The Most Essential Tools for Remote Work During COVID-19
Who could have known that we would all have to work from home for weeks?
For some, it’s business as usual, others feel distracted, bored or isolated.
I have been working from home for many months and have tried many tools in the process.
So here is my curated list of the best tools I know that help with remote work, collaboration, and learning.
Schedule appointments
Calendly — stop the back-and-forth emails to find a date
Calendly is a really neat tool to schedule meetings quickly without the back-and-forth emails exchanging your availability. A basic version is free.
Capture notes
Notion — notes reinvented
Notion is far more than a note-taking tool. It is like a smart document with many features that you don’t find in a Google Doc. My favorite feature is the dynamic embedding of links for bookmarking. It also allows you to create programmable spreadsheets. It’s hard to describe, so just check it out for yourself.
Manage projects like a boss
Trello — interactive lists for everything
Trello is a kanban-board style list management tool that I have used for many years. It’s one of the most versatile apps out there that helps you keep track of everything from tasks, projects, checklists, travel plans, recipes, to meeting notes. And best of all, it’s free. Highly recommended.
Collaborate online
Miro — a digital whiteboard for online workshops & meetings
Ever wondered how to run workshops online? Miro is an amazing digital, real-time whiteboard. I only discovered it last week and have been so impressed. It even works with an iPad and Apple Pencil.
Zoom — reliable video calls
Zoom is probably the most well-known video conferencing platform in the market today. It’s very reliable and has some great features like the breakouts of smaller groups. I am not a bit fan of the user experience, but the reliability makes this tool a go-to tool for coaches all over the world.
Uberconference — video calls with transcription
Uberconference offers some really unique features on top of the video conferencing capabilities. If you use it right, there is no need to take notes since you can transcribe your meetings, capture actions, and record everything in a searchable format.
Slack — the team alternative to email
I guess I don’t need to say much about Slack because everyone knows it. I don’t personally use it since I largely work by myself, but if you are working in a team it’s a great tool to collaborate online.
Loom — video screen recording with audio on the fly
Loom is a really cool screen recording app. If you want to give someone feedback and show things on your screen, you can simply record your screen while recording audio as well.
Keep up to date with international news
The Guardian — international news & beautiful UX
I have not come across a better international overview and live ticker. I’ve become a big The Guardian fan recently and use it as my main source for updates on the coronavirus situation all over the world.
Learn new skills online
Coursera — online courses from world-class universities
Coursera offers this 4-week Yale course on the science of wellbeing for free during the covid-19 crisis. This is a really awesome opportunity to learn about wellbeing and happiness.
Udemy — affordable courses on pretty much anything — 24 million students
Udemy makes online learning super easy and affordable. I have taken courses like video production, marketing, and photography.
DuoLingo & Busuu — learn new languages
Want to freshen up your language skills or learn a new language? Duolingo is the world’s most popular way to learn a language.
Busuu is another popular platform for learning languages online.
Block distractions
Freedom — an app that helps you focus by blocking websites and apps on your phone and mac
Working from home may not have as many interruptions from people, but that creates other challenges. For those of you that are easily distracted, an app like Freedom may help you focus.
Email like a pro
Airmail — seriously fast email
I have tried many email apps and have been frustrated with their lack of speed and suboptimal usability. Airmail lets me pull together all my email accounts and is by far the best email client that I have tried. It’s fast, it’s customizable and sleek.
What are your most essential apps for remote work? Let me know in the comments below.
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