Remote Work Tools and Software You Need to Know

Since more and more people are working from home these days, there are special tools to help us stay connected and get things done. These tools are like helpers for remote work, making it smoother and more productive.

Imagine you and your teammates are all working on a project, but nobody's in the same office. With these remote work tools, you can still:

• Chat with each other easily

• Share files and work on things together

• Keep track of deadlines and tasks

• Have video calls to see each other and talk things through

Basically, these tools help remote teams stay on the same page and get work done efficiently, even when they're miles apart.

Subscribe to TwindiePoint, our newsletter for indie-hackers, creators, and solopreneurs. If you want to become a solo founder and work independently, TwindiePoint is for you. Learn how to break into indie hacking, stay updated on trends, and discover growth strategies.

Best Communication Tools for Remote Teams

When you're working remotely, seeing your teammates face-to-face can be a big help. Here are some popular video conferencing tools that let you do just that:

Zoom: This is a well-known option with clear video and audio, perfect for meetings and presentations. It even lets you create smaller group discussions within a meeting and has fun features like virtual backgrounds!

Microsoft Teams: If your team already uses Microsoft Office products like Word or Excel, this tool is a great fit. It works seamlessly with those programs and lets you record meetings, customize your background, and chat with colleagues in dedicated channels.

Google Meet: Need something super simple? Google Meet is easy to use, integrates with your Google calendar, and doesn't require any downloads. Plus, it works with other Google Workspace tools you might already be using.

What Are Instant Messaging Apps?

Working remotely doesn't mean you have to be out of the loop! Instant messaging apps let you chat with your colleagues quickly and easily, just like texting. Here are two popular options:

Slack: This app is like a virtual office watercooler. You can chat with teammates one-on-one or in groups organized by project, team, or topic. It also connects with many other tools you might use, like Google Drive and Zoom, making it a one-stop shop for communication. Plus, it has features to help you stay productive, like search to find old messages and bots that can automate tasks.

Microsoft Teams: If you're already using Microsoft Office products, Teams is another great choice. You can chat directly with colleagues, have group discussions, and even keep conversations organized with threaded messages. It also works seamlessly with Office 365, letting you share files easily and work on documents together. Plus, you can access other apps, schedule meetings, and view your calendar all within Teams.

Collaboration Tools for Remote Teams

Project Management Software

When you're working remotely, keeping everyone on the same page for projects can be tricky. Here are some collaboration tools that help your team stay organized and moving forward:

Trello: Imagine a giant digital bulletin board where you can organize tasks using lists and cards. Trello lets you see what everyone's working on at a glance, with an easy drag-and-drop interface to move things around. It's great for visual thinkers and works well with other tools you might use.

Asana: This tool is like a project manager in your pocket. You can assign tasks to specific team members, set due dates, and track their progress. It also lets you visualize project timelines, see how everything fits together, and monitor the overall status with helpful dashboards.

Monday.com: Need a tool that can bend and flex to your team's needs? Monday.com lets you customize workflows to fit the way you work. Plus, it has features to automate repetitive tasks, saving you time and reducing errors. You can even visualize project stages using tools like Gantt charts and Kanban boards, making it easy to see where everything stands.

What Are the Best Tools for Document Sharing?

Even though you're remote, you and your team can still work on documents together! Here are some popular tools that make this a breeze:

Google Workspace: Ever wish you could all edit a document at the same time? With Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, you can! This suite of tools lets you see edits happen as your teammates make them, and you can easily control who can access and edit each file. Plus, it works seamlessly with other Google services you might already use, like Gmail and Calendar.

Microsoft Office 365: If you're a Microsoft Office pro, you'll be happy to know you can collaborate on documents right within Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. There are also tools like OneDrive and SharePoint to help you store, share, and manage all your documents in one place. And to make things even smoother, it integrates with Microsoft Teams for easy communication while you collaborate.

