Top 52 Remote Team Management Tools For 2020

Take Your Business Online Using Remote Tools To Manage Your Teams

How do you keep business continuity when your company is forced to work remotely? And you have to consider everything that is involved with managing remote employees. In response to many businesses being forced to use remote team management tools to allow employees to work from home due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. Using remote workforce management software can help you keep your business manageable and profitable.

We have put together a list of the top remote management tools available today that you can consider when looking for ways to manage employees, projects, tasks, meetings, and collaboration within your teams. Using these tools will allow team members to work remotely, stay productive, and still feel a social connection with other co-workers.

As people continue to practice social distancing due to the advent of COVID-19, more and more employees are opting to work from home, thus shifting how business is done. There is a sudden popularity upsurge for applications and software used for remote work. However, many business owners and organizations have yet to fully embrace online strategies that can improve employee productivity while working remotely. This article provides you with a primer on how to deal, encourage and motivate remote workers to boost their morale.

Here are 51 tools and tips for managing remote employees.

Top 7 Remote Desktop Tools For 2020

Remote desktop tools allow you to access a particular computer using another computer via the intranet or the internet. These tools are important when you need to access files only available on that particular PC or make use of a more powerful computer using a slower one. IT admins would also find remote desktop tools useful when they need to fix PCs remotely. Remote desktop tools allow you to access or debug another computer without having to go to that computer’s location physically.

Splashtop

Splashtop is designed for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT professionals, remote developers, and help desk support staff to remotely support their company’s and client’s computers and servers. It is one of the lowest latency remote desktop services so it will not slow down your computers, and that’s a big plus.

Features:

Free 7 day trial
Low-cost plans support 25 computers
Connect from any device, anywhere
Supports multiple monitors at the same time
Low latency
No remote desktop software installation needed.
Unattended and attended access.
Protected by the device authentication
Easily migrate from other remote desktop solutions
Mobile apps for accessing via phones and tablets
Compatible with several operating systems

Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop is quick to install and use. All you need is the Chrome browser and your Google account to install and you are ready to connect to any computer that has a Chrome setup. This extension is also free of charge.

Features:

Free
Compatible with several operating systems
Can support several monitors
Can the remote computer even if the user is offline
Can use temporary access codes in cases there are no Chrome Remote Desktop setups
Important actions are hidden to allow wider screen for the host computer
Runs in the background
The host computer can reboot the remote computer to log in

TeamViewer

Teamviewer is suitable for file transfers as this provides you with a highly reliable and powerful system. What makes TeamViewer a great remote desktop tool is its capability to pass control to both the host and client computers.

Features:

An alternative for VPNs
Access to the host computer even when the owner is not online
Android Host Eco Mode
Can share large files with transfer speed up to 200MB per second
Can wake computers on sleep mode
Two-factor Authentication
iOS support
Remote Printing

LogMeIn Pro

LogMeIn Pro has advanced management options that make this software one of the best remote access software now. Your data is safe and secured through its multi-layer encryption which includes end-to-end 256-bit SSL encryption, among others.

Features:

Cross-platform access
Above standard security
Easy file transfer through its drag-and-drop option
Configurable to record remote access sessions
Remote printing
Screen sharing
Complimentary LastPass license

Microsoft Remote Desktop

Microsoft Remote Desktop or MRD is Microsoft’s answer to remote desktop access. It allows you to connect your PC to another PC at any time and place, provided that both computers have the MRD application installed on them.

Features:

Supports various network topologies and LAN network
Secured communications using either 56- or 128-bit key encryption
Remote access to multiple computers
Screen sharing
Virtual channels
iOS support
App switching mode

GoToMyPC

GoToMyPC was developed by Citrix and considered as one of the best remote access software for tech support and IT administration. It has more than ten years of fast and reliable service. GoToMyPC is a web-based remote access tool that you can buy as a software as a service.

