7 Types of Essential Tools for Productive Remote Work

For the second year now, remote work is no longer just a way to work more comfortably during the warmer months. It has become the norm, and HR specialists are drawing attention to the desire of a large portion of employees to retain the option of performing their duties outside the office. This means that companies that have treated remote work as a temporary solution need to review their policies and adapt processes to this scenario.

This also includes technical support. So, what exactly does a company need for employees to work remotely effectively?

Cloud Solutions

Given that each employee is physically located in a different place, it is important that at least all data is centralized and "meets" in one place. Therefore, cloud solutions are critically important – both as data storage and as applications that allow employees to exchange information online and build upon each other's work. There is certainly no shortage of such programs. Almost all popular office software, project management, and customer relationship management solutions offer this functionality. It remains to choose the most suitable and user-friendly option for employees. It is also worth paying attention to whether the chosen solution includes sufficiently extensive data storage and whether it offers the ability to create backups of computer data so that information is not lost in case of device failure.

A survey conducted by Jumis Pro among Latvian companies revealed that 44.3% of companies with implemented cloud solutions are currently able to successfully continue working remotely and plan to organize work primarily from home in the future. 

Internet Connection

Ten years ago, people were tied to the office by the need for an internet cable, but today this is no longer a serious argument for staying indoors. Fast enough internet can also be accessed via mobile networks. All three major operators in Latvia offer both standalone mobile internet modems and unlimited data plans for smartphones, which can be turned into routers with a single tap on the mobile hotspot icon. The distributed WiFi signal can be connected to a computer just like a home or office wireless network. 

When purchasing a new laptop or tablet, you can choose a model with an integrated SIM card slot, ensuring internet access directly on the device. Of course, the employer will then have to cover the cost of an additional mobile operator data plan. However, productive work can also be done from the garden, terrace, or beach.

Communication Tools

Is there still an office worker who hasn't tried Zoom, Teams, Skype, or another video communication solution? For some, a screen filled with colleagues' faces might already appear in their dreams. However, without video communication apps, maintaining full communication would be very difficult, as they essentially replace meeting rooms for workgroup discussions. It is essential to choose a program that allows screen sharing, as it is often easier to show details than to explain them. Screen recording can also be useful for recalling discussions in the following days.

It is important for employees to have access to a unified messaging system where they can communicate individually or in groups. Not every small matter requires disturbing colleagues with a call. The ability to isolate oneself from the surrounding environment is one of the advantages of remote work. 29.7% of respondents appreciate not being disturbed by office noise. 

Remote Access

The first months of remote work were very challenging for companies that had not created the possibility for work computers to be accessed externally. As a result, employees had to solve technical issues themselves, which are usually handled by IT specialists in the office. So-called Remote Desktop programs are indispensable for allowing such specialists to connect to a computer located many kilometers away and fix it. In this way, one system administrator can accomplish more than three who have to travel to each struggling employee's home.

Office Software

Text editors, spreadsheets, presentation tools – normal office work is unimaginable without them. Fortunately, there are plenty of options in this area. There are both software programs that can be installed on computers and cloud solutions where prepared materials can be immediately shared with colleagues and collaborative access granted. Developers have also accommodated users during the pandemic by offering more favorable terms for teams of various sizes. There are even quite good free solutions available.

Management Systems

Cloud-based business, customer relationship, and project management systems are as essential as air for any medium or large company. Just like an accounting system. Who would want cash flow in the company and payroll to be delayed just because the accountant cannot make it to the office? Programs like Jumis Pro not only allow all transactions and calculations to be performed remotely but also enable monitoring cash flow via a mobile app. 

Equally important is digital document circulation and communication. 50.6% of Jumis Pro survey respondents named this as one of the main reasons they can continue working remotely.

Security Solutions

Although listed last in this overview, security solutions are among the most important for the safe and stable functioning of a company. Since every computer, tablet, and smartphone is located in a different physical location throughout the day and is not protected by the office's unified firewall, it is important to ensure a secure internet connection using virtual private network (VPN) solutions, strong passwords, and data encryption options, as well as the security of the devices themselves. A good antivirus program is indispensable. Consider authentication solutions to ensure that only employees can access company data, and also data encryption for exchanging highly sensitive information.