwidth for IT, company devices, online access to systems, and file downloads at rates much higher than most households have. How ready is your IT? How ready are your data systems? How ready are your managers to help employees solve problems and stay productive?
We ask these questions because it will be helpful if everyone involved begins considering these issues in advance of actually needing them.
Looking to gauge how your internet connectivity might affect your work-from-home productivity? Popular Science's recent article "Here’s how much internet bandwidth you actually need to work from home" can give you a peek behind the digital curtain.
Spectrum announced earlier this month it is taking steps to ensure students and workers who need reliable access to internet services will have them. The provider said it's partnering with school districts to help students learn remotely, is opening all its wifi hotspots for public use, and is waiving late fees for those facing difficult economic conditions during the pandemic.
Dallas-based AT&T, meanwhile, said it is dropping data caps and will continue serving wireless, home phone, and broadband even if they're unable to pay their bills right now.
Charter Communications, Verizon, Comcast, and other providers are also taking steps to ensure digital equity during the ongoing coronavirus response. You can learn more here.
As we told you before, we're advocates for telecommuting — when it's done correctly. If your company is talking about implementing telework in the coming weeks, or if you're a business owner thinking about sending your teams to their home offices, Forbes' recent article "Remote Work Advocates Warn Companies About COVID19 Work From Home Strategies" might be helpful.
For companies and workers who are currently teleworking, here are a few things to consider: What will the transition be like once employees return to work? What's the best way to smooth the transition when COVID-19 is no longer a looming risk to the public?
What is the lasting impact of so many companies transitioning to telework during the COVID-19 response? Maybe more companies will see its value and shift more of its workers to telework arrangements, lessening congestion and creating better conditions for the economy to flourish.
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