Tools to Empower a Hybrid Local-Remote Team
Cloud technology has revolutionized the way we work, making it convenient and cost-effective to integrate remote members into your team. The keys to success are picking the right tools and building processes to ensure their correct use. Here, we explore the essential tools that can empower your hybrid team to work seamlessly and efficiently.
Video Conferencing: The Key Enabler
Video conferencing is the cornerstone of effective hybrid teams, allowing for regular and convenient meetings at minimal cost. It bridges the gap between local and remote team members, fostering collaboration and communication. Our top picks for video conferencing are Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. Both platforms offer reliable connectivity, user-friendly interfaces, and a range of features that cater to different business needs.
Collaboration and Cloud Storage
To ensure remote workers have seamless access to resources, cloud-based collaboration and storage tools are indispensable. They allow team members to share and work on documents in real-time, regardless of their location. Our preferred tools in this category are OneDrive and Google Drive. These platforms provide robust storage solutions, easy file sharing, and integration with other essential productivity tools.
Planning and Project Management
Effective coordination is crucial for keeping everyone on the same page and setting clear expectations. Planning and project management tools help manage tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities efficiently. Trello stands out as our favorite in this category. Its intuitive board and card system makes it easy to visualize and organize tasks, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
VOIP and VPN Solutions
Voice Over IP (VOIP) phone systems and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) enable staff to be virtually present in New Zealand while working from anywhere in the world. These tools are critical for maintaining seamless communication and ensuring secure access to company resources. Our top choices are Nord VPN and Call Hippo. Nord VPN provides robust security features, while Call Hippo offers a versatile VOIP solution with excellent call quality.
Security: 2-Factor Authentication and Password Managers
Security is paramount when working remotely. Two-factor authentication (2FA) and password managers are essential for ensuring secure access to your infrastructure and resources. Google Authenticator and LastPass are our recommended tools for this purpose. Google Authenticator provides an extra layer of security with its 2FA capabilities, while LastPass helps manage and store passwords securely.
CONCLUSION
Empowering a hybrid local-remote team requires the right set of tools to ensure seamless collaboration, effective communication, and robust security. At Avant People, we specialize in helping businesses pick and configure the best suite of tools to optimize their remote team’s productivity and security. Contact Avant today to embark on your journey towards an efficient and empowered hybrid team.