Remote team management refers to the practice of overseeing and controlling various aspects of a business, project, or team from a distance. Remote team management tools are the digital applications and technology that enable individual team members to accomplish their work, and enable remote managers to effectively supervise progress, proactively identify problems, and build a positive culture across distance.
Every team has different needs, so there is not one set list of tools that every remote manager should use. Your company’s procurement process, existing tool stack, and budget are just some considerations to take into account as you think about the tools you need to successfully manage a remote team.
Tools for Managing Remote Teams
Communication
Communication tools in remote work refer to the digital platforms and technologies that facilitate effective interaction and collaboration among geographically dispersed team members. These tools play a crucial role in overcoming the challenges of physical distance, enabling seamless exchange of information, ideas, and updates.
Video Conferencing Platforms
Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet enable face-to-face virtual meetings, allowing remote teams to connect in real-time and enhance communication through video.
Messaging Apps
Platforms such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Discord provide real-time chat and messaging capabilities, facilitating quick communication and collaboration among team members.
Email Services
Traditional email services, including Gmail, and Outlook, remain essential for communication, document sharing, and announcements within remote teams.
Internal Communication Platforms
Platforms like Beekeeper or Staffbase are designed specifically for internal communication, providing features like news feeds, announcements, and employee directories for remote teams.
Virtual Whiteboard Tools
Whiteboard tools like Mural, Miro or Microsoft Whiteboard enable remote teams to brainstorm, plan, and collaborate visually, fostering creativity and idea-sharing.
Voice and Video Messaging Apps
Apps like Voxer or Loom provide asynchronous communication options, allowing team members to leave voice or video messages for more personal and detailed communication than text alone.
Performance Tracking
Remote team performance tracking tools are digital solutions designed to monitor and assess the productivity, efficiency, and contributions of remote team members. These tools provide a comprehensive view of individual and collective performance by tracking various metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs). They often include features such as time tracking, task management, and project progress monitoring to help organizations gauge how effectively remote teams are meeting goals and deadlines.
Performance tracking tools may also offer analytics and reporting functionalities, allowing managers to analyze trends, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions. Additionally, these tools can support feedback mechanisms, facilitating communication between team members and enabling recognition of achievements. Ultimately, remote team performance tracking tools aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and overall efficiency in a remote work environment.
Project Management Software
Tools like ClickUp, Asana, Jira, or Monday.com provide features for tracking tasks, deadlines, and project progress, offering insights into individual and team performance.
Time Tracking Software
Applications such as Toggl, Harvest, or Clockify allow remote team members to log their work hours, providing visibility into time spent on tasks and projects.
Employee Monitoring Software
Tools like Time Doctor or Hubstaff offer features for tracking work hours, application usage, and website visits, providing detailed insights into remote team members’ activities.
Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Dashboards
Customized KPI dashboards using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Google Looker Studio can help visualize and track key metrics relevant to individual and team performance.
Feedback and Recognition Platforms
Tools such as 15Five or Bonusly allow team members to provide feedback, share achievements, and recognize each other’s contributions, contributing to a comprehensive view of performance.
Employee Surveys and Engagement Tools
Platforms like Culture Amp or Glint offer surveys and engagement tracking features to gauge remote team members’ satisfaction, motivation, and overall well-being.
OKR (Objectives and Key Results) Software
Tools like Workboard or Weekdone assist in setting, tracking, and measuring individual and team goals, promoting transparency and alignment with organizational objectives.
Performance Review Software
Platforms such as 360-degree feedback tools, like Lattice or Small Improvements, can streamline the performance review process and provide a comprehensive view of team members’ strengths and areas for improvement.
Knowledge Management
Knowledge management tools for remote teams are crucial platforms designed to organize, share, and centralize information for all team members, regardless of where they are located. In a remote work setting, where collaboration may be hindered by physical distance, these tools become essential for maintaining a unified understanding of organizational knowledge.
They often include features like document sharing, collaborative editing, and version control to ensure that the most up-to-date and accurate information is readily available to all team members. Having a single source of truth is particularly important as it eliminates confusion and discrepancies that may arise from multiple versions of documents or scattered information across various platforms. This centralized approach enhances collaboration, streamlines decision-making processes, and promotes consistency in communication. Knowledge management tools also contribute to a more efficient workflow by reducing the time spent searching for information and fostering a collaborative environment where team members can easily access and contribute to shared knowledge.
Document Collaboration Platforms
Tools like Microsoft SharePoint, Google Workspace, or Confluence provide a centralized space for remote teams to create, share, and collaborate on documents, ensuring a single source of truth for important information.
Knowledge Base Software
Platforms like Guru or KnowledgeOwl enable remote teams to create and maintain a comprehensive knowledge base, making it easy for team members to access information, FAQs, and procedural documentation.
Cloud-Based File Storage Services
Services like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Box allow remote teams to store and share files securely in the cloud, ensuring that everyone has access to the latest versions of documents and resources.
Collaborative Note-Taking Tools
Applications such as Evernote or OneNote enable remote teams to take and share collaborative notes, capturing important information, ideas, and meeting minutes in a centralized and accessible location.
Intranet Platforms
Intranet solutions like Jostle or ThoughtFarmer provide remote teams with a centralized hub for communication, document sharing, and company-wide announcements, fostering a sense of unity and ensuring a single source for important updates and resources.
Culture Building & Employee Development
Culture-building tools in remote teams are essential platforms and strategies designed to foster a strong sense of shared values, collaboration, and connection among team members working in diverse locations. These tools go beyond traditional communication platforms, aiming to create a virtual environment that reflects the organization’s values and encourages a positive team culture. Often, these tools integrate with existing communication tools, making it easy for team members to use them.
Employee development tools for remote teams are digital resources and platforms designed to support the growth, learning, and skill enhancement of individuals working in dispersed locations. These tools play a crucial role in fostering professional development by providing access to training materials, courses, workshops, and other learning resources.
Virtual Team-Building Games and Activities
Platforms like Kahoot! or QuizBreaker offer virtual games and activities that promote team bonding and engagement.
Recognition and Appreciation Platforms
Tools like Hey Taco or Kudos allow team members to publicly recognize and appreciate each other’s contributions, fostering a culture of acknowledgment and positivity.
Virtual Coffee Chats
Tools such as Donut or Watercooler facilitate random pairings of team members for informal virtual coffee chats, promoting casual conversations and relationship-building.
Employee Surveys and Feedback Tools
Tools like WorkLeap Officevibe or TINYpulse help gather feedback from team members, providing insights into the team’s satisfaction and areas for improvement.
Course Authoring Platforms
Platforms like Teachable, Kajabi, and Podia allow teams to easily create, store, and share courses, such as those needed for internal or external training.
Learning Management Systems (LMS)
LMS platforms like Moodle or TalentLMS can track employees’ progress in training and development programs, helping assess their growth and skill acquisition.
Set Expectations for Remote Team Management Tools
Tools are one component of the infrastructure needed for effective remote work, along with policies and processes. As you build your remote management tool stack, remember that you need to set expectations for how to use the tools you use, dedicate time to learning how to use those tools, and measure their effectiveness.
Learn How to Use Tools for Remote Team Management
Digital tool management is one of the most important skills that a remote manager can develop—learn how to develop this and other skills in the Leadplaceless eCourse.