Features

Browser-based
128-bit encryption SSL encryption
Drag-and-drop file transfer for the host computer
Deceased bandwidth to reduce the processing power
Performance and graphic choices across all connected computers
Draw tool for the host computer
Shared control over multiple computers

Top 7 Project Management Tools For 2020

To make your team or company more organized when working remotely, you need project management tools. These can effectively streamline each task of your team as well as make sure that you stick to your deadlines. You can assign and delegate tasks, collaborate, and store data in one place, among others. Project management tools make your workflow seamless even though everyone is working at separate locations and their own times.

Teamwork

Teamwork allows you to setup one-time-deal tasks and recurring tasks to your team. You get reminded of the tasks that needed to be done for a particular timeframe. You can also invite clients to view the tasks pane so they can view the status.

Features

Project Templates
Teamwork Timer app
Portfolio
Task assigning
Milestones
Gantt Chart
Task permissions
Messaging
Centralized File Storage

Basecamp

Basecamp has all the tools you and your team needs for a successful collaboration and campaign. This program is cloud-based and everything is integrated in one platform to allow you and your team to have a better grasp of the business and form a more efficient team.

Features

To-do list creation
Task notification
Message boards
Integration with Google Calendar, iCal, and Outlook
Synchronization with Google Docs
Drag-and-drop upload
Group chat in real-time
Check-Ins
Access for Clients

Monday

Monday is an app for communication and collaboration. It streamlines tasks and team member contributions to efficiently tackle day-to-day roadblocks of your company. It allows you to view where everybody is at and what they are doing during a particular time,

Features

Multiple user collaboration
Tag teams for collaboration ease
Full documentation at your fingertips
Relevance-based updates
Integrations with Dropbox and Google Drive
Live commenting
Personal and public boards
Visual representation of tasks
Updates through email notifications

Wrike

Wrike is an online project management software that aims to improve the efficiency teams whether they are working remotely or in the office. This software allows you to track the progress of each task in real-time. Wrike has a mobile app that allows you to access the platform anytime, anywhere.

Features

Task prioritization
Easy management of tasks as these are broken down into smaller and more manageable sub-tasks
Excellent analytics
Activity Stream for team engagements
Non-duplication of folders
Tags for organization and team identification
3-Pane Project View
Integration with Google Drive, Jira, Dropbox
Audit reporting

Trello

Trello is a visually appealing project management tool that is patterned after KanBan boards. Projects are created using boards where each task can be delegated to one or more team members. The cards have a tracking list where prioritized tasks are indicated.

Features

Easy upload
Interactive user interface
Mobile friendly
Developer API
Drag-and-drop cards
In-lin editing
Detailed view of tasks from start to finish
Email notifications
Personal and per-project boards

Asana

Asana makes your team focus on their daily tasks, goals, and projections by providing a structured work pattern through the setting of priorities and immediate tasks. You can follow the entire stages of the project so you know where everybody stands.

Features

Use of Timeline to keep track of deadlines
Multiple integrations
Results and progress sharing
Automatic email updates
Multiple workspaces
Kanban support
Gantt charts
Task commenting
Focus Mode

ZOHO Projects

One of the aims of Zoho Projects is to make collaboration easy-breezy. This online project management app breaks down projects to bite-size bits so it’s easier to manage. You also have centralized access to the projects, allowing you to keep track regardless of the number of projects.

Features

Detailed project planning
Gantt charts
Better coordination through Feeds feature
Timesheets
Zoho Reports
Wiki page creation
Interactive message boards.
Built-in calendar
Centralized document management

Top 7 Employee Time Tracking and Monitoring For 2020

Working remotely has a different set of employee issues that the time trackers and monitoring tools can effectively control. Ensuring that your team works when they should boost productivity. Deadlines are met when you have time trackers. Employee performance increases as your team focuses only on the tasks for the company, and not in other activities that may cause them to slack at work.

Screenshot Monitor

Screenshot Monitor is a standalone time-tracking program that is more suitable for small businesses and teams. This desktop application is lightweight and easy to install. Screenshots of your team’s progress are delivered to your dashboard, which you can view on your computer or smartphone.

