9 Essential Remote Work Tools to Establish Your Virtual Office

In recent years, remote work has become increasingly popular. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this trend, forcing many businesses to adopt remote work practices to keep their employees safe. As a result, the demand for remote work tools has grown exponentially.

A study by LinkedIn showed that the number of remote jobs grew by 100% between March 2020 and the end of 2021. There’s no denying that remote will continue to increase. Accordingly, companies must prepare to adapt to this trend, including getting the right tools in place for virtual work.

This article will explore the essential remote work tools that can help you establish your virtual office.

Why You Need Remote Work Tools

Remote work tools are crucial for managing a virtual office. They allow teams to communicate, collaborate, and stay connected, even in different locations. Here are some reasons why you need remote work tools for your virtual office:

Communication

Remote work tools allow teams to communicate effectively, even when they're not in the same location. With remote work tools, employees can easily share files, send messages, and communicate face-to-face through video conferencing software.

This level of communication is crucial for keeping everyone on the same page and ensuring that projects close and launch on time. Email is currently one of the most prevalent online communication tools, with 62% of companies using it for virtual communications.

Collaboration

Remote work tools also facilitate collaboration between team members. Collaboration software allows team members to collaborate on projects, share feedback, and make changes in real time.

This level of collaboration can improve the quality of work produced and make it easier for teams to complete projects efficiently. One example of this benefit is how project management tools keep projects running despite operating remotely. With project management tools, you can assign tasks, follow up, and give feedback and revisions asynchronously.

Productivity

Some of the best remote technology can also improve individual and team productivity. Time tracking software can help employees identify areas where they can improve their productivity and use their time better.

Project management software can help teams stay organized and on top of their tasks, ensuring your team meets deadlines and launches campaigns, projects, or products as soon as possible.

Flexibility

Remote work platforms offer a level of flexibility that is not possible with a traditional office setup. With remote work tools, employees can work from anywhere with an internet connection. This level of flexibility can improve work-life balance, reduce stress, and increase job satisfaction. Furthermore, tracking employee hours becomes even more crucial in remote work environments where flexible schedules are prevalent. Remote work platforms, combined with employee GPS tracking apps, provide an efficient and reliable method for monitoring and managing work hours. By accurately tracking employee hours, organizations can ensure fair compensation, measure productivity, and maintain accountability, contributing to a successful remote work arrangement for both employees and employers.

Tracking employee hours: https://www.workyard.com/employee-time-tracking/tracking-employee-hours

Cost Savings

Remote work software can also help businesses save money. By adopting remote work practices, businesses can reduce overhead costs, such as rent, utilities, and office supplies.

Additionally, remote work tools can help teams collaborate more efficiently, reducing the need for expensive business travel.

9 Essential Remote Work Tools for Your Virtual Office

What digital work tools will you need in your business to operate virtually? Here’s a list of the nine remote work tools you will need to establish a virtual office.

Hosting Software

Hosting software is an essential remote work tool that allows you to store and share files online. They’re also where you’ll host your emails, websites, and many other digital assets and files. Cloud-based hosting software is particularly useful for remote teams since it enables employees to access files from any location with an internet connection.

Examples of cloud-based hosting software include HostGator, NameCheap, Godaddy, and more. Check out this hosting software compilation and examples to see more.

Digital HR Tools

HR software is essential for managing a remote team, especially regarding time and attendance tracking, payroll, and employee benefits. Human resources must adapt to the changing tides and operate these activities online, even if you have a hybrid setup. People can use HR tools even when they’re in the office. The beauty is that you’re ready to move online when need be.

HR software can help streamline these processes, freeing up time for managers to focus on other tasks. There are many digital human resource management tools, examples like Bamboo HR, Gusto, and Zenefits.

Video Conferencing Software

Video conferencing software is an essential remote work tool that enables teams to communicate face-to-face, even when they're in different locations. This allows teams to hold staff meetings, strategic planning, company webinars, and even virtual team-building sessions.

Video conferencing software has really grown in popularity over the past few years.

But the most popular examples of video conferencing software will include options like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet.

Remote Access Software

Remote access software allows you to access your computer or server from any location with an internet connection. This is particularly useful for remote teams that need to access files or software that are only available on specific computers.

With remote access software, you can save money and time as you won’t have to go to the office to pick up certain files.

Also, as most cloud-based storage charges a monthly subscription for very limited space, this could be a cheaper alternative. Examples of remote access software include TeamViewer and LogMeIn.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN is a must-have remote work tool that ensures secure communication and protects your data from potential hackers. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, making it more difficult for anyone to intercept it. Some popular VPN services include NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

Project Management Software

Project management software can help remote teams stay organized and on top of their tasks. One of the key benefits of project management software is that it allows team members to collaborate in real time. With project management software, team members can share files, leave comments, and work together on tasks. This level of collaboration can improve the quality of work produced and make it easier for teams to complete projects efficiently.

Project management software can also help remote teams stay accountable. With project management software, team members can see their individual tasks and deadlines, which can help them stay focused and motivated.

Password Manager

A password manager is a useful tool for remote teams that must remember multiple login credentials for different accounts. Password managers securely store passwords, and some even generate complex passwords for you. Examples of password managers include LastPass and 1Password.

Time Tracking Software

Time-tracking software is essential for remote teams to ensure they are using their time efficiently. This tool can help identify areas where productivity can be improved and can help track billable hours.

With time-tracking software, remote workers and their supervisors can track how much time they spend on different tasks, which can help them identify areas where they can improve their productivity. This level of insight can also help remote workers stay focused and ensure that they are making the most of their time.

Collaboration Software

Collaboration software is essential for remote teams to work together effectively. Collaboration software allows team members to share files, communicate, and work together on projects. Examples of collaboration software include Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, and Slack.

Do You Have a Remote Ready Team?

Establishing a virtual office requires a combination of remote work tools that allow employees to communicate, collaborate, and access the necessary resources. Moreover, you also need a team that’s ready to adapt to the times. So ensure that your employees have buy-in on every tool you implement so that your company can maximize your new virtual office setup.

The remote work tools mentioned above can help remote teams stay connected, be productive, and work efficiently. By leveraging these essential remote work tools, you can establish a virtual office that can compete with a physical office.

Join today: The best platform for creating your virtual office space- GoBrunch!