Myriad companies around the world have gone remote due to the COVID-19 outbreak. But, what if your team is working remotely, how would you communicate with them? How do you get project updates and how do you conduct meetings? Seems impossible, right? The best remote teams rely on communication tools to collaborate efficiently with the teams.

What are Remote Communication Tools?

When your team works in the same physical office, communication is not a problem. You can hold meetings quickly or can even have a quick discussion with your team. However, you can’t do this with the remote team, right? Actually, you can. Remote team communication tools help you collaborate effectively with distributed teams. They allow you to stay in touch and keep track of coworkers who are working from different parts of the world: Most of these tools have communication features like:

• Live chat: Enables instant messaging over the Internet.
• File sharing and collaboration: To coordinate over files virtually
• Video calls: For having a face to face conversations with the team.

Here are different types of communication tools you can use:

Instant Messaging Tools:

Need an urgent response from team members? Instant messaging tools are the perfect options for sending messages in the blink of an eye. They help you instantly connect with your team for quick discussions and clarifications. Let’s have a look at some of the best instant messaging tools for remote teams:

Slack:

Slack is an extremely popular instant messaging widely used to manage the working of remote employees. It has several communication features, including, but not limited to private chats, integrations with collaboration tools like Jira and ClickUp, and Audio and Video calls.

Slack-Instant Messaging Tool

Here are some of the key features of the tool:

• Channels:

With slack channels, conversations can be categorized into streamlined communication. As each team or project can use their own channel, you don’t have to scroll through hundreds of texts to find important messages.

• Voice Chats and Video Calls:

Not everything can be discussed over text, right? Slack lets you quickly connect with your team members through audio or video calls. This feature is the best for impromptu conversations rather than in-depth conferences or meetings.

• File Sharing:

Slack supports convenient file sharing from mobile devices and computers. Moreover, Slack can be easily integrated with Google Drive and Dropbox and lets you share cloud files without leaving the Slack interface.

Pricing:

The base plan of Slack is priced at $3.20/month per user. It supports unlimited messages and 10 GB of storage per member. If you want more storage options and advanced features, then you can go for their higher plans. Video Conferencing Tools: Video Conferencing Tools help you interact face-to-face with your team members. Video Conferencing can help you:

• Explain tasks in detail
• Host team discussions with prospects
• Plan project roadmaps and hold reviews.

Here is one of the best video conferencing tools:

Zoom:

Zoom is a popular video conferencing tool that aids you in hosting webinars and HD calls. Zoom video call and screen sharing features, help team members conduct quick 1-on-1 check-ins and detailed meetings with team members.  

Key Features:

1. Full-Featured Meetings:

Zoom meetings have a myriad of features for remote teams. While they provide annotation features and basic screen sharing, you can also record meetings and search transcripts. Additionally, Zoom also has a cloud storage feature for video recordings if you don’t want to store them locally.

2. Zoom Webinars:

With Zoom, hosting webinars is easier than ever. You can host up to 10,000 attendees and host webinars to social media like YouTube and Facebook Live. You can also use interactive features like chats and polls to keep live audiences engaged. Pricing Zoom has a free plan that supports up to 100 participants and HD video/voice call features. The paid version of the tool starts at $14.99/month per host and also includes features like cloud recording. Other than Zoom, there are also tools like Trello and Jira that help you conduct meeting with the remote team. Collaboration Tools Collaboration tools give your team virtual space through which they can work efficiently. Most collaboration tools also include project management and file-sharing features for seamless coordination between your projects. Here is a closer look at the best remote team collaboration tools available:

ProofHub

ProofHub is an easy-to-use project management software that simplifies your task management and team collaboration. It lets you stay in ultimate control of your teams, tasks, projects and communications with its powerful features.

Key features

1.Task management 

ProofHub gives you flexibility in task management. You can create simple to-do lists to add tasks with deadlines and assign them to team members or you can create custom boards for agile workflow management. You can even comment, attach files, and mention the team members.

2.Real-time discussions

ProofHub provides a dedicated space to carry out discussions in real time. You can create discussion topics and subscribe to your team members. In addition, you also have an in-built chat feature for quick communications.

