Tech Industry Update: What to consider before heading back to the office

Tech business owners are starting to return to the office, with employee health and safety top of mind. [CompTIA.org]( There’s no question that COVID-19 has changed the way we work—for the long term. I shared recently that 65% of our members said they will let more employees stay working remote and 27% plan to downsize their physical office space. But as phased reopenings continue in regions around the world, plenty of business owners are also taking tentative first steps to bring employees back to the office with health and safety top of mind. For some employees, the shift back to the office is welcome. While remote work certainly has its advantages, some people are eager for the work-life separation that an office provides. Others are looking for more opportunities for in-person collaboration, better structure to the day, and let’s be honest—many of us miss the social outlet that work can provide. But things are different now. People are nervous, and guidelines vary and are open to interpretation. There are more questions than answers: What protocols will ensure staff safety? What’s the right balance between remote work and in-person office time? Should we make significant changes to the design of our workplace? [On our blog this week, you’ll find a variety of our members providing their answers to these questions and more, as they evaluate their recent reopenings or plans to reopen their offices](. The advice is thoughtful and puts employee well-being above all else. I know you’ll find it useful as you think about your plans for your workplace. If we’ve learned anything from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that we are adaptable. We shifted the way we work to meet the moment and there’s no doubt we can shift again. We’ll be back in July with a monthly version of this newsletter and more business continuity, workforce strategies, and tech opportunities as we continue moving through the pandemic and look beyond to what’s next. In the meantime, stay safe and well, and let us know if you have any insight to share with your peers. Take good care, Nancy Hammervik Executive Vice President, Industry Relations, CompTIA GOOD READS - [How much money can a cyberattack cost your business?]( - To thrive in times of uncertainty, [MSPs must consider how they market themselves, how they can pivot to providing high-margin services, and how partnerships with other companies can help them fill in the gaps](. WORTH A LISTEN - On Volley, CompTIA research analysts Seth Robinson and Carolyn April discuss [the next phase of IT—Artisan IT, where complex solutions are built with emerging components](. - Mike Haines, chair of the Emerging Technology Community, details the [10 technologies on the 2020 list]( on the Biz Tech Podcast. - Also on the Biz Tech Podcast, Hartland Ross, president of eBridge Marketing Solutions, walks through some of the [key components and considerations required to complete a successful MSP purchase]( that is a win-win for both parties. MARK YOUR CALENDAR - Register for the webinar [Marketing in a Pandemic]( with the UK Business Technology Community on July 9. - Join us for [ChannelCon Online](, Aug. 4-6, for three days of learning, connecting and developing the tools necessary to grow your business. This event is free and open to everyone in the business of technology. RESOURCES FOR THE TECH INDUSTRY - Find [free CompTIA resources]( about managing your remote workforce, cybersecurity preparedness, re-evaluating business strategies, and staff training. - Bookmark our list of [vendor promotions and free or discounted products and services]( for channel partners. - Connect and share valuable information about how organizations of all sizes are coping with the impact of the pandemic on business operations on our [COVID-19 Resources Forum](. You can also [find upcoming, virtual industry events, and add your own](. CompTIA 3500 Lacey Road, Suite 100 Downers Grove, IL 60515 [Contact Us]( | [Unsubscribe]( View email [in a browser](.