Top 5 Digital Tools to Boost Efficiency for Remote Workers

There are millions of remote workers, many of whom enjoy the perks that come with being able to work from anywhere with a stable Internet connection. However, there are also drawbacks involved that some may not anticipate, especially those who have never worked remotely before. Whether dealing with distractions or collaboration difficulties, remote workers can take note of the specific challenges they’re personally encountering and face them head-on with digital tools. From putting yourself in a good head space to formatting letters, the following five digital tools offer options that could make a difference while you navigate the workforce as a remote worker. 

1. Adobe

You can’t be too careful when sending documents — especially ones of importance — to others via the Internet rather than handling them in person. It’s one of the reasons many opt to use Adobe PDFs. With Adobe, it’s easy to convert various file types, such as images, into a PDF. Depending on which version of Acrobat you have, features can include the redaction of sensitive information, commenting, printing, obtaining signatures, and adding custom branding. While those are all great, two of the biggest benefits include password protection and securing your PDFs so they can’t be changed or copied. This can be a major boost for the security and privacy of the information you choose to send, regardless of your industry. 

2. Google Drive

There’s a lot to love about Google Drive, one being its ease of use. It’s simple to navigate, and one click of the drop-down arrow next to “My Drive” brings you from Google Forms to Google Sheets and everything in between. Head over to the Template Gallery in Google Docs, and there are substantial practical options, from templates for resumes to project proposals. Many have used Google Drive before, but whether it’s your first time or you already have experience with it, explore what it could offer you should you need one of its features in the future. 

3. RescueTime

The structure and dynamics of your workday change when you don’t have to worry about the boss coming around the corner. Welcome to a world where you’re probably responsible for how and what you do with your time during your work day. Time management can be difficult as a remote worker. After all, it can be incredibly easy to get distracted by going down a rabbit hole of celebrity gossip or chicken recipes. Fortunately, RescueTime can help with that. This digital tool offers reports on your progress, distraction alerts, the ability to set a daily work goal, and focus sessions where certain sites are blocked. It could help you get a handle on learning how to focus more and where you might benefit from some improvement.

4. Zoom

Zoom can be beneficial from a business and personal standpoint. It’s easy for coworkers to come together, especially by way of webinars and meetings, through a collaborative setup that allows interaction without everyone in one room or under one roof. Zoom offers person-to-person and group meeting options, and — should the organizer choose — provides recordings for those unable to make it at a specified time. Screen sharing also makes it easy to distribute information collectively. One typical challenge remote workers face is that their amount of social interaction diminishes due to working from home. Zoom can help on a personal level by allowing them to stay connected with those they no longer physically see on a daily basis. 

5. Calm

Remote workers face numerous stressors when working from home, but Calm could assist — and they have a “For Work” section you may find beneficial. Packed with options ranging from pre-meeting meditations to soundscapes, it could be what you need to stay focused and breathe easier through stressful situations like work evaluations, Internet spottiness, or overseeing a difficult project. There are additional options for when you’re not on the clock, such as ones in the sleep category. Sleep stories, meditations, soundscapes, and music will all help you get the sleep you need to tackle a potentially crazy work day. 

Increase Your Efficiency, Grow Your Value

There’s no one-size-fits-all package for which digital tools work for all remote workers. In some cases, employers are going to choose what options they want their employees to use. But in other instances, it’s up to the individuals themselves to determine what can best help them navigate the work day — whether they’re working from a cafe or next to the coffee machine in their kitchen. Some workers may need a little help avoiding distractions, while others can handle them as well as they do in the office. Before deciding which digital tools are right for you, take note over a few days of what areas could use some improvement. The aforementioned options and others can help you establish habits and a routine that boosts the quality of your remote work, your abilities, and your value as an employee.