You discovered our list of top remote work software platforms.
Remote work software platforms are tools that facilitate online collaboration for distributed teams. For example, Slack, Google Drive, and Zoom. These software programs make it possible for distributed teams to collaborate seamlessly.
Leaders can improve virtual management skills by using project management software and reading our guides on remote work and how to manage remote teams.
This list includes:
- remote work platforms
- remote workforce management software
- tools for remote teams
- remote team calendars
- free remote work software
Here is everything you need to know.
List of remote work software platforms
From project management tools to knowledge management platforms to communication apps, here are the best software platforms for remote work.
1. Google Drive
Google Drive is one of the most popular remote work platforms. The program is a cloud-based storage system that collects file formats like Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Google Forms into one centralized library. With a few clicks, users can share files with individuals inside or outside the organization, either directly through Gmail or with a link. File creators can effortlessly update settings to give viewing, editing, or ownership permissions to collaborators. Plus, Google Drive is searchable, making it a great home for important company documents like handbooks, operating procedures, templates, and contact lists.
Learn more about Google Drive.
2. Slack
Slack is a communication platform beloved by remote teams and social organizations worldwide. The program facilitates communication via channels, threads, and direct messages. By condensing conversations into threads and enabling coworkers to react via emoji, the program keeps remote communication orderly. Plus, messages are searchable and pinnable, meaning users can quickly find information they need. Slack is both a great tool for teamwork, and a means of team bonding. Remote colleagues can also use the platform to give peer to peer shoutouts, play games, and chat casually. Slack integrates with thousands of tools like Google Suite, Salesforce, Zoom, and Asana to save time and boost productivity even more.
Learn more about Slack, and check out our guide to the best Slack apps.
3. Zoom
For many folks, Zoom is synonymous with remote work. The video conferencing program provides a secure online meeting space for professionals around the world. Zoom is an industry leader in video call software. The program pioneered breakout rooms, enabling groups to split into smaller sections for more intimate work or discussion. Screen sharing capabilities are also highly useful to dispersed teams, and Zoom offers advanced features such as sharing a portion of the screen or sharing only sound. The program is easy to set up and use, and participants can even join without installing the software. Zoom provides an excellent platform for face-to-face meetings and facilitates human interaction in virtual workspaces.
Learn more about Zoom, and check out our lists of the best Zoom app extensions and virtual meeting platforms.
4. monday.com
monday.com is a project management and communication tool. The program includes remote team calendars, timelines, project boards, and data dashboards. monday.com is searchable and allows remote collaborators to consolidate communications into a single space, plus tag team members or make comments on tasks. Visual displays make it easy to gather information at a glance, and the program is straightforward and simple to use. The program includes tracking features so leaders can better manage projects and employees. Another highlight is the ability to link boards, making it easy to move between projects. monday.com hosts a robust app marketplace and integrates with dozens of other remote work tools.
Learn more about monday.com.
5. Hubstaff
Hubstaff is a time tracking platform that makes it easy for virtual leaders to schedule, track, and manage remote employees. The program’s geofencing and GPS tracking features are useful for field teams and hybrid offices. Hubstaff also includes timesheet management tools, payroll software, and online invoicing, making it easy to pay employees or bill clients and vendors. There are also budget monitoring and time off tracking tools to ensure projects get completed on-time and on-cost. Hubstaff is a great organizational asset for virtual managers.
Learn more about Hubstaff, and check out our list of the best time tracking software.
6. Todoist
Todoist is an online to-do-list and task management system that helps remote teams stay organized and productive. Workers can set different priority levels for tasks, set recurring reminders, and even delegate tasks to other team members. The tool is perfect for work from home employees who struggle with creating sustainable workflows. Remote workers can more easily conceptualize day-to-day responsibilities, and virtual managers can monitor projects and teammates. Plus, teammates can share status and workload just by sharing lists. Todoist even awards users for consistently completing tasks with a Karma setting. The program is simple and straightforward and integrates with dozens of other work from home tools.
Learn more about Todoist.