3.Online proofing

ProofHub has a powerful online proofing feature that lets you collaborate on design files in real time. You can review files, add comments to share feedback, annotate using markup tools, and proof and approve them from one place.

Pricing

ProofHub offers a free trial, and its Ultimate Control pricing plan with unlimited users is available at $89 / per month. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, ProofHub is offering its project management software free for schools.

ClickUp

ClickUp is a project management tool that helps remote teams collaborate and communicate with ease. It can be easily integrated with tons of remote tools like Time Doctor, Slack, and GitHub. ClickUp is a top-notch solution for efficient team management. Key Features: Here is a better look at why ClickUp’s is an excellent collaboration tool for your remote team:

1.Comment Sections:

Want to send quick messages to your team members without leaving your current tasks? ClickUp’s comment sections have a myriad of features for simpler and faster communication. It lets you reply to specific parts of a link or comment to another comment as reference. You can even format the task, attach files and mention other users and tasks. This increases accessibility and helps your team take action efficiently.

2.Assigned Comments:

ClickUp lets you instantly turn the comments into tasks. You can assign these comments to any of the team member to remain them of the allotted task. Once this is done, they can simply resolve the comment. It is simple, quick and helps you instantly communicate the small tasks.

3.Real-Time Collaboration:

ClickUp helps the remote coworkers to collaborate in real-time. The Collaboration Detection feature of the application lets you determine who else is viewing the same task as you. In addition to this, multiple team members can edit and work on the same task at the same time with Collaborative Editing Pricing The free ClickUp plan offers far greater functionality like unlimited users as compared to paid versions of Trello and Basecamp. Unlimited integrations, advanced reporting features and storage, which cost $9/month per user. Miscellaneous Tools Miscellaneous tools are remote platforms that don’t actually fit into communication category, however, they assist remote workers to collaborate with their team. This can include tools that help in the project management with the remote team amid Corona.

Loom:

A loom is a screencasting tool that lets you record your screen and share it with other team members.

What are screencasts?

Screencasts are look screenshots, but they are in video forms. They are perfect to explain to your remote team the new tasks and assignments. Instead of dictating instructions, you can send a video to your team members, showing them how to use a particular function.

Key Features:

1.Audio, Video, and Face Recording:

Loom can take screencasts as well as record your voice and display your face. This enables you to explain the projects clearly to your team, without setting up a video conference.

2.Universal Compatibility:

The loom is available as an app for Windows, iOS and Mac. It also has a Chrome extension that works within a browser for Android devices. This lets your entire access the tool, despite of the system you are using.

Pricing:

Loom’s free plan supports an unlimited number of videos. Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, Loom is offering an unlimited number of videos till July 1, 2020.

Zapier:

Remote teams often make use of several communication apps depending upon their needs. This makes coordinating between the apps time-consuming and complex. Zapier is a great automation tool that boosts your existing communication platform. By integrating multiple tools together and creating automated workflows, Zapier helps you make the most of your favorite tools.

Features

Send Reminders and Tasks Zapier enables you to automate tasks and reminders for your team based on particular triggers. For example, you could receive a reminder to follow up every time someone replies to your email. This eliminates the need for you to remember these things, hence boosting your productivity in the long run.

Pricing:

Zapier’s free plan can automate 100 tasks/per month. The paid plan of Zapier includes more tasks and features starting at $24.99/month.

Top 13 Work-from-Home Tools to Manage Task 2023

With the number of COVID-19 cases rising exponentially in almost every country of the world, authorities across the globe are recommending social distancing as a preventive measure. Public places like malls, gyms, public pools, and movie theatres everything is getting shut down, along with workplaces.

Many private offices are following suit by providing work from home to employees. Sadly, managing the tasks while employees work from home is not as simple as it appears to be. You need to be super organized and arm yourself with the right set of tools. However, with the technology at your disposal, working from home is no longer an inconvenience.

Here is a list of applications that will help you manage the flow of work while employees are working from due to quarantine:

For Virtual Meetings

Following are the applications that can be used to conduct virtual meetings without any obstacles:

1. TeamViewer:

TeamViewer is a leading all-in-one solution for remote support. TeamViewer enables you to remotely access the desktop and servers from anywhere using an internet connection. TeamViewer is completely secure and can be operated on any modern smartphone.

