Which IT Tools Are Key in Enabling Remote Work?

Which IT Tools Are Key in Enabling Remote Work?

When the world pivoted to remote work, IT professionals were the unsung heroes making it happen. From CEOs to CTOs, we've gathered five firsthand accounts showcasing how tools like Calendly and VPNs became the linchpins of successful remote operations.

• Calendly Simplifies External Scheduling
• Microsoft Modern Workplace Enables Global Access
• Slack Creates a Seamless Transition to Remote Work
• Google Workspace Empowers Global Productivity
• VPNs Secure Remote Access Amid Pandemic

Calendly Simplifies External Scheduling

Calendly was an eye-opening game-changer when I found it. It's a super simple tool; all it does is provide a way for you to schedule things with externals in a unified way, even if your tools are different, say, going from Outlook to Google Suite. What used to be a massive pain in the neck—namely, playing the guessing game of when my external contacts could have a meeting—was suddenly solved, essentially for free.

It isn't a paradigm-shifting game-changer, but it is the perfect example of tech providing a small yet powerful boost to business operations that makes everything just work that little bit better.

Microsoft Modern Workplace Enables Global Access

Cloud-based platforms like Microsoft Modern Workplace have made it possible for people to work from anywhere in the world. We use this to connect our team across the miles, so they can keep in touch and collaborate on shared projects.

Modern Workplace uses the Microsoft Office 365 suite of tools. Our users can log on from wherever they are and access the same documents and emails as their colleagues in the office.

With collaborative tools like Microsoft Teams and SharePoint, the team stays connected and can work on shared documents in real time without worrying about version control.

Overall, access to cloud-based platforms and apps like Microsoft (and Google's Workspace) has completely transformed the way we work.

Slack Creates a Seamless Transition to Remote Work

One memorable instance where IT was pivotal in facilitating remote work was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our company swiftly transitioned to remote work to ensure employee safety, and Slack emerged as a key tool that made this transition seamless for us. Its features, like huddle, chat, and file-sharing, enabled communication and collaboration among teams. With its help, we were able to conduct virtual meetings, share documents securely, and stay connected, ensuring minimal disruption to our productivity despite the shift to remote work.

Google Workspace Empowers Global Productivity

We embrace a global, remote-first work culture, because we believe exceptional talent exists everywhere. Empowered by cutting-edge technology—Google Workspace being a notable example—our team thrives on results, not rigid schedules. We trust our team members to manage their time effectively and deliver outstanding work across different time zones. It's a testament to the power of technology: a truly productive and efficient work environment that transcends traditional office walls.

VPNs Secure Remote Access Amid Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, IT played a pivotal role in enabling remote work for many organizations. One key tool that made this transition successful was Virtual Private Network (VPN) software.

VPNs allowed employees to securely access company networks and resources from their homes, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity. This technology facilitated seamless collaboration and communication among remote teams, enabling them to continue their work without interruption. By providing a secure connection to corporate networks, VPNs were instrumental in maintaining productivity and business continuity during unprecedented times.