As remote work became a lasting trend, tools to manage remote employees evolved from optional to essential. Companies embraced these new methods and tools for enhanced productivity.

It’s not merely about connecting distant colleagues digitally; proper virtual tools offer immediate access to ideas, projects, and peers, streamlining offline tasks.

In this blog, we’ve listed down the best collaboration tools for remote teams. These tools have been segregated based on:

• Offshore Teams Management and Meeting
• Monitoring Tools For Offshore Developers
• Collaboration Tools For Remote Teams
• Time Tracking and Productivity Monitoring Tools

The trend of remote work has been on the rise globally, making remote collaboration tools for offshore teams an essential part of the technology stack for software development companies.

80% of workers now rely on these tools to increase their productivity and team efficiency.

A majority, 57% of companies, have raised their spending on remote collaboration software.

The pandemic has supercharged the already-growing remote work trend. More than half (54%) of U.S. workers surveyed by Pew Research intend to continue working from home post-pandemic.

Similarly, a BBC study found that 43 out of the U.K.’s top 50 businesses aim to adopt hybrid work permanently.

McKinsey highlights how virtual work can disrupt organizational norms that foster culture, cohesion, and trust.

A global HR leader survey by MIT Sloan reveals top concerns: remote worker engagement (17%), productivity (7%), and connection (5%).

Addressing these challenges, even remotely, demands tools that enhance workflows and nurture company culture, irrespective of team locations. We’ve listed down the best remote collaboration tools for Your Offshore Development Teams.

Zoom

Zoom is a leading video conferencing and communication solution designed to facilitate virtual meetings, webinars, and team collaborations.

It offers a user-friendly interface that enables teams to connect, communicate, and collaborate effectively, bridging geographical gaps effortlessly.

Best Features of Zoom:

1. High-Quality Video and Audio: Zoom provides crystal-clear video and audio quality, ensuring smooth communication and a more engaging virtual experience.
2. Screen Sharing and Collaboration: Teams can easily share their screens, enabling real-time collaboration on documents, presentations, and projects.
3. Interactive Webinars: Zoom’s webinar feature allows the hosting of large-scale presentations, workshops, and events with interactive Q&A sessions and audience engagement tools.
4. Recording and Playback: Meetings and webinars can be recorded and accessed later for reference, enhancing knowledge sharing and review.
5. Chat and Messaging: Instant messaging, file sharing, and group chats foster ongoing communication within teams, even outside scheduled meetings.
6. Virtual Backgrounds: Users can choose virtual backgrounds to maintain professionalism and privacy during calls.
7. Integrations: Zoom seamlessly integrates with various apps and services, enhancing productivity and workflow management.

Zoom Pricing Plans

Zoom’s diverse plans cater to organizations of all sizes, ensuring efficient remote collaboration tailored to unique needs.

Here’s an overview of Zoom’s pricing plans for businesses and teams:

Google Meet

Google Meet is an advanced video conferencing platform that empowers remote teams to engage in high-quality virtual meetings and collaborations.

With its intuitive interface and robust features, Google Meet streamlines communication, making it an ideal choice for fostering teamwork across distances.

Best Features of Google Meet:

HD Video and Audio: Google Meet offers high-definition video and crystal-clear audio, ensuring participants can communicate effectively and engage in productive discussions.

Real-time Captioning: The platform provides automated real-time captions, enhancing inclusivity and accessibility for participants.

Screen Sharing: Teams can share their screens, enabling seamless presentation of documents, slides, and collaborative projects.

Live Polls and Q&A: Interactive features like live polls and Q&A sessions encourage active participation and engagement during meetings.

Integration with Google Workspace: Google Meet seamlessly integrates with other Google Workspace apps, such as Google Drive and Docs, for efficient file sharing and collaboration.

Security and Privacy: Advanced security measures, like encryption and secure meeting links, ensure the confidentiality and privacy of conversations.

Google Meet Pricing Plans:

Here’s an overview of Google’s pricing plans tailored to different team sizes and needs:

Around.co

Around.co redefines remote collaboration with its innovative approach to video conferencing.

Leveraging spatial audio and intelligent camera technology, Around.co creates a virtual meeting environment that replicates natural face-to-face interactions, enhancing engagement and teamwork.

Top Features of Around:

1. Spatial Audio: Around.co’s spatial audio technology detects and isolates individual voices, delivering an authentic sense of presence and directionality, making conversations feel natural and dynamic.
2. Intelligent Camera Tracking: The platform’s smart camera tracking adjusts framing and focus based on speaker movement, keeping participants visually engaged and eliminating distractions.
3. Seamless Integrations: Around.co seamlessly integrates with popular collaboration tools, streamlining workflow and document sharing for enhanced productivity.

