In the earliest weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, workplaces shuttered their doors, and remote work became the norm overnight. Although there were initial growing pains, many employees agree that virtual tools have been instrumental in working remotely effectively. Even as team members return to the office in greater numbers, there are several tech trends that have become ingrained into our work culture. Here, we share a few of the top virtual tools that are here to stay.
Virtual Meeting Software
Whether you love or hate virtual meetings, they’re here for the long haul. Zoom, Google Hangouts, Slack video conferencing, and many more options have grown exponentially since the onset of the pandemic. Video chats have been widely utilized across a variety of sectors, from education to healthcare and beyond.
Remote Document Signing
Although companies such as DocuSign have been around for a while, remote document signing has become the norm since 2020. The ability to securely review, sign, and save documents helps streamline and accelerate business transactions, so expect more written agreements to go virtual in the coming years.
Virtual Whiteboards
Whiteboards are great for collaboration, but as more companies adopt a flexible or hybrid policy, not all employees will be in the office at the same time. This is why virtual whiteboards have become such a necessity in the modern workplace. Tools such as MURAL and Conceptboard make it possible for team members to take notes, make comments, and attach files for easy group work. Many virtual whiteboards are accessible via desktop and mobile devices so employees can contribute from any location.
Project Management Software
Adapting to the remote environment can be challenging, but project management software has made it easier than ever to manage remote employees. Tools such as Trello, Asana, and Wrike are popular across many industries for their functionality and organizational features. Whether your business is implementing permanent work-from-home policies, a flexible approach, or returning to the office full-time, project management software has proven helpful for keeping teams on the same page.
The coronavirus pandemic brought significant changes to the way we work. Although the tools highlighted here aren’t new, they’re now more prevalent than ever before. Working remotely effectively takes some balance, and you’ll need both digital and conventional tools and supplies to help your team succeed. Regardless of what your approach to work culture looks like, we’re here to help you find everything you need for your traditional or home office. From a plethora of office supplies to breakroom refreshments, we’ve got it all and would love to answer any questions you may have. To learn more about how we can improve the office experience, please reach out to our team.
