Key factors of successful telework include organization and communication. You don't need a digital application for either of these, but I have found that apps can greatly help.
I've been teleworking for over three decades. The list of applications in the infographic below presents an ecosystem I have found to promote effective organization and communication. Many apps have been tried over the years - these have emerged as our current “best fit” for telework success.
Apps That Promote Productive Telework
SLACK- MESSAGING
Slack is a messaging app that enables users to message back and forth quickly and to feel connected to co-workers. Project channels can be set up to share project-specific messages and files, and channels can also be set up for organization-wide messages. You can even create a water cooler channel to share known work messages.
ZOOM- VIDEOCONFERENCING
Zoom is an easy-to-use, affordable, and reliable video conferencing system. Useful features include screen sharing and a whiteboard. Video breakout rooms and participant polls also promote employee engagement and team building. Zoom also integrates with Slack, so video conferences can be launched directly from Slack channels.
BOX- FILE STORAGE
Box enables data storage in the cloud through a user-friendly and secure application. Box integrates seamlessly with industry-leading security partners to keep data secure. Microsoft Office can be integrated smoothly into Box, enabling users to create and edit files and securely save them to Box. Box integrates with Slack so that files can be imported directly into Slack and links can be shared in Slack channels.
15FIVE- EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
15Five is an employee engagement tool that greatly aids remote managers. A key feature includes a weekly status report to communicate accomplishments. 15Five enables objectives and key results to be established for an organization and for progress to be tracked by individual employees. It also promotes one-on-one meetings between managers and employees and self and peer reviews. 15Five integrates with Slack, enabling praise (“high fives”) to be posted to Slack channels.
ASANA- PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Asana is a project-tracking application. Teams can set up projects with an associated task list, assignee, and due date shown as a list or on Kanban boards. Team members can mark tasks as complete and load files directly in the app. Asana also features a helpful project timeline calendar and progress report. Asana integrates with Slack to post project changes to Slack channels.
STAY HOME | STAY PRODUCTIVE
Fentress Inc. is not affiliated with any of the companies and applications presented above.
We are a workplace strategies company and have had telework for over 30 years.
We assembled this ecosystem of applications through first-hand experience.
There are marketplace alternatives to all of the apps in this blog.