7. Trello
Trello is an online project management tool that uses boards to organize team workflows. Managers create columns for every stage of the project, and add cards to represent individual tasks. Teammates can claim or assign each other tasks, add comments and attachments, and use other handy tools like checklists and due dates. When team members complete tasks, they move the card into the next appropriate category. Trello delivers information at a glance, eliminating the need for update requests or lengthy email threads. Users can also trigger automated tasks and alerts to facilitate more seamless processes. Plus, Trello integrates into other major remote work software, eliminating the need to switch back and forth between programs.
Learn more about Trello.
8. Basecamp
Basecamp is a remote team communication and project coordination tool that combines multiple tasks into one central workspace. The platform includes message boards and group chats, documents and file-sharing, task-assignment tools, and automated check-ins. The all-in-one nature of the platform helps remote teams stay organized. Since Basecamp’s staff have operated remotely for two decades, they understand the software capabilities that are most important when working from home, and seek to simplify the virtual office. Basecamp is ideal for small to midsize teams.
Learn more about Basecamp.
9. Dropbox Business
Dropbox is a file hosting service that grants remote teams instant access to information. Teammates can share and request documents, links, folders, and other file types. Data synchronization is instantaneous, and updates in real time. Administrators can grant or restrict access so that general users cannot view or edit certain files.
The Dropbox Paper app is a collaborative team tool that permits groups to create, share, and edit documents with embedded media.
Dropbox is a secure way to store files for remote teams. The platform is ideal for companies that have large quantities of data and documents, including files that staff may not access on a regular basis. Plus, it acts as a great backup in case of disruption in other file sharing systems.
The software supports integrations with apps like Salesforce, Trello, Slack, and Gmail to further boost productivity.
Learn more about Dropbox Business.
10. Miro
Miro is a collaborative digital whiteboard. Remote teams can use it to brainstorm, organize workflows, and deliver presentations. Using a combination of digital sticky notes, shapes, arrows, drawings, and text, team members can map out ideas in real time. Features like comments and video enable groups to work together more effectively. Miro offers more file export options than the whiteboard features in virtual meeting platforms, making it simpler to reference and resume work on charts later. The program is great for strategic and creative teams, but is useful for any remote groups who need to show their work.
Learn more about Miro.
11. ActivTrak
AcktivTrack is a remote workforce management software that monitors the productivity of remote teams. The program reports usage of other remote work applications and tracks collaboration between teammates so that managers can better understand how staff spend work hours online. Analytics and statistical insights inform leaders’ workflow decisions and help to identify and resolve bottlenecks and other productivity issues. ActivTrak’s simplified displays make it easy for managers to interpret the data and plot a course of action. Remote employees are often hesitant to admit to roadblocks or struggles. ActivTrak gives leaders a clearer picture of employee behavior and helps virtual workplaces establish more efficient work processes.
Learn more about ActivTrak.
12. Trainual
Trainual streamlines the virtual onboarding process by collecting materials and procedures into a centralized online repository. Managers can add manuals, policies, and standard operating procedures into the platform to ensure that all employees have equal access to necessary resources and consistent training. Trainual offers templates to make it easy to create welcome messages, employee handbooks, work from home policies, employee review procedures, and more useful documentation. Plus, the program offers responsibility-based tracking to ensure accountability among remote teammates.
Learn more about Trainual.
13. Bloomfire
Bloomfire is a collaborative knowledge management platform. The program collects information into one central repository which remote teammates can quickly access and search to find what they need. Bloomfire’s AI helps users find video and audio files too. Plus, employees can engage by commenting on posts, and users can also create discussion groups and Q&A’s. The platform is a great self-service tool for employees working independently at home. Staff can easily find answers without having to message colleagues and wait for a response, and maintain a sense of community in the process.
Learn more about Bloomfire.
14. Front
Front is a customer communication tool that combines all forms of messaging into one unified platform. The program creates a universal inbox so that staff can channel client questions and requests in one central hub. Remote teams can better manage workflows and claim or assign tasks without worrying that another team member is already working on the issue. Streamlined systems help teammates respond faster and provide a better level of service for clients. Front also includes team collaboration tools to improve internal communication.
