Remote Working Tools
Creating balance in our lives is a buzzword in today's hunt for the perfect remote position. We've put together a list of tools we can't live without in our remote professional lives and in our personal lives as well.
There are six main areas where productivity tools fall. We have chosen our favorite tool in each category, but know there are many to explore. You might give a few a whirl before you settle on the one that is right for you.
Project or Task Management
Keeping track of a to-do list has been around for a long time, and while many of us still love the tried and true pencil and paper, a lot can be said for tracking projects and tasks while working remotely. Trello is a personal favorite here! It is easy to use by simply moving tasks from list to list and tracking what other team members are working on while keeping you organized.
Communication
Email, phone, and text are all great options, but sometimes a more robust option is needed. Slack is a go-to for team communication. It works like text messaging but makes it easy to share documents, pictures, and other items. It also allows for multiple group and private channels.
Time Tracking
Time tracking is a must have when you work remotely. If you are a self-employed contractor and work multiple gigs tracking each client's time is a must. The options here are endless, but our favorite is Toggl. It has a timer feature, manual entry, and robust reporting, making it easy to keep clients and bosses informed of your time.
Note Taking
Brainstorming and taking notes are always needed. Evernote for the win here! It is best described as an online filing cabinet. You can keep meeting notes, to-do lists complete with checkboxes, and organize everything in virtual notebooks! A great use of Evernote in your personal life is to keep track of all those yummy online recipes you find. Add the web clipper, and it makes saving them even easier.
Email Management
Inbox Zero might be a myth, but that doesn't mean we can't try! All email programs have their tips and tricks, but Gmail is our favorite. Make use of folders and filters, and be sure to check out all the extensions that allow you to be more productive. Canned responses, Simple Gmail Notes, and Boomerang are just a few worth mentioning.
Health and Fitness
Health and fitness are the craze, and part of staying balanced is making sure you take care of yourself. There are so many options here, but we will hit our two favorites. MapMyRun is at the top of the list, and you can use it for walks, runs, treadmills, bike rides, and many others. It keeps you on your game and tracks your activity. If you are an Apple lover, then the Apple Health App is a must. It tracks just about everything, including heart rate, blood pressure, sleep habits, and food intake.