8 Software Solutions for a Remote or Hybrid Workplace
Modern workers want a hybrid or a completely remote office with all the flexibility they promise. A hybrid workplace can support the employee experience, support recruiting, improve retention rates and help a company stay competitive, but not without the right technology. To ensure your workplace is set up with remote work in mind, use the following software solutions immediately.
The 8 Best Technology Solutions for Remote or Hybrid Teams
The future of work is heading in the hybrid team direction, so don’t delay! If you can set your employees up for remote work in the future, you’ll save yourself a lot of time and money.
1. Applicant Tracking System Tools and Software
Hybrid workforces are made up of a traditional HR application system and another that’s entirely online. You’ll need to consider employees that can’t come into the office for an interview, and an application tracking system can allow recruiters to perform all hiring options remotely. At the same time, you also need a system that locates talent restricted to an online sphere. This may change the way you market new job positions to prospective employees in different countries.
2. Providing Mobile Access to Hosted File Servers
Developing the infrastructure that allows for mobile access to your file servers isn’t as simple as signing up for a cloud-service platform, but it also doesn’t have to be complicated.
While many places claim to offer mobile support, they actually mean they allow for app integration, not direct access to your privately hosted servers back in the office. True mobile file server access provides web access from anywhere, and that’s necessary for a hybrid work environment.
3. Collaboration Tools and Communication Platforms
Most collaboration tools also have a communication equivalent, but some are more complex than others. For example, Slack is a pure communication platform with sparse collaboration elements, but Hootsuite includes both, plus other types of integration.
Team collaboration software can also include cloud storage and instant messaging, while communication platforms are structured for building connections between employees via text, video, or speech.
4. Document Standardization or Converting Tools
Document standardization is important in any business because you’ll need a file format or process that’s accessible for clients, your employees, and management. At the same time, you need to offer converting tools that can provide that privilege if a client can’t open a document.
Your business likely uses Microsoft Suite for Microsoft Word and Powerpoint, but Google Docs is becoming standard in the industry. No matter what you pick, make sure everyone uses it!
5. Human Capital Management (HCM) and Employee Learning Applications
HCM software is crucial for any modern organization as they include talent and workforce management, core HR applications, and service delivery. Some HCM platforms will offer analytics for social media, but most social platforms can perform better in this area.
If you want to help your HR team and employees succeed in the training process, include a platform that cultivates workers’ skills. Remote employees still need to be trained with limited guidance.
6. Office Cleaning Technologies or Automation Software
Hybrid teams spend a lot of time out of the office, making it more challenging to keep the space clean. If you plan on hiring office cleaning staff, you can use technology to dispatch them across the building.
However, if your team isn’t in the office enough to create a significant mess, purchase automation software and smart technology. There are plenty of low-cost office cleaning robots that can ping other technologies to vacuum and disinfect the air periodically.
7. Performance Management Software Solutions
Managers can quickly develop an “out of sign, out of mind” mentality when it comes to remote workers, especially in a hybrid environment. However, it’s still important to create clear goals and commit to regular check-ins with all staff members, near or far.
Performance management software can ensure that everyone is motivated while completing a project. This software can also provide feedback in real-time, which will help your employees improve dramatically.
8. Video Conferencing Software
The use of video conferencing software grew exponentially over the past couple of years, so it’s likely your employees have access to a camera with functioning audio. Software like Zoom and Google Hangout is free and easy to use, offers flexibility and connectivity that can rival in-person meetings with the right Internet connection.
Without video conferencing software, your remote employees won’t be able to connect with their in-office team, tanking productivity.