Working remotely has pretty much become a lifestyle choice at this point. And thanks to new tech and constant advancements, people can work from anywhere, at any time. But, to be truly successful in this kind of work environment, you’re going to need the right tools.
In this article, we’re going to go over some of the must have tools you’ll want in your remote work stack. The key here is to take your productivity and efficiency to the next level - even if you do spend most days working in your sweats. Take a look:
Top 10 Must-Have Tools for Remote Workers to Boost Productivity Having a comfortable and efficient remote work setup can greatly enhance your productivity and well-being. That's why we created Sync and why we've gathered top recommendations from our community for tools that can improve your home office experience.
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💡Before we dive in, check out these top workspace setup tips from our awesome community. And we've got even more great suggestions waiting for you at the end of the article! Double Screen Extender : Recommendation from Michael Johnson - Another awesome way to expand your laptop display. It's a game-changer for productivity.Sofa Lap Desk : Recommendation from Emily Davis - Keeps my lap cool and workspace organized. Perfect for working anywhere. If you have other recommendations, please send the Amazon link and a one-liner description to [email protected] . We'd love to include them!
And now, let's begin!
Video Call Software Remote work might mean no more in-office meetings. But that only means that you need to upgrade your video call software. With this tool, you can hold virtual meetings, communicate with your colleagues, and collaborate on projects from anywhere in the world. Some top picks include Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet. These platforms allow you to share your screen, record meetings, and even host webinars.
Time Tracking Software One of the challenges of remote work is that it can blur the lines between work and personal life. So getting the right time tracking tool is essential to make sure you’re not overworking. Time tracking software like Toggl, Harvest, or Rescue Time can help you keep track of your work hours, increase productivity, and ensure that you're not missing deadlines. Effective time tracking is a great way to stay motivated when working from home .
Project Management Tools Like many, your job probably involves working on multiple projects at once with different deadlines. Project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com can help you keep track of your tasks, deadlines, and progress. You can create and assign tasks, set reminders, and collaborate with your team members in real-time. Remember: Organization is key to staying on top in any work environment, but especially when working remote and maybe across different time zones.
Cloud Storage Services Gone are the days of filing cabinets and stacks of papers! With pretty much everyone storing files on their computers, it’s essential to use a cloud storage service to reduce risk in the event that your device is stolen or crashes. Some of the best options include Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive which allows you to access your files from anywhere and keep them safe. You can also share files with your team members and clients, making collaboration more manageable.
Password Management Tools Raise your hand if you have more passwords than you can count. With so many online accounts, this is something we can all relate to. And that’s why using a password manager like LastPass or Dashlane can help you store and organize your passwords securely. You only need to remember one master password to access all your other passwords. This tool can save you time and make your online life more secure.
Communication Tools Communication is everything when working remotely. Instant messaging apps like Slack, Skype, or WhatsApp can help you stay in touch with your colleagues, ask questions, and get answers quickly. Think of these tools as your virtual office space, with different channels you can create for specific projects or topics.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) When working remotely, it's crucial to protect your online privacy and security. A VPN like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or CyberGhost can encrypt your internet connection and keep your online activities private. This tool can be especially useful when working on public Wi-Fi networks. I personally use SufSharck .
Email Management Tools With so many emails flooding your inbox, it can be hard to keep track of important messages. Email management tools like Boomerang, SaneBox, or Mailstrom can help you organize your emails and respond to them quickly. These tools can also help you schedule emails to be sent later, snooze emails, or prioritize them based on their importance.
Collaboration Tools Working remotely often involves collaborating with other team members on documents, presentations, and spreadsheets. Collaboration tools like Google Docs, Dropbox Paper, or Notion can help you work together efficiently. You can edit documents in real-time, leave comments, and track changes, making collaboration more manageable.
Task Automation Tools Performing repetitive tasks can be time-consuming and dull. Task automation tools like Zapier, IFTTT, or Microsoft Power Automate can help you automate simple tasks and save time. You can create workflows that automate tasks like sending emails, updating spreadsheets, or posting on social media.
Stay Connected and Productive With The Essential Remote Work Tools There you have it: The ultimate toolkit for people working from home. With the right set of tools, you can effectively manage your time, communicate with your team members, and stay on top of your tasks.
Remember that these apps and platforms are just the beginning of your remote work journey. As you continue to work remotely, you will find that there are many more tools and resources available to help you achieve your goals. Keep experimenting with new tools, stay organized, and enjoy the flexibility that remote work provides.
👷 Our Remote Work Recommendations If you have other recommendations, please send the Amazon link and a one-liner description to [email protected] . We'd love to include them!
Productivity Screen Extender : Recommendation from Adele Taylor - Give yourself some extra screen space. I love how it makes multitasking easier!Double Screen Extender : Recommendation from Michael Johnson - Another awesome way to expand your laptop display. It's a game-changer for productivity.LG Monitor : Recommendation from Jessica White - A high-quality monitor to enhance your visual workspace.
For Comfortable Working Sofa Lap Desk : Recommendation from Emily Davis - Keeps my lap cool and workspace organized. Perfect for working anywhere.Travel Lap Desk : Recommendation from James Brown - Perfect for working from your couch with a mouse and phone holder. Height Adjustable Laptop Desk : Recommendation from Sarah Miller - Ideal for a workspace setup anywhere in the house.Height Adjustable Rolling Desk : Recommendation from Emily Davis - Comfortable for working on the couch or bed. I use it all the time!Home-Office Chair : Recommendation from David Wilson - Super comfy and supportive. My back thanks me every day. For Meetings Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones : Recommendation from William Anderson - Perfect for blocking out distractions. A must-have for focus. Meetings Microphone : Recommendation from Elizabeth Lee - Ideal for clear audio in remote meetings. Jabra Headset : Recommendation from Daniel Thompson - Stays comfy and keeps me connected. Love it!Meetings Lighting : Recommendation from Lauren Harris - Makes me look professional on video calls.
Others!
Happy working!