Working a remote job has so many benefits: independence, flexibility, increased productivity, and more! There are, however, some learning curves when it comes to setting yourself up for success both in your home office and on your devices.
That’s why we’re bringing you a roundup of essential tools, apps, and products so you can find the most success while working remotely. Read all the way to the bottom for more tips and guides on making the most of remote work!
Hardware:
Setting your workday up for success doesn’t mean that you need to break the bank on the latest tech, but it does mean you should have the items that are going to help you have the best possible workdays.
- Laptop or Desktop: It’s important that your computer is powerful and reliable enough to handle your day to day workload. We’re not about to try and tackle the years old debate of Mac v. PC, so get whatever works best for you and your business.
- Stable and Fast Internet Connection: A strong internet connection is essential for staying connected and avoiding disruptions. Especially if you’re spending a lot of time in meetings or toggling between tabs. (This is also important to keep in mind if you’re heading to a co-working space or coffee shop!).
- Comfortable Chair/Working Spaces: Invest in a good ergonomic chair to avoid back pain and discomfort. You might also be someone who likes some variety while working from home. There are plenty of great options for standing desks and even walking pads if you’re looking to get in some more movement while working.
- Headphones: A good pair of noise cancelling headphones will help you block out distractions and focus on your work. These are especially helpful if you live in a city with distractions, have family members home while you’re working, or like working outside of the house.
Software:
Software options might be chosen for you if you’re working remotely for a company, but if you run your own business here are some great options for communication, storage, and other helpful apps.
- Team chat apps: Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Discord are great for staying connected with your team members, sharing quick messages, and collaborating on projects. They can be especially helpful if chain/group emails are continually getting messy and confusing.
- Video conferencing apps: Let’s be real, who didn’t spend most of 2020 on Zoom? We know that it’s probably everyone’s go-to, but it’s important to remember other options like Google Meet or Microsoft Teams that also allow you to have virtual, face-to-face meetings with your team members, clients, or colleagues.
- Cloud Storage: Google Drive, Dropbox, Zoho WorkDrive, or Microsoft OneDrive allow you to store your files securely online and access them from any device.
- Project Management Tools: Asana, Trello, or Monday.com help you stay organized, track your progress, and collaborate with your team on projects.
- Note-taking Apps: Evernote, OneNote, or Google Keep allow you to take notes, clip articles, and organize your thoughts.
- Security Tools: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic and helps protect your data from security breaches. This might be a non-negotiable if you’re handling highly sensitive client information, especially if you’re in a highly populated area or frequent a busy co-working space.
Other Tools:
- A good planner or calendar app: A physical planner or a digital calendar app like Google Calendar or Apple Calendar will help you keep track of your deadlines, appointments, and meetings.
- Time tracking software: Tools like Toggl, Harvest, or even Tiny Stopwatch can help you track your time and see where you’re spending it. These are especially great options for contract workers needing to keep track of project hours.
- A comfortable and dedicated workspace: Having a dedicated workspace will help you stay focused and avoid distractions. Check out some of out Home Office Organization Hacks to get you started!
If you’re still learning the ropes of your remote job, or are looking to level up your organization and productivity in your current position, start with this roundup of tools!
For more helpful guides on successful remote work, check out our blog categories: Digital Organization, Small Business Tips, and Virtual Assistants.
