5 Technologies that Help People Work from Anywhere


Working outside of the office was definitely a thing before the pandemic, but its popularity has increased by leaps and bounds over the past few years. This happened mostly from necessity, but fortunately, existing technologies were able to make the transition as smooth as possible for many people. 

Of course, working from home isn’t the only thing you can do with the help of technology. From ordering groceries online to going on virtual house tours, technology makes it possible to do all kinds of cool stuff. You can mail checks onlineOpens in a new tab. too, thanks to companies like Checkissuing.

If you’re talking about working from home (or anywhere else besides the office), you’ll need more than just WiFi and a laptop – although those are handy to have. There are several other technologies that have made it possible for entire swathes of the US workforce to continue working efficiently, even when they couldn’t join their co-workers for months at a time.

1. File-sharing platforms

When everyone’s working in the same office space, sharing information is easy. Take the same workforce and spread them across an entire urban area, and it may not be quite so simple. Well, unless they start using a file-sharing platform, such as the ones that are available through cloud-based technologies.

This is one of the major technologies that has made remote work arrangements possible, not least because it offers additional capabilities besides just file-sharing. Many of these platforms also let users share their screens, manage editing permissions on documents, and view version histories as well.

In some cases, this has also helped employees become more efficient and accurate in the way they share information. There’s less concern about version control, for instance, since multiple copies of the same document aren’t getting passed around without being reconciled with each other. This can compromise the integrity of a company’s data, and eventually create a lot of confusion as employees start making decisions based on inaccurate information. Instead, there’s a single document in one location, where anyone who needs to can instantly access it. Administrators may also be able to decide who gets to edit the documents, and who can simply view them; this prevents haphazard or accidental edits.

2. Project management platforms

You can’t have teamwork without a team – but how can the team work together if they aren’t technically together? With the help of a project management platform. Supervisors get more visibility on how projects are progressing, how well deadlines are being met, and who might need a little nudge to keep things on track. Employees can view all their deadlines from the same dashboard, coordinate with other team members, and see how their work fits into the big picture.

Could all this be done with other communication methods, such as emails or phone calls? Technically the answer is yes, but that would entail a huge amount of work for everyone involved – and it would still fall short of what a project management platform could do. Even if everyone could keep track of collaborations, projects, and deadlines with perfect accuracy, they might still struggle to stay engaged with their jobs. Working from home can feel pretty isolating, and this type of platform provides a way to connect with everyone who’s joining in on the same efforts as you.

Aside from enhancing overall efficiency, project management platforms can also increase motivation and morale. Some of them offer feedback capabilities as well as basic project management functions, which is key in making employees feel like they’re being listened to. A common issue in the workplace is a lack of motivation due to feeling ignored or disconnected, and these platforms can address the problem directly.

3. Instant messaging software

There are many different options when it comes to instant messaging, but it has two main characteristics: it’s mobile, and it has a chat function. It’s more immediate and less formal than a phone call, and it’s usually faster than using email. Advanced IM software solutions also connect to employees’ calendars to provide availability updates. For example, if they’ve scheduled a meeting at a certain time, anyone who sends a message during that time frame will be notified that the recipient is busy.

IM software also lets employees form group chats for improved coordination. They could take the form of more “traditional” group chats, or they could be hosted in an online chat room. There can also be feeds that are set up for a specific project. Say a company’s HR department wanted to quickly provide a company-wide update – they could use the IM platform to instantly disperse the information.

Screen-sharing capabilities are another feature that comes with more advanced IM software. The average chat lets you instantly tell team members something; screen-sharing lets you instantly show them. From sharing screens to exchanging videos and images, these features can bring online collaboration to a whole new level for getting feedback on projects, brainstorming, and much more.

4. Digital assistants

With the demand for digital assistants growing by leaps and bounds every year, there’s a decent chance that you already have one. It could be Siri, Alexa, or any of the other friendly devices that make your life easier, but guess what? These products are good for a lot more than just tracking your grocery list. They can also take notes, send emails, make calls, manage calendars, and more. If you had one at the office, it would probably be disruptive for your co-workers. If you’re at home, however, it could be just the thing to help keep your workflow going at a steadier pace. 

You could think of it as an all-in-one day planner, to-do list, and virtual assistant. It may take a bit of adjustment to use it at first, but the reality is that you’re streamlining several processes to be completed by a single tool. Plus, you won’t have to worry about losing a notebook or quickly scribbling notes among the rest of the paperwork. If you wanted to access any of the information you’d previously entered into the device, you’d just have to ask.

5. Video conferencing platforms

You can’t discuss working from home without bringing up Zoom calls, right? From conferences to face-to-face meetings, video calls have provided a way for team members and supervisors to stay connected on a more personal level. Even though the information that’s shared on a video call could probably fit into a chat message, email, or phone call, a successfully run organization is about more than just processing information. There are other factors to consider, like keeping employees motivated by making them feel seen and heard. If working outside the office is going to feel as seamless as it should, employees can’t feel cut off from their typical working environment. Video calls are also very helpful for keeping in touch with clients, as they add a personal touch to any communication.

The takeaway

Making the transition away from working at the office can be tricky, but these technologies are here to help. In fact, you may already be familiar with some of them! It may not be the easiest thing to make the switch, but with the right technologies, it shouldn’t be too difficult.

Steve Todd

Steve Todd, founder of Open Sourced Workplace and is a recognized thought leader in workplace strategy and the future of work. With a passion for work from anywhere, Steve has successfully implemented transformative strategies that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Through Open Sourced Workplace, he fosters collaboration among HR, facilities management, technology, and real estate professionals, providing valuable insights and resources. As a speaker and contributor to various publications, Steve remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of workplace innovation, helping organizations thrive in today's dynamic work environment.

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