Best Remote Working Software for Growing Business in 2023

Remote Work Tools, The Essentials You Need           

Modern companies encourage their employees to work from home. They set up a high-quality remote work system to improve team productivity. When you plan to manage remote teams, technology becomes essential. A manager with the best remote collaboration tools can give additional padding and support to his team with no regard to the geographical location of his team or his clients.

Manual tracking is ineffective, but automated solutions can be insightful. The best tools for remote teams ensure accountability and group work. The employees will be happy as their true potential gets unleashed. The managers can also efficiently track the team's progress to meet deadlines.   Each remote working software package is different. Some vendors customize their packages for a specific style of working or organization.

• The most common type of remote working tool gives time tracking and work management app with a dashboard, and communication tool in the form of video chats, conference calls, messaging, email, and others.

• Some primary tools also focus on providing centralized storage with office tools for data sharing and real-time editing.

• A few packages are remote communication tools with file sharing and organized real-time chats alone. 

• High-level employees, managers, and team leaders choose software with features for planning, reminder tool to manage tasks, and deadlines with virtual assistant support.

• Some small companies choose free/less expensive tools like Hangouts, Skype calls, and daily, random snapshots.

Things Nobody Tells You About Working Remotely 

Employees who put in long hours or get stuck in the traffic dream of remote work solutions. They prefer telecommuting due to freedom, work/life balance, and relaxed lunch breaks. Companies are also supportive of an efficient remote work system to reduce turnover and optimize their resource usage. They also derive other benefits like employee loyalty, work satisfaction, and greater autonomy.

But, working remotely is not a bed of roses for many companies. Remote working can lead to reduced productivity or confusion in collaboration if your team does not use the best tools for remote workers. Here are some uncomfortable telecommuting truths that get brushed under the carpet -          

• Employees feel left out and miss out on important meetings, news, and updates.

• Networking becomes difficult, and telecommuters fail to get new job opportunities.

• Productivity differences crop up due to inefficient work and inadequate remote collaboration tools.

• Workers can feel very lonely and become introverted, depressed, and disinterested.

• Self-reliance becomes significant, and managers can't find the right workers for the right job.

• Remote working requires specific skills in communication, hiring, training, and productivity.

• It is not an apt choice for everyone due to distractions, lack of supervision, and relaxing spaces.

Ways to Stay Motivated as a Remote Worker

Do not worry too much about the drawbacks of a remote work system. You can always use technology and other hacks to overcome the challenges. Here are a few effective motivational instructions -  

1. Set up a home office:

A professional, designated space creates the right work atmosphere.

2. Alternate work and rest:

Use the latest remote work tool to alternate work and rest hours.           

3. Set boundaries:

Follow work ethics and make yourself out of reach to family and friends during work time.

4. Build relationships: 

The best collaboration tools for remote teams help you with socialization and team rapport.    

5. Change workspaces:

Get motivated by a shared workspace, or find a cozy spot in a cafe or coffee shop.

Managing remote workers, how can we maximize productivity?

Despite having the best tools for remote teams, companies struggle with productivity. Remote workers have too many distractions. They take coffee breaks, check emails, search the web, and post on social media. And the workers lack the necessary organization, discipline, and planning strategies.

Work supervisors rely on remote work management tools. They try to come up with efficient, flexible project schedules, and team meetings. They also encourage the employees to take the initiative, get motivated, and display greater responsibility.      

Keys to improving productivity:                        

1. Audit:

Put on your thinking cap and carry out a detailed productivity audit. Look at how workers respond to clearly defined goals. Understand their circumstances and engage them with care. 

2. Prioritizing Tasks:

When you are part of a remote work system, learn to priorities work. Identify, categorize, and schedule least useful to most productive tasks. Set high-priority tasks and more profound work for mornings and afternoons.

3. Cutting-edge Software:

The tools for remote teams are helpful only when there are willing workers. Build strong relationships using reliable technologies. Manage time zone differences, ensure file downloads, and have a good set of speakers and headphones.             

4. Workspace Planning:

Choose a proper workspace for writing, strategizing, and phone calls. Make sure power outlets, internet, and Wi-Fi are reliable. Have video conferences to share thoughts and feelings.

5. Schedule Break-free Work:

Use remote team communication tools to schedule meetings. Allot time to do break-free, committed work. Have enjoyable conversations using emojis and animated GIFs.

6. Accountability:

Find a work rhythm, and set apart some time for team goals. Focus on achievements and encourage team members to accomplish more.

Remote Team Leadership 

Manage scattered teams by ensuring the best tools for remote workers. Show leadership spirit and display a cutting-edge management style. Be prepared with a checklist of dos and don'ts -  

Things to do

• Have a structured, professional, and productive communication strategy.

• Use the essential remote working tools to set and update goals and expectations.

• Rely on cutting edge project management software, apps, and services.

• Delegate well-defined tasks to responsible and creative self-starters.

Things to avoid                  

• Do not micromanage but wait for workers to deliver work on time.

• Without the best remote collaboration tools, many misunderstandings and redundancies happen.

• Forcing the workers to put in extra hours will be counter-productive.

• Do not wait for employees to feel lonely or lose their team spirit.        

Remote working, leave your office and go home

Make a professional decision to leave the office in favor of telecommuting. Use the best work from home monitoring tools to increase productivity. Stay connected and be part of a distributed project team. Be prepared for new challenges and acquire proper skills and training to do remote work.

The best remote working tools assist both managers and staff. Team leaders can track their employees' performance and daily output. While the workers themselves have a range of software to make remote work enjoyable, professional, and profitable. 

Distributed teams enjoy working in a pleasant, informal environment. Those who work remotely desire knowledge, motivation, and satisfaction. If you want to work from home, make sure you are social and technically well equipped.  Put your professional skills to test and build personal ties too. 

How to effectively manage remote employees in multi-locations?

1. Ensure standardized operations using the best tools to manage remote employees.

2. Rely on the latest remote team communication tools to be easily accessible.

3. Use work from home monitoring tools to delegate and distribute teamwork.

4. Set achievable goals and targets using the best remote collaboration tools.

5. Depend on reliable remote work management tools like staff schedulers

Great Tips for Establishing Your Value as a Remote Worker

• Rely on high-quality remote work solutions to record your work. Create a portfolio of your skills and keep a log of rewards, achievements, and accolades.         

• The best tools for remote teams help in leveraging your position. Make yourself invaluable through efficient work, timely suggestions, and overtime.

• Use remote communication tools to contact managers and team members. Use a calendar for weekly or daily conversations and be honest and transparent.

• Enjoy your remoteness and do flawless, productive work.  Use the - and earn the manager's approval. 

Challenges While Implementing Remote Work System and How to Overcome

Managers have to supervise new remote workers systematically. They have to handle dynamic work demands through focused engagement. They have to set up a productive remote work system to overcome some common challenges.     

Challenges

1. No face-to-face supervision:

Managers worry about productivity, while employees feel unsupported and helpless.

2. Inadequate information: 

Co-workers stress out and fail to share valuable data on time.

3.Social isolation: 

Employees feel lonely and lose motivation to work for the company.

4. Distractive workspace:

Home is a hindrance to work due to pets, chores, hobbies, luxuries, children, etc.,

Solution

1. Fixed logins: 

Set up daily check-ins using regular team talks and one-on-one calls.

2. Flexible conversations:

Use remote work tools like email, video conferences, and group chats to share information.

3. Specific rules: 

List out expectations, resources, deadlines, and other rules of engagement.

4. Social interaction

Try to add a few minutes of personal talk with your team. This informal communication will boost morality just like a water-cooler talk in an office setting.