Dropbox: Need a secure place to store all your files? Dropbox is a great option. You can easily share files and folders with your team, and even leave comments on documents to discuss changes. Plus, it connects with other tools you might use, like Slack and Zoom, for a more unified workflow.

Time Tracking for Remote Employees

What Is Time Tracking Software?

Even though you're working remotely, keeping track of your time can be important for both you and your manager. Here are some time tracking tools that can help:

Toggl: This tool is all about simplicity. It's easy to use and lets you track your time with just a few clicks. It also provides detailed reports so you can see where your time is going and identify any areas where you can improve your productivity. Plus, it works well with other tools you might already use.

Clockify: Need a free option? Clockify has you covered. It lets you track your time, manage projects, and even see reports, all for free. With features like unlimited users and projects, visual reports, and browser extensions for easy tracking, it's a great all-around choice.

Harvest: Want an all-in-one solution? Harvest tracks your time, helps you create invoices, and even lets you manage your expenses. This can be a great option for freelancers or small businesses that need to keep everything organized. It also integrates with other software and provides insightful reports to help you understand your workflow.

What are Benefits of Time Tracking?

Even when you're working remotely, keeping track of your time can be helpful in a few ways:

Do More in Less Time: By tracking your time, you can see where your minutes are going. This can help you identify areas where you might be getting sidetracked and find ways to be more productive. You can then use this information to set realistic goals and deadlines for yourself.

Bill Clients Fairly (if you freelance): If you work for yourself, keeping track of your hours helps you bill clients accurately. Time tracking tools make sure you're charging for the exact amount of time you spend on a project.

Make Projects Run Smoothly: For both freelancers and teams, time tracking can help with managing projects. By seeing how long tasks take, you can plan projects better and allocate resources more effectively. It can also help you identify any roadblocks that might slow things down.

Remote Work Management Software

What Is Comprehensive Management Software?

For managers with remote teams, there are tools that combine many features into one platform:

Hubstaff: This tool tracks time, monitors productivity, and even lets you see where your team is working from (with their permission, of course). It provides detailed reports, can automate payroll, and integrates with project management tools for a smooth workflow.

Time Doctor: If you need a way to keep an eye on activity levels, Time Doctor can help. It tracks time, monitors what employees are working on, and can even take screenshots. It also provides real-time updates and identifies potential distractions so you can keep your team focused.

Wrike: This is a project management powerhouse that also includes time tracking and collaboration features. You can assign tasks, track progress, see everything in a visual format like a Gantt chart, and get detailed reports to stay on top of things.

What Are Remote Work Platforms?

Managing a remote team can involve a lot of juggling. Luckily, there are platforms that combine many features into one place:

Notion: Think of this as a super-powered notepad for your entire team. You can take notes, create to-do lists, build databases, and even write wikis – all in one spot. Plus, it's super flexible and can connect with other tools you might use. Collaboration across teams becomes a breeze!

Basecamp: This platform keeps everything project-related organized. You can manage projects, assign tasks, chat with your team, and share files, all within Basecamp. It streamlines communication, makes assigning tasks easy, and even lets you collaborate with clients.

ClickUp: This is like a Swiss Army Knife for remote work. It lets you manage tasks, create documents, set goals, and much more – all on one unified platform. You can customize workflows to fit your team's needs, track time spent on tasks, and even integrate it with other apps you already use.

What Are Software for Remote Workers

What Are the Best Productivity Apps?

Even the most amazing remote workers need a little help sometimes. Here are some handy apps to boost your productivity:

Evernote: Evernote is like a digital filing cabinet for your brain. You can take notes, organize them, and create to-do lists. The best part is that Evernote works on all your devices, so you can access your information anywhere.

Todoist: Feeling overwhelmed by tasks? Todoist can help. This app lets you create to-do lists, organize them by project, and set priorities. It also sends you reminders to keep you on track. Plus, it works with other productivity tools you might already use.

Forest: Does your phone ever become a black hole of distraction? Forest helps you stay focused on your work by growing a virtual forest. The longer you stay off your phone, the bigger your forest grows! It's a fun way to reduce distractions and track your productivity, with the added bonus of supporting real-world tree-planting initiatives.