Here are some of the features of the tool:

• Remote Device Control
• Cross-platform access and VPN alternative
• iOS screen sharing
• Mobile Device Access
• Flexible File Sharing
• Remote Printing

Pricing:

The Business for Single User is available at $18.18 per month. A premium subscription to the application is available $35.69 per month and a corporate subscription at $84.18 per month.

Read More: 5 Design and Development Tools to Boost the Productivity of your Remote Team

2. Microsoft Teams:

Microsoft Teams is a robust collaboration platform that combines video conferencing, instant messaging, file sharing, and project management capabilities. It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft tools, making it an attractive option for organizations already using the Microsoft ecosystem. Features:

• Video and audio conferencing with screen sharing
• Chat-based communication with threaded conversations
• Integration with Microsoft Office Suite
• File storage and sharing through SharePoint
• Project management and task assignment
• Guest access for external collaborators

Pricing: Microsoft Teams offers the following pricing plans:

• Free plan: Suitable for small teams and personal use with basic features.
• Microsoft 365 Business Basic ($5/user/month): Includes Teams, email, and cloud storage.
• Microsoft 365 Business Standard ($12.50/user/month): Offers advanced Teams features, desktop apps, and cloud services.
• Microsoft 365 E3 ($20/user/month): Designed for enterprises, providing advanced security and compliance features.

3. Webex by Cisco:

Cisco Webex is a reliable and secure platform for virtual meetings and webinars. It provides a comprehensive set of features suitable for businesses of all sizes. Features:

• High-quality video and audio conferencing
• Interactive whiteboarding and screen sharing
• Meeting recordings and transcriptions
• Breakout sessions for smaller group discussions
• Virtual backgrounds and filters
• Integration with calendars and third-party applications

Pricing: Cisco Webex offers the following pricing plans:

• Free plan: Suitable for personal use with limited features.
• Webex Starter ($13.50/host/month):

For Work Management

1. Trello:

Trello has boards, lists, and cards, which enable you to organize and prioritize your work in a fun and flexible way. Trello makes it easy to collaborate on projects from beginning to end. You can easily dive into the details by adding attachments; due dates and more directly to Trello cards.

Here are some of the features of the tool:

• A detailed and quick overview of front/back cards
• In-line editing and data filters
• Automated email notification
• Easy, drag-and-drop editing
• Information retrieval and backup

Pricing:

The starting pricing of Trello is $5/user and the application also comes with a free trial.

2. Asana:

Asana is again a widely popular work management platform that helps you organize your work in a way that is best for you. Asana lets you set priorities and deadlines, and follow projects and tasks through every stage. With Asana, you will be in a consistent track of the status of your work and keep everyone aligned on goals.

Here are some of the features of the tool:

• It allows you to create tasks, subtasks, milestones, task assignees, and sections.
• Easily know where your work stands with reporting.
• Permission and privacy controls
• Allow you to tie your communications based on team, projects and tasks
• It can be easily integrated into other tools.

Pricing

The basic version of the application is free of cost, whereas the Premium version is available at $10.99 and the Business version is available at $24.99. For the Enterprise version, you can contact the sales team of the tool.

3. Monday.com:

Monday.com is a versatile work management platform that combines project management, collaboration, and automation features. It provides teams with a visual and intuitive interface to streamline workflows and boost productivity. Features:

• Customizable dashboards and boards for the task and project management
• Timeline and Gantt chart view for tracking progress
• Communication and collaboration through updates and mentions
• File sharing and integration with cloud storage platforms
• Automation of repetitive tasks and processes
• Reporting and analytics for performance tracking

Pricing: Monday.com offers the following pricing plans:

• Basic plan ($8/user/month): Suitable for small teams with core features and limited users.
• Standard plan ($10/user/month): Ideal for growing teams with advanced features and additional automations.
• Pro plan ($16/user/month): Designed for larger teams with advanced customization options and integrations.
• Enterprise plan (custom pricing): Tailored solutions for larger organizations with advanced security and dedicated support.

