The Best Apps and Software for Managing Remote Teams
Now that many major tech firms and employers of all sizes have chosen to allow remote work for teams into mid-2021, it’s time to revisit how you are communicating with your remote teams. Choosing the proper technology to manage remote teams can support communication, productivity, and efficiency. With so many to choose from, it’s key to understand your workplace needs, then find software that will be an asset to your workflow. The following shortlist of apps can get you started with team management, client relationship management, timekeeping, and more. Prices range from free to monthly subscriptions on a per-user basis.
As you continue to prepare for remote work, please refer to our blog posts answering common questions on onboarding and managing remote employees:
DHS Extends Flexibility on “In-Person” Requirements For I-9 Forms for Remote Employees
Telecommuting Employees May Be Reimbursed for Phone and Internet Use During COVID-19
For companies considering return to work, here are some policies to consider:
Below is a list of apps and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms available for managing teams. While The Grady Firm has not evaluated or endorsed these products, we are providing a list as a starting point for evaluating and researching these services.
Project/Team Management
Asana – Set company goals and timelines, and monitor the daily workload and progress of team members.
Basecamp – As an online bulletin board-meets-task organizer, this tool makes it easy for companies to disseminate information quickly and have transparency on job tasks and assignments.
Clio – Developed for lawyers, this software simplifies the handling of cases, documents, invoices, timekeeping, and contacts as an all-in-one solution for case management.
Microsoft Teams – Staying connected is easy with Teams, where you can video chat, screen share, and edit files together in real time.
Monday – This powerful organization tool can integrate seamlessly with other apps, automate workflows, and visualize data in multiple formats.
Slack – Exchange long winded emails and meetings for conversations on Slack, where you can also make calls, share files, and search old chats.
Wrike – The customization of dashboards, shared calendars, and project folders makes organizing simple, no matter how complex your workflows are.
Airtable – Create your own database with this platform’s sleek user interface and focus on the data that’s important to your business.
Task Management Software
Teamwork – Manage your team’s workload, plan milestones, track time, assign tasks, and collaborate through messaging, all within one software.
Trello – Track project workflows through this easy to use web app that organizes using the Kanban method.
CRM Software
Clio Grow – Client intake and relationship management designed to integrate seamlessly with Clio Manage, a lawyer’s practice management software.
Dubsado – Manage clients, contracts, invoices, and scheduling, while automating workflow by triggering automated responses, reminders, and more.
Pipedrive – Organize leads, track communication, and close deals by moving clients through your sales process and focusing on one stage at a time. Can be customized to integrate with other platforms, such as PandaDoc, Clio, and drip campaigns.
Salesforce – Track how sales, support, and marketing can enhance the customer experience and deliver personalized service.
Timekeeping and Scheduling Apps
Check with your payroll provider (i.e. ADP, Southland Data Processing, K-Time HR) for their own timekeeping software that integrates with payroll services.
Hubstaff – Easy to use time tracking on desktop, web, or mobile, along with online timesheets, productivity monitoring, and team scheduling.
Tracking Time – Tracker integrated with Asana, Trello, Todoist, and other apps, with online timesheets and easy clock in and out features.
Timely – Eliminate clocking in and out with this AI-enhanced tracker that automatically captures your time worked on the computer and sends you timesheets for approval.
Time Doctor – Automate screenshots to see employee activity, track which websites and apps are used most, and see time spent on breaks.
Toggl – Track work time on the go and fill in the details as you need them. There’s a basic free plan to get you started.
Calendaring Apps
Acuity – An online assistant that shares your calendar with clients to self-schedule or reschedule without having to check with you.
Calendly – Share your availability via a link in your e-mail or website and integrate events with Google, Outlook, Office 365, or iCloud.
TimeTrade – Allow clients to queue in, see estimated wait times, or make appointments, putting the customer experience first.
Document Management
Box – Share documents and files that are up to date and securely encrypted on the cloud for access anywhere.
DropBox – Store documents on one device and access through another device, including mobile, by working straight off Dropbox so you don’t have to switch apps or search through files.
Google Docs – Web based word processor that makes it easy to collaborate with live editing, automatic saving, and simple sharing.
Google Drive – Cloud file storage that is seamlessly integrated with Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides for all your business needs.
Google Sheets – The functionality of Excel meets accessibility in Google Sheets, where users can edit live, customize formulas, and create their own database for free.
Virtual Receptionists
Abby Connect – Get matched with professional receptionists and customer service when and where you need them. Listen to your calls in the online portal, and have receptionists book appointments for you.
Davinci Virtual – Modern business solutions for remote businesses through virtual office services, live receptionists, and the ability to book meeting spaces by location.
Ruby Receptionists – Provides live receptionists and live chat services so you can prioritize your customer experience.
Virtual Meeting Platforms
Google Meet – Free video communication service, formerly known as Google Hangouts, makes it easy to video conference and chat.
GoToMeeting – Record presentations and meetings, screen share to get on the same page, and even conduct meetings from your mobile device.
Skype – Free online calls, instant messaging, and video meetings to address all your communication needs.
Zoom – A comprehensive tool for online meetings, webinars, and conference rooms with quality video connection.
Document Signing
DocuSign – Simplify the process of sharing agreements, receiving authentic e-signatures, and managing documents by going paperless and saving to the cloud.
HelloSign – Prepare, send, and organize the progress of documents and get signatures online.
PandaDoc – Use a pre-approved template for contracts, create personalized quotes, or get eSignatures to close agreements with this user-friendly software.
Password Management
LastPass – Automate logging into your go to web apps by saving all your passwords in one safe place.
Google Password Manager – If you already use Google for most web apps, utilize the password manager to store your information and auto-fill when necessary.
Newsletters
Constant Contact – Email clients, create an online shop, build your own website, and leverage social media marketing, all through one easy platform.
MailChimp – Design eye-catching emails and newsletters, automate drip campaigns, customize your website, and take your marketing to the next level.
About the Firm:
The Grady Firm attorneys provide the following employment law services:
Assistance with interpreting emergency COVID-19 legislation as it affects your business;
Counsel employers on staff changes and draft Notices of Reduced Hours, Furloughs, or Layoffs;
Draft Severance Agreements;
Act as I-9 agent and I-9 audit preparation or defense;
Employee v. independent contractor classification analysis (AB5);
Assistance with converting independent contractors to employees;
On-site, classroom-style Sexual Harassment training for employees and supervisors;
“Experiential” supervisor training in which managerial employees practice processing a harassment complaint and commencing an investigation in pairs with other trainees.
Draft and review Employee Handbooks, arbitration agreements, and Anti-Harassment policies;
Employee personnel file audits;
Litigation defense.
To learn more about ensuring your business is compliant with state and local laws, schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation with The Grady Firm’s attorneys; call +1 (949) 798-6298; or fill out a Contact Request Form. The Grady Firm has offices in Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, and San Diego, California.
*Jennifer A. Grady, Esq. is licensed to practice employment law in California.
This article is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. This article does not make any guarantees as to the outcome of a particular matter, as each matter has its own set of circumstances and must be evaluated individually by a licensed attorney.
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