Managing tasks becomes easier with these 15 tools to create the perfect work from home situation. Today, more professionals flock to their home offices, with more than 4.7 million people reporting they work from home.
This guide will look at the top tools you should have installed on your computer to help boost organization and time management. Working from home has never been simpler, especially when using these fantastic programs.
15 Tools to Create the Perfect Work From Home Situation
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unorganized when starting to work from home for the first time. Fortunately, setting up the perfect home office is pretty straightforward. Using these tools, you will find managing your day-to-day tasks is even more streamlined than when in the office.
1. Trello
Project management software has never been more critical than today. With programs like Trello, small and large businesses can keep track of current, upcoming, and past projects and contracts. It is also a phenomenal task tracker, helping employees’ productivity and time management.
Trello is an excellent platform because of its streamlined user interface and user-friendly tools. You can assign roles to individual users, create new tasks, assign multiple remote employees to specific projects, and more.
As tasks are completed throughout the day, those assigned can drag and drop the project to different stages of completion. For example, the administrator (you) can create a project to be completed by the end of the day. As the project moves down the chain, each user can drag the task from “To Do” to “Current” to “Done,” as needed.
The visibility that Trello brings is essential to those working from home. You will find plenty of additional tools that speak to the functionality of the program. Users can “@” team members, add checklists to specific projects, and adjust deadlines. You can also opt to receive deadline notifications, keeping you aware of what projects are coming to an end.
2. Slack
Communication tools are critical when it comes to working from home. Employees and team members need to be in the know regarding project updates and immediate needs.
Slack is one of the best programs to bring in-person conversations to the next level. It allows employees to have quick voice chats, message each other, and post publicly on message boards.
Administrators can create different pages for each project, allowing team members to collaborate in discussions like they would at work. If you have ever used apps like Discord, Slack is relatively similar, just with a more corporate-minded design.
What makes Slack unique is that it is not only designed for business communications. Since administrators can create different boards for different discussions, you can also boost interpersonal connections. Adding a “Fun” section for your employees to share personal updates, like pet pictures, can help to foster a better community environment.
If you work in an industry where you need to be reachable at any time, this program is ideal. Slack not only works in a desktop browser but is also available to download on smartphones. Keeping in touch with your team through your personal device will be simpler, even if you are always on the go.
3. Google Drive
There’s no doubt that Google Drive is one of the best collaborative platforms every work-from-home pro needs. It helps keep documents organized and replaces the need for storing files on your computer.
When collaborating on assignments, Google Drive is the perfect storage solution. Essentially, this platform is a digital storage solution.
As team members complete projects using Google Docs and other programs, teams can upload them to folders in their drive. From there, you can share documents with other team members so they can add their input.
It is a far more streamlined solution to sharing files than emails and other exchanges. Also, you will find that with Google Docs, you can replace the need for standard word processors, spreadsheet designers, and more.
4. Zoom
Zoom boomed in popularity during the height of the pandemic, making it one of the most popular videos calling programs. Although people primarily used it for family phone calls and conference calls, it has transitioned into a must-have work tool.
With Zoom, you can host meetings throughout the day and maintain a continual connection with your team. It is a relatively straightforward program that shares many of the same features as other internal communication software.
That said, Zoom’s beginner-friendly user interface is what sets it apart from similar programs. Participants will be able to adjust their background and lighting manually and even add a facial blur to enhance their appearance.
5. Doodle
Creating a perfect work schedule is one of the more challenging aspects of running a business. It can seem nearly impossible to predict the daily schedule of everyone on your team, making it harder to manage collaborations and meetings. With Doodle, you will never have to worry about the hassles of professional scheduling again.
This platform is unique because it is scalable for individuals and teams alike. As an entrepreneur, you can use the program to manage your professional calendar, book meetings, and let others know your daily schedule. Doodle gives you up-to-date information about every member’s availability in shared calendars.
One of the more unique features of this platform is that it lets you set up team meetings using group polls. Instead of analyzing everyone’s availability, set up a poll and your employees can vote based on their availability. This process easily streamlines setting up meetings.
