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How We Helped a Non-Profit Go Remote Without Losing Productivity

May 14, 2025
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2 min read
How We Helped a Non-Profit Go Remote Without Losing Productivity

In early 2023, a Massachusetts-based non-profit contacted us with a big challenge:

“We need our staff to work remotely, but we can't afford to lose momentum or compromise data security.”

Their in-office setup was aging. Email and files were stored on a physical server in a back room. Staff shared one Wi-Fi printer. Remote access meant logging into a sluggish VPN that crashed often. Morale was dropping fast—and productivity was even worse.

This is how Serian Technologies helped them go fully remote without missing a beat.

The Situation

  • Industry: Community health non-profit

  • Staff size: 28 employees

  • Pre-existing setup: On-site file server, outdated email system, manual data backups, minimal security policies

  • Main issues:

    • No remote collaboration tools

    • Slow access to files

    • No central IT strategy

    • High downtime during remote attempts

The Solution: A Step-by-Step Transition Plan

1. Moved Email and Collaboration to the Cloud

We migrated their outdated email system to Microsoft 365, giving staff secure access to:

  • Outlook (cloud email)

  • OneDrive (file storage)

  • Teams (chat and video meetings)

  • SharePoint (shared resources)

Now, everyone could communicate and collaborate in real time from any device.

2. Replaced On-Site File Server with Secure Cloud Storage

Instead of patching a failing server, we moved their data to SharePoint and OneDrive. This gave staff:

  • Instant access to files from anywhere

  • Role-based access controls

  • Automatic version history and backup

3. Implemented a Reliable VPN for Core Tools

Some apps couldn't be moved yet, so we set up a lightweight, secure VPN to access legacy systems that needed time to transition.

4. Standardized Devices and Remote Management

We rolled out a basic device policy and installed remote management tools so we could support laptops without needing to be on-site.

5. Trained the Team

We didn’t just hand off new tools—we trained every team member to use them efficiently and securely. Simple checklists, walkthrough videos, and live Q&A calls made adoption smooth.

The Outcome

Within 30 days:

  • All staff were working remotely without any critical issues

  • File access speed increased drastically

  • Downtime dropped to near zero

  • No major support requests came in for over 45 days after full transition

  • Productivity metrics improved across most teams

And all of it was done within their modest non-profit budget.

What This Means for Your Organization

Going remote doesn't have to mean lost productivity or expensive overhauls. You just need the right strategy—and a partner who understands your needs.

At Serian Technologies, we specialize in helping non-profits and mid-sized organizations modernize their IT, improve performance, and work securely from anywhere.

👇Let’s talk about your remote setup