My Favorite Tools for Remote Work: How I Get Stuff Done Without Losing My Mind

I’m not gonna lie – if it weren’t for the right tech, working from home might’ve driven me up a wall by now. But we’re lucky to live in a time where technology basically does the heavy lifting so we can focus on, you know, actual work. From communication to collaboration, let me introduce you to the best remote work tools that keep me productive, connected, and relatively sane.

Communication Tools for Remote Work

When it comes to keeping in touch with my team, the best tools for remote work are instant messaging apps like Slack or Google Chat, async tools like Google Workspace’s Tools, and async networks like P2 or BuddyPress. They make it so much easier to have quick conversations and keep the team vibe alive, even if we’re miles apart. Plus, who doesn’t love sending the occasional GIF? I also use Zoom or Google Meet for video calls, and Loom for screen recording —because seeing faces and hearing voices really does make a difference.

Project Management for Remote Work

If you’re working remotely, staying organized is half the battle. My go-to for keeping track of tasks, deadlines, and projects is Asana. It’s a lifesaver for visual thinkers like me. Whether you prefer a to-do list or a board that tracks every step, it’s the ultimate tool for keeping chaos at bay. Other great remote work software options for this include Asana and Monday.com—both are super intuitive and help keep everything on track. Collaboration tools for remote teams like these are essential for ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.

Cloud Storage: Because My Laptop Can Only Hold So Much

This one is a no-brainer, but I’ve got to shout out cloud storage for remote teams. Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive—take your pick. These tools allow everyone on my team to access files, share documents, and collaborate in real-time without the dreaded “version 17_final_final” email attachments. Bonus? I can work from anywhere and still have all my files right at my fingertips.

Time Management Tools for Remote Work (so I don’t work 24/7)

One thing I’ve learned about remote work is that it’s easy to overwork—and that’s where time management comes in. I use Toggl to track how much time I’m spending on different tasks. It’s super simple and helps me see where my time goes (spoiler: it’s not all work). And if you’re someone who likes setting timers to break tasks into smaller chunks, Pomodoro tools like Focus Booster or tomato-timer.com are a game-changer for boosting remote work productivity.

Collaboration Tools for Remote Work: Getting Work Done Together, Even When We’re Apart

Ah, collaboration tools for remote teams—where would we be without them? I swear by Google Workspace because it allows my team and me to collaborate on documents and spreadsheets in real-time. Plus, everything is saved automatically in the cloud (so long, lost files!). Other excellent options are Microsoft 365 and Notion, which offer great ways to work together efficiently, no matter where everyone is.

So, there you have it—my toolkit for thriving in the remote work world. The right remote work tools can make the difference between feeling like you’re drowning and being a remote work superhero. With these best tools for remote work in your corner, you’ll be getting stuff done with ease (and maybe even enjoying it a little more, too).