{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-articles-index-jsx","path":"/articles/transitioning-to-long-term-work-from-home/","result":{"data":{"props":{"adsense":true,"adsenseMobile":false,"byLine":"","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/articles/transitioning-to-long-term-work-from-home/","content":"\n

Office workers in the United States are now seven months into working from home, which is a far cry from the few weeks they might've expected at the start of the pandemic. As the weeks turned to months, many companies have been forced to convert to an entirely different work culture, figuring out what works and what doesn't as they went along.

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Now that many companies have extended full-time remote operations until at least January 2021, they are faced with transitioning their workers effectively into working from home for the long term.

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\"One thing is clear: Our workplace is changing and won't be the same after this global pandemic,\" Rorie Devine, founder and CEO of GRO, told business.com. \"Companies must now shift their focus towards a more agile work environment and limit their dependency on physical workplaces.\"

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Best Pick Cards
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Editor's note: Looking for the right video conferencing system for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.

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How to transition to long-term or permanent work from home

\r\n

If your company has decided to make telework a long-term or permanent situation, there are many things you can do to help make the transition smooth.  

\r\n

1. Use the proper communication tools.

\r\n

Howard Sublett, co-CEO and chief product owner at Scrum Alliance, said you should invest in the necessary tools for asynchronous communication. He said businesses need to find the online tools and software that will allow their employees to stay connected and get insights into various projects in real time.

\r\n

2. Only hold video meetings with a clear purpose.

\r\n

One of the most common remote work complaints is video call fatigue – also referred to as \"Zoom burnout.\" To avoid this problem, try to limit your video meetings, and make sure every meeting has a defined purpose and agenda that is shared with everyone involved with the call.

\r\n

3. Have a dedicated workspace.

\r\n

Going from commuting to an office to walking a few steps from the bedroom to the kitchen is a difficult transition. The best way to trick your mind into thinking you have entered a workspace is to create a true working environment as best you can – even if it's just a computer monitor on your kitchen table or a desk in your bedroom corner. Only use that space for work, and walk away from it when your work is done for the day.

\r\n

4. Create boundaries between your work and personal life.

\r\n

Another common complaint from remote employees is the difficulty of drawing boundaries between work and home life – after all, work is now home. Blurred lines between work and home life can lead to burnout, so do your best to create firm working hours and stick to them. Communicate your boundaries to family members and co-workers, and commit yourself to walking away from work when your day ends.

\r\n

5. Overcommunicate.

\r\n

When you're used to communicating in person with team members, it can be difficult to move that same level of communication to a digital format. Significant nuance and nonverbal communication are lost when communication is virtual, which can cause rifts when something is assumed or tone is misread. Commit to overcommunicating and making things as clear as possible, and avoid assumptions.

\r\n

6. Set a schedule.

\r\n

The structure of your day is a lot more flexible with a remote job, so it might be helpful to create a schedule that you follow each day. \"Have a plan and use your time wisely,\" said Lucy Reyes, a full-time blogger. \"Working from home can make you much more productive and enable you to get more things done at home. However, the opposite can happen as well, so make a plan around how your time will be used so you can stay successful and productive all around.\"

\r\n

COVID-19 and its effect on working from home

\r\n

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March and the country shut down, many companies assumed that mandatory remote work would be a short-term issue, with workers coming back after a month or so. However, working from home has turned into a long haul for most American office employees, with no clear end in sight.

\r\n

As such, there has been a herculean shift in how all types of employees, including managers, work. Employees have had to create workspaces in their homes, balance work tasks with child care and adjust to collaboration via Zoom. However, many studies have shown that productivity has increased as a result of people working from home. [Looking for new video conferencing software to help with your remote team? Check out our best picks.]

\r\n

In a study by YouGov, in partnership with USA Today and LinkedIn, 54% of respondents said working from home had positively affected their productivity, and many respondents had positive reactions to the lack of commute, fewer distractions from co-workers, and the ability to create a more flexible work schedule.

\r\n

On the other hand, the sudden switch to working from home full time has created a slew of mental health issues, including burnout, increased stress and anxiety, loneliness, and social isolation. A global study conducted by Qualtrics, SAP and Mind Share Partners found that over 40% of respondents said their mental health has declined since the outbreak of COVID-19, with more workers reporting high levels of anxiety and stress.