Features

Pay-per-project feature
Previous task viewing
Screenshots
Insight reporting

Harvest

Harvest is a web-based time tracker that can provide real-time access to projects being tracked. It provides you with a realistic approach to how much your projects really are. Harvest is compatible with several operating systems and devices such as PC, iPhone, Mac, and Android.

Features

Intuitive user interface
Time and expenses tracking
Professional invoicing
Future time forecasts

Hubstaff

Hubstaff is designed for remote employees. This software delivers accurate invoices so you’d know the exact amount of work was put into the project. Hubstaff has a mobile app so you can still keep track of your team’s work time even if you are far from your desktop.

Features

Levels of activity
Hourly tacking
Screenshots
Automatic Payroll

Workpuls

Workpuls has a simple yet intuitive platform that works in the background so it does not distract your team while working. This time tracking software can be customized as to what should be measured and when should the monitoring happen.

Features

Automatic Time Capture
Overtime Calculator
Screenshot monitoring
Payroll Calculator

DeskTime

Desktime is a powerful time tracking tool that allows you to monitor team activities. This tracking management software can be installed on laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It takes notes of the websites the team opens during work hours.

Features

Automatic time tracking
Cost calculation
Screenshots
Absence Calendar

Monitask

Monitask aims to motivate team members to be more productive during work hours. This software can track and identify underperforming members so it’s easier for managers to help them or train in their fields. Monitask has automatic time tracking features suitable for remote teams.

Features

Employee time-ins and time-outs
Keyboard and Mouse tracking
Screenshots
Project and task management

SCREENish

SCREENish tracks the efficiency of your team through screenshots and web tracking. This program is a cloud- based and offers an online dashboard for the employee and employer. SCREENish can provide you with weekly performance reposts and offline tracking.

Features

Screenshots
Payroll calculators
Web tracking
Timesheet management

Top 6 Hybrid Conference Call Services For 2020

Conference call services allow you to hold conferences and video meetings up to a certain number of people, especially when dealing with your team or clients in different time zones. Considered one of the best investments any small business can have, conference call services lets you communicate with you regardless of location.

FreeConferenceCall.com

FreeConferenceCall.com is a SaaS-based web conferencing tool that offers up to a thousand participants. With its easy-to-setup platform, your webinar would be up and running in a matter of minutes. Playback is also easy as you would only provide a reference number after dialing and then you can listen to the webinar.

Features
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HD audio conferences up to 1,000 participants
Call recording and playback
Screen sharing
Meeting Wall integrated
Chat
Radio feature

FreeConference.com

FreeConference is a conference call service that provides a wide array of free features that many small to medium enterprises rely on. With video chat and screen sharing capacity, users find this call service easy to

use. A dedicated URL is the only thing needed to join a conference.

Features

Free video conferencing
Free screen sharing
Free online meeting
Meeting summaries
PIN-less entry
SMS notifications

UberConference

UberConference is a cloud-based conferencing tool that can be an alternative for VoIP. Known for its high-quality audio feature, UberConference provides you unlimited calling, both domestically and internationally. With this tool, you can share files and documents with Google Drive, DropBox, and Evernote.

Features

Screen sharing
Task automation
HD quality audio and video
In-waiting music
UberConference by Dialpad
iPhone and Android compatible

RingCentral

RingCentral can easily transfer your phone system to cloud PBX, This allows your system to be integrated with other online business apps such as Dropbox, Salesforce, and ZenDesk. RingCentral is a powerful tool that can improve your internal and external communications.

Features

Cloud PBX
Call recording
Call forwarding
Integrated with Google and Salesforce
Voicemail
Unlimited SMS

BlueJeans

BlueJeans is suitable for any company that has satellite offices across the country. This teleconferencing tool provides the connection you need to bring together teams who are far-reached and don’t closely work. BlueJeans also provides training programs and technical assistance to managers and personnel.

Features

Can support up to 100 video participants for webinars and 5,000 participants for the Events service
Compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac systems
Dolby audio that is upgradable to Dolby conference phone
2-level authentication codes for privacy and security
Browser support
AES encryption

eVoice Conference Calling

eVoice Conference Calling provides solutions for small businesses that need VoIP services and conferencing call tools. There are several call handling options available for eVoice Conference Calling subscribers. These include voicemail options, local or toll-free numbers, and call holding.

