Remote Work Toolkit: 7 Digital Tools I Can’t Live Without
Building your remote work tech stack? With a gazillion options out there, how do you know which digital tools are worth the hype?
Before you waste your resources on premium subscriptions on the first tool you find — it pays more to do your homework and see which option fits you and your work best.
Is digital transformation worth all the hype?
This whole switch to digital is called the digital revolution ( or DX for short). It’s all about using tech to streamline processes, boost growth, and amp up customer experience. It’s the secret behind modern-day business success.
When done right, businesses investing in DX are looking at a whopping 143 percent return on their investment. That’s because online collaboration tools and digital workplaces crank up team productivity by up to 30%. No wonder global spending on DX tech and services is projected to reach $2.8 trillion by 2025 as more businesses and freelancers invest in digital tools.
So don’t be surprised when recruiters ask about how well you know your way around certain tools. With DX, teams get more space to dive into fulfilling work and businesses stay afloat. It’s a win-win.
The Top 7 Digital Tools I Can’t Live Without
Here are seven digital tools that have been my ride-or-die through my BPO, freelancing, and co-founding journey.
1. Google Workspace: Your All-in-One Work Hub
Image Source: Google Workspace
What it does
Google Workspace is like a digital Swiss Army knife. It's got everything from cloud computing to productivity and collaboration tools within the Google ecosystem.
Without it
I'd be overwhelmed by countless email threads. The team? Struggling to store and find files and assets. Managing calendars, meeting clients, and getting aligned? Mission impossible. Without it, workflows are pure chaos, there’s zero productivity, and deadlines are basically a myth.
How I use it
Google Workspace is basically our digital HQ at Support Shepherd. It smoothes communication, file sharing, and project collaborations for our team, no matter where they're rocking it in the world.
Why I love it
Google Workspace keeps us all connected and ensures everyone is on the same page, no matter their location thanks to:
Real-time collaboration – You get to simultaneously edit documents with team members and drive productivity.
Seamless integration – Connects effortlessly with other features Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more.
Easy file sharing – Google simplifies file sharing and storage for smooth collaboration.
Efficient communication – It’s got instant messaging within the platform, reducing reliance on emails.
Calendar management – Another really cool feature is that it seamlessly integrates with calendars, so scheduling and alignment are a whole lot easier.
2. Notion: My Life Dashboard
What it does
Notion is like my personal assistant but in app form. It’s like my assistant’s assistant. It's an all-in-one workspace that organizes tasks and manages projects.
Without it
Tasks, inquiries, and client management become a tangled mess. I would be wasting time switching from one app to another just to get things done.
How I use it
Notion is like my mission control center. My executive assistant, Dang, uses it to streamline Shepherd tasks, inquiries, and client and team management, all within our dedicated Notion dashboard. She gathers everything that needs my attention in one place, helping me focus and reduce cost switching.
Why I love it
Notion is like having my life neatly laid out in one place. It's the glue that holds my digital life together, making complex tasks feel surprisingly simple thanks to:
Customizable dashboards – You get to tailor your workspace to fit your unique preferences, goals, and needs. When it comes to customizability, Notion is king.
Project management tools – You can streamline project organization and progress tracking in one central hub no matter the agenda.
Productivity templates – Access ready-made templates for various tasks, saving you time.
Collaboration features – Promotes teamwork with features like real-time editing and commenting.
Database flexibility – Offers versatile database functionalities for dynamic information organization.
3. Slack: Streamlining Team Communication
What it does
Slack is basically the modern messenger for teams. It’s got instant communication, file sharing, and collaboration in channels up its sleeves.
How I use it
The Shepherd team swears by Slack for quick updates, discussions, and collaboration. We have specific channels for teams and projects, as well as a company-wide channel for announcements. The huddle feature, allowing short voice calls, is my secret weapon for quick alignments.
Without it
Life becomes a communication horror story. Email threads multiply like bunnies, discussions disappear into the void, and your team turns into a scattered herd. Our team won’t be able to work remotely without it.
Why I love it
Slack keeps communication efficient and organized, wiping out the need for lengthy email threads thanks to:
Real-time messaging – Enhances instant communication within the team. We can send official announcements, chat with each other, and catch up in real time.
File sharing – You also get to attach and exchange files on the platform.
Integrations – Seamlessly integrates with various tools, promoting workflow continuity. You can integrate tools like Hubspot, Google Drive, and Loom inside Slack. You can also send automated engagement messages.
Huddle feature – My favorite! It allows quick voice calls for efficient comms.
