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As remote work arrangements continue to grow, the need for virtual team management tools has increased. Relying on email alone is no longer sufficient to manage teams spread across multiple time zones and countries.
But with all the tools out there, it can be tough to pick the most effective ones. To help you successfully manage your remote team, we’ve narrowed down your options into three crucial categories:
- Project management
- Communication
- File sharing and document storage
By choosing at least one virtual team management tool from each category, your remote team will have no trouble communicating, collaborating, and achieving its goals.
Best virtual team management tools for project management
One of the most important tools in your toolbox will help with project management. Whether your team is local or distributed across the globe, a project management tool will help you plan, execute, and manage every aspect of your business and workflow.
We’ve selected some of the best project management tools in the business. All of these tools have great customer service teams, so we strongly recommend you speak with them about the details of their products. Note that many of these offer a free version for one user, but we included the pricing for multiple users.
1. Basecamp
Basecamp is one of the most well-known project management tools. With advanced client control, company intranet, and project templates, it makes managing projects and workflow easy. Pricing starts at $99 per month.
2. Teamwork
Teamwork combines project management, help desk software, and a CRM into one streamlined product. For more than five users, pricing starts at $9 per user per month.
3. Monday.com
It takes only five steps to get set up with Monday.com. This visually-forward project management board makes it easy to manage projects from start to finish. Pricing starts at $39 per month.
4. Asana
Popular app Asana allows you to plan and structure work in a way that’s best suited for you. Pricing starts at $10.99 per month.
Best management tools for communication
The second most important virtual team management tool is your communication app. The key to success for any virtual team is strong and constant communication. Some teams operate almost entirely through messages, while others rely heavily on video conferencing. Whatever approach you prefer, it’s crucial that you have a tool that fosters collaboration. The following are some of the favorite tools for remote teams across the world.
5. Slack
Slack is always a favorite among remote teams. With the ability to integrate numerous apps, like Google Drive and Office 365, Slack makes it easy to stay in constant contact. Slack offers a free plan for small teams, then pricing starts at $6.67 per month for larger teams.
6. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams offers group chats, online meetings, calling, and web conferencing to make it easy for teams to stay connected. The version offers many features, but the paid plans come with scheduled meetings, meeting recording, and more.
7. WebEx
WebEx offers hassle-free video conferencing to help you get more done. It now has video conferencing, team collaboration, and calling to help keep your team connected 24/7. Business pricing starts at $13.50 per month.
8. GoToMeeting
GoToMeeting offers one-click meetings, turnkey conference room equipment, and business webinars to meet all your communication needs. Pricing starts at $12 per month per organizer.
Best virtual team management tools for fire sharing and document storage
The third most important virtual management tool is your file sharing and storage tool. Many new virtual teams make the mistake of using several file sharing and document tools. But as your team and workload grow, having important information scattered across the internet will only waste time and lead to confusion. Choose a file sharing tool that’s best suited for your needs and stick with it. Here are some of the most popular and easiest tools on the market.
9. Dropbox
Dropbox makes file management easy as it integrates with dozens of tools. You can create, store, and share content with this easy-to-use tool. Pricing starts at $12.50 per month for the standard plan.
10. Google Drive
Google Drive includes GoogleSheets, Docs, Slides, and much more. This product integrates with hundreds of tools, making it easy to collaborate, share, and control your information. Pricing starts at $8 per month for the business plan.
11. Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive makes it easy to integrate your Office 365 suite into your file-sharing system. Easily find and share files with team members and collaborate all within your drive. Pricing starts at $5.00 per user per month.
The right tools will set your remote team up for success
Relying on a distributed team has lots of benefits for your business. Not only can you eliminate office costs, but you can also access talented professionals located all over the country or even the world. Plus, you can give your workers freedom and flexibility, which in turn leads to great job satisfaction, productivity, and retainment.
But managing a virtual team has its own challenges, particularly when it comes to setting up a workflow or paving the way for easy communication and collaboration. That’s why it’s crucial to set your team up for success from the get-go by choosing effective team management tools.
Once you’ve selected the right tools to manage your team, you can ensure that everyone is working together toward the company’s short-term and long-term goals.
The next step? Building trust within your virtual team.