\r\n

A study by Twingate found that full-time remote work is diminishing work-life balance and increasing burnout and mental exhaustion in respondents. The research shows that 45% of respondents reported having to attend more meetings as remote workers than they did in the office, and 40% of employees have experienced mental exhaustion as a result of more video calls.

\r\n

Many companies are now considering either making remote work a permanent situation or creating a flexible work schedule that lets employees can choose when they work from home. Google, Zillow and Mercedes-Benz recently announced that they will not be returning to in-person work until 2021, leading many other companies to follow suit.  

\r\n

Pros and cons of working from home

\r\n

There are many factors at play when you're considering whether to transition your company to long-term or permanent work from home. First and foremost, you must think about what will work best for your company and employees. Here are some of the main pros and cons of remote work.

\r\n

Pros

\r\n
    \n
  1. \nGreater schedule flexibility: One of the biggest benefits of working from home is the greater ability to mold your schedule into one that works for you, rather than adjusting yourself to suit the office schedule. With remote work, you can structure your day to best suit your workload and meetings, as well as your non-work obligations, such as medical appointments or child care.

    \n
    2. \r\n
  2. \nNo commute: With the average American spending 225 hours commuting in 2018, it's clear that the loss of a commute is a major benefit of working from home. Eliminating a commute can also decrease stress and save money on gas or public transportation.

    \n
    3. \r\n
  3. \nIncreased productivity: Working from home increases productivity for many workers, due in part to the ability to create their own schedule and decrease distractions. Working from home also allows employees to take breaks as they need them, which reduces stress and can help keep burnout at bay.

    \n
    4. \r\n
  4. \nFewer workplace distractions: How many times did you complain about the co-worker who always seems to be on the phone, or the manager who stopped by your desk every 10 minutes? Working from home means fewer such distractions, which can help you focus on your work for longer.

    \n
    5. \r\n
  5. \nImproved communication skills: The sudden transition to working remotely meant that companies around the world had to quickly adjust how they communicated with each other. This has resulted in many workers gaining various new communication skills. Remote work has encouraged employees to build skills in overcommunicating to avoid misunderstandings, effectively running video meetings, and writing clear, effective emails to co-workers. \"[Working from home] has taught many companies just how flexible and capable they can be in extreme situations, and brought teams closer together,\" said Adam Korbl, CEO and founder of iFax.
    6. \r\n
\n

Cons

\r\n
    \n
  1. \nIsolation: One of the greatest drawbacks to being at home every day is feelings of isolation and loneliness. Many workers enjoyed the social aspect of working in an office, so an abrupt transition to full-time independent work can be a difficult adjustment. \"Not having a commute or face-to-face interaction does have a negative effect on socialization and overall happiness,\" said Paul Burke, vice president of private brands for Sidekick Digital Media. \"There are things you get at the office that you just can't replicate working from home.\"

    \n
    2. \r\n
  2. \nHome office costs: Most office workers did not have a designated working space in their homes before the pandemic, so many employees had to buy desks, chairs, faster Wi-Fi or computer equipment to do their jobs effectively from home.

    \n
    3. \r\n
  3. \nPoor work-life balance: When you're working where you live, it can be difficult to draw a line between your work and personal life. Many remote employees struggle to designate firm work hours and find themselves working all the time – or constantly thinking about work. Try to set strict working hours and boundaries with your co-workers and family members to maintain the separation.

    \n
    4. \r\n
  4. \nLoss of productivity: While working from home might increase productivity for some workers, it may have the opposite effect on others. Working in your living room might tempt you to take frequent breaks, and having family members around can be distracting.

