What tools do you use to stay productive?

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.

Read full interview from Interview with Leon, a journalist teaching the world to play chess.

Interview with Steven Wade, a software engineer working on a remote team

At Help Scout we are 100% remote. We have 2 offices, one in Boston and one in Boulder, that a few folks go in to from time to time, but we're 80 people spread across the world. So Slack is very important to stay in the know and on top of what you need to work on.

While Slack is a great communication tool, it can easily become a distraction. As someone who can't stand to leave notifications unchecked, I use a combination of muted channels and "do not disturb" time to make sure I spend time away from Slack.

We use Trello to track projects and tasks. It's an easy interface and flow to keep track of what you're working on.

Daily stand-ups to our platform standup channel also helps you see what your teammates are working on and if you can be of assistance (and vice versa).

I check email, it doesn't notify me. I turned off all email notifications on my computer and phone, so now it's something I have to think about opening to check.

I've recently started using the Mac app Tyme to track what I'm working on at work. Whether it be code reviews, programming, meetings, pair programming, anything, I track it. I have also set up categories to track lunch and "remote work travel" to ensure I don't get carried away in my "remote remote work".

Learn more about how Steven works remotely, including his work routine, habits and how he found his remote job

Read full interview from Interview with Steven Wade, a software engineer working on a remote team.

Interview with John, an international business writer sharing 15 years of insights

My laptop of course is essential. But I also use Microsoft Office Suite, PayPal, online banking and a variety of services related to travel. I also use Skype, Google Docs, earphones, and a smartphone. Whatever supports remote work—I’m always interested in learning more about it.

For over a decade, John has worked as an international business writer. See his insights on the state of remote work, freelancing, and attracting clients who are the right fit.

Read full interview from Interview with John, an international business writer sharing 15 years of insights.

Interview with Pola, a Paris-based content writer

I use Kantree for work management and my monthly content calendar. Buffer and TweetDeck are time savers when it comes to social media.

A job ad in an online group led Pola to find her ideal career as a content writer—see her remote work & job seeking takeaways.

Read full interview from Interview with Pola, a Paris-based content writer.

Interview with Tammy, founder and CEO of Workplaceless

Google Drive, Slack, Asana, Evernote, and a standing desk.

Learn how this founder and CEO of a remote work resource and certification program handles the triumphs and trails of location independence.

Read full interview from Interview with Tammy, founder and CEO of Workplaceless.

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.

Read full interview from Interview with Celine, a VP of People Ops and remote team member.

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.

Read full interview from Interview with Tara, a remote director of research and administration.

Interview with Audrey, a military wife thriving as a marketing manager

Right now, I'm really digging Todoist to keep all my tasks and deadlines organized. I'm also a huge fan of CoSchedule, a marketer's dream calendar.

Since our entire team at Boldly is remote, using Slack and the Google suite helps keep life easy. Honestly, I'd be lost without those two tools.

But the glory of remote work, in my opinion, is that you don't have to use online tools to keep you productive.

Sometimes the answer to productivity is the old-fashioned one: Get out and take a walk outside when you're feeling tired or distracted and reset.

No human can sit at a desk for eight straight hours completely focused and highly-productive. The more companies can accept and embrace this truth, the happier and more productive their teams will become.

Marrying an active-duty army officer sent Audrey on the search for a remote work position—see how she has established her career while staying on the move.

Read full interview from Interview with Audrey, a military wife thriving as a marketing manager .

Interview with Lauren, a content marketing team lead and hybrid remote worker

Slack and Asana. Slack keeps me connected to my team during my WFH days and keeps me accountable to the rest of my coworkers. It bridges that feeling of disconnection when you’re away from the office. Asana is our project management tool and that keeps me focused on the actual work that needs to be done. Between those two things, it’s pretty easy to keep on track.

For Lauren, remote work was a non-negotiable arrangement—see how she manages a hybrid remote work situation and her tips for those on the remote job search.

Read full interview from Interview with Lauren, a content marketing team lead and hybrid remote worker.

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.

Read full interview from Interview with Sarah Archer, a content marketing manager & remote work techie.