5 Tips to Keep Your Team Communications Compliant During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is making working from home a necessity for numerous organisations. Beyond just large companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, Twitter, Iron Mountain and Airbnb, organisations who have never considered going remote before are now asking, or requiring, employees who can work from home to do so.

While most organisations’ offices have systems in place to ensure the safety and compliance of employee communications, such protections aren’t always implemented for people working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are five tips to keep your corporate communications compliant while employees work and remain healthy at home.

1. Monitor automated archiving of communications

Regulated industries, such as financial services, have specific laws requiring appropriate archiving of communications. Non-regulated industries don’t have the same requirements, but it’s a good idea to ensure that company protocols are followed. However, as a JD Supra blog points out, archiving communications isn’t as simple as “set it and forget it.” You need to monitor automated archiving to confirm nothing is missed.

2. Protect against data leakage

Remote workers are likely to use social media, which can be easily compromised. As BBC News reported, Facebook’s social media accounts were temporarily commandeered by hackers in February. Use software solutions that provide automatic alerts for potential security risks in social media posts.

3. Verify that communications solutions work on multiple devices

Even if you provide excellent company devices for employees, they are likely to use their own devices as well. That’s why so many companies have adopted bring-your-own-device policies for the workplace. An Inc. source recommends using a virtual desktop infrastructure, anti-virus and other protective software, as well as having clear policies about using personal devices for corporate work.

4. Use solutions that comply with global regulations

Many companies have business overseas and in the U.S. Choose communications solutions that ensure compliance with General Data Protection Regulation as well as U.S. and other global regulations.

5. Consult with an expert

Verifying security and compliance among employees when shifting from an office environment to a remote or hybrid remote-onsite environment can be a daunting task. Consult with an expert to establish information security best practices for your organisation.