Features

Voicemail transcription
Live receptionist
Call recording
Call forwarding
Call Scheduler
Dedicated landline phone

Top 5 Virtual Event Platforms For 2020

Virtual event platforms allow you to set up activities such as press conferences, training sessions or any team building activity that can nurture team spirit, cooperation, and camaraderie. These platforms can also create an online sales meeting with your team and clients. These are great collaboration tools if you want to take your presentations and market your products to a higher degree.

Remo.co

Remo.co is a virtual workspace that allows you to create collaborations, including virtual events that could foster stronger company values and culture. The company aims to provide more connections among your team members despite working remotely.

Features

HD video and audio
Easy setup
No installation required
Group screen sharing
Built-in virtual card

GoToWebinar

GoToWebinar is suitable for small businesses and sole proprietors who want to provide conferences to their clients, staff, and colleagues. This tool is also suitable for businessmen who want to widen their reach by creating conferences for their respective audiences.

Features

Email automation
Poll creation
Mobile support
Video Sharing
Playback

ezTalks Webinar

ezTalks Webinar offers reliable webinars in software and cloud. Many clients find this tool as an excellent addition to their collaborative tools. With an interactive user interface, ezTalks Webinar is easy to use and integrate with other remote tools.

Feature

HD audio and video
Screen sharing
Whiteboard
Webinars can run in any device
Online chat

ClickMeeting

ClickMeeting is the web-based webinar solutions provider if you wish to monetize your webinars as this virtual tool is integrated with Paypal. The ClickMeeting interface is customizable so you can provide a more personal experience for your audience.

Features

Can stream on Youtube or Facebook
Whiteboard
Webinar recording
Performance rating
Presentation mode

Adobe Connect

Adobe Connect has meeting rooms called pods. You can personalize your meeting rooms so your audience can know about your branding. You can add quizzes and games and polls to your webinar for a more engaging connection with your viewers.

Features

Customizable meeting rooms
HTML-based recording
Adobe Connect Mobile
Feedback ratings
Screen sharing

Frequently Asked Questions About Managing Remote Employees.

How to manage remote employees?

A two-year Stanford study concluded that there is an increase in productivity that results in a full day’s work when employees are allowed to work remotely. According to this study, employees who telecommute take shorter breaks, fewer sick leaves and lesser time off. On the other hand, there are many unique challenges of managing remote employees. With that being said, how do you manage remote employees successfully?

Not all employees are created equal. Some prefer working longer hours while others prefer having 24/7 access so they can pace themselves. Learning how a particular remote worker does his job and understanding his work process can help that worker to adapt to the company culture. To have a better level of engagement, you need to identify his strengths and weaknesses to coach him. That way, your worker feels being taken cared for even when just working offsite.

Constant communication during the onboarding process would greatly help you and your team as they gear on to working remotely. Being the manager, you must explicitly tell your remote workers what is expected of them. Such is not so apparent in an in-office setting since your workers can identify your expectations through context. The bottom line here is you need to be crystal clear on what they have to accomplish in their day-to-day tasks.

Know their talents too. While there are many tools, applications, and software to assist you in checking in on your remote workers, you must also need to believe in their talent, albeit, challenging because of distance. However, that is still doable. Aligning tasks with what your workers’ strong points does not only hone those talents but also increases their productivity. Asking feedback from your remote workers also empowers them, leading to belongingness that nurtures company culture.

How can I be an effective remote manager?

Leading a remote team can have its challenges. This leads us right to the question, “How can I be a good remote manager?” Here are some tips on how to be a successful remote manager.

Create a connection

Effective teams often have rapport. What better way to create this value but by creating a connection. Give your team a chance to understand each other’s perks and quirks. Ultimately, through rapport, you’d lead a strong, connected team.

Create communication lines

Take advantage of the numerous remote business management tools for communication. Communication is a vital activity particularly when you do business remotely. Chats, emails, video calls and the likes encourage the exchange of ideas. When your team can talk freely to you, it’s easier to pinpoint whatever obstacles they may have in their tasks, and you can also easily provide feedback whenever someone needs coaching.

