The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred an unprecedented digital transformation across various industries globally. Today, Kiwi business owners utilise remote tools and platforms to maintain their brand’s relevance, enhance team productivity, set broader business goals, and integrate digital workspaces more effectively.
According to the New Zealand Remote Work Survey, by 2021, approximately 30–40% of Kiwi businesses had transitioned to remote or hybrid work models.
Investing in the right software is crucial as it can significantly impact your company’s workflow, culture, and objectives: Reliable remote work technologies have become a necessity.
As an entrepreneur, you may find the array of digital workspace tools available overwhelming. This article will guide you through various remote collaboration tools and platforms, helping you navigate this complex landscape and select those that can help you maximise your business potential.
Communication & Instant Messaging Tools
Let’s start with the basics. Communication tools like Messenger, Discord, Twitter, and WhatsApp are already integral to our daily lives, helping us stay in touch with friends and family.
In the business realm, we rely not only on emails but also on the power of social media to connect with clients and prospects. In a virtual environment, collaboration tools are essential for maintaining strong communication among remote teams, whether they are local or international. The tools used can vary based on a company’s culture, industry, and size.
Various channels can help businesses achieve asynchronous communication and increase team productivity. Remote communication platforms like WhatsApp or Slack allow team members to message team members easily via chat or video calls, which can be included in their daily or weekly team meetings.
Zoom, Google Meet, and Skype are pivotal for effective web conferencing. These remote tools facilitate continuous connection among team members, regardless of where they are, reducing the chance of miscommunication, enhancing virtual teamwork, and helping to meet goals with clear and accurate information.
2. Project Management Tools and Collaboration Tools
Remote work can be challenging; therefore, equipping your business with the right software is crucial for success. According to Buffer, “77% of remote workers reported increased productivity when using collaboration tools.”
Popular project management tools include Asana, Atlassian, Airtable, Monday.com, Trello, and ClickUp. These tools streamline workflows, facilitate virtual communication, manage priorities, and support remote workers.
A core function of project management tools is to streamline remote workflows, helping project managers and team members work efficiently with their assigned tasks and stay on top of deadlines and goals.
Project management tools, being automated, are designed for easy access and use by members working virtually. This collaboration tool increases productivity and provides comfort and confidence in tracking goals, time, and assignments in real time.
The New Zealand Technology Alliance reports that 68% of businesses have increased their use of remote work technologies, such as video conferencing and project management software. These tools are not just about remote work, they are about flexibility. They enable businesses to adopt more flexible work arrangements, allowing employees to work from anywhere, at any time, and on any device.
3. File Storage and Sharing Software
Many efficient and reliable cloud storage systems are essential for documentation and workflows. Numerous file storage and sharing options are available, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, WeTransfer, and Box, which every Kiwi business owner should consider.
According to Statista, around 83% of businesses use cloud-based file hosting services and share solutions as a core part of their daily operations.
Cloud-based file storage is especially advantageous for remote companies. They provide virtual access to files, offering the flexibility remote teams need. With a centralised storage system, finding and sharing documents becomes effortless, allowing team members to focus on their work rather than searching for files. This centralisation boosts productivity and enhances collaboration. With these features, business owners can operate confidently, knowing their data is secure and easily accessible.
4. Human Resources and Employee Management Tools
Effectively managing remote teams and workforce based in New Zealand or not involves implementing robust communication strategies, processes, training, and digital tools to maintain productivity and engagement. IDC reports that 77% of remote organisations use employee monitoring tools and productivity software, with 66% experiencing significant improvements in teamwork and cooperation. These tools also simplify HR tasks, such as benefits administration, grievance handling, and payroll management.
When considering investments in top HR and employee engagement software options like Xero, MYOB, Employment Hero, BambooHR, SageHR, HiBob, and Oracle, evaluating your priorities and desired features is crucial.
HiBob is ideal for startups, particularly in the media and technology sectors. It features remote-friendly tools designed for hybrid work environments, enhancing communication and collaboration. HiBob offers a modern HR platform with employee engagement and culture features, and supports multi-country payroll and compliance, making it suitable for international teams.
Another great option is BambooHR, which is well-suited for technology and service-based businesses. It boasts a user-friendly interface for managing employee records, time-off requests, and performance. BambooHR also facilitates remote onboarding, training, and communication, and provides analytics and reporting to support strategic decision-making.
5. Content Creation Tools
Content creation and editing tools are essential to a content creator’s workflow. They enable the production of high-quality text, graphics, and videos, which is crucial for crafting engaging and polished content that resonates with the target audience.
HubSpot reports that 80% of marketing and creative businesses use these tools to streamline their operations. Commonly used tools include Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Lumen5, Final Cut Pro, and Grammarly. Additionally, a Content Marketing Institute (CMI) survey finds that 87% of marketing professionals and creative agencies use content creation tools daily.
Canva is an online design platform that facilitates real-time collaboration on projects and offers easily accessible templates and design elements to remote teams. Lumen5 is a cloud-based video creation platform that allows users to create videos from text, supporting remote collaboration on video projects. Grammarly helps remote teams ensure consistent writing quality with an online writing assistant that checks grammar and style. It can be used via a web browser or as an extension.
6. Cybersecurity Tools
Purchasing strong cybersecurity technologies is crucial for remote-first businesses to safeguard team data and guarantee seamless operations. VPNs that encrypt internet connections, like CyberGhost, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN, protect private information from prying eyes and provide safe communication over public networks. This is essential for protecting privacy and stopping cyberattacks when staff members use corporate resources from several locations.
Endpoint security solutions such as 1Password, CrowdStrike, Sophos, and Bitdefender are essential to protect remote workers’ devices. They provide real-time threat detection and protection, guarding against malware and ransomware.
By safely storing and sharing passwords, 1Password lowers the possibility of security breaches. Bitdefender provides security against cyber threats, while CrowdStrike and Sophos offer sophisticated threat prevention and response. By investing in these solutions, you may reduce risks and uphold company integrity while ensuring your remote staff’s safe and effective operation.
Conclusion
For Kiwi professionals and entrepreneurs aiming to excel in a virtual business landscape, investing in the right remote work tools is essential. The right digital solutions can make all the difference, streamlining operations, enhancing team productivity, and maintaining robust security.
When choosing which tools to use, it’s important to consider your business goals, budget, and specific needs. From communication tools like Slack and Zoom, to project management solutions such as Asana and Trello, and file storage options like Google Drive and Dropbox, there are various platforms designed to optimise remote work. HR management tools like BambooHR and HiBob can simplify workforce management, while cybersecurity solutions such as NordVPN and Bitdefender ensure your data remains secure.
By integrating these tools effectively and ensuring your team is well-trained, you can transform remote challenges into opportunities for growth. Embrace these digital innovations to not only navigate the complexities of remote work but to leverage them for achieving your business’s full potential. Investing in these essential tools will empower your remote team, drive productivity, and safeguard your business, setting you up for sustained success in the digital age.