What are the best online tools or apps for collaborating and communicating with remote teams?

1 Cloud-based storage and file-sharing

One of the essential online tools for remote teams is cloud-based storage and file-sharing, which allows you to access, edit, and share your documents, images, videos, and other files from any device and location. Cloud-based storage and file-sharing also helps you avoid data loss, duplication, and confusion, as you can sync your files across your devices and team members, and track changes and revisions. Some of the popular cloud-based storage and file-sharing tools are Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Box.

2 Project management and task tracking

Another important online tool for remote teams is project management and task tracking, which helps you plan, organize, and monitor your projects, tasks, deadlines, and progress. Project management and task tracking also helps you communicate with your team members, assign roles and responsibilities, and provide feedback and updates. Some of the popular project management and task tracking tools are Trello, Asana, Basecamp, and Monday.

3 Video conferencing and chat

A third online tool for remote teams is video conferencing and chat, which helps you communicate with your team members in real time, using audio, video, text, and screen sharing. Video conferencing and chat also helps you build rapport and trust with your team members, as you can see their faces, expressions, and gestures, and interact more naturally and personally. Some of the popular video conferencing and chat tools are Zoom, Skype, Slack, and Microsoft Teams.

4 Online collaboration and brainstorming

A fourth online tool for remote teams is online collaboration and brainstorming, which helps you create, share, and edit your ideas, concepts, and designs with your team members, using visual, interactive, and creative platforms. Online collaboration and brainstorming also helps you foster innovation and problem-solving, as you can generate, organize, and refine your ideas, and get feedback and input from your team members. Some of the popular online collaboration and brainstorming tools are Miro, MindMeister, Figma, and InVision.

5 Time management and productivity

A fifth online tool for remote teams is time management and productivity, which helps you manage your time, energy, and focus, and optimize your performance and output. Time management and productivity also helps you balance your work and personal life, as you can set your goals, priorities, and schedules, and track your habits, activities, and results. Some of the popular time management and productivity tools are Todoist, RescueTime, Pomodoro Timer, and Evernote.

6 Learning and development

A sixth online tool for remote teams is learning and development, which helps you learn new skills, knowledge, and trends, and improve your professional and personal growth. Learning and development also helps you stay motivated and engaged with your work, as you can access various courses, resources, and communities, and get feedback and recognition from your team members. Some of the popular learning and development tools are Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Skillshare.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?