    \n
    5. \r\n
  5. \nDisconnect from co-workers: When you're used to seeing co-workers in the office every day and working together face to face, it can be difficult to transition to video calls and emails. It may take longer to get answers to your questions, and some nuance may be lost in communication. \"Company culture is hard to build and maintain, even for teams under the same roof,\" said Sahin Boydas, founder and CEO of RemoteTeam.com. \"Create an environment for [remote] employee engagement to thrive.\"
    6. \r\n
\n","docType":"article","guid":"articles_ce7bf6e1a558a9f9c4cd8cca039e02eb","lastModified":"2021-04-06T17:57:00.000Z","published":"2020-09-15T12:18:00.000Z","structuredData":null,"subtitle":"Working from home has become the reality for many American workers. Here's how to transition into long-term remote work.","template":"v1","title":"How to Transition to Long-Term Work From Home","type":"article","author":{"avatar":null,"bio":"Kiely Kuligowski is a business.com and Business News Daily writer and has written more than 200 B2B-related articles on topics designed to help small businesses market and grow their companies. Kiely spent hundreds of hours researching, analyzing and writing about the best marketing services for small businesses, including email marketing and text message marketing software. Additionally, Kiely writes on topics that help small business owners and entrepreneurs boost their social media engagement on platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.","name":"Kiely Kuligowski","image":null,"slug":null,"social":{"facebook":"","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiely-kuligowski/","twitter":"https://twitter.com/kielykools","website":"https://www.business.com/"},"status":"disabled","title":null,"type":"Staff","user":{"imagePath":"https://staging.business.com/images/uploads/user/profile/d7d5accdefd169507567c8c0053c61a5d281f.jpg","profile":{"company":"business.com","jobTitle":"Staff Writer","website":"https://www.business.com/"}}},"breadcrumbs":null,"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Human Resources","slug":"human-resources"},"sub":{"name":"Employees","slug":"employees"}},"meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"COVID-19 has caused thousands of companies to adopt remote work, and many are making it permanent. What will your business do?","title":"How to Transition to Permanent Work From Home - business.com"},"parsedContent":{"toc":[{"id":"how-to-transition-to-long-term-or-permanent-work-from-home","title":"How to transition to long-term or permanent work from home"},{"id":"covid-19-and-its-effect-on-working-from-home","title":"COVID-19 and its effect on working from home"},{"id":"pros-and-cons-of-working-from-home","title":"Pros and cons of working from home"}],"json":[{"component":"p","children":["Office workers in the United States are now seven months into working from home, which is a far cry from the few weeks they might've expected at the start of the pandemic. As the weeks turned to months, many companies have been forced to convert to an entirely different work culture, figuring out what works and what doesn't as they went along."]},{"component":"p","children":["Now that many companies have extended full-time remote operations until at least January 2021, they are faced with transitioning their workers effectively into working from home for the long term."]},{"component":"p","children":["\"One thing is clear: Our workplace is changing and won't be the same after this global pandemic,\" Rorie Devine, founder and CEO of ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://gro.team/"},"children":["GRO"]},", told business.com. \"Companies must now shift their focus towards a more agile work environment and limit their dependency on physical workplaces.\""]},{"component":"BestPicks","props":{"id":"BestPicksPlaceHolder","className":"widget-best-picks placeholder","data-mce-contenteditable":"false"},"children":["Best Pick Cards"]},{"component":"p","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Editor's note: Looking for the right video conferencing system for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs."]}]},{"component":"p","children":[{"component":"strong","children":[" "]}]},{"component":"RfqWidget","props":{"className":"bz-form-widget","id":"bz-form-widget-0","widgetCategoryId":"10091"},"children":[" "]},{"component":"p","children":[" "]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"how-to-transition-to-long-term-or-permanent-work-from-home"},"children":["How to transition to long-term or permanent work from home"]},{"component":"p","children":["If your company has decided to make telework a long-term or permanent situation, there are many things you can do to help make the transition smooth.  "]},{"component":"h3","children":["1. Use the proper communication tools."]},{"component":"p","children":["Howard Sublett, co-CEO and chief product owner at ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.scrumalliance.org/","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["Scrum Alliance"]},", said you should invest in the necessary tools for asynchronous communication. He said businesses need to find the online tools and software that will allow their employees to stay connected and get insights into various projects in real time."]},{"component":"h3","children":["2. Only hold video meetings with a clear purpose."]},{"component":"p","children":["One of the most common remote work complaints is video call fatigue – also referred to as ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15728-zoom-burnout.html","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["\"Zoom burnout.\""]}," To avoid this problem, try to limit your video meetings, and make sure every meeting has a defined purpose and agenda that is shared with everyone involved with the call."]},{"component":"h3","children":["3. Have a dedicated workspace."]