Staying Safe and Private Online: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

A VPN is a tool that helps keep your internet activity private and secure, especially when you're using public Wi-Fi. Here's a breakdown:

Let’s just imagine that you're sending a secret message to a friend. Normally, anyone could peek at the message while it travels online. But with a VPN, it's like wrapping your message in a super strong code - only your friend can decode it!

Here are two popular VPN options:

NordVPN: This VPN is like Fort Knox for your online privacy. It uses top-notch encryption to keep your information safe, no matter where you connect to the internet. Plus, it can help you bypass website restrictions and access content that might be blocked in your area.

ExpressVPN: Need a VPN that's both secure and speedy? ExpressVPN is a great choice. It offers high-speed connections so you can browse and stream without slowdowns. It also has servers all over the world, making it easy to connect from almost anywhere.

What Are the Best Mobile Apps for Remote Workers?

Staying productive isn't limited to your desk anymore! Here are some mobile apps that will keep you on top of things, no matter where you are:

Microsoft Teams: Got a question for a colleague or need to jump in on a quick meeting? The mobile app for Teams lets you chat, collaborate, and even access shared files – all from your phone. Plus, it integrates perfectly with the desktop version and other Office 365 tools you might use.

Slack: This app is like your virtual office watercooler, but in your pocket! Chat with teammates one-on-one or in groups organized by project or topic. You can also share files and get notified of any updates, keeping you in the loop no matter where you are. And, it works well with other tools you might use, making it a productivity powerhouse.

Zoom: Need to have a face-to-face meeting but can't be at your computer? Zoom's mobile app lets you video conference with colleagues, share your screen, or even host webinars – all on the go. Scheduling meetings is a breeze, and you can even use fun features like virtual backgrounds to spice things up.

Wrapping Up!

So, you've seen a bunch of tools that can help you work remotely, from chatting with teammates to staying on top of tasks. Whether you're a freelancer or on a remote team, these tools can make things a whole lot easier!

It's essential to select the best options for you and your team.With the right setup, you can be just as productive working from anywhere as you are in an office. These tools can help you:

• Talk to your team easily: No need to miss out on watercooler chats! Tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams let you message coworkers and even have video calls.

• Stay organized: Project management tools like Trello and Asana help you keep track of tasks and deadlines, no matter where you or your team are working from.

• Work on documents together: Using Google Workspace and Microsoft Office 365, you and your team can edit documents and spreadsheets simultaneously in real-time together.

• Track your time: Tools like Toggl and Clockify can help you see how you're spending your work hours, so you can be more productive.

• Stay safe and private: A VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN can help keep your internet activity private, especially on public Wi-Fi.

• Be productive on the go: Mobile apps for tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoom let you stay connected and get work done even when you're not at your computer.

By using the right remote work tools, you can work flexibly and efficiently, no matter where you are in the world. So why not give them a try?

Get inspired daily with the latest trends and top remote job opportunities in the US delivered straight to your inbox. Ready to excel in the remote work world? Sign up for our newsletter and kickstart your journey to career growth.

Explore our curated selection of premium remote job boards, featuring over 200 top platforms globally. With countless career options at your fingertips, your dream job is just a click away.

Are you running a remote job board and want to stand out? Let us create a compelling case study to showcase your platform's achievements. Email us at remoteusjobs@gmail.com, and together, we’ll elevate your brand!

FAQs

1. What are essential remote work tools?

You need video conferencing, instant messaging, project management, document sharing, time tracking, and VPNs.

2. How can I stay connected with my team?

You can use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack for video calls and messaging.

3. Which project management tool is best?

You have great options like Trello, Asana, and Monday.com for organizing and tracking tasks.

4. How can I securely work remotely?

You're safe with VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN to keep your internet activity private.

5. Can I track my work hours remotely?

Yes, you can track and manage your time efficiently with tools like Toggl and Clockify.