Top 15 Tools for Working Remotely

In the past few years, the idea of work has gone through a massive change. What was once a routine centered around going to a physical office has turned into a more flexible, remote work model. Though the change to work from home [WFH] started with the global pandemic, it has continued to be popular because employees prefer it.

The shift to remote work highlighted the perks of flexible working conditions. More productivity, less commuting stress, and a better work-life balance are just some of the added benefits that have come out of this new way of working.

Remote work presents a major change in how we see work and its incorporation into our daily lives. Companies are rethinking office space models, investing in digital infrastructure, and changing corporate culture to support us as remote workers. Employees are now enjoying the newfound flexibility and independence that comes with working from home, but many are struggling to find the right tools to use in their homes. This article will help point you in the right direction for the best programs, apps, and techs to maximize your work with ease!

Top 15 Tools for Working Remotely

Going through the different challenges we each face when working from home, we’ve come up with a great selection of tools that have come out in recent years, designed specifically to improve the remote working experience. These tools support easy communication and collaboration. They also help in managing tasks, securing data, and maintaining a work-life balance.

Here’s an overview of the top 15 tools that have been labeled as ‘must-have’ accessories for easy remote work. Each tool has been hand picked based on its functionality, user-friendliness, and the value it brings to remote work. Whether you’re a freelancer, a member of a remote team, or managing a remote team yourself, these tools can enhance your workflow and guarantee that distance will not affect your work productivity [1].

Best Remote Work Tools by Category

The crossover to remote work means you need to have a whole toolbox ready at hand, each tool meeting specific needs to ensure a smooth and productive workflow. Listed below are devices, apps and programs that have ranked highly among users in improving their work performance:

Best remote tools

Mobile HotSpot

One necessity for any remote worker is reliable internet access, which is where mobile hotspots come into play. Mobile hotspots provide a flexible and portable solution for staying connected, particularly in areas where regular Wi-Fi may be unreliable or unavailable [2]. They ensure that remote workers can maintain a stable internet connection, keeping any communication from dropping or being spotty throughout their workday.

Team Chat Apps

Effective communication is a top priority when working from home, and team chat apps have become a lifesaver for remote teams. The most commonly used and top-rated communication apps, Flock and Microsoft Teams, provide real-time messaging. Instant communication reduces the delays associated with email [3]. The apps promote organized conversations through channels or groups dedicated to specific projects or topics, making it easier to keep discussions focused and relevant.

Team chat apps also allow team members to share documents, provide feedback, and work together on tasks in real time.  Features like video calls, voice messages, and status updates help maintain a sense of presence and connection among remote team members, fostering a unified work environment despite physical distances. Overall, team chat apps streamline communication, improve productivity, and support a more connected remote work experience.

Work chat apps

Screen Sharing Software

Screen-sharing software boosts the quality of virtual meetings and presentations. These apps provide many advantages for remote work, significantly improving the way teams collaborate and communicate. Zoom and Google Meet allow users to share their screens in real time, making it easy to present information, demonstrate processes, and provide detailed explanations visually [4]. During virtual meetings and training sessions, seeing the presenter’s screen can clarify complex information and encourage better understanding of the information at hand.

This software also aids in troubleshooting technical issues, as IT support can gain remote access to resolve problems directly on your device.

Screen Recording Tools

Screen recording apps are an essential in remote work environments, providing a simple method for capturing and sharing information. Tools like Loom and Snagit let users record their screens along with audio, creating detailed tutorials, presentations, and demonstrations that can be easily shared with team members or clients [5]. Recordings can be especially helpful if team members are working in different time zones and cannot attend live meetings.

Screen recording allows complex instructions to be documented and reviewed at any time, guaranteeing that everyone has access to consistent and accurate information. These recordings can be used for training purposes, onboarding new employees, and providing ongoing education, allowing for a dependable learning resource.

Screen recording

Online Office Suites

Platforms such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 offer a one-size-fits-all application for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and more, all accessible via the cloud [6]. Team members can create, edit, and share documents in real time, regardless of their location. The real-time collaboration features, including simultaneous editing and commenting, ensure that everyone is on the same page and can contribute effectively.

The cloud-based nature of these platforms also means that all data is securely stored and easily accessible from any device, providing flexibility and reducing the risk of data loss.

Project Management Software

Project management software provides a centralized platform that enables teams to plan, execute, and monitor projects efficiently. Tools like Clickup, Asana, and Monday.com offer comprehensive features for task assignment, scheduling, and progress tracking [7]. The visual organization of tasks and milestones helps identify roadblocks and ensure that projects stay on track. Project management software often includes reporting and analytics features that give valuable insights into team performance.

Project management software

Security Tools

Of all the tools available for work from home, security tools are of first priority. They safeguard sensitive information and secure company data against cyber threats. With employees accessing corporate networks from different locations and devices, the risk of data breaches and phishing attacks skyrockets. Tools such as virtual private networks (VPNs), firewalls, and antivirus software provide essential layers of protection, encrypting data and blocking unauthorized access.

Programs such as Norton 360 Antivirus and Total AV Pro Antivirus ensure that all devices connecting to the network are secure [8]. Regular security updates also help protect against the latest vulnerabilities. Security tools often include features for monitoring and responding to suspicious activities in real time, allowing quick action to dispose of potential threats. By using security tools, users can protect their work and maintain company compliance.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA is critically important in remote work, providing an additional layer of security that significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive info and systems. As remote employees login from multiple locations and devices, chances increase that passwords will be compromised.

2FA addresses this vulnerability by requiring not only a password but also a second form of authentication, such as a temporary code sent to your phone, a biometric scan, or a hardware token. This extra step ensures that even if a password is stolen, an attacker cannot get access without the second factor. Implementing 2FA helps protect against common cyber threats like phishing, brute force attacks, and credential stuffing [9].

Two-factor authentication

How BrightSpeed Can Help You Work Remotely

When you work at home, having all these tools in your belt can significantly boost your performance. But without a reliable internet connection, these tools can only go so far.

Brightspeed Fiber offers the robust and dependable service you need to stay connected, productive, and ahead of the curve. Brightspeed’s fast speeds ensure that you can attend virtual meetings with no problems, collaborate in real-time, and access all your online tools without interruption.

Upgrade to Brightspeed today and take the first step toward a smoother, more connected remote work experience. Call now to find the best plan for you.

Sources

[1] Hive. “8 Remote Work Tools & Software For Teams Working From Home in 2024”.

[2] Zapier. “The remote worker’s toolkit: The 15 tools you need to work remotely”.

[3]  PC Mag. “The Best Business Messaging Apps”.

[4] LinkedIn. “The 10 Best Screen Sharing Software”.

[5] USNews. “Best Screen-recording Software of 2024”.

[6] PC Mag. “The Best Office Suites for 2024”.

[7] The Digital Project Manager. “15 Best Project Management Software Picked For 2024”.

[8] Cyber News. “Best AntiVirus Software in 2024”.

[9] NeverBlueIT. “Why 2FA is More Important Than Ever in 2024”.