},{"component":"p","children":["Going from commuting to an office to walking a few steps from the bedroom to the kitchen is a difficult transition. The best way to trick your mind into thinking you have entered a workspace is to create a true working environment as best you can – even if it's just a computer monitor on your kitchen table or a desk in your bedroom corner. Only use that space for work, and walk away from it when your work is done for the day."]},{"component":"h3","children":["4. Create boundaries between your work and personal life."]},{"component":"p","children":["Another common complaint from remote employees is the difficulty of drawing boundaries between work and home life – after all, work is now home. Blurred lines between work and home life can lead to burnout, so do your best to create firm working hours and stick to them. Communicate your boundaries to family members and co-workers, and commit yourself to walking away from work when your day ends."]},{"component":"h3","children":["5. Overcommunicate."]},{"component":"p","children":["When you're used to communicating in person with team members, it can be difficult to move that same level of communication to a digital format. Significant nuance and nonverbal communication are lost when communication is virtual, which can cause rifts when something is assumed or tone is misread. Commit to overcommunicating and making things as clear as possible, and avoid assumptions."]},{"component":"h3","children":["6. Set a schedule."]},{"component":"p","children":["The structure of your day is a lot more flexible with a remote job, so it might be helpful to create a schedule that you follow each day. \"Have a plan and use your time wisely,\" said Lucy Reyes, a ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"http://www.cheerstolifeblogging.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["full-time blogger"]},". \"Working from home can make you much more productive and enable you to get more things done at home. However, the opposite can happen as well, so make a plan around how your time will be used so you can stay successful and productive all around.\""]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"covid-19-and-its-effect-on-working-from-home"},"children":["COVID-19 and its effect on working from home"]},{"component":"p","children":["When the ",{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/covid-resources/"},"children":["COVID-19 pandemic"]}," hit in March and the country shut down, many companies assumed that mandatory remote work would be a short-term issue, with workers coming back after a month or so. However, working from home has turned into a long haul for most American office employees, with no clear end in sight."]},{"component":"p","children":["As such, there has been a herculean shift in how all types of employees, including managers, work. Employees have had to create workspaces in their homes, balance work tasks with child care and adjust to ",{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/reviews/zoom-video-conferencing/"},"children":["collaboration via Zoom"]},". However, many studies have shown that ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/15259-working-from-home-more-productive.html","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["productivity has increased as a result of people working from home"]},". ",{"component":"strong","children":["[Looking for new video conferencing software to help with your remote team? Check out our "]},{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/categories/video-conferencing-services/"},"children":[{"component":"strong","children":["best picks"]}]},{"component":"strong","children":["."]},{"component":"strong","children":["] "]}]},{"component":"p","children":["In a study by YouGov, in partnership with USA Today and LinkedIn, 54% of respondents said ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://docs.cdn.yougov.com/jji6tz3xy0/work%20from%20home%20survey%20April%202020.pdf","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["working from home had positively affected their productivity"]},", and many ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/05/04/coronavirus-pandemic-might-game-changer-working-home/3061862001/","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["respondents had positive reactions"]}," to the lack of commute, fewer distractions from co-workers, and the ability to create a more flexible work schedule."]},{"component":"p","children":["On the other hand, the sudden switch to working from home full time has created a slew of mental health issues, including ",{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/articles/avoiding-burnout/"},"children":["burnout"]},", increased stress and anxiety, loneliness, and social isolation. A global study conducted by Qualtrics, SAP and Mind Share Partners found that over 40% of respondents said their ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.qualtrics.com/blog/confronting-mental-health/","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["mental health has declined since the outbreak of COVID-19"]},", with more workers reporting high levels of anxiety and stress."]},{"component":"p","children":["A study by Twingate found that ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.twingate.com/research/cybersecurity-in-the-age-of-coronavirus/","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["full-time remote work is diminishing work-life balance"]}," and increasing burnout and mental exhaustion in respondents. The research shows that 45% of respondents reported having to attend more meetings as remote workers than they did in the office, and 40% of employees have experienced mental exhaustion as a result of more video calls."]},{"component":"p","children":["Many companies are now considering either making remote work a permanent situation or creating a flexible work schedule that lets employees can choose when they work from home. Google, Zillow and Mercedes-Benz recently announced that they will not be returning to in-person work until 2021, leading many other companies to follow suit.  "]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"pros-and-cons-of-working-from-home"},"children":["Pros and cons of working from home"]},{"component":"p","children":["There are many factors at play when you're considering whether to transition your company to long-term or permanent work from home. First and foremost, you must think about what will work best for your company and employees. Here are some of the main pros and cons of remote work."]},{"component":"h3","children":["Pros"]},{"component":"ol","children":[{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Greater schedule flexibility: "]},"One of the biggest benefits of working from home is the greater ability to mold your schedule into one that works for you, rather than adjusting yourself to suit the office schedule. With ",{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/articles/remote-work-trends-after-the-coronavirus/"},"children":["remote work"]},", you can structure your day to best suit your workload and meetings, as well as your non-work obligations, such as medical appointments or child care.",{"component":"br"},{"component":"br"}]},{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["No commute: "]},"With the average American ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2019/10/07/nine-days-road-average-commute-time-reached-new-record-last-year/","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["spending 225 hours commuting"]}," in 2018, it's clear that the loss of a commute is a major benefit of working from home. Eliminating a commute can also decrease stress and save money on gas or public transportation.",{"component":"br"},{"component":"br"}]},{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Increased productivity: "]},"Working from home increases productivity for many workers, due in part to the ability to create their own schedule and decrease distractions. Working from home also allows employees to take breaks as they need them, which reduces stress and can help keep burnout at bay.",{"component":"br"},{"component":"br"}]},{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Fewer workplace distractions: "]},"How many times did you complain about the co-worker who always seems to be on the phone, or the manager who stopped by your desk every 10 minutes? Working from home means fewer such distractions, which can help you focus on your work for longer.",{"component":"br"},{"component":"br"}]},{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Improved communication skills: "]},"The sudden transition to working remotely meant that companies around the world had to quickly adjust how they communicated with each other. This has resulted in many workers gaining various new communication skills. Remote work has encouraged employees to build skills in overcommunicating to avoid misunderstandings, effectively running video meetings, and writing clear, effective emails to co-workers. \"[Working from home] has taught many companies just how flexible and capable they can be in extreme situations, and brought teams closer together,\" said Adam Korbl, CEO and founder of ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.ifaxapp.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["iFax"]},"."]}]},{"component":"h3","children":["Cons"]},{"component":"ol","children":[{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Isolation: "]},"One of the greatest drawbacks to being at home every day is feelings of isolation and loneliness. Many workers enjoyed the social aspect of working in an office, so an abrupt transition to full-time independent work can be a difficult adjustment. \"Not having a commute or face-to-face interaction does have a negative effect on socialization and overall happiness,\" said Paul Burke, vice president of private brands for ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.sidekickdigitalmedia.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["Sidekick Digital Media"]},". \"There are things you get at the office that you just can't replicate working from home.\"",{"component":"br"},{"component":"br"}]},{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Home office costs: "]},"Most office workers did not have a designated working space in their homes before the pandemic, so many employees had to buy desks, chairs, faster Wi-Fi or computer equipment to do their jobs effectively from home.",{"component":"br"},{"component":"br"}]},{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Poor work-life balance: "]},"When you're working where you live, it can be difficult to draw a line between your work and personal life. 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It may take longer to get answers to your questions, and some nuance may be lost in communication. \"Company culture is hard to build and maintain, even for teams under the same roof,\" said Sahin Boydas, founder and CEO of ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"http://www.remoteteam.com/"},"children":["RemoteTeam.com"]},". \"Create an environment for [remote] employee engagement to thrive.\""]}]}]},"resource":null,"sponsorship":{"sponsorType":"no-sponsor","name":null,"thumbnail":null,"bio":null,"slug":null,"status":null,"social":{"website":null,"linkedin":null,"twitter":null,"facebook":null}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/content/5f6/0411d5a215e8c538b4567/1500-0-","caption":"Ridofranz / Getty Images","isBlurred":false},"bestPicks":{"title":"The Best Access Control Systems of 2021","widgetSection":{"__typename":"SectionWidget","widget":{"widgetId":"10056"}},"bestPicksSection":{"__typename":"SectionBestPicks","bestpicks":[{"fullTitle":"Featured Sponsor","bullets":["Key fob or keypad entry","24/7 emergency dispatch","No installation fees"],"isFeaturedBestPick":false,"isJumpLink":false,"tabTitle":"Featured Sponsor","review":{"isReview":true,"adsense":false,"canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/simplisafe/","review":{"fullReview":"