Around Pricing Plans:

Here’s a glimpse of Around’s pricing plans, tailored to diverse team sizes and needs:

Skype

Skype is a well-known and widely used communication platform that offers audio and video calling, instant messaging, and file sharing. It has become a staple for remote teams seeking efficient ways to collaborate and connect across distances.

Top Features of Skype:

• Video Conferencing: Skype’s video calling feature allows remote teams to conduct face-to-face meetings, fostering a more personal and engaging interaction.
• Instant Messaging and File Sharing: Real-time text messaging and file sharing enable quick information exchange and collaboration on documents, images, and other materials.
• Screen Sharing: Skype’s screen sharing capability lets team members display their screens, making it easy to present ideas, troubleshoot, and collaborate on projects.

Github

GitHub is a renowned web-based platform primarily used for version control and collaboration on software development projects. It provides a central repository where remote teams can collaborate on code, track changes, manage issues, and contribute collectively to projects.

Top Features of GitHub:

• Version Control: GitHub’s core feature is its robust version control system, enabling teams to track changes, collaborate seamlessly, and maintain a clear record of code modifications.
• Collaborative Code Review: Teams can conduct efficient code reviews directly within GitHub, facilitating constructive feedback, improvements, and maintaining code quality.
• Integrated Workflows: GitHub integrates seamlessly with various development tools, allowing teams to automate processes, manage project workflows, and deploy applications more efficiently.

GitHub Pricing Plans:

Here’s an overview of GitHub’s pricing plans, catering to different team sizes and requirements:

Jira

Jira is a comprehensive software solution that empowers remote teams to efficiently manage projects, track tasks, and collaborate seamlessly.

Its intuitive interface and versatile tools make it an indispensable asset for remote teams aiming to streamline their workflows and achieve their project goals.

Top Features of Jira:

• Agile Project Management: Jira offers robust agile project management capabilities, enabling remote teams to plan, execute, and track projects using flexible methodologies like Scrum and Kanban.
• Customizable Workflows: With Jira, teams can design workflows tailored to their specific processes, ensuring optimal efficiency and adherence to their unique project requirements.
• Advanced Issue Tracking: Jira’s advanced issue tracking system facilitates the logging, prioritization, and resolution of tasks, enabling remote teams to maintain clarity and accountability throughout their projects.

Jira Pricing Plans:

Here’s a concise overview of Jira’s pricing plans, catering to diverse team sizes and needs:

Slack

Slack is an an innovative platform that revolutionizes remote team communication and collaboration on a global scale. It is among the most commonly used remote work collaboration software.

It enables remote teams to communicate, share files, and collaborate seamlessly in real-time.

It serves as a centralized hub for discussions and information sharing, enhancing productivity and teamwork.

Slack Pricing Plans:

Here’s a concise overview of Slack’s pricing plans, designed to accommodate different team sizes and requirements:

Loom

Loom is a cutting-edge video messaging platform that empowers remote teams to communicate and collaborate effectively through asynchronous video messages.

 It enables seamless knowledge sharing, feedback exchange, and project updates in a personalized and engaging format.

Loom Pricing Plans:

Loom’s pricing options offer flexibility for remote teams seeking effective video communication and collaboration tools.

Here’s a concise overview of Loom’s pricing plans, tailored to diverse team sizes and requirements:

Notion

Notion is a comprehensive platform that combines note-taking, task management, databases, and more, all in one workspace.

It empowers remote teams to centralize their work, enabling seamless collaboration, knowledge sharing, and project organization.

Notion Pricing Plans:

Notion’s pricing options offer tailored solutions for remote teams seeking a versatile workspace for collaboration and organization.

Here’s an overview of Notion’s pricing plans, catering to different team sizes and needs:

Zapier

Zapier is a powerful automation tool that connects various apps and services, enabling remote teams to automate repetitive tasks, integrate applications, and streamline processes without the need for complex coding.

Zapier Pricing Plans:

Zapier’s pricing options offer tailored solutions for remote teams seeking to optimize workflows and automate processes.

Here’s an overview of Zapier’s pricing plans, catering to diverse team sizes and requirements:

Microsoft Teams

When it comes to tools for managing remote employees, Microsoft Teams immediately pops up.

