As business leaders, you will know the benefits that certain tools will have on your business. Some tools will be industry-specific, and some will have universal use no matter what sort of work you’re doing. We are all aware that the way in which people work has changed over the last few years. These days, flexible working is becoming the norm, and fully remote work has a place to stay in this world.
This has led to the added interest in remote working tools, all of which can be used to help businesses operate and even grow. Remote working tools have become essential for businesses to help keep employees productive, but also connected through team collaboration. Remote work Tools such as Google Docs have been a lifesaver. It doesn’t matter where they work from, these tools can help them get the work done. But what sort of tools are out there that remote employees can use? Read on to find out.
Video Conferencing Solutions
Video conferencing plays a vital role in remote work, enabling remote employees to communicate face-to-face, regardless of their geographical location. It’s fair to say that video meetings are the norm now, and screen sharing is extremely helpful for remote team management.
You should choose remote work software that is user-friendly and requires minimal setup time, ensuring that all team members can easily adopt and use the tool. It will also be in your best interest to ensure that the solution can accommodate the size of your organisation and can scale as your team grows, preventing the need for frequent platform changes.
Prioritise security features, such as end-to-end encryption and password protection, to safeguard sensitive information and maintain privacy during virtual meetings. Remote work tools will need these to be successfully implemented and accepted by your remote employees.
Cloud-Based File Storage and Collaboration
Cloud-based file storage and collaboration tools are essential for remote teams, allowing them to access, share, and edit files in real-time, regardless of their location. When implementing these tools, compatibility is a key consideration.
Ensure that the platform you choose is compatible with the devices and operating systems used by your team, minimising the need for additional software or hardware investments. A successful remote team will make use of popular tools such as cloud-based file storage. Remote collaboration tools such as file sharing can have a variety of uses.
Access control is also critical when implementing cloud-based file storage and collaboration tools. Implement granular access controls to ensure that only authorised users can access sensitive files and folders, reducing the risk of data breaches or unauthorised modifications.
Establish a clear file organisation structure and naming convention to make it easy for team members to locate and share files, saving time and promoting efficiency. One that has a range of features may be key.
Remote Access Software
Remote access software enables employees to remotely access desktops, run applications, and offer general flexible support. There are many different features of a remote access software suite, you just have to find the one that suits your needs. One notable solution is the TSplus Remote Access Software Suite, which offers a comprehensive set of features for remote work. TSplus Remote Access Software Suite includes remote desktop access, allowing users to access centralised apps remotely from anywhere. It’s also worth mentioning that their remote support feature is now compatible with MacOS on top of Windows, meaning that support can now be provided between Macs. There are plenty of other remote work tools offered in this suite that can be a big help to your remote employees.
Compatibility is a key consideration when implementing remote access software like TSplus. Ensure that the software is compatible with your organisation’s existing infrastructure and devices, minimising the need for additional investments or complex configurations.
Finally, provide comprehensive training to your remote team to ensure that all employees are comfortable using the software and understand best practices for security, such as using strong passwords and logging out of sessions when not in use. Your remote employees should be well-versed in this!
Collaborative Document Editing
Collaborative document editing tools empower remote teams to work together on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real-time, fostering collaboration and streamlining workflows. When implementing these tools, compatibility is a crucial factor. Choose a solution that integrates seamlessly with your existing productivity suite, such as Microsoft Office or Google, minimising the learning curve and ensuring that all team members can easily adopt and use the tool.
Version history is another essential feature to consider when selecting a collaborative document editing platform. Ensure that the tool offers a robust version history feature, allowing users to track changes and revert to previous versions if needed. This feature is particularly useful when multiple team members are working on the same document simultaneously, as it helps prevent data loss and ensures that everyone is working with the most up-to-date version. Task management tools that are collaborative and can be edited between teams can only be a good thing. It could also help with virtual team meetings, too.
Built-in commenting and chat features are also valuable when implementing collaborative document editing tools. These features facilitate collaboration and communication within the context of the document, allowing team members to provide feedback, ask questions, and discuss ideas without the need for separate communication channels. Look for tools that offer intuitive commenting and chat functionalities to streamline collaboration and keep all relevant information in one place. Remember to share access to Google Docs so that everyone can work on documents.
Project Management Platforms
Project management software is essential for remote teams, helping them stay organised, prioritise tasks, and track progress. When implementing a project management tool, customisation is a key consideration, and ideally, one that has an intuitive interface. Choose a platform that allows for customisation to fit your remote team’s specific workflow and requirements. This may include the ability to create custom fields, workflows, and templates that align with your organisation’s processes and terminology. The goal is to have task management locked down and organised.
Integration is another crucial factor when selecting a project management platform. Seamless integration reduces the need for manual data entry and ensures that all relevant information is easily accessible from within the project management tool. Look for platforms that offer a wide range of integrations or provide APIs for custom integrations if needed for your remote employees.
Team Communication and Collaboration Platforms
Team communication and collaboration platforms are the backbone of remote work, enabling teams to stay connected, share information, and work together seamlessly. Instant messaging is a good example of a key asset virtual teams need for effective real-time collaboration. When implementing these tools, consider the specific needs of your organisation, such as team size, communication style, and security requirements.
For smaller teams or those with simpler communication needs, a basic messaging platform like Slack or Microsoft Teams may suffice. These platforms offer instant messaging, file sharing, and integrations with other tools, making it easy for team members to stay connected and collaborate. Seamless communication that allows for real-time messaging boosts employee engagement and is a valuable tool in the modern business world.
For larger organisations or those with more complex communication needs, a more comprehensive platform may be more appropriate. These platforms offer additional features like groups, forums, and live video streaming, fostering a sense of community and enabling more structured communication.
