12 Best Tools for Managing a Remote Team in 2023

In today’s world, remote work has become more of a norm than an exception. Managing a remote team has become much easier and more effective thanks to technological advancements. These tools not only simplify remote working but also enhance productivity, improve communication, and promote teamwork.

Here are our top 15 picks for managing a remote team in 2023, divided into different use cases specifically for remote developers and companies.

Communication Tools

Slack: Slack is a team communication tool designed for the modern workplace. It allows for real-time messaging, file sharing, and group discussions, making it perfect for remote developers. For example, developers can use Slack channels to communicate about specific project tasks or issues, and use the direct messaging feature for quick questions or check-ins.

Zoom: With remote work, video conferencing becomes crucial, and Zoom remains a favorite. The platform offers high-quality video and audio, screen sharing, and breakout rooms. It’s excellent for larger team meetings, brainstorming sessions, or even one-on-ones between developers and their managers.

Microsoft Teams: This platform combines chat, meetings, notes, and attachments into a seamless workspace. With features like video conferencing and real-time document collaboration, it’s perfect for remote teams working on complex projects.

Project Management Tools

Trello: Trello is a flexible, easy-to-use project management tool. It uses a board-and-card system to track tasks and progress. Developers can use it to keep track of their tasks and check-off completed ones, making it easy for managers to track progress.

Asana: Asana helps teams organize, track, and manage their work. It’s suitable for complex projects with multiple stages, allowing everyone to understand their tasks and deadlines. A developer, for instance, could use Asana to schedule and prioritize their tasks for a project, keeping everyone updated on their progress.

Jira: Created by Atlassian, Jira is perfect for agile teams, especially those in software development. It helps with planning, tracking, and releasing software, which is ideal for remote developers managing multiple projects or features.

Collaboration and Document-Sharing Tools

Google Workspace: The suite of productivity tools from Google, including Docs, Sheets, and Slides, makes collaboration easy. Developers can simultaneously edit documents, making it ideal for brainstorming, documenting processes, or tracking project metrics.

GitHub: A favorite for developers, GitHub allows teams to collaborate on code. It offers distributed version control and source code management (SCM) functionalities. Remote developers can contribute to a project from anywhere, and teams can efficiently manage code versions and merge conflicts.

Dropbox: For straightforward, secure document sharing and storage, Dropbox is a go-to. It’s easy to organize files by project, making it simple for developers to find the resources they need.

Time Management and Productivity Tools

Time Doctor: This tool offers detailed analytics of how time is spent during work hours. For a remote developer, it can track time spent on different tasks, helping them understand where their time goes and how to be more productive.

RescueTime: RescueTime helps remote workers understand their daily habits to become more productive. It gives insights into which activities and applications consume the most time.

Focus Booster: Based on the Pomodoro Technique, this app helps maintain focus and manage distractions, perfect for developers who need concentrated time blocks to code.

Human Resources and Team Building Tools

BambooHR: This tool provides HR features like employee self-service, time-off tracking, and applicant tracking. It’s excellent for managing remote teams, as it keeps everyone on the same page about company policies and benefits.

15Five: 15Five helps managers track employee performance and engagement. With its weekly check-in feature, managers can stay in the loop with their remote developers, understand their challenges and wins, and provide timely feedback.

Donut: This Slack-integrated tool randomly pairs team members for virtual coffee breaks, promoting relationship building in a remote setting. It’s a great way for developers to build relationships with their peers beyond work.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, these tools make remote team management easier by facilitating communication, improving productivity, aiding in project management, promoting collaboration, and fostering a strong team culture. It’s essential to select the right combination of tools that cater to your team’s specific needs and work style. With these tools at your disposal, managing a remote team in 2023 can be a breeze.

Suvankar Das

He is a growth expert at Ellow, specializing in tech and recruitment. An avid reader and ambitious traveler, he curates stories and finds wonder in the unchartered territories of the unknown. With a passion for nature and creating peaceful environments, Suvankar brings a unique perspective to his work.