It is a comprehensive hub that combines chat, video conferencing, file sharing, and app integration, enabling remote teams to connect and collaborate seamlessly in one unified workspace.

MS Teams is among the best virtual team communication tools being used by the top companies globally.

Microsoft Teams Pricing Plans:

Microsoft Teams’ pricing options start at as low as $7 per person monthly.

Flock

Flock provides remote teams with a centralized workspace that combines messaging, file sharing, task management, and integration with third-party apps.

It’s designed to facilitate seamless communication, coordination, and efficient collaboration.

Flock Pricing Plans:

Flock’s pricing options ensure that remote teams can choose the plan that best suits their collaboration needs and scale.

Google Drive

Google Drive is a robust cloud storage and collaboration solution that empowers remote teams to store, access, and share files seamlessly.

It offers real-time editing, version control, and secure access to documents, enhancing remote teamwork and productivity.

Google Drive Pricing Plans

Google Drive’s pricing options offer scalable solutions for remote teams seeking efficient file management and collaboration.

OneDrive

OneDrive is a comprehensive cloud storage platform developed by Microsoft, designed to empower remote teams to store, access, and collaborate on files from anywhere.

It offers seamless integration with Microsoft 365 apps, ensuring efficient teamwork and streamlined access to documents

OneDrive Pricing Plans

OneDrive’s pricing options offer flexibility for remote teams seeking efficient file management and collaboration

Dropbox

Dropbox is a versatile cloud-based solution that empowers remote teams to store, access, and collaborate on files seamlessly. With features like file synchronization, team folders, and advanced sharing options, Dropbox streamlines remote teamwork and enhances productivity.

Dropbox Pricing Plans:

Dropbox’s pricing options offer scalable solutions for remote teams seeking efficient file management and collaboration.

Google Calendar

Time tracking for remote employees is critical. Google Calendar is a game-changer for remote teams aiming to enhance time tracking and productivity:

• Unified Scheduling: Remote teams can schedule meetings, appointments, and tasks in a single calendar, providing a clear overview of everyone’s availability. This prevents scheduling conflicts and helps in the efficient allocation of time.

• Collaborative Planning: Team members can share calendars and set permissions, enabling transparent collaboration on project timelines, deadlines, and milestones. This promotes alignment and minimizes miscommunication.

• Task Integration: Integrations with task management tools allow teams to link to-do lists and tasks directly to their calendar events. This ensures that planned activities are in line with the broader project goals.

• Automated Reminders: Google Calendar’s reminders and notifications ensure that remote team members stay on track and meet deadlines. This minimizes the risk of overlooking important tasks.

• Time Blocking: Teams can use time-blocking techniques to allocate dedicated time slots for focused work, meetings, and breaks. This technique enhances productivity by creating structured work periods.

• Mobile Accessibility: With mobile apps, remote teams can access their calendars on the go, enabling them to stay updated and manage their time effectively, even when working from different locations.

Microsoft Outlook Calendar

Microsoft Outlook Calendar is a feature-rich scheduling and time management tool. It seamlessly integrates within the Microsoft Outlook email client and provides users with the ability to organize appointments, meetings, and events in a digital calendar format.

How Microsoft Outlook Calendar Enhances Time Tracking and Productivity:

Microsoft Outlook Calendar is a powerhouse for remote teams seeking time tracking and productivity enhancement:

• Efficient Scheduling: Remote teams can create, view, and manage events, appointments, and meetings in a centralized calendar. This promotes efficient scheduling and ensures that team members are on the same page regarding their commitments.
• Collaborative Coordination: Team members can share their calendars, allowing for transparent collaboration on project timelines and availability. This minimizes scheduling conflicts and streamlines coordination across different time zones.
• Meeting Management: Outlook Calendar integrates seamlessly with Outlook’s email and scheduling features. This means teams can easily schedule and join virtual meetings, enhancing communication and reducing the time spent on coordinating meeting logistics.
• Notifications and Reminders: Automated notifications and reminders keep remote team members informed about upcoming events and tasks, helping them stay organized and focused on their priorities.
• Time Zone Management: For globally dispersed teams, Outlook Calendar automatically adjusts event timings to the user’s time zone, simplifying cross-border collaboration and avoiding confusion.

Mobile Accessibility: With mobile apps, remote teams can access their Outlook Calendar on smartphones and tablets. This enables them to manage their schedules, receive updates, and make adjustments on the go

Clockify

Clockify is an innovative time tracking software designed to streamline remote team workflows. It enables accurate tracking of work hours, tasks, and projects, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and collaboration.