4. Wrike:

Wrike is a robust work management and collaboration tool that empowers teams to plan, organize, and execute projects efficiently. It provides a comprehensive set of features to streamline workflows and enhance team productivity. Features:

• Task and project management with customizable workflows
• Time tracking and resource management
• Collaboration through real-time discussions and document sharing
• Request forms and approvals for streamlined processes
• Reporting and analytics for performance insights
• Integration with popular tools and software

Pricing: Wrike offers the following pricing plans:

• Free plan: Suitable for small teams or personal use with basic features and limited users.
• Professional plan ($9.80/user/month): Ideal for teams looking for comprehensive project management capabilities and advanced collaboration features.
• Business plan ($24.80/user/month): Designed for larger teams or organizations with robust work management features, customization options, and advanced security.
• Enterprise plan (custom pricing): Tailored solutions for large-scale enterprises with advanced security, dedicated support, and additional customization options.

Document Management

1. Quip:

Quip has completely transformed the way enterprises work together by delivering modern collaboration securely any device. Quip lets you transform processes like Mutual Close Plans, Account Planning and Case Swarms.

Here are some of the features of the tool:

• You can Quip’s documents into offline modes, can give permissions to different users and also check the version history
• Quip provides spreadsheets that come with collaborative editing, are mobile-ready and can be embedded into docs.
• Slides in Quip come with real-time co-editing, connective live data and feedback polls.
• Quip also offers 1-on-1 chat options, you are allowed to comment on anything and also have team chat rooms.

Pricing:

The Starter plan of Quip is available at $10/user/month, Enterprise plan at $25/user/month and you can request a quote for a more advanced plan.

2. Dropbox:

Dropbox lets you organize traditional files, cloud content, web shortcuts and Dropbox Paper docs all into one place. Personalized suggestions are also provided by the application which lets you find files and folders easily and you don’t have to spend much time searching.

Here are some of the features of the tool:

• Enables to store and access files from anywhere
• Cloud content and Microsoft office can be directly edited in Dropbox
• Plan meetings with calendar integration
• Use note-taking templates

Pricing:

The basic version of Dropbox is available at $9.99/month, whereas the Professional version is available at $16.58/month. There is also a Standard and Advanced version of the application available for teams.

3. Google Drive:

Google Drive is a widely used cloud-based document management tool that offers a comprehensive suite of features for file storage, organization, and collaboration. With its seamless integration with other Google Workspace applications, it has become a popular choice for individuals and businesses. Features:

• Generous free storage space with the option to purchase additional storage
• Online file storage and synchronization across devices
• Document creation, editing, and collaboration in real-time
• File sharing and permission controls
• Integration with other Google Workspace tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
• Version history and revision tracking

Pricing: Google Drive offers the following pricing plans:

• 15 GB of free storage
• Google One plans: Starting at $1.99/month for 100 GB, with options for higher storage capacities.

4. Microsoft OneDrive:

Microsoft OneDrive is a popular cloud-based document management tool integrated with the Microsoft 365 suite. It offers seamless file storage, sharing, and collaboration features for individuals and organizations. Features:

• Generous storage space and synchronization across devices
• File sharing and collaboration with real-time editing
• Advanced security features and compliance options
• Integration with Microsoft Office applications
• Version control and file recovery options
• Co-authoring and commenting features

Pricing: Microsoft OneDrive offers the following pricing plans:

• Microsoft 365 Personal ($6.99/month or $69.99/year): 1 TB of storage and access to Microsoft Office applications.
• Microsoft 365 Family ($9.99/month or $99.99/year): 6 TB of storage (1 TB per user) and access to Microsoft Office applications for up to six users.
• Microsoft 365 Business (custom pricing): Tailored solutions for small to large businesses with additional security and collaboration features.

5. Evernote:

Evernote is a versatile note-taking and document management tool that helps individuals and teams capture, organize, and find information effectively. It is known for its powerful search capabilities and cross-platform availability. Features:

• Note creation and organization with tags and notebooks
• Web clipping and bookmarking
• Document scanning and OCR (optical character recognition)
• Collaboration and sharing options
• Advanced search capabilities
• Integration with third-party applications

Pricing: Evernote offers the following pricing plans:

• Basic plan (free): Limited storage