Learn more about Front.
15. LibreOffice
LibreOffice is one of the best free remote work software. The program is an open-source office suite similar to the Google Suite. Remote teams can share word processing documents, presentations, spreadsheets, databases. Downloading PDF files is easy, and users can even edit PDFs using the draw function. Functionality is basic, and users can extend the program’s capabilities by installing plugins. Files are not as sleek or advanced as tech giants’ office suites, however compatibility remains constant and the software is free forever. LibreOffice is a great option for smaller or temporary teams, as well as remote companies with large contract workforces.
Learn more about LibreOffice.
16. Justworks
Justworks is a professional employer organization, or PEO, an HR provider that services small and mid-sized businesses. The online platform bundles payroll, benefits, employee information, and compliance tools. Justworks offers a centralized online portal remote workers can access to request time off, enroll in benefit plans, or retrieve company documents like handbooks or organizational charts. Meanwhile, Justworks streamlines payroll, health enrollment, and record-keeping for employers.
Learn more about Justworks, and check out our list of the best professional employer organizations.
17. ClickUp
ClickUp is a productivity platform that combines a variety of tools into one workspace. The software’s mission is to fulfill as many functions as possible, eliminating the need for a multitude of remote work tools.
Like other project management tools, it displays boards and enables team members to assign and track tasks. ClickUp also allows users to build wikis and share documents, functioning as a cloud storage system. Plus, it has a communication feature that enables teammates to quickly exchange ideas. Other notable features include calendars, goal measurement, time tracking, productivity monitoring, and reminders.
Also, ClickUp’s customizable Spaces permit remote teams to build virtual workspaces that cater to their departments’ needs.
Learn more about ClickUp.
18. MangoApps
MangoApps is a platform that combines intranet, training, and collaboration tools. Aimed at mid-size companies looking to simplify their virtual workspace, the software bundles services like file-sharing, chat, task management, employee development, and worker engagement. Internal activity feeds give the app a social media feel and make it easy for remote workers to keep up to date in all areas of company news. The portal supports document storage and wikis and also administers onboarding and certification, getting work from home employees up to speed quickly. Org charts and company directors also keep workers informed.
MangoApps includes virtual engagement activities like automatic birthday announcements, recognition features, and employee surveys. Not to mention, the software offers search features, compliance and audit tools, project workspaces, and templates.
Learn more about MangoApps.
19. 15five
15five is a performance management software that helps leaders support remote teams. The program schedules regular check-ins and surveys so that managers can correct decreased performance or morale more quickly. Staff can request feedback anytime, and leaders can coach employees by setting up virtual one on one meetings. 15five also includes employee recognition tools that deliver appreciation and company visibility. Not to mention, 15five hosts a robust toolkit of insights like full potential indexes, average pulses, and engagement dashboards that help managers strategize ways to motivate employees and boost morale.
Learn more about 15five.
20. Kudos
Kudos is an employee recognition program that facilitates peer-to-peer shoutouts between remote colleagues. Teammates can send each other certificates, badges, awards, and videos accompanied by thanks and kind messages. Employees can choose to send presents too, choosing from gift cards, swag, or custom rewards. The program operates like a social feed, keeping distant colleagues connected and engaged. Plus Kudos offers employee engagement insights to managers so that they can tailor their efforts to better serve the staff.
Learn more about Kudos, and check out our list of employee engagement software.
Conclusion
Software is the backbone of the virtual office. Because remote workplaces lack physical meeting spaces, online platforms serve as the main venues for communication and collaboration. Choosing the correct remote work software determines a team’s health, happiness, productivity, and ultimate success.
Organizations must provide remote workers with materials necessary to the job, and in virtual environments this means software first and foremost. By equipping work from home staff with reliable, collaborative platforms, managers give teammates the capability and confidence to perform at high levels.
For more advice on running virtual offices, check out our guide to creating successful virtual teams and this one with online collaboration tools.
We also have a list of business VPNS for virtual offices.
Angela Robinson