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Remote work isn’t going anywhere. And for SMBs, it’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, you get access to a global talent pool, lower overhead costs, and happier employees. On the other, security headaches, productivity concerns, and the challenge of keeping everyone on the same page.
So how do you create a remote work policy that actually works? One that keeps things secure, productive, and, most importantly, flexible? Here’s the rundown.
1. Start with Security (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)
This is where things can go south fast. Cyber threats are real, and SMBs are a favorite target—43% of cyberattacks hit small businesses. A single weak link (like a team member logging in from a café’s public Wi-Fi) can compromise everything.
A few must-haves:
- A secure VPN (like PureVPN for Teams) to encrypt all remote connections.
- Dedicated IPs so team members aren’t hopping around different, untrusted networks.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)—yes, it’s annoying, but it’s necessary.
- Clear access control—not everyone needs access to everything.
2. Define Who Can Work Remotely (and When)
Not every role is suited for full-time remote work. Outline who can work remotely and what the expectations are. Full-time? Hybrid? Only on approved days?
Set work hours (if needed) but be realistic. One of the perks of remote work is flexibility. Focus more on output than clock-watching.
3. Set Communication Norms
One of the biggest challenges of remote work? The “where is everyone?” problem.
- Daily check-ins or weekly team calls? Make it clear.
- Preferred tools—Slack, Teams, email? Everyone should be on the same page.
- Response time expectations—urgent messages vs. “get to it when you can.”
Without this, you get either radio silence or notification overload. Neither is great.
4. Provide the Right Tools (and Training!)
A secure, productive remote team needs the right setup. That means:
- VPNs for secure access (again, PureVPN for Teams does the job).
- Cloud-based collaboration tools (Google Drive, Notion, Asana, whatever works for you).
- Password managers—because sticky notes are not a security strategy.
And don’t just hand over tools and hope for the best. A simple training session on security best practices can prevent major slip-ups.
5. Make Security Non-Negotiable (But Not a Hassle)
Employees are busy. They’ll take the easy route unless security is baked into their workflow.
- Require VPN usage for any company-related work.
- Automate security where possible (password rotation, access revocation when an employee leaves, etc.).
- Regularly update policies as threats evolve.
6. Keep the Culture Alive
It’s easy for remote teams to feel disconnected. You don’t have the casual hallway chats, Friday happy hours, or spontaneous brainstorming sessions. But culture matters.
- Virtual coffee chats or occasional in-person meetups (if possible).
- Recognition for work well done—small shoutouts go a long way.
- Encourage a bit of fun in team channels (GIFs, memes, non-work chats—it’s okay!).
7. Review and Adapt
A remote work policy isn’t a “set it and forget it” thing. What works today might not work six months from now. Check in with your team. What’s working? What’s frustrating? Adjust as needed.
Final Thought
Remote work is here to stay, but it only works if there’s structure. Security needs to be seamless, expectations need to be clear, and communication needs to be intentional.
Get those things right, and your team will be both productive and protected. And if security is your biggest concern (which it should be), a solid VPN like PureVPN for Teams is one of the easiest ways to lock things down.
Get started now to ensure secure remote access for your team!
