About the author

Darren Cronian, the author of this guide, has spent nine years securing remote jobs and building a successful freelancing business. His goal is to help people find remote work. Read more >
Last Updated: 26 January 2025

Companies use various remote work tools to ensure that work can be created collaboratively. Having these apps and software on your resume will increase the chance of getting hired.

When you are working for a company whose workforce is working in different timezones all over the world) various challenges can cause difficulties. Tasks must be completed so that projects can be completed on time.

This guide will focus on highly recommended remote work tools to learn because they will be used day-to-day in most companies.

Remote Work Tools: Essential Tools You Need to Learn
Communication

Slack

Think of this as your all-in-one communication tool that you will use daily. Most companies set up channels for each team so conversations can occur. You can also post GIFS, images, and videos. You can host audio and video calls on Slack, but most companies use other solutions.

Zoom

Zoom became a popular app for video conferences and virtual events during the pandemic. Teams can meet and have a more face-to-face experience. Most companies also use Zoom for remote job interviews.

Google Meet

Like Zoom, this is also a video conferencing app that connects teams within the company. This is an app within Google Workspace, so companies that use this service will likely use this tool.

Time management

Harvest

Many companies monitor time spent on tasks because either the work is billable to a client or they want to use the data to manage projects.

Harvest allows you to set a timer for each task and log it on the app. You can then report how many hours you have worked in a specific period, and management can track your progress.

If you track the time to submit a timesheet or invoice, this tool can save you time because you can send reports directly to the company. Another advantage of using Harvest is you can connect it to third-party apps.

Toggl

Another option is Toggl, which has fewer features than Harvest. It is pretty basic, but this app is worth checking out if you just need an easy-to-use tool to track your time. Most companies will use Harvest, but both are reliable time management solutions.

Project Management

Jira

Jira is part of a group of products designed to help teams manage work. Initially, it was intended as a bug and issue tracker. Over time, though, Jira has evolved into a powerful work management tool. When tasks need to be completed, tickets are created so teams work collaboratively and track the process to ensure deadlines are met.

Asana

Asana is a task management tool that has become popular over the last few years. It is a great way to manage even the most complex projects and provides a platform for collaboration among teams of various professions.

Basecamp

With Basecamp, you break up your work into separate projects. Each project contains everything related to the job: all the people involved, every discussion, every document, file, task, important date, etc.

Finding files and documents while working on projects can be challenging, but Basecamp stores everything in one place.

Productivity

You often find that productivity tools are down to the individual rather than an app the company specifically asks you to use. So, these are my favorites to check out to keep yourself productive while working at home.

Trello

Trello has become my daily tool to keep my workflow in check.

It is easy to use, with each project having its board. You can create various lists to manage work with this. At one glance, Trello tells you what is being worked on and where it is in the process.

Trello describes it as a whiteboard filled with lists of sticky notes, with each as a task for you and your team. Those sticky notes can also be photos, attachments from other data sources, and a place to comment and collaborate.

Noted

One of my favorite tools right now is Noted.

You can download it on your desktop or mobile device. You can type content or record audio notes if you need to take notes during a meeting. Everything is well organized and easily found.

You will find me frantically typing notes when learning a new skill in a webinar or listening to a podcast. While the free version is available, the premium version is highly recommended. Adding notes is easy on mobile or desktop.

ToDoIst

Are you looking for a powerful yet easy-to-use to-do list tool?

Todoist is worth a look. When you feel overwhelmed, take time at the end of each work day for the next day. You can set up recurring tasks with due dates, tag work, and prioritize the day to plan for you.

Adding new tasks takes a few seconds, unlike many other to-do list apps. It’s also available on mobile and desktop devices, so you can access your to-do list wherever you are.

Common remote work tools

Google Docs

Most companies will give you access to Google Docs to create documents, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations. The advantage of this suite is being able to share work and collaborate with your team quickly.

LastPass

Security is essential to protecting personal and business data. Using the same password for all the tools we highlighted today can lead to the same username for data protection issues.

Using LastPass means all of your passwords are stored securely.

I’m not sure about you, but forgetting passwords was an issue until LastPass came into my life. It stops you from wasting time getting your password reset. You can also create long passwords, thus reducing the chances of people discovering your login details.

Surfshark

While on security, having a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when working in public spaces like coffee shops and co-working spaces is essential. The software hides your IP address, resulting in no one being able to gain access to your laptop.

There are many VPN options nowadays, but Surfshark has been my go-to app for the past year. It has an annual subscription fee but can be downloaded on desktop and mobile devices.

What is next?

If you are unfamiliar with any of the tools and apps, then it’s a good idea to download them – they are a mix of free and paid, but most will offer free trials. Then, add them to your resume to become more familiar with their work. Companies will be looking for people with experience with this type of software.

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