SimpliSafe is an easy-to-use business security system that can be set up in under an hour. After that, it protects every inch of your property 24/7 with emergency dispatch and instant alerts for break-ins, power outages, leaks and dangerous temperature changes. With this system, you no longer have to worry about whether your business is safe. However, it lacks many of the access control features we looked for.

\r\n

Pricing

\r\n

SimpliSafe offers four security packages that you can choose from based on the size of your home or business. These packages are broken down below:

\r\n

The Essentials

\r\n\r\n

The Hearth

\r\n\r\n

The Knox

\r\n\r\n

The Haven

\r\n\r\n

You can also design a custom security system and purchase extra sensors if you need them. SimpliSafe doesn't require any contracts and offers the option of 24/7 monitoring.

\r\n

Features

\r\n

With SimpliSafe, you can choose the type of monitoring you want. Options include sensors for doors and windows, motion detectors, freeze and water sensors, and HD security cameras. The system is easy to set up: It arrives ready to go, and it can be set up in under an hour, with no professional installation required. It's also easy to use. Securing your property takes seconds with a key fob or keypad, and employees can also use a unique PIN code to enter the building when a manager isn't there.

\r\n

Here are more of SimpliSafe's notable features:

\r\n\r\n

Pros

\r\n

SimpliSafe offers a thoughtfully designed, easy-to-use, budget-friendly security system that makes it easy for small businesses to secure their facilities. The packages are reasonably priced for different sizes of business, and the hardware is built to last and simple to set up on your own.

\r\n

Cons

\r\n

While SimpliSafe is an excellent security system, it has little to offer in the way of access control. The only features it offers specifically to control access to your building are keypads, key fobs and entry sensors. The focus of the company is more on home security than business access control.

\r\n

Customer Support

\r\n

You can reach SimpliSafe by phone or email. Additionally, its online resource center allows you to find answers to your questions about the system on your own.

"},"url":"https://simplisafe.com/","docType":"service","title":"SimpliSafe","thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5e961ead7b4374120a8b4572/simplisafe.png"},"pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"affiliate","widgetId":null,"widget":null,"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.amazon.com","name":"Amazon"}}}},{"fullTitle":"Best Access Control System Overall","bullets":["Three service plan options","Phone, key card or fob options","Mobile app for remote management"],"isFeaturedBestPick":false,"isJumpLink":false,"tabTitle":"Best Overall","review":{"isReview":true,"adsense":false,"canonical":"https://staging.business.com/access-control-systems/kisi/","review":{"fullReview":"

Kisi provides a flexible, modern system that works well for every type of business. With a wide range of employee access options, a mobile app for remote management and integration with other services, you can create the exact access control setup your business needs. For these reasons, Kisi is our choice as the best access control system overall. 

\r\n

Kisi's access control system consists of four parts: mobile and card access, a wall reader, cloud management and the Kisi controller.

\r\n

Pricing

\r\n

Kisi's hardware is simple, with the following options:

\r\n\r\n

Other options for control panels are available from LifeSafety Power, a third-party equipment provider.

\r\n

The software comes in three plan options, all of which include the Kisi management dashboard and mobile credentials. Licenses are set per user and per door on a monthly, yearly or multiyear basis. You'll need to contact Kisi for a personalized quote. Here is a breakdown of each plan:

\r\n

Basic

\r\n\r\n

Standard

\r\n\r\n

Pro

\r\n\r\n

Kisi offers a 30-day trial for all of its plans. It does provide international shipping.

\r\n

Features

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Kisi provides several options for building access. Employees can use phones, key cards or fobs that work with a reader. You can even set the system to grant access using a temporary link sent to an employee's phone. Here's more of what Kisi offers:

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Pros

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We like Kisi because it is a modern, flexible system that can be adjusted to suit many different business types and sizes. It is hosted in the cloud, which means maintenance and updates are simple and easy, and you don't have to worry about losing your data. Additionally, using the cloud means there is no need for local servers, and you can manage your system from anywhere.

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Kisi also has an open API, which allows it to integrate with many other products and software, including Okta, Cisco, Coworks, Azure and more.

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Cons

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Kisi offers simple hardware options, so if you're looking for a highly customizable system with lots of hardware options, Kisi may not be the best system for you.

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Customer Support

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Kisi offers exemplary support and resource options on its website, including product sheets of its access control systems and a community section where there are answers and topics relating to Kisi's access control systems. If you need to contact Kisi, the best way is by phone or email, as there is no live chat.

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ISONAS provides Pure IP access control, which uses your existing network connection rather than depending on wiring and panels on each door. ISONAS also sells hardware to convert older systems into IP systems that are compatible with their access management software suite.

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To see all our recommendations for access control systems, see our best picks page.

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ISONAS Options and Plans

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For the most accurate pricing according to your business and its needs, contact ISONAS directly for a quote.

