Before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, remote work was treated like a rare perk. Some companies adopted it but the majority of organisations did not, and now, it’s our new reality. It’s the new normal.

As the adoption of remote working increased in the last 4 years, it became ever more important for organisations to build the right tech stack, to ensure their teams stay connected and productive. 

These tools support a range of tasks such as brainstorming on projects, coordinating work, tracking deliverables or just having chats with colleagues. Therefore, having the right tools for collaboration is absolutely non-negotiable. 

Tons of tools for collaboration exist today but here are ten of the best that we recommend:

1. Slack

Slack has become a cornerstone of remote teams. It’s like a virtual office where everyone can meet, chat, and share files. It’s incredibly user-friendly, with channels that keep conversations organised and direct messaging for quick questions. Plus, you can integrate it with tons of other apps you might already be using.

Key Features:

• Channels: Perfect for keeping projects and team conversations separate.
• Integrations: Works with over 2,000 apps like Google Drive and Trello.
• File Sharing: Easily share documents and files.
• Video and Voice Calls: Quick and easy meetings.

Slack is a great all-around tool that promotes seamless communication within remote teams.

2. Microsoft Teams

If you’re already using Microsoft 365, Teams is a no-brainer. It brings together chat, video conferencing, and file sharing in one place, seamlessly integrating with the other Microsoft tools you rely on.

Key Features:

• Integration with Microsoft 365: Work on documents right within the app.
• Channels and Teams: Keep conversations and projects organised.
• Video Conferencing: Host large meetings with ease.
• Security: Top-notch security to keep your data safe.

Microsoft Teams is especially useful for larger organisations looking for a comprehensive, secure collaboration platform for their remote teams.

3. Zoom

When it comes to video calls, Zoom is a household name. It’s known for its reliable video and audio quality, making it a go-to for remote teams needing to stay visually connected.

Key Features:

• HD Video and Audio: Clear and reliable communication.
• Meeting Recording: Save meetings for those who missed them.
• Breakout Rooms: Great for smaller group discussions.
• Webinars: Perfect for large presentations.

Zoom is essential for keeping face-to-face interactions alive in a remote setting.

4. Trello

Trello is a visual project management tool that makes it easy to see what’s happening at a glance. Its board-and-card system is simple yet powerful, perfect for managing projects big and small.

Key Features:

• Boards and Cards: A visual way to organise tasks.
• Labels and Due Dates: Keep track of priorities and deadlines.
• Power-Ups: Enhance functionality with integrations.
• Collaboration: Assign tasks, add comments, and share files.

Trello’s simplicity and visual appeal make it a favourite for many remote teams.

5. Asana

For remote teams dealing with more complex projects, Asana offers a robust suite of features to keep everything on track. From task management to detailed reporting, it’s built to handle intricate workflows.

Key Features:

• Task Management: Create tasks, subtasks, and dependencies.
• Project Timelines: Visualise schedules with Gantt charts.
• Automation: Streamline repetitive tasks.
• Reporting: Get detailed insights into project progress.

Asana is ideal for remote teams that need to manage detailed projects and workflows.

6. Google Workspace

Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite, is a cloud-based productivity suite that includes Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, and more. It’s perfect for teams that need to collaborate on documents and store files in the cloud.

Key Features:

• Real-Time Collaboration: Work on documents together simultaneously.
• Cloud Storage: Securely store and share files.
• Communication Tools: Email, video calls, and messaging all in one place.
• Integration: Works seamlessly with other Google services.

Google Workspace helps remote teams stay productive and connected with familiar tools.

7. Notion

Notion is an all-in-one workspace that combines note-taking, task management, and project collaboration. Its flexibility allows teams to customise their workflows and organise information their way.

Key Features:

• Databases: Track tasks, projects, and more.
• Templates: Use or create templates for various needs.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Work together on documents and projects.
• Integration: Connect with other tools like Slack and Google Drive.

Notion’s adaptability makes it a powerful tool for remote teams needing a centralised workspace.

8. Miro

Miro is a digital whiteboard platform that’s perfect for brainstorming and planning. It offers an interactive space where teams can visually develop and share ideas.

Key Features:

• Infinite Canvas: Unlimited space for your ideas.
• Templates: Start with templates for mind maps, flowcharts, and more.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Work on boards together in real time.
• Integrations: Connect with Slack, Asana, and more.

Miro is great for remote teams that thrive on visual thinking and collaboration.

9. Basecamp

Basecamp is all about simplicity and organisation. It’s a project management and remote team collaboration tool that keeps everything in one place, making it easy to track projects and communicate with your team.

Key Features:

• To-Do Lists: Create and assign tasks with deadlines.
• Message Boards: Centralize project discussions.
• Schedules: Track milestones and deadlines.
• File Storage: Keep all your project files together.

Basecamp’s straightforward approach helps teams stay organised without getting overwhelmed.

10. Monday.com

Monday.com offers a highly customizable work operating system that lets teams build their workflows and project boards. It’s flexible and can be tailored to fit any remote team’s needs.

Key Features:

• Customizable Workflows: Design workflows to match your processes.
• Dashboards: Visualise project progress and performance.
• Automation: Save time with automated tasks.
• Integrations: Connect with tools like Slack, Google Drive, and more.

Monday.com’s flexibility and extensive features make it a top choice for teams looking for a tailored collaboration solution.

Wrapping up

These ten tools offer a variety of features and capabilities to help your remote team stay connected, organised, and productive. Whether you’re looking for simple task management, robust project tracking, or seamless communication, there’s something here for every team. Embrace remote work with these essential collaboration tools and watch your team thrive, no matter where they are.

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If you’re looking to expand your team, please book a commitment-free discovery call with us here.