The Top 11 SaaS Tools for Remote Work Productivity
In 2023, the share of global remote employees rose to 28 percent, a significant increase from 2020's 20 percent.
This figure underscores the preference for the remote work setup because of its flexibility.
However, remote work still has its challenges. Loneliness, staying at home frequently, and a lack of designated workspace were some of the struggles experienced by employees in this work structure.
These issues can impair remote workers' productivity. They may struggle to communicate and coordinate. They could experience reduced creativity due to multitasking. Some may even feel their skills have been demoted due to a lack of learning, mentoring, and feedback.
One way to mitigate these productivity challenges is by employing software-as-a-service (SaaS) tools for remote work.
Why should your company use SaaS tools for remote teams?
SaaS tools for remote work are software applications you can access on web browsers or install on desktops and laptops. Some examples of these platforms include project management, document organization, communication and collaboration, time tracking, and file sharing and storage.
Here are the reasons to implement these programs in your workflow:
Benefits for employers
Cost-efficiency – Many SaaS tools are available at low costs. They can also eliminate office rent, supplies, and utilities expenses.
Robust Cybersecurity – The best SaaS applications offer robust cybersecurity features, like encrypted messaging, to protect your company data.
Improved Collaboration – Employees can better collaborate because SaaS tools provide features that streamline monotonous tasks.
Benefits for employees
Minimal Learning Curve – Many SaaS programs are easy to learn and incorporate into daily workflows.
Compatibility – Most SaaS solutions are compatible with various devices. Remote employees can use them on web browsers, desktops, laptops, and smartphones, providing more work flexibility.
Lesser Meetings – SaaS products can reduce unnecessary meetings through instant messaging, helping enhance workers' focus on core initiatives and growth projects.
Improved Job Satisfaction and Work-Life Balance – SaaS platforms can improve job satisfaction because workers have the right tools to complete their tasks efficiently. They can allow more time for personal tasks like credit score tracking to ensure a healthy financial well-being.
Top SaaS Tools for Remote Work
Here are the top SaaS products worth considering for your remote teams:
1. ProofHub
ProofHub is a project management and collaboration product that can handle various projects simultaneously.
This SaaS tool lets you assign tasks, share documents, review and proofread files with markup tools, take notes, publish announcements, label assignments, track time, and chat with each employee or in groups.
At the same time, it has multiple views: Kanban board, Gantt charts, calendar, and table views.
ProofHub also has an intuitive interface, making it easier to onboard your remote teams. Your team can access it on their web browsers and download the mobile app version on Android and iOS devices.
This software offers a free trial version. For paid subscriptions, pricing starts at $45 monthly, which is a limited-time offer that lasts for three months from the date of purchase.
2. Trello
Trello is a project management program that uses the Kanban style.
The Japanese term "Kanban" means "sign" or "visual board." It is a workflow management approach that visualizes projects to maximize efficiency.
This SaaS software has a straightforward drag-and-drop dashboard that can quickly organize tasks. You can choose templates for specific purposes or create new boards from scratch.
In this platform, each Kanban board has the following formats: in-progress, backlogs, and completed tasks. You can customize these boards with creative collaboration tools like checklists, comments, custom fields, images, attachments, and due dates.
Trello has free and paid plans and is accessible on browsers, Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS devices.
3. Slack
Slack is a remote team-friendly communication and collaboration software. Instead of sending multiple emails, this platform lets you send direct messages to each employee and different team channels.
This SaaS program has a "Threads" feature in each conversation, ensuring everyone on the team is in tune with the relevant discussions. The search feature is also straightforward, so you can find information on whichever channel it is on.
Additionally, Slack provides video calls, drag-and-drop file sharing, and "Huddles" for real-time audio-based meetings. However, these features are paid. You can sign up for the free version if you're on a budget.
4. Loom
Sometimes, sending emails or messages isn't enough. If your team requires detailed instructions, adding Loom to your programs is worthwhile.
Loom is a communication SaaS product with a screen recorder that lets you record and share videos.
This platform enables you to record the following types of videos:
Tutorials of new systems
More comprehensive responses to emails or messages
Introduction about the company for onboarding
The screen capture feature also has an option to insert your face in a small circle at the bottom of the screen. It even has a transcript function that adds subtitles to your videos.