Channel organization – You get to organize team communication through channels, reducing clutter.
4. Zoom: Connecting Teams from Afar
What it does
Zoom is a video conferencing tool for virtual meetings and webinars.
How I use it
Zoom is where all the essential Shepherd team meetings and alignment calls go down. It is also where we used to have our #FridaysWithShepherd activities. Since we are fully remote with team members scattered over various time zones, Zoom bridges the gap when face-to-face meetings are just a pipe dream.
Without it
Team alignment turns into a wild goose chase. Email and chat apps are great, but for projects that require more context and organization, Zoom is our preferred mode of communication.
Why I love it
Zoom provides a face-to-face connection in the virtual world. It's the go-to for maintaining team cohesion, no matter where on Earth your team members are thanks to:
HD video and audio – Provides high-quality video and audio for immersive virtual meetings.
Screen sharing – Facilitates visual presentations and collaborations so everyone’s on the same page.
Breakout rooms – Smaller groups enhance discussions and collaboration so nobody gets left behind.
Recording and transcription – This is a neat feature that records the meetings and provides transcriptions for reference. Zoom is also rolling out an AI feature that makes note-taking easier.
Virtual backgrounds – This is a great bonus that personalizes the meeting environment with customizable virtual backgrounds.
5. Loom: Bye-bye Long Meetings, Hello Quick Videos
What it does
Loom is a video messaging tool that lets you record quick updates, instructions, and feedback like a magic wand that banishes long, boring meetings.
How I use it
Loom is my superhero when it comes to dodging endless meetings. It lets me record videos for quick updates, instructions, and feedback. Other team members use it to create short tutorials and walkthroughs.
Without it
We’d all be stuck in meetings that should've been emails.
Why I love it
Loom adds a personal touch to remote communication. It's a swift and efficient way to convey information without drowning in written communication thanks to:
Screen recording – Simplifies sharing visual information and demonstrations. Really useful for onboarding and handovers. You have the option of sharing a combination of your screen, voice, and video.
Video Messaging – Enhances communication through personalized video messages. It conveys emotions and context better!
Easy sharing – Facilitates swift sharing of recorded content with team members. Loom has features that allow you to create, edit, and your recordings easily.
Viewer engagement tracking – Provides insights into who has viewed the videos, enhancing your follow-ups.
Instant recording – Enables quick recording with a simple click, saving time for more spontaneous conversations. You can also start over and re-record easily.
6. Veem: Simplifying International Payments
What it does
Veem is a payment platform designed for businesses who want to nail their international transactions.
How I use it
Shepherd relies on Veem to pay our virtual assistants, especially those for the talented and hard-working folks in the Philippines.
Without it
Paying an international team turns into a financial nightmare, especially if you’re paying more than 100 folks. Exchange rates fluctuate, fees pile up, and tracking payments feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. We’d be trapped in a labyrinth of financial chaos, desperately trying to keep our global team smiling.
Why I love it
Veem simplifies our international transactions. It gives me peace of mind that everyone’s being taken care of thanks to:
Secure transfers – Ensures the safety and security of all our international and local transactions.
Competitive exchange rates – Offers favorable rates for currency conversions.
Transparent fees – Provides clarity in transaction costs, avoiding hidden charges.
Payment tracking – Allows real-time tracking of payments for better financial management.
Multi-currency support – Very handy feature that accommodates transactions in various currencies, catering to our global team.
Read more: Why we use Veem to pay our remote team
7. Squarespace: Building My Digital Home
What it does
Squarespace is a website builder and hosting service that makes creating and managing websites a breeze.
How I use it
Squarespace is what my blog calls home. This is where I share my thoughts and where you, my friend, are reading this blog post! Its user-friendly interface and integrated features make managing my online presence a walk in the virtual park.
Without it
I’ll say goodbye to my online presence altogether. I’ll have to learn how to code and integrate lots of expensive tools just to publish a website.
Why I love it
Squarespace combines simplicity with power. It turns my online dreams into reality, minus the coding-induced headache thanks to:
Drag-and-drop website builder – Simplifies website creation for all kinds of users and skill levels.
Customizable templates – Gives you room for personalization without the extensive coding.
Built-in email marketing – This bonus feature helps you align marketing efforts within the platform for seamless campaigns.
Analytics dashboard – Provides insights into website performance and visitor behavior.
Responsive design – Ensures a user-friendly experience on various devices, enhancing accessibility.
Ready to take these digital tools out for a spin?
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the remote work pool — digital tools are the ultimate sidekicks for a job well done.
So, buckle up, embrace the tools, and get going
