What tools do you use to stay productive?
Interview with Tyler, a director of customer success models how to start a remote work career
Physical hardware:
- Lots of screen space (27" iMac + 24" second screen);
- a studio headset and microphone plugged into a powered USB audio interface;
- a great webcam;
- and noise-canceling headphones for when others are in the house or when I'm traveling.
I can't say enough about taking charge of your environment and schedule.
As a customer-facing people leader, I highly recommend investing in your A/V setup. Every penny has been worth it for the increased bandwidth on video and audio calls.
Software tools: I have a typical stack.
Internal comms:
External comms:
- Calendly for scheduling;
- Zoom for calls;
- Gmail for email.
We use GSuite for internal documents, and our external knowledge base is built using WordPress.
Hubstaff runs on Hubstaff, so we track our time using our tool, and I really love Hubstaff Tasks for managing projects. Hubstaff Tasks is exactly what you would expect from a PM tool: project boards and task cards.
However, Tasks has an Agile layer of standups, sprints, epics, timelines, etc. that make it really great to break big tasks down into manageable chunks that really move the needle in a flexible and adaptable way. I've been exploring lots of other tools, but that's the core.
From networking to land a remote work gig, to building out an exceptional remote work tool stack, Tyler has quickly figured out how to thrive in remote work. See his tips for starting strong.
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Interview with Taylor, a marketing director and intentional digital nomad
I used to be an avid Pomodoro tracker, but at this point, I'm so used to being productive in a work environment that I don't really need productivity tricks.
I just use my intuition and listen to when my mind can get things done and when it needs a break.
In terms of software, I love Asana and 15five. These tools are also part of Tortuga's project and goal management stack. Both are vital for mapping out my weekly tasks.
Taylor shares how co-working spaces, digital nomadism, and work flexibility gave her the work environment she always wanted.
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Interview with Pamela, a travel writer adjusting to freelancing
I’m a writer, so I just need a laptop and Wi-Fi connection, and I’m good. I find I’m using Canva quite a bit for presentations and invitations.
I’m also a member of a lot of Facebook groups related to my line of work. These are useful for connecting with others, getting questions answered quickly, and finding inspiration and support.
Pamela is new to the world of freelancing. In this interview, she shares the ups and downs of adjusting to the gig economy.
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Interview with Michelle, an organizer of digital nomad experiences
I use Trello, Click up, and Google Calendar for daily tasks.
“Until we can manage time, we can manage nothing else.” - Peter Drucker, management consultant
A solo backpacking trip led to Michelle organizing co-travel experiences for digital nomads—hear how she manages working while traveling.
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Interview with Leon, a journalist teaching the world to play chess
Staying productive is, of course, the big challenge when working remotely. However, communicating effectively with people when you are not in the same room is also a challenge.
We use pivotaltracker.com as a tool to keep track of what everyone is doing and how much progress they are making.
Trello is also very useful, and like everyone, we use Slack for everything as well as to keep ourselves sane.
Chessable has grown a lot in the year since I joined. We now have workers in South Africa, the Netherlands, and the US. I'm in London and the boss is in Swindon. So, keeping in touch is essential.
Luckily for us, we all have a common interest in chess which is also the basis of our work so we talk about that a lot.
For me to stay productive, I can't work without copious amounts of coffee and a steady supply of biscuits. The temperature also plays a part. In the winter, a heater is essential in my little box room, and in the summer I plan to work outside in the garden.
I also like to do a bit of daily exercise to get the blood pumping. I may participate in a 30-minute run or a bit of yoga. I think there's a danger of getting a touch of cabin-fever if you work at home and don't see the outside world enough. So, a bit of fresh air in the middle of the day helps keep you human and productive.
Leon James Watson is a former journalist who has found the intrinsic value of remote work while teaching the masses to play chess.
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Interview with Celine, a VP of People Ops and remote team member
I am a strong no-paper activist.
As a result, we have implemented a wide variety of tools (direct communication, video communication, asynchronous communication, documentation, absence management, recruitment management ...).
Being available, staying in touch, and sharing ideas and experiences is key when you work remotely.
Celine has experienced the highs and lows of working with remote and hybrid teams—see her tips for thriving as a member of a remote team.
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Interview with Andrew, a freelance writer who works remotely
Usually I use whatever tools my clients request of me. Most often I find myself using Trello, which is a great project manager system that allows multiple people to coordinate on a group project together.
It’s easy to use and helps me organize which jobs are going to who. When I’m overwhelmed with a large amount of projects, I use my own Trello board to organize them all properly.
Other than that, I use little else other than Microsoft Word and my phone’s timer. Using the timer helps me stay focused on getting a certain number of words done in an hour if I’m on crunch time.
Andrew became a full-time freelance writer after experimenting with freelance marketplaces. After the first month, he was already earning more than his full-time job.
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Interview with Sarah Archer, a content marketing manager & remote work techie
To me, routine is everything. Exercising and eating balanced meals is essential to staying productive.
Understanding what I need to accomplish in small chunks helps me stay productive.
I also use various online tools to keep me productive including: Slack, Zoom, Gmail, Basecamp and BuzzStream.
From noise-canceling headphones to Basecamp—content marketer Sarah shares her must-have remote work tools & essential productivity tips.
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Interview with Tara, a remote director of research and administration
We use Deskflow, a product of Workflow International. It helps us organize our projects, including everything from scheduling, contact management, and invoicing. It’s fabulous. We also make good use of LinkedIn.
A move to be closer to a spouse's job led Tara to remote work—see her tips for staying productive and organized as a full-time remote director.
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Interview with Nico, marketer and advocate for remote worker mental health
Slack, Google Hangouts, and Trello.
"I've felt burnout HARD in the past. When it hits, it HITS, and it can be tough to recover." In this interview, Nico shares his strategies for balancing work and life and reveals the key to avoiding burnout.
Read full interview from Interview with Nico, marketer and advocate for remote worker mental health.