How to choose right tools remote work?

More than 70 per cent of workers from around the globe now spend at least one day a week working remotely, and that number is only climbing. Younger generations, in particular, see a flexible working environment as necessary for a company where they would consider working. However, employers don't have the short end of the stick regarding this trend. In the long run, employers spend less money per employee when they primarily work from home.

With remote work in the future, tools that support project management, cloud-based file sharing, and secure video and messaging will be more meaningful and sought after than ever. These tools help shape the remote work landscape. However, not all programs are created equal, and employers should seek to choose solutions that best suit their company.

Finding tools for remote work begins by identifying needs. In addition to tools specific to each employee's role, a remote worker's basic needs will include a video chat API to communicate with others in the company. A company also needs a cloud-based file-sharing system to store and disseminate documents and information to all employees. Most businesses will also benefit from a project management system that pairs well with the tools they already use.

The rise of remote work presents new opportunities for employers and employees alike. Employers can leverage the opportunity to save money and attract talent in new ways while employees can find new satisfaction in their careers.

Choosing the right tools for remote work depends on your role, team size, and workflow. Here’s a structured approach to selecting the best tools:

1. Identify Your Needs

Before selecting tools, determine your requirements based on:

• Communication (e.g., team meetings, quick chats)
• Collaboration (e.g., document sharing, project management)
• Productivity (e.g., time tracking, automation)
• Security & Access (e.g., VPN, password management)
• Hardware & Connectivity (e.g., laptops, stable internet)

2. Choose Tools Based on Functionality

a) Communication & Meetings

For seamless remote communication, consider:

• Slack / Microsoft Teams – Instant messaging & team collaboration
• Zoom / Google Meet – Video conferencing & screen sharing
• Twist – Asynchronous communication for teams in different time zones

b) Project & Task Management

To keep track of work and deadlines:

• Trello / Asana – Kanban-style project management
• ClickUp – All-in-one productivity tool
• Notion – A mix of task management & documentation

c) Document & File Sharing

For collaboration on documents and storage:

• Google Drive / Dropbox – Cloud storage and file sharing
• OneDrive – Integrated with Microsoft Office
• Notion / Confluence – Knowledge base and note-taking

d) Productivity & Time Management

To stay productive and manage time efficiently:

• Toggl / Clockify – Time tracking for accountability
• RescueTime – Analyzes productivity trends
• Forest – Helps with focus and avoiding distractions

e) Security & Access

For secure access to systems:

• LastPass / Bitwarden – Password managers
• NordVPN / ExpressVPN – Secure internet connection
• 1Password – Secure credential storage

f) Remote Desktop & IT Support

For accessing office systems remotely:

• AnyDesk / TeamViewer – Remote desktop control
• Chrome Remote Desktop – Free Google-powered remote access

3. Test and Integrate

• Choose tools that integrate well with each other.
• Try free trials before committing to paid plans.
• Ensure tools comply with security and data protection policies.

4. Keep It Simple

• Avoid tool overload—select a few that cover your core needs.
• Regularly review tool effectiveness and adjust as needed.