Remote work can be a gamechanger by allowing employees the freedom to be with family, work in a familiar environment, or even travel while they perform their duties. However, tech and management are critical components of any transition into remote work.
For example, virtual business addresses like those from iPostal1 allow companies to maintain their official business listing without compromising anyone’s home address. These virtual business addresses also receive mail on the business’s behalf, which managers can view anytime using the web portal or phone app.
A virtual business address is just one example of the tools that can make your company’s transition to WFH a cakewalk. Here are six other essential tools for 86ing the brick-and-mortar.
Shared files
Thomas Malone, former research scientist and current MIT professor, says that working from home will be the new norm moving forward. He’s just one of many experts who agree that the remote work model might be here to stay long after the pandemic recedes.
Thus, having a shared drive is essential when working with geographically diverse staff to edit and create collaborative files. Google Drive and Dropbox are both options to consider when finding an approachable system that allows you to store, sync, share and manage your critical files.
Video conferencing
Microsoft stated that there was an influx of users conferencing in Zoom and Google Meet, relying on the apps to help them accomplish their work remotely. These websites enable you to virtually meet with anyone who has Internet access, regardless of location.
Meetings, phone calls, and webinars have never been more accessible. Additionally, you can share your video, desktop, and presentations with your colleagues participating in the meeting. The prevalence of video conference technology enables remote work and learning on a previously unseen scale in the business sector.
Chat software
Having a messaging ability is equally crucial for clients and your employees. Customers need the convenient option of contacting you via email or messaging instead of speaking on the phone. Team members need an open line of communication without the time-wasting interruptions of frequent phone calls.
As a popular chat option, Google Hangouts allows you to communicate with customers and employees via computer or mobile. Slack is another application that offers company workspaces for group or private chats. The software keeps your team organized, connected, and encouraged despite the distance.
Calendar
Working from home can present some organizational challenges as it blurs the line between work and personal life. An online calendar is one tool to help employees stay on top of meetings, deadlines, and projects.
One popular option is Google Calendar, which can sync with a company standard calendar for regular meetings or holidays. Employees can add certain personal or business events weeks, months, or even years in advance through an easy process.
Time and productivity management
Every leader wants to find the winning balance between stretch goals and unrealistic expectations. Consider the Toggl platform for supporting time management in remote workers.
If you’re looking for a more up-close-and-personal approach, Hubstaff is a simple and powerful way to track your workers’ productivity with screenshots, timesheets, billing, and reports.
Limiting distractions
Working outside of the standard office may prove distracting. Various tech tools can help your employees limit those distractions and stay on task.
For example, the Freedom app blocks websites and apps on any of your devices, whether that’s a computer or phone, so you can focus solely on your assignments.
To summarize
Distance from the office doesn’t have to mean distance from the team. Using these tech and organizational tools, you can support your team from anywhere in the world.