Top 6 Tech Tools to Work Remotely in 2023

Employees working from home are 24% more likely to feel happier while being more productive, according to a study by OWLLabs. It's easy to see why your team members would prefer working remotely. They get to set their own schedules, travel even more, and enjoy the comfort of their homes. 

The reality is that a remote team can have a ton of benefits if managed well. The transition to managing remote employees can be made easier with advances in technology and a belief that your employees will be just as productive, and maybe even more so, when you give them the trust and flexibility to do their job wherever they’re located. Communication and collaboration tools can help teams stay connected and productive.

From your end, however, running a remote workforce may hardly be straightforward, especially if you're used to day-to-day office activities. Fortunately, we've compiled a list of the best remote work tools that can help your staffers transition smoothly to their new home offices. 

Leveraging these platforms may boost team morale, improve productivity, and encourage teamwork.

Let’s dive in to learn:

• What tools are needed for remote work?
• What tools allow workers to work remotely and telecommute?

Here's a list of tools we recommend to help during your transition to remote work:

1. Slack 

Slack has been one of the most popular platforms during the pandemic. It's a must-have for both project managers and employees because of its ease of use and reliability. 

It stores all your work -- from files, third-party apps to conversations -- in a single place that you can access from anywhere. Thanks to the feature, collaborating with coworkers is much easier. With this tidy structure, staffers work faster and smoothly without getting distracted when looking for files and documents in different places. 

Are you looking to promote familiarity in the workplace? Slack offers various emojis that you can use to react to messages. If your employee has completed his work on time, you can congratulate them with a 'clapping' emoji. Small gestures of appreciation like these can go a long way in motivating your team members. 

Another feature that makes Slack the go-to app for most teams is the built-in calls. You don't have to visit a browser or calendar software to set up a call. You can do so in just a few steps on the app itself. 

2. Zoom

Zoom is an app that seemed to just spring up on most remote employee's phones during the quarantine. It suddenly went from a little-known video conferencing app to an indispensable tool for anyone working remotely. There are various reasons for this rise -- chief among them being the convenience it provides. 

Zoom allows you to screen-share, so you can show your coworker how to complete a task. It also enables you to host a webinar or a huge team meeting. You can lock out members you don't want appearing in your sessions by setting the invite-only feature. As a result, you won't get unnecessary interruptions.  

Better yet, you can set aside Zoom Rooms -- conference rooms that enable team collaboration. Features, such as zoom rooms, are what make the platform stand out from other video calling apps. The app offers a professional space for workers so that they can share ideas easily. 

3. WooBoard

Employees love recognition from the higher-ups. A simple appreciation gesture can do wonders for their overall morale and drive. That's why you should ensure you celebrate your employees for their small wins, even if you're not in an office setting. 

WooBoard allows you to do just that: Create rewards that help your employees receive unlimited recognition. The app's social engagement features enable workers to start conversations with each other. 

Get the app so your staffers can blow off some steam, and you may possibly increase the overall workplace productivity. 

4. Tallyfy

It's easy to neglect procedural work when most project management tools focus mainly on one-off tasks. Tallyfy allows you to manage both one-off duties and processes. 

Tracking your team members' workflows is crucial, as you probably don't have the luxury of looking over their shoulders. Tallyfy offers you an easy-to-use dashboard that enables you to supervise their activities. You'll be able to monitor their progress, see if they're sticking to deadlines, and analyze their productivity. 

Workflow management can especially be beneficial if you're mostly working with Virtual Assistants. Often, VAs prepare lists of things they need to do before the day ends. To make sure they're on track, you can devise a workflow that'll take them through the entire process. 

5. QuickBooks Cloud Hosting

Quickbooks Desktop is among the most widely-used accounting software in small businesses. Preparing tax returns is much easier with the software, and it makes for stress-free tax seasons. As well, you might need a system that helps you keep records of your invoices after causing them. Employees can then use a paystub generator for 1099 and submit it in applying for salary loans. 

Its cloud hosting feature allows you to access, view, and edit accounting information securely. With remote working now possible, your workers can take care of accounting stuff without taking endless trips to your workplace. 

Another perk? You can take your team member's expertise to another level by enrolling them in Quickbooks training. Without the distractions of the office, now's the best time to gift your staff members the joy of learning new things. They can easily make time to learn, given that they now have a flexible schedule. 

Training on the software makes them more equipped to tackle difficult accounting problems. At the end of the day, you'll be promoting a more positive work culture -- now that you have learned, happier, and more loyal employees. 

6. Crystal

Team members working remotely may have a difficult time understanding each other's preferences. With no day-to-day interactions, communication can take a hit, and company togetherness may feel like a thing of the past. 

Registering an account with Crystal can help you recover the lost office camaraderie. It allows users to take a personality test at no cost, enabling them to know each other's nuances. 

If you're unsure what makes your employees tick, then this is the tool for you. It will show you how each employee differs from the other. Getting these personality tests is stress-free; you can access them through Gmail or LinkedIn easily. You can also choose to receive comprehensive job reports. 

Leveraging the platform can mean you no longer have to be in the dark about how your team members like to communicate. You'll be able to know from them directly. 

Other Tech Tools That Are Changing The World of Remote Work

• G Suite: Utilizing the full suite of Google tools increases productivity by 10-fold. Through video conferencing, chat, and their wide collection of productivity apps, businesses can collaborate no matter where they’re located ensuring streamlined, reliable access.
• Asana: Worried about your employees staying long on task? Using tools such as Asana can help you and your employees stay productive and focused with a virtual to-do list, letting team members know when it’s their time to review a project, or keeping employees on track for tasks due that day.

Final Thoughts 

As we're well into 2023, expect more and more employees to work from home. Arming yourself with the right tools will allow you to have a smoother transition to remote work. 

The platforms we've mentioned may help you create an office-like environment, even if you're working in your pajamas. If you use them correctly, you may foster a better work culture, encourage loyalty, and promote more accountability within your company.