Remote work has become a modern standard, with 41% of UK workers working remotely for at least part of the week, and just 18% of workers in the office full time, five days a week.
Remote and hybrid work models offer flexibility and efficiency for organisations of all sizes. However, maintaining a remote workforce requires a robust IT infrastructure that supports security, performance, and collaboration.
Managed IT services are useful here, as these outsourced solutions give businesses the resources and expertise to keep remote operations running smoothly.
If you’re wondering how managed IT services support remote work, managed IT services ensure that businesses can effectively manage technology-related challenges, no matter where their employees are located.
There are five key ways how managed IT services support remote work, which include:
- Remote collaboration support
- Improved security
- Seamless device management
- 24/7 support
- Scalability solutions
We’ll explore each of these in more detail below.
1. Remote Collaboration Support
Managed IT services support remote collaboration, ensuring that remote teams have secure, reliable access to tools and applications. Cloud access is necessary for this, with 92% of medium and 85% of large businesses already leveraging cloud services to support their operations.
Outsourced cloud management services, for instance, provide support for cloud-based applications and storage, making hybrid and remote work secure and easier.
Businesses can implement cloud network security measures like user authentication, granular permission controls, and real-time monitoring to protect sensitive data, so only authorised users can access specific resources.
This streamlines the performance of cloud-based workflows and optimises collaboration tools like Microsoft 365, allowing remote teams to work together seamlessly. Managed IT services can also provide data backups and disaster recovery solutions, so teams remain connected, productive, and secure, no matter where they are located.
2. Improved Security
As remote work is now the norm, businesses must prioritise cyber security with proactive security measures.
Forbes claims that public spaces where remote employees work, including co-working spaces, libraries, cafes, and coffee shops are some of the most vulnerable locations for data theft.
Research from Tessian also found that 56% of senior IT technicians believe that their employees have picked up bad cyber-security habits while working from home. This highlights the growing risks faced by businesses with remote teams, making it essential for businesses to invest in managed IT services.
Managed IT services help safeguard remote teams by continuously monitoring for threats, detecting vulnerabilities, and responding swiftly to potential cyber-attacks.
Managed IT services can implement advanced security solutions such as virtual private networks, endpoint protection, and firewalls. This creates multiple defence layers that keep company data secure. Regular security updates and patch management reduce risks further, ensuring systems remain protected, no matter where employees are working.
Additionally, managed IT services help businesses stay compliant with industry regulations by enforcing strict security protocols. This helps companies provide remote employees with a safe digital environment, supporting productivity without compromising data integrity.
3. Seamless Device Management
Remote and hybrid work models mean that employees often use a mix of devices, switching between office workstations, smartphones, and laptops. Gartner claims that remote workers use at least four different device types to perform daily work tasks.
For in-house IT teams, managing and maintaining this diverse range of devices can be complex and time-consuming. Systems can slow down without regular upkeep, causing decreased productivity and frustration among employees.
Managed IT services help here as they ensure all devices remain optimised and up to date. Regular maintenance, performance monitoring, and software updates help prevent issues before they escalate, reducing downtimes and keeping remote teams working efficiently.
As they can identify potential problems early, managed IT services ensure that employees have reliable, high-performing technology on all devices, helping them to stay productive while working remotely.
4. 24/7 Support
Uninterrupted access to IT support is essential for remote teams to remain productive and maintain business continuity.
According to the CIPD, 71% of employees believe having a flexible working pattern is important to them when considering a new job role. This highlights the growing importance of offering flexibility, which, in turn, requires robust IT support to maintain efficiency.
Managed IT services provide around-the-clock monitoring and rapid response, helping detect and resolve technical issues before they affect business operations.
Unlike traditional in-house IT teams with limited working hours, managed service providers continuously oversee system performance, security risks, and network activity to support seamless operations.
Leveraging real-time monitoring tools helps identify potential disruptions like slow network speeds, cyber threats, and system failures, addressing them before they escalate. This proactive approach minimises downtime and prevents issues from turning into major setbacks.
Dedicated 24/7 IT support means that businesses can give remote employees immediate assistance whenever technical challenges arise, helping them stay connected, efficient, and focused, regardless of location.
5. Scalability Solutions
As remote work models evolve, businesses need IT solutions that can scale alongside their changing workforce. Recent findings from the CIPD have found that nearly half (41%) of employers have formalised hybrid working policies in place, with additional companies exploring flexible arrangements.
Managed IT services offer the flexibility to quickly adjust IT resources to accommodate fluctuations in remote team sizes and new technology needs.
Whether you’re adding more remote employees, expanding to new regions, or adopting new collaboration tools, managed IT services help your IT infrastructure grow and adapt seamlessly.
Managed IT services provide scalable solutions, which help maintain consistent performance, security, and collaboration, no matter how your remote workforce expands.
This flexibility means that businesses can support a growing number of remote employees without worrying about overhauling or investing in costly in-house IT teams.
How We Can Help
So, how can managed IT services support remote work?
From securing cloud access to proactive monitoring and device management, how managed IT services support remote work is by streamlining multi-device management, security, remote collaboration, and scalable IT solutions that grow with your business.
At Net Consulting, we specialise in delivering tailored managed IT solutions that support remote working models.
Contact us to discover how our managed IT services can support your operations, or explore our other range of digital IT services to see how we can help you.
