Implementing remote collaboration tools and practices

Millions of Americans have embraced remote work in recent years. Today, 22 million people work from home full time, and 35% of workers say they can do their jobs remotely.

Supporting employees who choose to work from home is key for companies looking to embrace remote work. Remote collaboration tools are increasingly important to the smooth functioning of modern companies looking to fully leverage the capabilities of a remote/hybrid team. Even small changes, such as installing a workflow program that integrates with communication applications, can significantly improve efficiency and productivity.

Using remote collaboration tools can also help with teamwork and improve workplace morale. This is key for companies looking to maintain a strong company culture as they transition to remote work.

The Value of Collaboration Software

Remote collaboration software can dramatically improve the productivity of remote teams and help everyone be on the same page. This is crucial for companies that have recently transitioned to remote or hybrid work, as some employees may feel disconnected from the change. Other benefits of using remote collaboration software include:

• Increased efficiency
• Improved project management
• More creativity and innovation
• Boost your performance

Collaboration software can connect employees and help them connect while working remotely. This can bridge the remote gap and ensure that people can collaborate in real time. Similarly, managers who use collaboration software will have a better understanding of their team’s productivity because they can track key metrics like completed tasks, engagement with digital assets, and time spent on tasks.

Paying for professional collaboration software can increase efficiency and reduce the time people spend searching for email chains or sticky notes containing key details. This is crucial in today’s competitive world of commerce, where companies are constantly striving to increase productivity and reduce wasted time.

Secure digital software

Moving to an all-remote business model can save a company money and increase operational agility. However, companies that make the switch must ensure that their collaboration tools are secure and that employees follow protocols to protect their passwords and prevent breaches. This is crucial for companies that are new to remote work, as employees who are new to remote work can be more vulnerable to phishing scams and malware attacks.

Remote collaboration tools can reduce the risk of human error and increase company security. For example, many remote tools, such as Google Drive or Microsoft Teams, save backup copies of documents in the cloud. This reduces the risk of permanently losing important documents when an employee accidentally deletes the wrong folder from their computer.

Using collaboration tools like workflow programs can also improve cross-departmental communication. Human error is much more likely when people have to juggle multiple platforms and split their attention between different applications. By using collaboration tools that integrate with their current technology stack, business leaders can reduce the risk of costly errors and create a safer, more productive work environment.

Companies that use remote collaboration software will need to regularly train and educate employees to ensure they understand cybersecurity threats like phishing scams and malware. Teaching employees how to recognize and avoid common attacks can help a company avoid the pitfalls of remote collaboration. This supports business profitability and ensures that private data is not inadvertently exposed in the event of a breach.

Increasing productivity

At their core, remote collaboration tools are designed to increase productivity. However, companies concerned about the well-being of their team need to look beyond the generic mix of conferencing, communication, and workflow software. Companies can increase the well-being of their team and the productivity of their employees when they work remotely by offering tools such as:

• Automated email apps for faster response
• Remote desktop software to support training initiatives
• Display time zones so employees are aware of their colleagues’ schedules

Similarly, companies can improve collaboration by offering skills training that boosts well-being and strengthens interpersonal skills. For example, if a manager notices that some employees are struggling to engage in digital discussions, they can invest in training sessions to make sure the entire team knows how to use features like sending a GIF or sharing a screen. These essential remote skills help people feel part of a team and help build a strong culture when working remotely.

Application

Creating a collaborative workspace while working remotely can be difficult. Business leaders looking to empower their teams can get started by finding software that integrates with the company’s existing tech stack. This reduces the number of apps employees need to open after logging in and simplifies communication channels.

Companies using remote work software will also need to invest in training programs. This will reduce the risk of a security breach due to an easy-to-guess password or phishing scam and ensure that employees know how to use all the tools offered to them.