March 16, 2023
Blog

7 Must-Have Remote Work Software Features for Optimal Operational Efficiency

Scott Lavery
Remote Work Software

Working from home has become a new normal and with it comes the need for the right remote working tools to keep your team productive, connected, and secure. Whether you’re a remote worker or a team manager, you know how crucial it is to have the right set of remote work software features to help you operate optimally. 

In this article, we’ll explore seven must-have remote work software features that can help you and your team work efficiently, manage projects effectively, and stay secure in the virtual world. From collaboration tools to mobile accessibility, we’ve got you covered.

Collaboration Tools

The 2022 FlexJobs’ Career Pulse Survey found 97% of workers prefer to have some form of remote work, either completely or with a hybrid setup. Nevertheless, the prospect of working remotely can seem intimidating, particularly for those accustomed to a traditional office setting. Fortunately, having the right collaboration tools can make all the difference when it comes to staying connected with your team.

Video conferencing tools like Zoom or Slack bring face-to-face conversations right to your laptop or mobile device, allowing you to conduct virtual meetings and stay connected with your team. If you need to quickly send a message or check in with a colleague, instant messaging tools like Microsoft Teams or alternatives to Slack are perfect for keeping in touch. 

And, to make sure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals, project management software can help you keep track of your team’s progress and streamline your workflows.

Cloud Storage and File Sharing

As a remote worker, managing files and documents can be a real challenge. Whether it’s working on team projects or keeping track of your personal files, it can quickly become overwhelming. Thankfully, cloud storage and file-sharing tools like Google Drive or Dropbox have made file management much easier for remote teams.

These powerful tools provide a secure and accessible platform to store and share files, no matter where you are. You can easily collaborate on documents with your team, make edits, and leave comments, all in real time. Plus, with automatic syncing, you never have to worry about losing your files or accidentally overwriting someone else’s work.

Time Tracking and Project Management

Managing a remote team comes with its own set of unique challenges, such as ensuring everyone is on task and meeting deadlines. That’s where time tracking and project management software come into play! With the right tools, you can stay on top of your team’s progress, manage their workload, and keep everyone on track.

Time-tracking software like Toggl or Harvest can help you monitor your team’s productivity by tracking the time they spend on tasks. This can help you identify which tasks are taking up too much time and where you can improve efficiency.

Communication and Feedback Tools

Clear and efficient communication is key to any successful team, but it’s especially important for remote teams. In a world where face-to-face communication is limited, having the right communication and feedback tools is crucial. Email is a tried-and-true method for formal communication, but when it comes to quick questions or immediate feedback, chatbots, and online forums are game-changers.

With chatbots, you can get quick answers to common questions or even automate certain tasks. Online forums, on the other hand, allow you to have open discussions and get feedback from your colleagues in real time. Having these tools in your remote work arsenal can help ensure that everyone is on the same page and working efficiently.

Virtual Meeting and Conference Tools

Working remotely doesn’t have to mean sacrificing face-to-face communication with your team. Virtual meetings and conferences have become essential for keeping remote teams connected and engaged. You only need to use video conferencing software like Zoom to easily hold virtual meetings and conferences with your team from anywhere in the world.

These tools not only allow you to see and hear your colleagues in real-time, but also let you share your screen, collaborate on documents, and even record the meetings for later reference. 

Cybersecurity Software

With remote work becoming the norm, the risk of cybersecurity breaches has also increased. Cybercriminals are constantly on the lookout for vulnerable targets, and remote workers are no exception. That’s why it’s crucial to have cybersecurity software installed on your devices to manage and protect your company’s sensitive data from cyberattacks. 

Firewalls and antivirus software are two of the most effective cybersecurity tools that can help you safeguard your devices and prevent unauthorized access. With these tools in place, you can rest assured that your work and personal information are safe and secure, even when you’re working remotely.

Mobile Accessibility

When you’re working remotely, being tied to your desk all day isn’t always an option. That’s where mobile device accessibility comes in. With mobile apps like Venn, you can access files and communicate with your team even when you’re on the go. 

Imagine you’re on the train to a meeting and you suddenly realize you left an important document on your desktop computer. No problem! Just open the Dropbox app on your phone, access the file, and you’re good to go. 

Or say you need to quickly check in with your team on the status of a project while you’re out running errands. With a robust communication tool like Google Meet, you can easily send a message to your team and get the information you need, all from your smartphone. Having mobile accessibility is essential for staying productive, no matter where you are..

Elevate your team’s level of productivity and collaboration. 

So there you have it! Remote work has taken the world by storm, and having the right best remote working platforms is critical to stay connected, organized, and productive. From collaboration tools to cloud storage, time tracking, and project management software, there’s a whole world of must-have remote work software features out there.

So, with these must-have remote work software features in your toolkit, you’ll be well-equipped to stay productive, collaborative, and secure while working remotely.

More Blogs

An MSP vs an MSSP: they are not created equal
March 14, 2023
Blog
An MSP vs an MSSP: they are not created equal
It’s well-documented and well-discussed: the future of work is hybrid. And now, the implications of remote work on a company’s IT infrastructure and security are starting to come more to the forefront of leaders’ minds. While research and data show many of the beneficial aspects of remote work (employees often demonstrate higher productivity and are […]
Ensuring Data Security When Employees Work Remotely
Ensuring Data Security When Employees Work Remotely
December 14, 2023
Blog
Ensuring Data Security When Employees Work Remotely
Remote work skyrocketed out of necessity during the pandemic. Pew Research Center reports that the percentage of remote workers stands at 35%, less than the high of 55% in October 2020, but dramatically above pre-pandemic levels of 7%. Much of this may be due to the fact that organizations that offer remote or hybrid work […]
6 Ways to Protect your Data when Working with Third-party Contractors and Consultants
Contractor Data Security
April 8, 2024
Blog
6 Ways to Protect your Data when Working with Third-party Contractors and Consultants
Many modern organizations are enjoying the productivity and flexibility benefits of employing a non-traditional workforce. Be it remote third party contractors, offshore workers, freelancers, gig economy workers, or other 1099s, these employees provide access to global talent, localization expertise, flexible working hours, cost-effectiveness, speed-to-market and non-core workload reduction. However, alongside these numerous advantages, there are […]