Be organized

There must be some level of organization when handling remote teams. You have to be consistent yet flexible to allow changes. Create a concrete plan but this must adaptive to your team. This way, it would enhance your objectives and goals while showing you can adjust to the shifts of your remote team.

Provide feedback

Feedback is important as this would give your remote workers ideas of areas on what should be improved. It’s also a must for effective remote managers to provide praise for great performances since such actions boost morale among the team.

Have a shared culture

Managers of remote teams should be able to nourish shared values and practices which are in-line with the company mission and visions despite working remotely. In connection to this, managers should reiterate what are the goals and expectations of the company from its remote workers. Because each team is unique, it should be one of the goals of the manager to figure out how to have a shared culture even though the team members don’t share an office or room together.

Be trustful

Remote managers become effective when there is a two-way trust going on. The team trusts their managers, knowing that the former is looking after their best interests. On the other hand, the manager trusts his team in such a way that the team becomes engaged, empowered and motivated to work.

Appreciate

Working remotely can be lonely and ultimately results in low motivation. But if the team manager actively recognizes milestones, achievements and the like, remote workers become energized, involved and feel valued.

Never micromanage

Micromanagement can be seen as interference by many remote workers. The latter don’t like being bothered about updates every now and then during the work hour. The best way to get updates from your remote workers is to communicate in the morning to talk about the tasks at hand and once before the shift ends to know the progress of the tasks. Make sure that you are doing this in a casual and brief manner.

What are the pros and cons of remote employees?

Like any other case, working remotely has its unique sets of challenges and advantages. Here are the top pros and cons of remote employees.

PROS:

Increased productivity

Remote employees are more time-flexible compared to their in-office counterparts. Unless there is a specific time mandated to them, they can choose what time works best for them. There are employees who prefer working at night while there are those who prefer to do their tasks first thing in the morning. By allowing remote workers to freely work at their own time increases their productivity, thereby, accomplishing more.

Cost-effective

Think of this: when workers are office-based, employers have to pay for the building or office space. Equipment is a source of cost too. But all these can be eliminated when your staff works remotely. Not only are you lessening the use of office paper, you practically put the cost of having an office space to zero. Also, your employees would no longer have to travel, which can incur expenses on their part.

Better work-life balance

Employees who work remotely can schedule their own time so they basically have more time on their hands to pursue other endeavors such as getting fit or spending more time with their families. Instead of a rigid work schedule for example, from 9 AM to 5 PM, remote employees don’t have to rush to work in the morning. Instead, they can use the time for their personal needs. What this means for you, the employer is, the remote workers become more motivated because they are happier.

CONS:

Cybersecurity issues

Since most work is done online, there is a risk of a data breach. Sensitive information can be hacked when your remote employees use public networks. The unstable and unsecured network can compromise sensitive data. Systems can also be hacked so such threats are part of the risk.

Lack of motivation

Remote employees can feel a lack of motivation because they often work alone. They have limited socialization at most times, which can lead to loneliness. Compared to being at the office, they can see other people working, thus, can lead them to work some more or people can see them slacking off so they try to enhance their work productivity. On the contrary, nobody would notice them or remind them to focus on work if they are working at home.

Presence of distractions

Remote workers can be easily distracted, say, by their kids, the fridge or their pets. They can become engrossed in other tasks that they may spend more time on them.

What are the challenges of managing remote employees?

Managing remote employees can be challenging as you, being the manager, are up against unique roadblocks that may not always pop-up in a conventional office setting. Here are the top challenges that you might encounter when managing remote employees.

Performance tracking of remote workers

Performance tracking ensures that your remote employees are working up to your company’s standards and efficiently. You want to make sure that your employees working outside the office are utilizing their time effectively and appropriately. This is where time trackers and other performance-based employee productivity software comes in. For remote workers, you can’t control how much work is done but you should be very explicit on what is expected of them.

