Valparaiso Magazine - Winter 2021

tech for success | REWORKING THE WORKPLACE
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Securing data is important, but so is securing reliable internet service
for workers operating out of their homes. Golden Tech helps pay for
its work-from-home employees’ internet service because it’s part of
their job. Internet shouldn’t be an option, Shawn Massa said, but a
universal public utility.
“You can’t do business in a library. You can’t stay in a McDonalds
forever,” interjected Steve Massa, president of Golden Tech. Whether
working from a public venue or at home, there are some security
considerations for using the internet. A helpful hint from Steve Massa
is remembering when accessing a website, make sure the URL has
“https” at the beginning to indicate it’s a secure site.
At home, workers should be using company equipment if
possible. “It’s much, much better if there’s a company laptop,”
Grossbauer said. With a family computer, there’s no
telling what a kid might do that could jeopardize
company data. But companies have to make decisions
on a cost basis, too, he said.
GREG FOX
president of
Pulse Technology
— Greg Fox
Pulse Technology sells a backpack device
(like a fog machine) for disinfecting indoor spaces
to eliminate up to 99 percent of viruses.
Pulse Technology can guarantee consistent
delivery of, sometimes scarce, bleach wipes
to customers who purchase
for long term.
“Workers who were sent home to do their jobs got better at it as they
grew accustomed to the new routine. Along the way, they learned
new skills, too. Everyone in the area has already vastly improved at
collaborating online,” Steve Massa said. They’re sharing screenshots
and screen snipping now instead of just pointing to a chart. “These
guys are working around, kind of evolving as they do it,” he added.
Cloud-based software has made a big difference, Shawn Massa
mentioned, with online versions of standard programs like Microsoft
Office combined with videoconferencing software like Microsoft
Teams, Zoom and others. “It really came at the perfect time,” Steve
Massa said.
SharePoint allows coworkers to share documents, too. But be
cautious about oversharing.“You’re a vendor. Do I really want the
entire customer list shared?” Shawn Massa said. Make sure you
understand and are aware of all the features of software like
that and shared network drives. “There’s a fine line there,”
she said.
It remains to be seen how so many people working from
home will affect a company’s culture. “The office water cooler
does more than hydrate employees. It’s where problems are
shared, where esprit de corps and loyalty are built,” Fox said.
“It’s a joy to see a staff member show up at the office to pick up a
part,” Shawn Massa said.
“When workers return to the office, they want to be socially
distanced from coworkers now, Fox added. Architects and interior
designers are now taking that concern into consideration when
planning workspaces. >>
8 VALPARAISO MAGAZINE | WINTER 2021