Remote work is now very common, and managing IT for remote employees is crucial for keeping everyone productive and safe. About 70% of businesses haven't secured personal devices used for work properly.

Business leaders need to make sure their employees have the right tools and security while working from home. This involves updating policies, securing data, and providing necessary resources. As remote work keeps changing, it’s important to stay proactive and adaptable.

Here’s a simple checklist to help you manage remote work IT in 2025.

1. Update Your Work-from-Home Policy

Have you updated your work-from-home policy in the last 12 months? If not, it's time to review and revise it. Your policy should cover workspace setup, work hours, and employee well-being. Most importantly, it should include IT and security rules.

Clearly specify the equipment and technology needed for remote work, including what the company will provide and what employees need to get. Outline how employees can get reimbursed for work-related costs. Also, set guidelines for data security and privacy, such as using antivirus software, VPNs, and secure access to company networks. Regular updates ensure your policy stays relevant and effective.

2. Communicate Policies and Expectations

Have you communicated policy and expectations for all employees now working from home? Once your work-from-home policy is updated, it’s crucial to communicate it clearly to all employees. Explain the purpose of the policy, detailing its goals and objectives, and why these measures are important. Clearly outline what is expected of employees and how they can follow these guidelines.

Effective communication helps ensure everyone understands their responsibilities and the importance of following the rules. It also helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures a smoother implementation of the policy. Use meetings, emails, and other communication channels to reach all employees.

3. Provide Sanctioned Devices

Do you need to acquire more phones or laptops to ensure all employees have a sanctioned device? Providing company-sanctioned devices is crucial for maintaining control over security and support. While a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy might seem convenient, it places the burden of tech support, maintenance, and security on the employees.

By issuing company devices, you ensure uniform security measures and ease the support process. Additionally, having a backup plan for device failures is essential. Ensure that there are provisions for quick replacements or repairs to avoid any disruption in workflow. This helps maintain productivity and ensures security protocols are followed.

4. Ensure Adequate VPN Licenses

Do you have enough VPN licenses to issue them as needed? Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are essential for securing remote access to company resources. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between the employee's device and the company network, protecting data from potential threats.

Make sure you have enough VPN licenses to accommodate all remote employees. This ensures they can access necessary resources securely without exposing your network to risks. Regularly review and update your VPN capacity to meet the growing needs of your remote workforce. Providing adequate VPN access is a fundamental step in securing your remote operations.

5. Assess Internet Access

Does the employee have sufficient Internet access to perform their job? Reliable internet access is a fundamental requirement for remote work. Slow or unreliable internet can significantly hamper productivity and efficiency. Assess whether your employees have adequate internet access and consider providing solutions or stipends to help them upgrade their service if necessary.

Make sure your remote workers have the bandwidth they need to use necessary applications, attend virtual meetings, and perform their tasks without interruptions. Providing support for better internet connectivity not only boosts productivity but also enhances overall employee satisfaction.

6. Verify System and Platform Access

Have you identified if remote employees have access to systems or platforms required to perform their job? Making sure that remote employees have the necessary access to systems and platforms is critical.

Verify that all essential software and applications are accessible remotely, including project management tools, communication platforms, and industry-specific software. Regularly check with employees to ensure they are not facing access issues and provide timely IT support to resolve any problems.

Evaluate if your current cloud solutions can handle the remote workload, providing the flexibility and scalability needed for effective remote operations. Ensuring seamless access to necessary tools is key to maintaining productivity in a remote work environment.

7. Implement Secure Measures Against Cyber Attacks

Is your company able to provide secure measures to avoid cyber attack risks when working remotely? Cybersecurity is paramount when managing remote employees. During the pandemic, 60% of businesses faced a cyber attack on remote workers.

Ensure your remote workforce uses protected Wi-Fi, VPN connections, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and password managers. Educate employees on best practices for cybersecurity, including how to recognize and avoid phishing and social engineering attacks. Regular training and updates on security protocols are essential to keeping your company data safe.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, maintaining strong security measures and staying vigilant is crucial for protecting your business and its assets.

8. Adjust IT Budget for Necessary Resources

Do you need to make adjustments to your IT budget to deliver necessary resources? This might involve investing in more robust security measures, additional software licenses, or upgraded hardware.

Consider reallocating funds from areas that have seen reduced spending due to remote work, such as office maintenance or travel expenses. Plan for unexpected costs, such as emergency tech support or quick replacements of essential equipment. Regularly review your IT budget to ensure it remains flexible and responsive to the changing needs of your remote workforce. A well-managed budget helps maintain smooth operations and address any unforeseen challenges promptly.

9. Offer Remote Work Security Training

Do you need to offer remote work security training to your staff? About 80% of remote employees do not have cybersecurity training. Providing remote work security training is vital for maintaining a secure remote work environment. This training should cover topics such as phishing, mobile device security, password management, incident reporting, and social engineering.

Regular training sessions help keep employees informed about the latest security threats and best practices, ensuring they can effectively protect company data and systems. Encouraging a culture of security awareness among employees is key to preventing cyber incidents and protecting your business.

Start Now

Managing IT for remote employees involves more than just providing devices and VPNs. It requires a comprehensive approach that includes updating policies, communicating expectations, providing necessary resources, and implementing robust security measures.

By following this checklist, business leaders can ensure their remote workforce is productive, secure, and well-supported. Stay proactive, keep your IT strategies flexible, and adapt to the evolving needs of your remote employees to maintain a successful and efficient business in 2025.

Ensuring your remote employees are well-equipped and secure is not just beneficial for them but crucial for the overall success and resilience of your business.


P.S. Want to start checking off the boxes? We have a downloadable version of this checklist for you! Click here.