Enabling remote and hybrid work has become a competitive advantage. Microsoft, Salesforce, SAP, and other tech companies have all created long-term remote and hybrid workforce accommodations, but it’s not just tech companies. A survey of 5,858 U.S. adults in October 2020 found 84% of those in banking, finance, and accounting felt the responsibilities of their job could be done from home, either full time or part time.

In a previous article, we discussed how to support a workforce that is expected to return to the office full time with cloud-managed WAN products, IoT cameras, and sensors. Let’s now consider how an insurer can provide a successful hybrid or remote workforce environment.

Bundle your workforce strategy

Historically, underwriters, claims representatives, and adjustors spent a majority of their time in the field. Yet their experience demands 100% connection to the network to secure sensitive data and protect devices and applications.

While eliminating a long commute or picking a few days to collaborate in person sounds appealing to workers, managers have many questions about creating a secure, yet flexible environment, such as:

• How do we keep employees productive with cloud security and real-time network monitoring?
• Can we secure sensitive data and enable employees to comply with industry regulations anywhere they work?
• What’s the best way to protect users’ devices and computers whether they are in the office or not?
• Can we resolve issues faster and expedite troubleshooting with end-to-end network intelligence?

Let’s approach these questions with two scenarios: an insurance adjuster who spends part of the time away from the office (hybrid worker) and an underwriter who works from home (remote worker).

On the road again

Our insurance adjuster is always on-the-go and requires the same security and collaboration control inside and outside company headquarters. Cybersecurity risks for hybrid employees are often a concern, since the workforce may be in or around unsecured networks. 

A Meraki MR wireless LAN device with the latest in Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, along with an MS switch and a Z3 teleworker gateway, ensures the adjuster maintains uptime and security. 

Out of range of a reliable internet provider? The Meraki MG21 or MG41 enable a hybrid workforce to connect through secure MPLS, broadband, or cellular networks.

Home is where the office is

An underwriter working remotely faces other challenges. A home office network must often compete with video game consoles, streaming services, or even online classwork. Enabling high-speed teleworking with resilient uplinks using wired and wireless LAN devices allows the workforce to communicate with customers and employees as clearly as if they were standing next to them.

All systems, check

Meraki Systems Manager completes the picture for either the hybrid or remote worker. Devices and data are secured with automated provisioning and policy enforcement. Additionally, the company’s operations gain complete visibility of network and application performance in the Meraki dashboard. Meraki Systems Manager allows for remote troubleshooting and Cisco Duo enforces integrated zero-trust security for all users, devices, and applications.

While Meraki’s platform can address networks of all sizes, financial services providers need to balance the customer experience with compliance rules for both health and safety protocols. To learn more about these and other remote and hybrid workforce experiences for financial services, request a free demonstration.