6. Wrike
If you are on the hunt for seamless project management software, Wrike is another option to consider. It helps accelerate the growth of your business while maximizing your performance and employee productivity. It is also packed with many essential features, making it easier to spearhead projects from the ground up.
You will be able to create and customize dashboards, adding request forms, workflows, and other tools. Your teams will also be able to benefit from better collaboration, as Wrike enables task and file sharing and instant reports. As projects are worked on, team members can implement automated approval systems, helping push tasks along.
Above all else, Wrike helps improve visibility with every project you create. As an administrator, you can see all tasks assigned across your company. Having access to all of this information is essential for making split-second decisions to boost productivity.
7. ClickUp
ClickUp is a unique program designed to be an all-in-one solution to mastering working from home. Everything you need will be in one place, including task management, document sharing, employee chats, task tracking, and more. If you are tired of using multiple tools for all of your projects, this solution is one of the best.
With ClickUp, teams can come together with real-time chats, allowing you to assign comments, groups, and action items in one place. You can also link tasks to specific users, ensuring projects are done on time.
The program allows for task tracking in real-time, so you can set goals to ensure all tasks are completed by their deadlines. Also, most of ClickUp is designed to be drag-and-drop, making it easy for any employee to use. Overall, it helps project members stay on top of their responsibilities for each task.
8. GitHub
This platform is unique because it directly relates to software development and coding. With GitHub, you can master the art of collaborative coding projects. You can review code, host code, manage projects, and begin building software on the platform.
There’s no doubt that GitHub is popular, as over 73 million developers currently use it for personal and professional use.
Along with helping, teams collaborate on projects and task management tools, the platform lets you code directly in the app. Additionally, project managers can review tasks directly and share updates with team members in the app.
9. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a great alternative to Zoom, especially if you are looking for corporate-minded video conference software for team building. One of its largest benefits is that it comes pre-installed on all Windows computers, making it easily accessible.
Teams are unique because it is not only a communication tool; it also allows for collaboration. You can host one-on-one video conferences, group chats, and major video conferences. You will find that keeping in touch with your remote team has never been simpler, especially with the app’s user-friendly design.
10. Dropbox
As an alternative to Google Drive, many employers rely on Dropbox with their excessive storage options. The platform is designed similarly, allowing teams to share documents stored entirely in the cloud. It is a fantastic collaborative software that helps streamline working in big groups.
With Dropbox, you can store, edit, and share files. You can also assign specific users to specific files, allowing them to access particular documents. Another massive benefit of this platform is that it is accessible from anywhere, as it boasts downloads for mobile devices.
11. Toggl
If you are the type of person to work from home and get easily distracted, Toggl is a program you need. Instead of being pulled away by an extended morning routine or chores, Toggl keeps you on track with your current work tasks.
Also known as a time tracker, this unique platform helps ensure you complete just as much work at home as in the office.
This program is also essential for employers who want to ensure their employees work during the day. It is a relatively straightforward program, making it easy to implement in all types of workplaces. Also, it is a fantastic way to ensure employee productivity stays at its highest during the week.
With Toggl, you will create individual assignments based on what you are working on that day. Once you begin the assignment, click the “Start” button, and the app start will start timing your work. Once finished, stop the timer, and it will log your time on each task for the day.
12. TeamViewer
You might assume that TeamViewer is another video conferencing software based on its name. However, it is one of the essential tools when working from home, especially if you travel frequently.
TeamViewer gives you the ability to remotely access your work computer/desktop computer. By downloading the app on your smartphone, you can access your full desktop to view and edit files.
It is also an essential tool for getting remote support when dealing with workplace technology. You will find that IT departments love TeamViewer, allowing them to fix issues any employees could be having remotely.
As long as you share the necessary login details with the remote user, they can easily and safely access your device. That said, TeamViewer still has video conferencing built into the platform. Instead of hosting standard meetings, it is designed primarily to provide one-on-one tech support.
13. Evernote
Keeping notes throughout the day is standard for most working professionals. When working from home, the last thing you want is your office filled with sticky notes and notepads. This is where Evernote proves helpful, allowing you to master the art of digital note-taking.
It is a fantastic platform that clears desk clutter and helps organize every note you take. You will also be able to store an abundance of items, from photos to specific documents. Users will be able to create individual notebooks, tag them, and add titles to make them easily indexed and searchable.
