You're struggling to keep your remote team motivated. What tools should you use?

1 Communication tools

Communication is the key to any successful team, especially when working remotely. You need to be able to talk to your team members, share feedback, and resolve issues quickly and clearly. Some of the most popular communication tools for remote teams are Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams. These tools allow you to create channels, groups, or teams for different topics, projects, or departments. You can also send instant messages, make voice or video calls, and share files or screens. Communication tools help you stay in touch with your team, build rapport, and foster a sense of belonging.

2 Collaboration tools

Collaboration tools help you work together with your team on tasks, projects, or documents. They enable you to assign roles, track progress, and share updates. Some of the most widely used collaboration tools for remote teams are Trello, Asana, and Google Workspace. These tools allow you to create boards, lists, or folders for different workflows, goals, or deadlines. You can also add comments, attachments, or checklists to each item. Collaboration tools help you coordinate your team, manage your workload, and achieve your objectives.

3 Monitoring tools

Monitoring tools help you measure your team's performance, productivity, and well-being. They allow you to track time, activity, or feedback from your team members. Some of the most effective monitoring tools for remote teams are Hubstaff, Time Doctor, and Officevibe. These tools allow you to set up timers, screenshots, or surveys for different tasks, projects, or periods. You can also view reports, charts, or scores for each team member or group. Monitoring tools help you evaluate your team, identify issues, and improve your outcomes.

4 Engagement tools

Engagement tools help you motivate your team, recognize their achievements, and celebrate their successes. They allow you to create incentives, rewards, or events for your team members. Some of the most fun and creative engagement tools for remote teams are Bonusly, Kudos, and Kahoot. These tools allow you to give points, badges, or gifts to your team members for their contributions, feedback, or ideas. You can also create quizzes, games, or polls to challenge, entertain, or educate your team. Engagement tools help you appreciate your team, boost their morale, and strengthen your culture.

5 Learning tools

Learning tools help you develop your team's skills, knowledge, and potential. They allow you to provide training, coaching, or mentoring to your team members. Some of the most useful and accessible learning tools for remote teams are Udemy, Coursera, and LinkedIn Learning. These tools allow you to access courses, videos, or articles on various topics, fields, or industries. You can also create your own content, assign courses, or track progress for your team members. Learning tools help you support your team, enhance their capabilities, and grow their careers.

6 Integration tools

Integration tools help you connect your different tools and platforms and streamline your workflows. They allow you to automate, sync, or transfer data, actions, or notifications between your tools. Some of the most powerful and versatile integration tools for remote teams are Zapier, IFTTT, and Integromat. These tools allow you to create workflows, triggers, or scenarios for different events, conditions, or outcomes. You can also choose from thousands of pre-made integrations or create your own custom ones. Integration tools help you simplify your processes, save time, and optimize your results.