Working from home? 8 tips for managing remote employees

The coronavirus pandemic has turned the world upside down. Millions of people are trying to help flatten the curve by practicing social distancing, among other things.

While this is a great way to help slow the spread of the virus, it’s taking a huge toll on the economy. Companies have seen a sharp decline in business and some have even had to close their doors. Others have been asking employees to work from home (WFH).

But this can create a new set of challenges for managers to support and stay connected with their remote workforce. If this describes you, don’t worry. We’ve got some simple tips to successfully transition your business from in-house to remote workers.

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How to set up a temporary remote workforce

LinkedIn recently spoke with representatives at GitLab, a company with the largest all-remote workforce in the world, to get advice on successfully transitioning to a remote workforce.

Here are some ways to help make the process go smoothly.

Establish a remote leadership team

Having an entire company’s workforce work remotely can trigger an office shock wave. To ease the transition, begin by evaluating your managers and build a team of experts who have experience working from home. This team will serve as a resource to help those with questions.

A core part of this team’s role is to document challenges in real-time, transparently prioritize those challenges and assign directly responsible individuals (DRI) to find solutions.

Executive assistants may also take on a more significant role in the transition. They can function as documentarians in meetings and help with internal communications.

Create a ‘source of truth’ handbook to keep everyone in the loop

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SimpliSafe protects your whole house in under an hour

You’ve probably heard how easy it is to protect your family, home and valuables these days. It’s nothing like the hassle it used to be.

Technology has changed everything — and simplified it, too. That’s because wireless technology has made installing home security an afternoon project, rather than the all-day nightmare it was when techs had to drill holes in your walls, cut wires and mount a system that worked just OK.

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Coronavirus tech insights and how I'm doing my national radio show from home

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The world feels like a different place right now. We’re working from home, distancing ourselves from others and staying glued to the news as the coronavirus spreads and developments unfold. Kim and Mike dive into the impact technology is having in the fight against the virus, and what we’re doing as a nation to stay safe, informed and sane. Plus, learn how the Komando team will pull off filming and broadcasting the national radio show right from Kim’s house this weekend.

This handy kit lets you test your vision with your smartphone

Considering how essential our eyesight is, it’s surprising how often we neglect it. Anyone with a halfway decent dental plan gets their teeth checked and cleaned on a regular basis, but our eyes? The only time they get to see an optometrist is when we drag ourselves in for a new eyeglass prescription.

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QLED vs. OLED TV: Similar names, totally different technologies

Wondering which TV is right for you? While LG’s OLED and Samsung’s QLED may sound very similar, there are major differences at the core level.

OLED, which stands for “Organic Light Emitting Diodes,” is the top choice for most people. Its technology replaced the need for backlights, which are the lights that shine behind the LCD screen to illuminate them. If you’re buying a new TV, here’s how to secure it.

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Online banking: Can you trust it? 

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Skip the lines at the bank and do your financial transactions from the comfort of your own home? No brainer, right? Well, not so fast. There’s no security guard standing watch over your online transactions, so you need to look out for yourself. Here’s how.

Why my staff and I are now working from home

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News is changing by the minute, and there’s a lot of fear in the world right now. I’ve made the choice to send my staff home to work, for one very important reason. Whether or not you’re in an office, there’s a step you should take to protect yourself as the coronavirus spreads.

COVID-19: Working from home and your home network

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Across the country, businesses are sending employees home to work and kids are staying home from school. Are you ready? Step one, don’t panic. Step two, listen to this podcast to know exactly what you need to do to prepare your home’s network.

Getting your business ready for coronavirus

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Businesses across the world are closing up shop and sending employees home to get their jobs done. If you own or work for a small or medium-sized company, are you prepared for that scenario? I’ve got a few essentials you can use to make the transition easier.

Shark Tank $400K scam - Smart home 101 - Stop spam calls for good

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Kim chats with fellow radio host Joe Pags about a $400K Shark Tank scam that just about anyone could fall for, the alarming rate at which smart speaks accidentally listen in on our conversations and the gross reality of ride share cars. (You’ll think twice before you book your next Uber.) Kim has a few simple tools to help you fight unwanted spam calls, no downloads required.

The Ring doorbell problem

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Smart home tech is convenient, but when does that convenience outweigh security? The Ring video doorbell has hit the tipping point. You won’t believe what info the Amazon-owned company is sharing with Facebook.

Life on the road: Downsizing to an RV

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Six years ago, Jackie and Hal traded in their house for a home on the open road. On this episode, we’re checking in to see what’s gone right, what’s gone wrong and how tech has played a role in their adventures. Get an inside look at what life is like in an RV — plus tips on how make the adventure profitable.

Wi-Fi is illegal in this town - Digital magician Zach King - Email spoofing

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Green Bank, West Virginia is home to a massive telescope and a rule unheard of in today’s world — no Wi-Fi allowed. Kim chats with Chuck Niday, who works in the so-called Quiet Zone. Zach King is a social media darling; he’s the second biggest creator on TikTok and he’s got 22.7 million followers on Instagram. His fame is well-earned. Zach is a digital magician who creates stunning visual tricks. And Kim helps a caller with an unbelievable story about his long-distance bride.

More confirmation social media harms teens

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I’ve been warning for years that social media is truly harmful to kids and teens. Yes, popular platforms are full of predators that should have been banned for good long ago. But there’s another danger you need to know about if you have a teen at home.

About that TV you bought on Black Friday or Cyber Monday

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If you upgraded to a smart TV this Black Friday or Cyber Monday, don’t miss this. The FBI warns your new television with all the bells and whistles also comes equipped with features that could bring hackers right into your home. Here’s what you need to do to stay safe.

Stop your smart home from getting hacked

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You’ll hardly believe the nightmare a Wisconsin couple endured after a hacker took over their smart thermostat and tormented them for an entire day. There’s one thing you must do to protect yourself from this kind of intrusion.

Avoid work-from-home scams and make money with legitimate jobs

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You see work-from-home ads everywhere, from roadside posters to online pop-up ads. Are they a legitimate way to make money? The answer is complicated. In this episode of Komando on Demand, Kim takes a look at work-at-home scams and horror stories about honest people who just wanted to earn a little extra cash. Listen and learn from their mistakes.

Travel tips: Don't get hacked, scammed or tracked

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Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you’re a prime target for hackers, scammers and identity theft. Learn crucial safety practices to protect your wallet, privacy, bank account and home. In this episode, you’ll get useful, actionable tips and tricks to stay safe.

Financial independence: Working at home in 2019

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There are more ways than ever to earn money from home, giving you the power to achieve financial independence. I share how to find legitimate work-from-home opportunities for workers of any interest and skill level. Happy Fourth of July!

Finding the irreplaceable: Lost photos making their way home

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Photos tell the story of who we are, what we see and how we see it. Here are some heartwarming tales of photos lost then found — sometimes years later — thanks to social media. Kim explores how photos shape us and why finding lost pictures can mean so much.