Figuring out which tools you need and getting started with them can be overwhelming. That's why we've taken the first step for you and made a list of must-have technologies you need to help employees thrive while working remotely.

In this blog, we'll look at :

• Why invest in the right tech tools for remote work?
• 4 tech tools remote teams need in 2024
• How to help your employees get the best out of remote technology

Why invest in the right tech tools for remote work?

Firstly, let’s discuss the importance of investing in technology for remote work. When we talk about technology, some may assume that hefty budgets are needed. While technology can indeed be expensive, that's not always the case. If investing in technology helps your teams stay more connected and maximises productivity, then it's worth it in the long run. Here's why:

• Better communication with your teams: The right technology helps seamless communication among remote teams. With fewer face-to-face interactions it's important to have the right technology in place to help you feel connected to your teammates. 

• Maximises productivity: With the right tools in place, employees can streamline tasks, manage workflows, and stay focused on their work, leading to increased productivity.

• Supports remote collaboration: Technology helps with virtual meetings, document sharing, and real-time collaboration, ensuring remote teams can work together effectively regardless of location. 
  
• Helps employees work more flexibly: Remote work technology allows employees to access work-related resources from anywhere, promoting flexibility in how and where work gets done.
  
• Improves employee morale: Giving employees the right tools to help them perform their jobs better shows your commitment to their success and well-being, boosting morale and job satisfaction.

4 tech tools you need in 2024 

When considering the different types of technologies to invest in, it's important to reflect on the reasons outlined above for why you need them. Here, we outline five types of essential technology along with examples that you can begin using.

1. Communication tools

Having the right communication tools is important for effective teamwork and smooth remote work. In today's digital world, where teams may be spread out or working from home, having dependable communication tools means that everyone can stay connected and in the loop. These tools help with instant messaging, video calls, sharing files, and managing projects, allowing teams to work together in real time no matter where they are. With the right communication tools, teams can simplify their work processes, boost productivity, and keep communication flowing smoothly, leading to successful project outcomes.

Here are some communication tools you may want to consider : 

• Slack: Slack is a fantastic communication tool that streamlines team collaboration and maximises productivity. With features like instant messaging, file sharing, and integration with other apps and tools, Slack keeps communication organised and accessible in one centralised platform.
  
• Zoom: Zoom is a powerful video conferencing tool designed to host virtual meetings and collaboration. It allows users to have high-quality video calls, share screens, and collaborate on documents in real time.
  
• Microsoft Teams:  Microsoft Teams is a comprehensive communication and collaboration platform that integrates chat, video meetings, file sharing, and productivity tools into one place. With features like document collaboration, task management, and integration with other Microsoft 365 apps, Teams streamlines workflow and enhances productivity. 
  
• Google Meet: If you already have access to Google Workspace you may already be familiar with Google Meet. It is a video conferencing platform that hosts high-quality video meetings with up to 250 participants, making it suitable for both small team meetings and large-scale events. Google Meet offers features like screen sharing, live captions, and real-time collaboration on Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

2. Project management tools

Project management technology is a must for keeping projects on track, especially when working remotely. Having the right technology will give your employees a centralised platform for teams to collaborate, plan, track progress, and manage tasks efficiently. By helping teams break down projects into smaller tasks, assign responsibilities, set deadlines, and track milestones, project management tools help make sure that everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals. 

Here are some project tools you may want to consider : 

• Trello: Trello is excellent for its intuitive visual interface, which will allow teams to organise tasks and projects using customisable boards, lists, and cards. It's easy to use, making it ideal for teams of all sizes and types of projects.
• Asana: Asana is known for its powerful task management features, helping teams to create tasks, set due dates, assign responsibilities, and track progress effectively.
• Monday.com: Monday.com stands out for its customisable workflows and visual project tracking tools. It offers a wide range of templates and automation features, allowing teams to streamline their processes and adapt to their unique project needs easily. Monday.com is ideal for teams needing flexible project management solutions.

3. Collaboration tools 

Collaboration tools are needed for seamless communication and teamwork among remote or distributed teams. They help team members share ideas, collaborate on documents, track progress, and coordinate tasks in real time. By using collaboration tools, teams can still feel connected despite the lack of physical distance. These tools streamline communication, reduce email overload, and ensure everyone is on the same page, ultimately leading to more efficient and successful project outcomes.

• Google Workspace (formerly G Suite): Google Workspace includes applications like Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Meet, among others. With features such as real-time document editing, shared calendars, and video conferencing, Google Workspace allows teams to work together efficiently from anywhere.
• Microsoft Office 365: Microsoft Office 365 provides a comprehensive set of productivity tools, including familiar applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, among others. These cloud-based tools help teams to create, edit, and share documents, host virtual meetings, and collaborate in real time. 
• Dropbox: Dropbox is a cloud-based file storage and collaboration platform that lets users store, access, and share files securely from anywhere. It offers features such as file syncing, file sharing, and file collaboration, making it easy for teams to collaborate on documents, presentations, and other files in real time. 
• Notion : Notion is an all-in-one workspace where you can write, plan, collaborate, and get organised. It allows users to create documents, databases, wikis, task lists, and more, all within a single platform. With its customisable layouts, Notion is popular for both personal and professional use, helping teams to streamline their workflows and stay productive.

4. Time management tools

When working remotely it's important to consider time management tools to help your team effectively plan, organise, and prioritise tasks and deadlines. These tools help allocate time efficiently, track progress on tasks, and avoid procrastination. Common features include task lists, calendars, reminders, and time tracking.

• Toggl: Toggl is a time-tracking tool that allows users to monitor and analyse how they spend their time on various tasks and projects. It provides detailed reports and insights into time allocation, helping users optimise their schedules and improve productivity.
• RescueTime: RescueTime is an automatic time-tracking tool that records and categorises users' digital activities, such as app usage and website visits. It generates detailed reports to show how time is spent, highlighting productive versus unproductive activities. This helps identify and eliminate distractions, ultimately increasing productivity.
• Focus@Will: Focus@Will is a music streaming service designed to enhance focus and productivity. It offers scientifically curated music playlists that are proven to help users maintain concentration and minimise distractions while working. By creating a conducive environment for deep work, Focus@Will can significantly improve productivity levels during tasks.

How to help your employees get the best out of remote technology 

Having the right tools in place is important, but ensuring your employees effectively use them is where the real value lies. If you're investing in these tools, you must also invest time to make sure they are used.

• Make sure everyone has access: Not all teams may require access to every tool, so understanding each team's needs and requirements is important for managing access effectively.
  
• Create clear how-to guides and resources: Simplify complex technologies by creating easy-to-understand how-to guides. This reduces the need for employees to ask questions, saving time for everyone.
  
• Conduct demos: Hosting demos is an excellent way to showcase the benefits of using the technology and address any challenges or resistance employees may have.
  
• Analyse usage: Regularly monitor how the technology is being used and gather feedback from employees. This will help you figure out whether the right technology investments have been made and if any adjustments are needed.