Top Ten Tools for Remote Workers

Are you one someone who’s now having to work from home? We’re here to help. Here, we’ve put together a list of ten apps and programs that help remote working so that you can work as efficiently as possible from home. You can get tips on everything from how to access materials, keep in touch with your colleagues and plan your time.

For Documents - Google Drive

On Google Drive, you have all your documents and files stored in a cloud. You get 15GB of storage in the free personal version - and you can even upgrade for even more space at any time. As a company, you pay per user, for utilized space, as well as for access to shared drives. In these drives, you can save files and documents so that you and all your employees can access everything you need.

No matter which version you use, the big advantage of Google Drive is that you have access to all the material from any device - wherever in the world you might be. Google Drive is perfect for those who have a job where they need to share documents, worksheets and need regular access to the same or each others’ files.

For Communication - Slack

Slack is an app that allows you instant, effective communication with your colleagues from anywhere in the world. In Slack, you can create channels based on topics and receive notifications concerning what is relevant to you. You can even use the notification settings to ensure that you’re only pinged during working hours. You can participate in group chats divided by team or project as well as chatting individually with your colleagues. There is also the option of voice calls, file sharing and there’s even a search function so you can find what you are looking for with ease. Overall, Slack works a lot like WhatsApp or Messenger, but with functions and features that tailor it to the remote workplace.

For Structuring Tasks - Trello

Trello is a planning app that lets you organize your tasks and manage individual projects. It also lets you share projects, so that they can be managed by an entire team. In Trello, you use paintings and create cards for different tasks or notes. The tool is available online, is free of charge and allows you to categorize and structure your work in ways that are the most useful to you. You can also invite your colleagues to share and brainstorm ideas on how to manage projects or you can follow a joint management plan together. Trello also allows you to add labels and due dates to help you keep track of things.

For Scheduling - Toggl

When you work from home, it can be more difficult to maintain a good work-life balance. This is when it becomes even more important to keep track of your time planning. In Toggl, you can easily keep track of how much time you spend on your work tasks. This tool helps you keep track of your work tasks and helps you to focus on one thing at a time. You can make sure that your projects aren’t taking too long to complete - and that you get paid for your time. Toggl is especially valuable for freelancers, or for those who need to report their working information. A free version of the tool is available. But for access to all features, as well as the ability to add more team members, you’ll need the premium version.

For Video Meetings - Google Hangouts Meet

To keep your in-person meetings going as usual, and not just become a stream of emails, Google Hangouts Meet is a great and easy way to hold video meetings online. With Hangouts Meet, you can have personal meetings as well as smaller team meetings and even hold larger conferences. Up to 250 people can participate with audio and video in an upgraded version. You manage meeting invitations via a link and the Google Calendar function. This makes it even easier to keep track of your meetings and keep a high quality of structure and meeting planning via video.

Larger Files - Dropbox

When it comes to sharing larger files, like long presentations or reports, simply emailing them doesn’t always work. Files can corrupt or they can be so large that you have to break them up in order to send them. Dropbox lets you share large files - even video files that can run into several gigabytes - instantly with your coworkers. Dropbox’s premium functions also allow you to effortlessly manage everything from your work calendar through to your team’s finances.

Better Remote Calls and Meetings - Krisp

Krisp is noise cancellation software. If your home environment is noisy - young children or a disruptive cat, for example - then Krisp can help. It works with all major video chat apps, like Skype, Zoom and Google Hangouts Meet to improve audio quality and deliver a more productive meeting. Krisp’s premium functions even allow you to use this technology in larger team meetings. 

For the International Team - 10to8

As teams across the globe are now all having to work remotely, managing teams across multiple continents and in multiple time zones has become a sudden major challenge. This is where 10to8 comes into its own. The software allows teams to communicate and collaborate regardless of time. Whether you’re in New York or New Delhi, you’ll be able to sync your calendars and deadlines to local time zones. There’ll be no more mathematical headaches thanks to 10to8.

For Busy Meetings - Evernote

Notetaking, especially minuting, can be a huge task at the best of times. But when taking notes during an online meeting, it can become even more difficult. This is where Evernote can come to the rescue. It allows you to take notes quickly, efficiently and neatly. No matter how rushed proceedings might be, your notes will always be perfectly presented. Evernote’s premium functions allow it to act as more of a personal assistant as it comes with to-do lists and PDA functionality. During these unusual, but still busy, times, Evernote is essential.

For Boosting Morale - WooBoard

Keeping your team motivated during lockdowns, stay-at-home orders and national restrictions can be challenging. This is where WooBoard can be of use. It allows you to recognize the invaluable contributions that your employees make - and it makes it fun. WooBoard is gamified, meaning that it can incentivize employees to hit targets and goals even more. There’s no limit on the amount of rewards that the platform can give out - nor on how much praise it can heap upon people. WooBoard can be a motivational lifeline during these difficult times.  

Do you want even more tips on how to work efficiently from home? You can also read our article on how to boost your happiness and mental health whilst working from home.