It would have been impossible for any organisation to function a few decades ago without a physical working environment. Recent advancements in technology have drastically changed how we live. Most companies now work remotely or hybrid.
These companies have collaborated and worked remotely by leveraging available software. Below is how any company can operate remotely and achieve team collaboration with Saas Software.
Read also: 5 tips to avoid cyberattacks in 2023 as a remote worker
Create a Virtual Workspace
Every organisation needs a working environment to operate; through Software, companies who operate remotely can achieve this through a virtual workspace where workers get to log in daily to replace the conventional act of going to work.
This virtual workspace is usually a messaging platform such as Slack that enables employees and management to meet and communicate. The advantage this has over the physical routine of commuting to work is that work can be communicated at any time.
A manager can send a message to the platform at 2 am, and an employee can receive it at 4 am. Communication isn’t time-bound. The drawback is that it depends on internet connectivity and the online availability of recipients.
Alternatively, WhatsApp, Telegram or Facebook group chat could be used. However, Slack is widely used because it has a feature called ‘channels’. Channels enable a company to have different platforms in the same workspace for different issues.
Slack has a premium plan that allows you to access old messages; however, the free version is still effective for communication.
Hold Meetings through Video Conferencing Apps
Communicating through text on a messaging platform might not be suitable for crucial discussions which require in-person communication.
Even physical workplaces require meetings to discuss in-depth issues with staff. A remote team could compensate for this through video conferencing apps like Zoom and Google.
These apps strengthen collaboration by enabling Live discussion. Live chats enhance communication by revealing the tone behind one’s words and clearing assumptions. Introverts and passive staff can be persuaded to express themselves by taking turns to speak.
This also enables presentation through the ‘Share Screen’ option. Telegram also enables video chats, and so does the new WhatsApp update.
A remote team can schedule monthly or quarterly Live chats to discuss intimately and leave no stone unturned.
Most remote teams have been able to operate by depending on the two strategies above; however, other complex operations can be handled as follows.
Handle Project Management through Apps
A project manager might be required to plan, track, and monitor a project. Apps like Trello help with this remotely.
Because of Trello’s flexibility, project managers can design unique workflows for various teams, projects, or tasks, which can help to increase productivity and streamline procedures. It organised tasks and projects using boards and lists so that team members could see the state and progress of each task.
Trello facilitates task management and team collaboration for project managers by integrating with a number of platforms and tools, including GitHub, Dropbox, and Google Drive. It gives project managers a clear picture of the team’s development, enabling them to monitor task completion, spot bottlenecks, and make deft decisions.
It helps team members communicate with each other, which makes it simpler for them to exchange documents, discuss project updates, and work together on tasks.
Trello provides Power-Ups, like automation, calendar view, and custom fields, to improve its functionality. Project managers can more effectively manage their teams and projects with the aid of these features. Project managers can better manage deadlines, milestones, and schedules with the help of the Calendar view and Timeline view feature.
Supervise through Screencasting Apps
Management may need to supervise their staff remotely. This can be achieved by instructing workers to record themselves while working using screencasting apps like Loom.
Other tools that can be used to manage remote teams include project management and communication platforms like Zoom and Skype. Using these tools can make managing remote teams more productive, collaborative, and communication-efficient.
Remote operations have become inevitable for companies for reasons such as starting small and being unable to afford rent or engaging a widespread talent from across the globe. Different software can be leveraged to fix the lapses and correct any negative impact of a physical barrier.