Due to the increasing numbers of cases of people infected with coronavirus in the UK, the government may issue recommendations or even restrictions on use of transport and travel movements. At this time, it is unknown if this will actually happen, but we would like to offer some advice on working from home for a longer period of time than usual – if the need does arise.

Most, if not all, of your systems should be accessible online, with a little preparation.

Office 365
If you are using Microsoft services such as Office 365, your apps and files such as Outlook, SharePoint,OneDrive are all accessible via portal.office.com.

G Suite
If you use Google service, such as Gmail, Google Docs or Google Photos, these are all accessible online via gsuite.google.com.

Hosted Exchange
If you use our Exchange email service, you can access OWA (Outlook Web App) via directionforward.com/owa.

Webmail
If you use our Webmail email service, you can access via directionforward.com/webmail.

Shared Drive
If you use our Shared Drive service, you can access via directionforward.com/shareddrive.

What will be needed to work from home:

• A computer with a working internet connection.
• A headset that connects to your computer, if you use your work desk phone regularly.

What can you do to prepare for working from home:

• Ensure you have all your login credentials required to access your account(s).
• Ensure you have any devices you may need for MFA (Multi Factor Authentication).
• Ensure all the files you need to access are saved to your cloud service. N.B. You won’t be able to access files that are only stored on your office machine.
• Install the app or software for your work desk phone on your home computer – exactly what this is depends on your service.
• Ask your team which apps and methods they prefer to use to keep in touch, eg Slack, Teams, Skype, etc.

If you are using your own computer when working from home, we recommend setting up a new separate user account for your work – in order to keep your personal data separate. For those who don’t have a workable device, companies may consider supplying one. Laptops fit for purpose start from around £330+VAT.

For further information and advice, please contact us.