Evernote is a fantastic tool for keeping screenshots organized, taking quick notes during meetings, and more. Everything office workers need is easy to search, giving you the info you need in seconds. Also, it helps boost your productive time so that you can focus more on meaty projects.
14. Zapier
Task automation is something most companies dream of, as it streamlines day-to-day processes. With programs like Zapier, automating tasks while working from home is simple. The platform works by creating a list of automated tasks users traditionally do when using web applications.
Currently, Zapier supports over 2,000 tools, allowing your remote team to automate tasks with various platforms.
As users continue with their day-to-day projects, Zapier learns what each user does in each application. Over time, it creates a complex list of frequent tasks, managing the process entirely for each employee.
After creating the automated processes, also known as “Zaps,” Zapier stores them in each user’s dashboard. You can easily view, edit, and adjust any of the automated tasks as needed. Although the program appears complicated at first, its user-friendly interface makes it an essential tool for all work-from-home professionals.
15. Hubstaff
Another popular time tracking solution is Hubstaff, ideal for individuals and teams. With this platform, you can track how much time you spend on each task, ensuring projects are completed on time. It is also remarkable for independent contractors, ensuring you bill clients appropriately per project.
Hubstaff is unique because it not only offers time tracking but built-in GPS. Managers will be able to keep an eye on remote workers worldwide and those on-site. If you need an all-in-one solution to hold your teams accountable for their work, Hubstaff is one of the top solutions to consider.
One of the platform’s more helpful features is its online timesheets. Using this tool, you can keep track of your billable hours, individual hours, and payments received per project.
Working From Home FAQs
Working from home is relatively new for many businesses, bringing about many questions. Let’s review some of the most frequently asked questions below.
1. What equipment is required to work from home?
Above all else, you must have a comfortable place to do your day-to-day tasks. It is a great idea to invest in a small desk and an ergonomic chair to create a small spot in your home where you can work peacefully.
After a general idea of where you’ll set up for work, it is time to get your hands on the other pieces of office equipment. It’s a great idea to invest in high-quality external monitors, a work cell phone, keyboards, and a mouse. You may also want to consider a set of speakers or headphones and a webcam, essential for morning meetings.
Make a list of any special items you need based on your position. Do you need a plan to stay up to date with tasks? It could also be beneficial to invest in a desk organizer to keep your desk clean and organized.
2. What technology do I need to work from home?
There are plenty of options to consider when looking into technology to work from home. All of the programs we explored in this list are bound to be helpful for entrepreneurs, contractors, and remote workers alike.
Also, you will want to consider any extra programs you’ll need for your peace of mind, such as scheduling software and calendars.
3. Do work from home jobs provide tools?
Depending on where you’re employed, there’s a probability your job will provide you with tools to work from home. Your employment will be similar to working in-office. You can expect to get some tools, such as a laptop computer. However, most employers don’t offer all of the tools.
For example, you could be responsible for buying your monitor and computer peripherals. You might also need to provide your own device for phone calls or to connect to a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Luckily, most tools you buy for your job might be able to be expensed at the end of the year or written off on taxes.
4. What are some work from home tools and tips?
The number one tip to consider when working from home is to stay on task. It can be challenging to optimize a period of time, especially in the comfort of your home. If you allow yourself to get too easily distracted, your productivity will slip considerably.
Another massive tip is to make sure you have a quiet and comfortable spot to do your work. It’s important to maintain a personal life balance, especially when working from home. Choose a spot in your home where you can go to work that is separate from your regular living area.
5. Is work from home the end?
Work from home seems to be a trend that continues to grow rather than fade away. As more businesses become aware of the reduced overhead costs, remote employees appear more attractive. That said, you will likely begin seeing more work-from-home opportunities than ever before.
Winning the WFH Revolution
With the giant influx of WFH professionals, the number is only slated to grow as employers start implementing remote working tools. That said, you can expect to need a wide variety of tools to get started working from home.
The tools and programs we listed will no doubt help make your day-to-day tasks go smoother. In the end, the key is having the right mindset and learning how to separate work from play.
