Top Remote Work Technology Trends to Watch in 2021

1. Introduction

The way we do business has shifted significantly as we enter the year 2020. The global spread of the COVID-19 epidemic necessitated a hasty transition to remote employment for many businesses. The growing popularity of working from home is expected to persist beyond 2021. In this post, we’ll discuss the most important developments in remote-work technologies to keep an eye on in 2021.

1.1. What is remote work?

Telecommuting or telework refers to a work arrangement in which employees are permitted to perform their duties outside of a conventional office setting. They are free to do their duties from the comfort of their own homes or any public place with access to the internet, such as cafes. Increased connectivity and simplified remote collaboration have contributed to the rise in popularity of remote work in recent years. The widespread adoption of remote work by many firms in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak is a trend that is only anticipated to increase next year.

1.2. The benefits of remote work

The COVID-19 pandemic has only intensified the growing trend of people doing their jobs remotely. People are beginning to understand that, provided they have a reliable internet connection, they can conduct business from virtually any location. Working from home has several advantages, such as a better work-life balance, higher productivity, and less stress. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the most exciting developments in remote work technologies to keep an eye on in 2021, and how they can help you reap the benefits of working from home.

1.3. The rise of remote work

The spread of the COVD-19 epidemic has contributed to the rising popularity of remote work in recent years. Keeping abreast on the most recent technological developments is crucial for maintaining productivity, collaboration, and security as the trend toward remote work grows. The best trends in remote work technologies for 2021 are discussed here.

2. Top Remote Work Technologies

After the COVID-19 outbreak, many businesses made the decision to let their workers to work from home. The need for tools that enable people to operate remotely has consequently increased dramatically. In 2021, some of the most promising tools for remote workers will be:

Zoom and Microsoft Teams are two examples of popular video conferencing programs.
Two examples of project management software are Trello and Asana.
Thirdly, online file hosting services like Dropbox and Google Drive
Slack and Microsoft SharePoint are only two examples of collaboration technologies.
5. VPN programs that allow for safe, off-site access
RescueTime and Toggl are two examples of time tracking and productivity apps.

These tools will continue to grow in significance for firms and workers as the trend toward remote work expands.

2.1. Cloud Collaboration Tools

Tools for working together in the cloud are a must for distributed teams to maintain communication and productivity. The popularity of cloud-based collaboration solutions has skyrocketed alongside the expansion of remote work. Team members may now easily coordinate their efforts on shared documents and communicate with one another in real time thanks to these collaborative tools. Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoom are just some of the well-known cloud-based collaboration platforms available today. Tools like these are essential for any remote team since they not only boost productivity but also improve collaboration and communication.

2.2. Video Conferencing Software

Video conferencing programs are now widely used in the workplace. Video conferencing software is becoming increasingly important as virtual meetings replace in-person meetings as a means through which businesses maintain connections with their workers and clients. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Skype are just some of the best video conferencing tools available today. These programs improve the quality of online conferences by including tools like screen sharing, recording, virtual backdrops, and more. The popularity of working remotely has increased the need for high-quality, straightforward video conferencing tools.

2.3. Project Management Software

The demand for reliable project management tools is greater than ever as the global workforce becomes increasingly dispersed. It’s crucial to have a centralized platform that facilitates communication, collaboration, and task management for teams that are spread out across different regions and time zones. Several solutions exist for project management software that are designed with distributed teams in mind. Instant messaging, file sharing, task monitoring, time management, and more are just some of the functions provided by these apps. Asana, Trello, Monday.com, and Basecamp are some examples of popular project management software for distributed teams. Teams working from different locations can maintain their sense of order, communication, and productivity by using these resources.

2.4. Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software

When working remotely, accessing company systems or data requires the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) software. VPNs allow users to send and receive data via a public network as if they were directly linked to the private network. VPNs encrypt data transmissions, making them inaccessible to prying eyes and making them a need for enterprises dealing with sensitive information. VPNs have become increasingly popular as remote work has become more common, and this trend is only anticipated to increase.

2.5. Time Tracking Software

Managers and remote workers alike can benefit greatly from time tracking software. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to monitor employee output and ensure that everyone is remaining on target as the popularity of remote work grows. Managers are able to keep tabs on their teams’ time spent working on certain projects thanks to time tracking tools. The software’s ability to shed light on staff time usage is particularly useful for helping managers pinpoint problem areas and enhance the efficiency of their teams. Time monitoring software is already a crucial tool for every remote worker, and it will only get more so in the future.

3. Emerging Remote Work Technologies

Eating well when traveling the world as a digital nomad might be difficult. But with some forethought and effort, you may enjoy healthful and filling fare. Here are some nutritious options for remote workers:

Salad in a jar consisting of greens, vegetables, and protein, as well as overnight oats with fruit and nuts.
Wrapped vegetables in hummus and avocado.
– Grilled chicken or fish with roasted sweet potato and broccoli – Quinoa bowl with roasted vegetables and tofu

Keep yourself fueled throughout the day by bringing some fruit, almonds, and protein bars. These nutritious meal plans can help you keep your energy up and your body fed while you’re working from home.

3.1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools

There is a wide variety of nutritious and tasty breakfast options available to digital nomads. Overnight oats are a convenient choice because they can be made the night before and then dressed up with fruit, nuts, and honey, among other things. A smoothie bowl is another choice; it can contain any number of fruits, veggies, and protein-rich toppings, such as Greek yogurt or nut butter. Avocado toast with a side of scrambled eggs is a terrific option for those who love a savory breakfast. No matter what time of day you eat breakfast, it’s crucial that you eat something healthy to set the tone for the day.

3.2. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Tools

The use of AR and VR technology to facilitate distant collaboration is gaining momentum. When employees are spread out around the globe, they can work together and share information more efficiently by using augmented and virtual reality solutions. Virtual meetings, online instruction, and other forms of remote learning and team building are just some of the ways in which this technology can be put to use in the workplace. In 2021, the use of augmented reality and virtual reality technologies for remote work is expected to rise even more in response to the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic.

3.3. Internet of Things (IoT) Devices

Devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) are gaining prominence as a tool for telecommuting. Appliances, HVAC, and security systems can all benefit from remote monitoring and control made possible by these devices. Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets make it simple for telecommuters to keep tabs on their homes and make sure everything is functioning properly while they put in hours at the office. More and more Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets catered toward telecommuters will likely enter the market in the near future.