Remote work has become the new norm in business. The traditional office setup is gone, and in its place are employees working from home and around the world.
Statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that one in five employees worked remotely in 2023. Despite how common remote work is, there are still misconceptions. The most common is that remote work means employees only work from their homes.
Not true. Modern remote working means you can travel anywhere, log on, and do your 9-5. It’s a great way to earn a living while exploring the world. However, working from abroad relies on great support, including connectivity. Otherwise, you will lose touch with colleagues and fall behind on projects.
So, how can you prepare yourself for work from abroad right now? Let’s look at different things to focus on to ensure you’re connected to your team.
Five ways to improve your internet and security
Below are five tips that remote workers worldwide can enjoy. Each one is easy to put in place and should upgrade the service you receive.
1 – Find the right internet plan and provider
Remote workers should first focus on getting the right internet plan. This is their foundation. But with so many providers in the sector, it can be difficult to know what to focus on.
Consider the following three factors for the best internet plans:
- Usage: Knowing what you need is an important part of finding the right plan. A simple package may suit you if you use the internet for simple work, such as checking emails. But if you need to connect devices simultaneously, invest in a more robust plan.
- The right speed: Slow internet can disrupt your workflow immensely. It can also make working with colleagues in real time impossible. Focus on providers with high speed and reliability where possible. Check for guaranteed speeds and their congestion policy.
- Data limits: Many providers will have a monthly limit to plans. If you go over these, you might have slower speeds or incur extra charges. Working on data-intensive work? Then, consider going for a bigger data plan that gives you enough room to work with.
2 – Make sure to optimize your Wi-Fi performance
Now that you’ve sorted an internet plan, it’s time to optimize its performance. After all, there’s no point in paying for something you aren’t benefiting from.
One simple and effective way to improve Wi-Fi is to pick the best place for your router. The more central the position, the better. Ensure it is within range of your new office space and any other devices that need connectivity. Avoid thick walls and clutter, which can dampen radio waves and reduce signal.
Keep your router away from disruptive technology. This includes microwaves, smart appliances, metal objects, and cordless phones, which can absorb passing signals.
Can’t get top speeds from your router no matter where you put it? In that instance, consider using an Ethernet cable. This cable plugs directly into your router, delivering a faster, more stable connection. That said, it does limit your ability to move around your home with a laptop.
3 – Choose the right eSIM app for your smartphone
Smartphones have revolutionized remote working. Now, you can stay connected with your workplace from anywhere with just a single device. It’s your ticket to making working abroad pay off.
However, digital nomads often encounter one problem when using smartphones abroad: connectivity. Without preparation, smartphones will not be able to connect to foreign networks. And you may be charged expensive roaming rates for even the simplest of actions.
So, what can you do if you step outside the house and no longer have Wi-Fi to rely on? A simple solution to this is to use an eSIM card.
What is an eSIM card, and how does it work? Put simply, an eSIM is a digital SIM card that is already embedded within modern smartphones. It allows you to connect to different networks through a simple app.
Simply download a provider’s app and tailor a plan to your needs. Activate the plan before your trip, and enjoy reliable connectivity when you land at your destination! Since data is charged at local rates, you’ll also save on your phone bill!
4 – See the value of mobile hotspots
As we’ve seen, eSIMs unlock your smartphone’s potential to stay connected. But what about your laptops, tablets, and smart devices that you might need for work? How can they enjoy great connectivity?
Mobile hotspots allow you to transform your smartphone into a personal Wi-Fi router. Simply go into your smartphone’s settings and activate tethering features. This will then send a mobile data signal from your smartphone, which other devices can connect to. So long as you have a cellular signal, your other devices can still connect to the internet.
5 – Secure your connections with cybersecurity tools
Speaking of security, remote workers must also invest in cybersecurity tools. These will ensure they can do sensitive work without compromising its integrity. They can also help boost their connectivity and stabilize their internet speeds.
One of the most useful tools to consider is a virtual private network (VPN). This tool encrypts your internet connection, scrambling data sent and received. Using the best VPN ensures that your online activity is harder to track, providing an extra layer of security and privacy.
Best of all, a VPN can help ensure you get the best internet speeds possible while abroad. This is because it prevents a practice known as data throttling.
Improving your connection across the world
Connectivity has become an essential part of remote working. Without it, you cannot stay on top of business and work in real time with colleagues.
Investing in the best internet plan should be a priority when working from abroad. You need a flexible package that suits your work needs and length of stay. But remote workers should also take advantage of new, emerging technologies.
eSIMs, for example, can unlock your smartphone’s true capabilities. They allow you to swap networks easily. Then, you can transform your smartphone into a mobile hotspot – helping connect all your other work equipment!