During HR’s recent Shaping the Workplace sessions, alternative work arrangements and working remotely were identified as significant areas of interest. The first thing many people think about is getting a computer to work on. But there’s a lot more to consider when working remotely than just having a machine in your den.

Whether there is a temporary need that necessitates your working off campus, or you are considering a permanent change to your work arrangements, here are some steps that need to be taken so you can effectively work from your home office.

Teleconferences have come a long way from the days of speakerphones and “dialing in" with a toll-free number, followed by an impossible-to-remember meeting code. Today’s online meetings can be conducted through smartphone, tablet, or laptop apps—or any device with a web browser, really—leaving phones themselves an option rather than a necessity. Plus, they have great features for presenting video or online whiteboards, group chat, file sharing, and more.

With the new A5 Microsoft 365 license, Pitt faculty and staff have access to a variety of programs that go way beyond Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. MyAnalytics is a personal productivity tool that can help you work more effectively and efficiently.

OK ... maybe they won’t change your life. But these 9 tricks and tips are fun, easy, and useful—you’ll wonder how you never thought of these yourself!

Sometimes, walking as fast as you can to escape the wind or rain takes priority over monitoring your surroundings. But it’s crucial to stay alert. Fortunately, there are some great security tools that can help.

The Rave Guardian App gives you access to emergency resources, allows friends and family to track you on your way home, and provides a direct connection between you and the police.

When Rey kissed Kylo Ren upon her revival in Rise of Skywalker, terrified, happy, and confused gasps filled the theater. I knew the horror that this pivotal moment could bring—the “Reylo” trilogy would be forever condemned to appearances in future BuzzFeed lists like “Best Romantic Movies of All Time” and “RomComs that Make Us Want to Call in Sick and Cry in Bed.” 

Surveys are everywhere. From commercials (4 out of 5 dentists…), to politics (the Democratic primary debates require meeting a polling threshold). From the census and research studies, to meeting scheduling and customer feedback, nearly everyone wants to ask you something.

The Super Bowl is approaching, but if you’re not careful, it’s you who’s gonna get played. Social media is a field with no refs—hackers and identity thieves are waiting on the sidelines to sack you.

We're so used to living our lives online that we forget to make a game plan for keeping our personal information safe. Here are some helpful tips to keep you in the game:

In November, I submitted a departmental request. I had to complete a form, sign it, and send it to my supervisor—who works on another floor. My supervisor had to complete a couple fields, sign it, and send it to the director—who works in a different building. The director had to sign it and send it to the administrator to process.