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ISONAS sells its software and hardware products separately, so you have full control over what products you use in your business. Because ISONAS requires limited hardware and no software infrastructure, it's a budget-friendly system. It also has easy installation and web-based training that helps lower costs.

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ISONAS offers two software options: Pure Access Cloud and Pure Access Manager. Pure Access Cloud is available as a fully hosted version in the cloud or on-premises. The reader-controllers are preconfigured to the cloud and require a network connection onsite, which makes getting up and running simple.

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Pure Access Manager is the on-premise version of Pure Access and allows you to manage your access control from any device within your network.

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For hardware, you will at least need a reader, controller and credentials, whether physical, like key cards or fobs, or mobile, like an app. If your reader will be outside the building, consider buying a weatherproofing kit to protect it from the elements.

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Features

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ISONAS' biggest draw is that it offers minimal hardware and easy-to-use software that come with a cloud-based management system. This makes it easy for very small businesses to set it up and provide (and manage) access for their employees.

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Because ISONAS employs Pure IP access control, it is able to keep costs down by eliminating unnecessary hardware and installation.

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ISONAS offers door readers in two varieties: proximity card-only or keypad and card. There is no biometric reader or mobile phone option. The readers themselves are intelligent and store most of the data for the system, allowing them to make authentication decisions and open doors even if the network is down. ISONAS allows you to use third-party credentials with its system, but it offers its own proprietary credentials, including mobile, badge cards, cap tags, key fobs and thin cards.

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However, ISONAS doesn't offer certain safety integrations that can be essential parts of a comprehensive access control system. For instance, a fire and hold-up alarm are missing. The system does give you the ability to immediately void credentials if an employee leaves the company or if any misuse is detected.

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ISONAS also allows third-party software manufacturers to use ISONAS hardware products.

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You access the system's report interface through a web browser on any device with an internet connection, including laptops, tablets and smartphones. The interface gives detailed reports on unlock times, credential usage and suspicious events. You can also set up an anti-passback system to require employees to use an exit reader, so you can see when they enter and leave. A separate video management system can be integrated with the IP system.

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ISONAS-Milestone (IMACX) is an integration that provides users with a single interface to control doors and manage alarms. IMACX is compatible with Pure Access Cloud and Manager.

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Customer Service

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We received quick and informative customer service when we contacted this company. There is a support portal for customers with a login, but no live chat support. You can also submit a support ticket.

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ISONAS offers a variety of technical resources such as support documentation, videos and handy installation guides on its website to familiarize you with the various components of its system.

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There are several support and warranty options available depending on what components you purchase, including single-case support, annual support and extended hardware warranties.

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Editor's note: Looking for an access control system for your business? Fill out the questionnaire below to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.

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Vanderbilt offers high-quality hardware that more than meets industry standards for access control systems, with intelligent door readers and encrypted smart cards. Vanderbilt is our best pick for businesses with multiple doors because it offers access control systems that are easy to scale and have no limit on the number of supported doors.

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Vanderbilt's web-based solutions for small and midsize businesses, Lite Blue and Bright Blue, allow business owners to immediately lock down the facility with the push of a button.

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Vanderbilt Options and Plans

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For small businesses, Vanderbilt's web-based solutions, Lite Blue and Bright Blue, allow business owners to immediately lock down the facility with the push of a button.

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The Lite Blue system monitors up to eight doors and can support up to 5,000 cardholders. For businesses wanting to add video surveillance to their system, Lite Blue can easily integrate with the company's video surveillance and recording equipment.

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Bright Blue is designed for midsize businesses. It too has the capacity to handle 5,000 card users, and the platform monitors up to 32 doors. You can access the interface on any internet-connected computer and view a full log of your employees' entry history. It has unlimited memory for storing these records. As with the Lite Blue system, you can add video surveillance and monitoring.

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A third option, ACT365, is suited for businesses with multiple sites, such as retail shops, gyms and restaurants. It provides access control, as well as video recording and playback. The access control system uses PIN codes, cards and fob keys that allow employees to gain access to your building. It also easily integrates with video management and supports up to four cameras per unit.

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Vanderbilt also offers maintenance contracts for its system, but these services relate to software upgrades, health checks for your system and discounted training. 

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Features

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With the reporting and administration interface, you can monitor employees' activities and set up notifications for any activity you deem suspicious. All of Vanderbilt's systems give you complete control over the security of your building. You can easily activate and deactivate access for employees and others. Vanderbilt's fire and intrusion alarms can also be tied into the system for more comprehensive coverage.

