Spark COVID-19 CHECKLIST LARGE Instructions
- June 6, 2024
- Spark
Table of Contents
Spark COVID-19 CHECKLIST LARGE
CHECK-UP
Hopefully your team is set up with the right devices, and access to the
internet from home. It’s been a challenging time for NZ businesses; some
things might have been missed. Double check you can access all your email,
programmes and files remotely, and that your team have done the same across
all the systems you use e.g. CRM, accounting, inventory management systems.
Talk to us about any connection help and support you need.
Focus on security
Make sure that remote access to programmes and files doesn’t compromise your
security. Review who has access to your VPN and update access for any users
who don’t already have it. Make sure your team are vigilant about any
suspicious emails or system warnings, especially anything Covid19 related. For
information on current scams or to report a scam go to
www.cert.govt.nz/alerts.
Watch your capacity
Check the capacity your network can support, consider the load and stresses
and increasing bandwidth if needed. If you can’t make changes consider ways of
working to manage the load, moving some work onto cloud based apps or users
logging on at
specific times.
Update your answering system
The message on your phone system should be updated to let your customers know
your availability. Update any call routing to make sure calls get to the right
people.
Collaborating together
You might have collaboration tools you’re already using, now is the time to
make sure you have an agreed way of using them. If you’re considering new
tools and currently use Office 365, Teams is likely available in your licence.
For those not on Office 365, Microsoft is offering a free 6-month trial of
Teams with full access to the Office suite across devices, plus Teams calling
and video conferencing and 1TB of storage. Dropbox Business and Webex Teams
also offer a free trial of their full collaboration experience with shared
documents, messaging and meetings.
Don’t forget to text
Text is a great way to get messages to your team quickly with a very high read
rate – 90% are read within 3 minutes.
Keep working on ways of working
Communication is key in maintaining your productivity during difficult times.
Check in with your team to check systems are working. Create a structure to
communicate regularly with calls or video chat, and what times you’ll do it.
Scheduling a daily check-in is a simple way to keep everyone on the same page
and help them feel supported and motivated when working away from the office.
We’re here to support you
As you go on and through talking with your team you might find areas that
need addressing. The current situation with COVID-19 is an unprecedented and
challenging time and like all businesses, Spark is adapting day by day. We
understand the challenge and are here to help. Reach out to your local Spark
Business Hub if there’s anything you think we can do to support you.
