The Benefits of Cloud Storage for Remote Workers

For remote workers, having greater control over their work environment is a huge advantage of working virtually. But that control can bring more responsibility. Often, it’s up to a remote worker (rather than their employer) to make sure data is stable, secure, and readily accessible. That’s where cloud storage can offer big benefits and more peace of mind.

Cloud storage services like Dropbox can be a smart way for remote workers to manage files, share data, and work more seamlessly as part of a distributed team. The very nature of cloud storage–i.e., keeping data on remote, “cloud-based” Internet servers–makes it a key component of remote work. That’s because working “in the cloud” can be vital not only for remote workers, but to employers with team members based in a variety of locations.

But for remote workers in particular, especially those with limited technological skills or no access to tech support from outside sources, there are several sound reasons why using cloud storage services just makes sense.

Makes access easier.

The ability to access and manage data is critical for remote workers who may be juggling multiple projects for different clients. Using cloud storage services can cut way down on the frustrations that come with not being able to find or share files. A good cloud storage system and a reliable Internet connection can make accessing and manipulating data relatively simple and pain-free.

Helps in retrieving lost data.

“Disaster recovery.” Taken together, those two words can raise a scary specter for remote workers who fret over losing the fruits of their labor because they don’t have a reliable data backup system. Cloud storage services can greatly reduce or even eliminate that worry. Whether data has been deleted by accident or seemingly disappeared over time, a cloud storage system with automated backups can give virtual workers assurance that lost data can be brought back to life.

Improves collaboration.

Collaborative platforms play a central role in helping remote teams function efficiently and meet goals. File sharing can help a distributed team “play well together” in real time by notifying colleagues of changes to a project and keeping everyone on the same page. Increased collaboration can increase productivity and help your team communicate across multiple time zones, if necessary.

Makes version control more manageable.

Who did what, and when? Better workflow management makes for better remote workers. When tracking changes made by multiple colleagues to a single document or project, a cloud storage system can make good teamwork more achievable. With cloud storage, it can be relatively simple to restore an earlier version or undo changes in a document. The same applies for solo remote workers who may want to consult or revert back to an earlier version of their own work.

Supports working on-the-go.

Being able to work from varied locations is one of the benefits of remote work. Cloud storage can help remote workers stay productive from wherever they choose to work–a home office, a co-working space, on the road, or any location where they can find reliable Internet service. Cloud storage apps can be a great way to facilitate working from anywhere, because they allow users to synchronize smartphones and other computing devices.

Increases security.

“Cloud” is a fluffy word, to be sure. But a cloud storage system is anything but soft, security-wise. Cloud storage can help remote workers (and their employers) establish a more secure platform for files, individual assignments, and shared work projects. Data stored in the cloud isn’t susceptible to hardware failures, is often subjected to tighter access controls than traditional IT systems, and can make it easier to track breaches when organizations have a good security system in place.

Cloud storage and computing, along with other evolving technologies, offer tremendous benefits for remote workers, with the potential to support building trust between team members and their employers. With other upsides like increased productivity and better employee morale, remote work has moved far beyond a perk in the workforce. Remote workers who use cloud storage technology are helping not just themselves, but their employers too.

This is a sponsored post for Dropbox. All opinions are Remote.co’s. Dropbox is not affiliated with nor endorses any other products or services mentioned.