1. 5 Game-Changing Technologies for Remote Work Success
1.1 Remote training tools
First-day orientation can present significant challenges in a remote working environment. For organizations with a global remote workforce, flying in new team members for a week of onboarding may not always be feasible, especially if they lack a physical headquarters. Fortunately, advancements in technology have made it easier than ever to bridge this gap.
A variety of tools allows remote teams to intelligently gather and share knowledge across the entire company, providing engaging and interactive experiences. While primarily targeted towards developers, best-in-class screen pairing tools like Tuple assist remote teams in overcoming the challenges of presenting new information and tools without physical presence. Webinar applications like BigMarker enable companies to pre-record standardized training sections, streamlining the entire process. Additionally, a range of tools can be utilized to create a self-service company knowledge base, enabling users to intuitively search for helpful resources.
1.2 VPN (Virtual Private Network)
A virtual private network, also known as a VPN, is vital for safeguarding the security of your organization's sensitive data. It enables off-site employees to securely access the internet through an encrypted connection. This advanced encryption establishes a protective barrier around the company information that employees access, rendering it invisible and inaccessible to potential hackers or data thieves.
Furthermore, from an organizational perspective, VPNs allow companies to keep the data transmitted between the office and remote employees confidential. This extra layer of protection helps companies maintain their integrity, credibility, and peace of mind.
VPNs have many uses. You can find more information, buy with discounts, book tickets cheaper, unblock websites and streaming services. Just try BBC iPlayer VPN and you will notice that you can watch a lot more movies and documentaries than without it. Change your virtual location as you see fit and reap the benefits.
1.3 Automation
Remote work provides individuals with an unprecedented level of autonomy, allowing them to structure their work and manage their environment according to their preferences. However, this newfound freedom introduces a complex administrative aspect to employees' lives, as it relies on individual self-reporting and self-organization. To maintain smooth collaboration, effective performance management, and accurate accounting, employees should ensure that their work activities, schedules, and expenses remain visible and transparent.
Fortunately, automation ensures that remote workers can maintain their efficiency while managing digital coordination. Several smart technologies have addressed major challenges in this area. For example, Timely, an automatic time tracker, can generate accurate timesheets for employees and help managers track remote workloads. Dewo, an AI scheduling app, intelligently schedules meetings based on remote team schedules. Additionally, Expensify, a smart expensing app, can instantly document company receipts by scanning them with a mobile phone camera.
1.4 VR and IM communication
Video conferencing tools such as Zoom, along with business instant messenger apps like Slack and Twist, have revolutionized remote team collaboration. They provide an affordable and simple solution for distributed teams who aim to replicate the synchronous experience of in-person meetings. The emergence of virtual reality (VR) takes this to the next level, offering a glimpse into what virtualized meeting environments could look like. Although many VR meeting tools are still in beta, they offer a more personal and authentic conference call experience, particularly for fully-remote companies. VR is poised to revolutionize the way teams connect and communicate.
1.5 Cloud storage and computing
Many in-house teams already rely on cloud storage to quickly backup their data, keep company documents organized in a single shared space, and enable access from multiple devices. Think of popular tools like Google Docs and Dropbox. Cloud computing and cloud-based tools have become increasingly common.
Nowadays, there is a cloud-based version or alternative for almost everything, which allows for access from any location. Since many teams are already utilizing these virtual tools in their offices, numerous businesses already possess the necessary means for working without geographic constraints. All they need is a supportive culture.
2. Conclusion
The shift to remote work has become a major aspect of the modern work environment, especially given the current global circumstances. As technology continues to advance, various methods have emerged to enhance productivity and foster strong team connections worldwide. Game-changing technologies like cloud collaboration tools, project management software, remote networking tools, chat applications, virtual reality, cybersecurity innovations, AI and automation tools, virtual whiteboards, and advanced IoT devices have played a pivotal role in facilitating this transformative shift.