If you’re having trouble deciding which tools are most beneficial, here’s a list of must-have remote working technology for increased staff productivity:

Apps for Instant Messaging

It is critical to have continual contact in order to ensure that progress is made. It’s extremely useful to use software like Slack, which was designed for corporate usage. This is to guarantee that communication is not hampered as a result of remote working.

Solution for Video Conferencing

Instant chat apps alone are insufficient. Even while working remotely, meetings remain an important component of regular professional life. For real-time two-way collaboration, use video conferencing systems like Zoom and MS Teams. Employees from all around the world may participate in these events from the comfort of their own homes or wherever they are working.

Time-tracking software

Time is a valuable commodity that, if not managed properly, may quickly deplete. Managers can simply assist employees keep track of their time and limit distractions in an office area surrounded by the entire team. However, it is difficult to keep track of things from home, and managers do not want to constantly remind staff of deadlines. Time management or tracking software, such as Timely, come in helpful in this situation. These applications provide gentle reminders and assist employees in maintaining a good work tempo. Furthermore, technologies such as Google Calendar may be used to establish meeting reminders.

Collaboration Suite for Teams

There is almost never any job done alone in a department. Instead, various team members will examine the same document, with some changing, commenting, and approving it. With tools like word processors, presentation builders, and spreadsheet producers, office productivity suites like Google Workspace and Microsoft’s Office 365 enable for smooth online remote collaboration. As a result, several team members may work on a single document in real time, with auto-save capabilities and version history to undo any mistakes.

Tools for Project Management

Productivity-enhancing project management software like Asana and Bitrix24 assist keep track of job progress and give simultaneous reminders to the entire team for a project involving numerous team members with various duties.

These technologies also aid in assessing the quality of each team member’s work and give transparency in project evaluation.

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I worked in two completely different, but similarly viable environments. The first one is Totalent, which is a system with dedicated cloud workspace, pre-installed Linux, Windows and all required software:

• You don’t have to have a powerful PC, all the work is done on remote servers. The delay is basically non-existent, so most of the time the remote part doesn’t really bother.
• In fact, you don’t have to have a PC at all – it’s possible to work even on smart phone if you have Bluetooth mouse+keyboard, and some urgent actions can be done with touch if required. All you need is stable internet connection.
• There’s integrated video call service, so there’s no need to install 3^rd party software for work-related conferences.
• The system counts every minute of working time when you logged in, so your overtimes are instantly captured by the system.

It worked surprisingly well, but there were also some disadvantages, too. Most of them stem from the key advantage of remote systems:

• You must have a good Internet. It’s possible to work with slow Internet speed (picture wouldn’t degrade even by a little bit), but the delay would increase to uncomfortable amounts.
• Sometimes there might be server-side issues that can slow down the work.
• The system can’t play any sounds (aside from call tool). Since you don’t really need sounds in mundane office work, this disadvantage might be considered optional, but it was worth to mention.
• You have to work with web camera. Personally, it didn’t bother after a week or so, but it might be uncomfortable for others.

The other environment I worked in is not really environment in a strict sense of the word – it’s the lack of one:

• All your work is being done on your own PC. There’s also cloud disk for team members
• All communications are done through e-mail and 3^rd party software
• You’re not captured on video or whatsoever

Surprisingly enough, those two approaches can be both viable. The first one basically emulates work in the office, the second one is based on trust and provides freedom, which might be perfect for some people. I liked working in both styles, but the first one really helped with self-organization, which is the must for remote work.

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