Telecommuting is becoming increasingly popular by the day. In fact, CNBC points out that around 70% of the world’s population now work remotely at least once a week.
More and more professionals are turning to this work arrangement because of the flexibility it provides. But despite all its benefits, remote working can be a real challenge, as it means you can easily get bogged down and distracted by your surroundings. To stay productive no matter where you, here are key tech tools you should start using to make telecommuting a breeze.
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Cloud Storage
Being a telecommuter means that you must have your files on-hand at any given time to ensure seamless company workflow. As such, having them properly stored away should be given the utmost importance. Just like we previously shared in our ‘Top 6 Basic Things to Consider When Buying a Computer’ post, it’s best for your computer to have a hard drive with at least one terabyte of storage space for optimal speed and size.
Of course, telecommuting isn’t just limited to your computer, as other devices like tablets and smartphones are often used for work, too. In this regard, using a cloud-based storage system can do a world of good for your productivity, as you can access your data on multiple devices. Moreover, cloud storage is especially helpful for multiple teams because you can share your files with just a few clicks.
Office Suite
From documents and decks, to spreadsheets and graphics, you’ll be tasked to work with various file types to meet a lot of your job’s responsibilities. To stay on top of these important documents, having an office suite will help ensure that all your files are compatible. Operating within a complete office suite application allows for seamless functioning between programs, according to HP’s tech writer Linsey Knerl.
Microsoft Office and Google Drive are two of the most popular solutions, but other office suite packages can be customized depending on what kind of software you need. Before investing in an office suite, take a good look at your daily workflow to see what features should be prioritized.
Video Conferencing Apps
Although emails will always be a reliable form of messaging, some conversations will need face time for quicker and more effective collaboration. Moreover, actually hearing and seeing your co-workers through your screens can make you feel like you’re truly part of the team, especially as a telecommute.
So, you should download a video conferencing application on your computer. The key to finding the right one is to consider what your job entails. If you have to interact with a large group, The Verge recommends Zoom, since it can host up to 100 participants. Meanwhile, if you need to have important meetings and alignments, Skype’s Meet Now feature lets you record your video chats.
Project Management Software
As a telecommuter, you have the special privilege of working in a more comfortable environment — whether it’s at an intimate café or within the comforts of your own home. On the other hand, being in a cozy setting makes it tempting to procrastinate. Luckily, installing a project management software will assist you in keeping track of your tasks.
For instance, the Asana app presents you with a virtual to-do list that can be easily updated with new subtasks or converted into a project if it becomes too heavy. All in all, using a project management software for work will help bring that much-needed structure into your telecommuting environment.