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Vanderbilt also offers a security management system that integrates your facility's access control technologies with your digital video and alarm monitoring systems to allow you to manage all of your security from a single platform.

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Customer Service

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We contacted Vanderbilt Industries to evaluate its customer service. While representatives answered most of our questions, it took some time to get through to anyone with specialized knowledge beyond a sales pitch.

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However, Vanderbilt Industries is a manufacturer that works with distributors and dealers. If you have a question or concern about your system, the best resource is your local dealer.

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The company does offer support resources for customers. There is live chat, and you can call the company's toll-free number or submit a request to be contacted on Vanderbilt's website. There is a calendar of training events on the website, but there isn't much documentation available. Again, the best bet for answering questions about your Vanderbilt access control system is likely the dealer from whom you purchased the system.

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October 2020: Vanderbilt Industries has introduced Mobile Act ID, a cloud-based, zero-touch credential option that allows administrators to easily control access and authenticate users via the cloud. The credential seamlessly integrates with all of Vanderbilt's access control platforms and does not require extra subscriptions or fees. This feature allows users to quickly issue new credentials and to grant and restrict access to facilities.

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Editor's note: Looking for an access control system for your business? Fill out the questionnaire below to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.

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ADT offers significant customization options so you can design an access control system that works for your business. If you want to integrate access control with other security features, such as burglary and fire monitoring, video surveillance, and remote arm and disarm, ADT will work with you to customize a security solution to suit your needs. Such integration is the main reason ADT is our best pick for video surveillance. ADT is experienced in security and offers several customization options to make sure your business is covered.

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To see all our recommendations for access control systems, see our best picks page.

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ADT Options and Plans 

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ADT integrates access control with other security features for your business. If you want a very minimal system, ADT offers Business Basic that is just burglary and hold-up alarm monitoring, temperature monitoring and flood detection.

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ADT's other business security solutions fall under the Pulse for Business name. There is ADT Pulse Premise Control, which offers all of Business Basic's features plus others, like notifications sent to your phone, remote arm and disarm, remote access, and customized scheduling. Pulse's Enterprise View plan expands to include interactive video.

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If you want ADT's top-of-the-line system, Pulse Total Productivity secures and monitors your premises while also allowing you to control lights, appliances, and even the temperature of the building remotely. This is an especially useful feature for restaurants with cold storage or other businesses with appliances that are crucial to the company's operations.

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Features

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While ADT is first and foremost a security company, we also assessed its access control products, which include door readers or keypad readers that require both physical credentials and a PIN code. Unfortunately, ADT does not offer biometric readers, nor does the system allow for mobile phone access for employees, which means that your employees are limited to using cards and PIN codes to access your facility.

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ADT also offers a two-way intercom. There is a single-door, audio-only solution where an employee or visitor can speak with the attendant. One version does not include a release mechanism to buzz in visitors or employees, but a second version does have this feature.

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With ADT, your business is under 24/7 monitoring, and emergency services are alerted whenever a break-in or fire alarm goes off, which is convenient and cost-effective because you don't have to pay additional employees or hire an outside service to monitor your security.

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One of the system's most attractive features is its mobile app. With it, you can control nearly every aspect of your business's security from your smartphone. The app allows you to lock and unlock doors remotely, so you can let employees in if they forget their credentials. If you opt for video surveillance, you can tap into a live video feed of your business to check on things. From the app, you can arm or disarm your alarm system, turn the lights on and off, and detect when doors are left open.

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If you opt for video surveillance, not only can you instantly view the current status of your facility, but you can program the system to record triggered events, such as when employees enter the building, when an alarm goes off or when your motion-sensor lights turn on outside. While ADT's system does allow for anti-passback, it's unfortunate not to have any integration with time and attendance software.

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Customer Service

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If you're weighing the pros and cons of installing an access control system or upgrading your current security system to include access control, you can learn more about ADT's features and its Pulse security packages on the company's website. However, the best way to learn about the type of system you can create and what it will cost is to contact the company directly. ADT will work with you to create a system to suit your needs.

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Support is available 24/7, and our experience with ADT over the phone and through its live chat function on the website was positive overall. The company also offers onsite training and support videos on the website. The Better Business Bureau has given ADT an A+ rating.

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Editor's note: Looking for an access control system for your business? Fill out the questionnaire below to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.

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