Loom has a free version and two-tiered paid subscription: Business and Enterprise.
5. Bit.ai
Bit.ai is a document management and collaboration software that helps remote teams collaborate and manage company files and documents in one place.
This program's content library also lets you save files, images, and other digital content to add to your documents or workspaces, making them accessible and reusable.
Other Bit.ai features include:
Over 100 rich media integrations
Intelligent search
Cloud integrations
You can sign up for Bit.ai's free plan or avail of the Pro and Business packages.
6. TimeCamp
TimeCamp is a reliable time-tracking tool for implementing project timesheets. On this platform, you can track billable hours accurately and estimate each project's completion time.
Other efficient features include:
Attendance management
Team performance optimization
Accurate and transparent billing
Geofencing – time tracking for on-the-go field employees
Project collaboration
You can request a demo to test TimeCamp's features or instantly avail of the Free, Starter, Premium, Ultimate, or Enterprise plans.
7. Google Drive
Google Drive is one of the most popular SaaS tools for file sharing and storage. You can upload and share documents, videos, images, and presentations with remote teams on this platform.
Moreover, data stored in Google Drive is encrypted in transit and at rest. You also have the authority to choose people with whom you want to share the data exclusively.
For example, you can set someone or anyone with the link as a Viewer, Editor, or Commenter.
Google Drive's free version has only 15 gigabytes of storage. This storage capacity increases depending on your chosen plan: Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plan, or Enterprise.
8. Mockplus
Mockplus is a design and collaboration software for designers, developers, and product managers. This platform lets the creative and development teams manage their entire design workflow. They can also upload wireframes and visual designs from Photoshop, Sketch, and other design programs.
Furthermore, the collaboration features of Mockplus let your teams discuss design ideas and visualize them.
Other features include:
Component libraries
Built-in user interface icons
Templates for web, Android, macOS, and iOS devices
Feedback gathering
You can use Mockplus's free version or purchase the Ultimate or Enterprise plans. The Enterprise plan is customizable, so you must contact the provider for a quote.
9. Encrypt.me
Since many remote workers work from public spaces like cafes and use public Wi-Fi, your company data might be at risk of data breaches and other cyber threats.
For this reason, Encrypt.me is the SaaS tool to secure your remote teams' work devices. It uses a virtual private network (VPN) that encrypts connections between devices and online networks and conceals IP addresses, browsing histories, and locations from third parties.
As such, your remote teams can securely access the company's resources because the VPN connection ensures the information is hidden from unauthorized access.
Encrypt.me is downloadable on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire devices and has monthly and annual plans. The annual plan offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
10. Zoom
If your team requires a comprehensive communication tool, Zoom may be ideal.
Zoom's free version lets you conduct online meetings and webinars and share screens with up to 25 participants. However, each meeting only lasts for 40 minutes.
This platform also provides file-sharing and cross-platform messaging features.
Meanwhile, features like notes, cloud storage, artificial intelligence (AI) companion, and translated captions are paid plan inclusions.
The paid plans are Pro, Business, Business Plus, and Enterprise. You can book a demo to test their features and integrations.
11. Typeform
Typeform is a data collection SaaS platform for creating surveys, quizzes, polls, order forms, and online forms.
Here are examples of forms and surveys you can create on Typeform in just a few clicks:
For employee management:
Feedback
Application
Performance evaluation
HR surveys
Report forms
For customers:
Marketing surveys
Signup forms
Customer feedback
Lead generation
Contact forms
Registration
Branding questionnaires
Typeform also has integrations with Slack, Google Suite, and Google Workspace. It has a four-tiered paid plan: Basic, Plus, Business, and Enterprise. But you can use the free version if you're on a budget.
Choose the Right Remote Work SaaS Tools To Maximize Productivity
SaaS tools for remote work are designed to address the challenges of working from a distance. They help promote productivity by streamlining workflows and enhancing collaboration.
With careful selection, you can choose the right software solutions, ensuring operational efficiency and job satisfaction. This way, your remote teams can maximize productivity in a prolific remote working environment.