HR-Approved Tools for Remote Working

Remote working models are slowly becoming the norm rather than the exception.

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This shift requires all of us to adapt to new tools that facilitate efficient communication and collaboration, regardless of our location.

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HR experts play a pivotal role in guiding employees through this transition by recommending essential tools tailored to meet the demands of remote work.

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Here we can discover some popular and niche tools that can elevate our remote work game.

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Tools to use for Communication:

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Slack:

At Salesforce, Slack is used extensively to streamline communication across different departments and project teams.

Its integration capabilities with other software such as Google Drive and Zoom, make it a central hub for daily interactions and collaborative efforts.

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Twist:

Unlike traditional chat tools, Twist, used by teams like those at Basecamp, structures communication into threads, which helps to reduce the chaos of constant real-time messaging and allows for more organized and asynchronous communication.

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Cisco Webex:

Enterprise businesses like AT&T use Cisco Webex for video conferencing and collaboration.

Its robust security features and integration capabilities with other enterprise tools make it ideal for large companies.

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Tools to use for Collaboration:

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Trello:

At Redbooth, Trello boards are used to organize and visualize project tasks.

Each team member can see the progress of tasks, assign responsibilities, and set deadlines, ensuring projects move forward smoothly and on time.

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Asana:

Nonprofit organizations like Malala Fund use Asana to coordinate efforts across different time zones and continents.

With Asana, they can track the progress of fundraising campaigns, educational programs, and other initiatives in a single, transparent platform.

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Miro:

Design agencies such as IDEO use Miro for remote brainstorming sessions and collaborative workshops.

The online whiteboard tool helps teams visualize ideas, create mind maps, and plan projects collaboratively, even when team members are spread across the globe.

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Quip:

Salesforce utilizes Quip for document collaboration, combining spreadsheets, documents, and chat in one app.

This tool enhances productivity by keeping everything related to a project in one place.

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Tools to use for File Sharing and Storage:

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Egnyte:

Companies in regulated industries, such as healthcare and finance, often choose Egnyte for its secure file sharing and compliance features.

It provides robust data governance and secure access to files from anywhere.

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WeTransfer:

Creative professionals and agencies like We Are Social use WeTransfer to send large files quickly and easily.

It's perfect for sharing high-resolution images, videos, and other large documents without hassle.

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Sync.com:

For teams prioritizing privacy, Sync.com offers end-to-end encrypted cloud storage.

Organizations focused on data security, like law firms, rely on Sync.com to protect their sensitive information.

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Box:

Legal firms like Morgan & Morgan use Box for its advanced security features and compliance with legal industry standards.

It offers secure cloud storage and file sharing, making it ideal for handling sensitive documents.

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Tools to use for Productivity and Time Management:

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RescueTime:

Companies like Skyword utilize RescueTime to help employees monitor their productivity.

By analyzing how time is spent on different applications and websites, employees can identify distractions and improve their focus on important tasks.

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Clockify:

Marketing agencies like Mad Fish Digital use Clockify for time tracking.

This tool helps employees log hours on various projects, providing insights into how time is spent and aiding in client billing.

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MindMeister:

Teams at Bayer use MindMeister for mind mapping and brainstorming.

This tool helps visualize ideas and organize thoughts, making it easier to plan projects and generate innovative solutions.

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Todoist:

Many employees at Amazon use Todoist to manage their tasks and projects.

This powerful to-do list app helps prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and keep track of progress, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

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Tools to use for Cybersecurity:

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LastPass:

Digital marketing agencies like HubSpot recommend LastPass to employees for managing their passwords securely.

With LastPass, employees can generate strong passwords and store them safely, reducing the risk of security breaches.

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Duo:

Companies like Etsy use Duo for two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security.

This helps prevent unauthorized access to company accounts and sensitive information, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access critical systems.

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Keeper:

Tech firms like MailChimp use Keeper to manage and secure employee passwords.

Keeper’s vault ensures strong password practices and reduces the risk of data breaches.

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Cisco Umbrella:

Large corporations like Adobe use Cisco Umbrella to protect their networks.

It provides security at the DNS layer, blocking malicious threats before they reach the network.

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?Tools to use for Wellness and Engagement:

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Calm:

Many companies, including SAP, offer Calm subscriptions to their employees.

This meditation and sleep app helps reduce stress and improve mental health, promoting overall well-being.

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Peakon:

HR teams at Verizon use Peakon to measure employee engagement and gather feedback.

It provides insights into employee satisfaction and helps identify areas for improvement.

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Lattice:

Companies like Reddit use Lattice for performance management and employee engagement.

It helps set goals, provide feedback, and conduct performance reviews, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

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Donut:

Remote teams at InVision use Donut to foster connections and camaraderie.

This Slack integration randomly pairs employees for virtual coffee chats, helping build relationships and reduce isolation.

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Equipping employees with the right tools is fundamental to the success of remote working models.

By recommending and providing access to these essential tools, we can facilitate effective communication, collaboration, and productivity, ensuring that employees can perform their best work, regardless of where they are located.

As the workplace continues to evolve, staying ahead with the right technology will be key to maintaining a competitive edge and creating an adaptable workforce.