Remote Work Tools to Boost Productivity
By Rachel Peck
If you’re finding yourself missing your desk, the daily conversations with coworkers and the general noise of an office environment, you’re probably not alone. It can be difficult to find a new rhythm and feel productive in this new remote working situation – especially if you work best in a collaborative workspace. However, feeling connected, while working apart from the rest of your team is important and thankfully, there are a variety of options for teams of all sizes. From background noise tools, to scheduling and project management software, here are a few of Eclipse Media Group’s favorite tools to take advantage of, while we’re working remotely:
For those who live by lists
There are two types of people in the world – those who live by making lists and those who live dangerously without them. If you’re the former, then Todoist is the organizational tool for you. Not only can you create and share your lists, you can also delegate tasks to fellow team members. This tool comes recommended for personal use as well – which might be useful if you’re also homeschooling.
If you’re struggling to keep track of all your Zoom meeting notes, Evernote can be useful for organizing all your thoughts. The free version of this software can be used and shared among devices, as well as colleagues.
Let’s get collaborative
Even before the days of remote offices, Dropbox was a staple for businesses of all sizes. Easy for on the go document updating and sharing, Dropbox is ideal for internal use, as well as sharing external documents, such as article submissions and media kits with clients or writers.
A tried and true organizational tool, Google Calendar can be even more useful now. As working from home allows employees to work when they’re most productive, this might mean they have different office hours than their colleagues. This is where a shared Google Calendar can help. Whether you’re a fan of the early morning grind, or burning the midnight oil, schedule in the times you’re available, or not available, on your team’s shared calendar.
Lastly, for PR and marketing agencies with many clients, project management software is a must-have. At Eclipse, we use Wrike for our internal schedule, as well as external client organization. Not only can we create projects specific to each of our clients, we can facilitate team meetings within Wrike, invite clients to collaborate on items and share project timelines through customized reporting tools.
Stay focused
If your productivity level requires background noise, time to turn off the TV and turn on Noisli – a tool offering digital noise for workplace, travel or relaxation. Users can choose from curated playlists meant to boost productivity. Also consider trying a focus app, such as Focus Booster. Designed with the Pomodoro method in mind, this focus app sets a timer encouraging the user to work in short bursts, staying more focused and taking frequent breaks.
An important element to working from home is to remember to take mini-breaks throughout the day, which can help you stay focused and more productive overall. If you had to cancel 2020 travel plans, take a work break and visit some of the world’s most beautiful sites and tourists attractions. It might be exactly what you need to refocus and power through the rest of the day.
There are nearly endless amounts of tools available for communications teams who are collaborating from afar. Hopefully some of these suggestions can alleviate some of that distance, while helping you and your team feel a little more connected.