How Clockify Enhances Time Tracking and Productivity

Clockify offers remote teams tangible benefits in time tracking and productivity enhancement:

• Precise Time Monitoring: Remote team members effortlessly log work hours, breaks, and tasks. This precision ensures transparent reporting and accountability, aiding in project evaluation.
• Resource Optimization: Clockify provides valuable insights into how time is allocated across various projects and tasks. Remote teams can use this data to optimize resource distribution effectively.
• Workflow Refinement: Analyzing time spent on specific tasks helps remote teams identify productivity patterns and refine workflows. This aids in eliminating bottlenecks and improving overall efficiency.

Clockwise

Clockwise is a sophisticated time management platform designed to empower remote teams in maximizing productivity. It intelligently manages schedules and automates calendar adjustments to ensure focused work time and efficient collaboration.

How Clockwise Enhances Time Tracking and Productivity

Clockwise offers remote teams tangible benefits in time tracking and productivity enhancement:

• Automated Time Blocking: Remote team members leverage Clockwise’s automated scheduling to block focused work periods, ensuring uninterrupted time for important tasks.
• Smart Calendar Optimization: Clockwise optimizes calendars by intelligently rearranging meetings to create blocks of uninterrupted work time, enhancing productivity.

• Collaborative Coordination: By intelligently suggesting optimal meeting times based on team members’ availability, Clockwise minimizes scheduling conflicts and enhances collaboration.

HiveDesk

HiveDesk is a comprehensive time tracking and productivity enhancement platform designed to streamline remote team workflows. It empowers teams to monitor work hours, manage tasks, and optimize collaboration in a seamless digital environment.

How HiveDesk Enhances Time Tracking and Productivity

HiveDesk offers remote teams tangible benefits in time tracking and productivity enhancement:

• Efficient Time Monitoring: Remote team members accurately log work hours and tasks, fostering transparent reporting and accountability. This promotes a deeper understanding of individual and team productivity.
• Task Management: HiveDesk enables remote teams to assign and track tasks, ensuring clarity in project responsibilities and minimizing time waste.
• Real-time Activity Monitoring: With HiveDesk, managers can monitor remote team members’ activity levels, gaining insights into their productive periods and identifying areas for improvement.

Harvest

Harvest is a versatile platform designed to streamline time tracking and optimize productivity for remote teams. It offers intuitive tools for tracking work hours, managing projects, and gaining insights into team performance.

How Harvest Enhances Time Tracking and Productivity:

Harvest delivers tangible benefits to remote teams seeking time tracking and productivity enhancement:

• Accurate Time Monitoring: Remote team members can effortlessly log work hours, tasks, and project activities. This precision ensures transparent reporting and informed decision-making.
• Project Management: Harvest facilitates remote project management by allowing teams to allocate tasks, track progress, and set deadlines. This keeps remote teams organized and aligned.
• Data-Driven Insights: Harvest’s reporting and analytics provide valuable insights into team performance, helping remote teams identify trends, optimize workflows, and make data-driven decisions.

Toggl

Toggl is a versatile time tracking platform designed to empower remote teams in efficiently managing work hours and tasks. It offers intuitive tools for accurate time tracking and enhancing overall team productivity.

How Toggl Enhances Time Tracking and Productivity

Toggl provides remote teams with tangible benefits in time tracking and productivity enhancement:

• Precise Time Monitoring: Remote team members can easily log work hours, assignments, and projects. This accuracy ensures transparent reporting and informed decision-making.
• Efficient Task Management: Toggl facilitates remote task management, enabling teams to assign, track, and prioritize tasks. This promotes organization and minimizes time wastage.
• Insightful Reporting: Toggl’s comprehensive reporting features offer remote teams insights into time allocation, task progress, and overall productivity. These insights aid in optimizing workflows and performance evaluation.

In the dynamic landscape of remote work, the best collaboration tools for remote teams emerge as essential allies for global teams.

These innovative solutions, ranging from communication platforms to time-tracking software, have revolutionized the way teams collaborate, communicate, and manage their workflows.

By promoting seamless communication, efficient task management, and real-time collaboration, these tools empower remote teams to transcend geographical barriers and achieve exceptional levels of productivity.

As experts in this field, we’re confident that harnessing the power of these top-notch collaboration tools for remote teams is critical for remote teams striving to excel in today’s interconnected world.

If you’re looking to hire an offshore development team to deliver your project successfully, reach out to CodeNinja.