Lack of trust

Daily communication and face-to-face interactions often produce feelings of trust and bond. But you can’t have such kind of synergy when your employees work remotely. Also, you are the micromanager type, you might find it disconcerting to allow your workers to work at their own pace and own work style. To solve this, provide constant feedback for any issue or challenges that you might have early on. If you can, do it in a video conference so you can see their faces. While a face-to-face conversation would be the best way to create rapport, seeing their faces and how their body communicates is your second best.

Clarity of communication

A Gallup survey indicates that employees who remotely work 100% are the least engaging although they are very efficient in managing their tasks and time. Among remote workers, most mistakes come from miscommunication. To ensure that you get the message across, make use of tech-based communication tools so reaching out to your remote workers becomes easier. Make sure that your channels of communication are open 24/7 so you can ask anytime and your remote workers can inquire about something without having to wait for a long time. As mentioned earlier you need to be clear on your expectations and remote workers’ goals during the on-boarding process. Explain their roles, job description, and your regulations.

Are remote employees more productive?

Remote employees tend to be more productive compare to office employees, with only “27 minutes of unproductive time”, according to an Airtasker survey, as opposed to the 37 minutes by office workers. There is also little difference in the number of employees who find it difficult to focus at work, with 8% for the remote workers and 6% for the in-office ones. On average, the remote workers work an extra 1.4 days more in a month compared to those who work in the office setting. According to the same study, the average total minutes used for breaks for remote employees is 22 minutes while the in-office spend 4 minutes less. This result is not surprising since longer breaks mean better productivity.

How to motivate remote employees?

Constant communication

When everything is all clear, with details being explained thoroughly, tasks run from zero to complete without any glitch. However, if there is a lack of communication, remote workers tend to become unmotivated. But communication here does not just mean feedback from the managers. You should also include encouragement, praise, and recognition.

Be intentional

Working remotely can be very lonely. To help their online workers, managers must be intentional on when and how to communicate with them. It doesn’t have to be rigidly followed that managers have constant updates, especially before the employee’s workday begins. The bottom line here is that managers should allocate time to connect with remote employees updates or any hiccups the employee might have encountered. This can be done through chats, emails, messaging or video conferencing. By knowing the needs of your remote employees, you build trust and accountability whilst giving them independence.

Offer opportunities to grow

You must realize that it’s important for employees to have room for growth in the company as it’s normal for employees to seek career advancement. Otherwise, they might seek it elsewhere. Create a monthly performance review that outlines what areas they think they should improve, what areas they think they have done better this month, and the mistakes they think they did last month. By understanding work in their perspective allows you to analyze what makes them inspired and even those hidden skills they may have. In a way, you can adjust and assign them projects that are more suitable to their skill sets.

In Conclusion

There is a growing trend of employees who prefer to work at home. It is actually becoming a norm, all things considered. There are many kinds of business management tools you can use, free or otherwise, to help you manage your remote employees more efficiently. What do you think? Did we miss out on something? Tell us in the comments below!

If you’re looking for help with your business and you need to integrate tools that allow your business to work remotely while still generating revenue for your company, give us a call or contact us at ITDwebdesign.com today and we’d be happy to assist you. 1-888-760-0878

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Take Your Business Online Using Remote Tools To Manage Your Teams

Top 5 Video Conferencing Tools For 2020

Join.me

Top 7 Remote Desktop Tools For 2020

LogMeIn Pro

GoToMyPC

Top 6 Document Collaboration Tools For 2020

Top 5 Cloud File Storage Solutions For 2020

Top 5 Team Chat Communication Solutions For 2020

Top 7 Project Management Tools For 2020

Top 7 Employee Time Tracking and Monitoring For 2020

Top 6 Hybrid Conference Call Services For 2020

Top 5 Virtual Event Platforms For 2020

GoToWebinar

Adobe Connect

Frequently Asked Questions About Managing Remote Employees.

How to manage remote employees?

How can I be an effective remote manager?

What are the pros and cons of remote employees?

What are the challenges of managing remote employees?

Are remote employees more productive?

How to motivate remote employees?

In Conclusion

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