Remote jobs are consistently in need of more and improved communication tools. Fortunately, remote communication tools seem aware of this fact, so they constantly evolve into better platforms.
If you’re looking for reliable remote communication tools, this article has listed them for you! We’ll also examine the different types of remote communication and analyze the benefits of using these tools.
What Are the Two Types of Communication in Remote Work?
Synchronous and asynchronous communication are the two types of communication used in remote work. Synchronous communication involves teams working in real-time to assign, execute, and complete tasks, while asynchronous communication doesn’t involve real-time interaction.
An example of asynchronous communication is a trainee going through a recorded audio or visual onboarding program.
Asynchronous and synchronous communication are equally good. Choosing a suitable communication tool for your remote work depends on the urgency and sensitivity of what you discuss with your colleagues.
Luckily, there are remote communication tools to help handle both methods.
The Best Remote Work Communication Tools
Here are the best communication tools for remote teams:
1. Slack
Price: Free or starting at $7.25/month
Best for: Remote workers looking for a free communication tool with lots of features
Slack is one of the top communication tools for remote work primarily because of its reliability, flexibility, and security. Its direct messaging feature helps users follow up on urgent tasks or communicate discreetly with stakeholders and clients.
You can also create channels to work on specific tasks or relay generalized information.
Other features like video and audio calls, thread messaging, and emoticons are available for better communication. Slack also allows app integrations to make work easier. You can link it with work management tools like Notion for convenient workflow engagement.
Read more about Slack’s free and paid plans.
2. ClickUp
Price: Free or starting at $7 per user per month
Best for: People looking for a digital whiteboard for task organization
Click Up is the answer if you’re looking for an all-in-one remote communication tool. The platform is popular for its whiteboard, which categorically organizes tasks. Team members can also view each task’s progress, allowing them to collaborate and achieve excellent results.
Like Slack, ClickUp allows synchronization with other apps for seamless workflow. For instance, integrating with Zoom allows you to easily setup meetings and urgent video conferences with ease.
Some helpful features offered by ClickUp include process and time management features. Through this feature, team managers can sync tasks with their calendars or shuffle roles to improve each team member’s efficiency.
Get more information on the platform from the ClickUp Official Website.
3. Google Meet
Price: Free or starting at $5.40 per user per month
Best for: Remote workers who need a communication tool that integrates with Google Suite
Google Meet is perfect for video communication. Its use gets better when integrated with Google products such as Google Workspace. This allows users to explore tools like Gmail and Google Calendar freely.
However, Google Meet requires a membership subscription. If you want to access its video-recording feature, subscribe to the Business Plus package, which costs $18.
Features like noise-clearing breakout rooms, where meeting participants are set into smaller groups, are under the Enterprise plan. You can contact customer support for more pricing information.
Google Meet also allows you to share your screen with meeting participants. This is especially useful if you need to train new remote workers or explain tasks to team members. Even better, recorded meetings are automatically saved into Google Drive so everyone can access them when needed.
Gmail, which is also a part of Google Workspace, is another great remote communication tool. However, the more you use it, the messier the emails become. That said, we have a list of ways to keep your Gmail clean.
Does your business require regular video conferencing? If yes, here are some virtual meeting tools that you can use in your next conference!
4. Zoom
Price: Free or starting at $14.99/month
Best for: Users who need a video conferencing tool that can cater to hundreds of participants
Zoom is a popular tool for online communication due to its diversity and user-friendliness. Key features like screen sharing, whiteboard tools, and Google Calendar are free. It also features an option to change your Zoom background during meetings.
They are all available in the basic plan, offering unlimited group calls for up to 40 minutes. This package also allows meetings of up to 100 participants.
Relatively large remote teams can try the various plans. At $149.90 per month, the Pro version enables co-hosting and social media streaming, while the Business Plan at $219.90 can manage domains and record transcripts.
Learn more about Zoom’s subscription plans on Zoom’s official website.
The Business Plus and Enterprise plan includes translated captions and workplace reservations. The enterprise plan, the highest package, allows up to 1,000 attendees per Zoom meeting and 500 for webinars.
These two options are perfect for remote businesses with branches worldwide. You can contact the support team for more information.
Here’s more information on the Zoom video communication tool from Forbes.
5. Skype
Price: Free
Best for: Those who need a free communication tool
Skype is another popular video conferencing tool that has transitioned through technology. Its features include group/private chats and call-in features for one-on-one engagements.
If you have a relatively small remote team, this classic communication tool is a reliable and good alternative to Zoom or Google Meet. It is also a free platform, whether using the app or the website version.
When using any of these communication tools, make sure that you apply virtual meeting etiquette to maintain professionalism!
6. Zapier
Price: Free or starting at $19.99/month
Best for: Those who need a communication tool with an automation feature
Communicating remotely can take time and effort. This is especially true when sending messages like reminders regularly to many recipients.
Luckily, Zapier is an automation tool that can solve these issues. It allows remote team administrators to connect with various tools/apps and create Zaps.
Zaps are automated messages and actions that can trigger events. This includes automatically assigning tasks after receiving a specific email. Zap messages can be automated in Slack to communicate with remote workers more efficiently.
Zapier’s automation minimizes errors in messages sent and actions performed, such as sending messages to the wrong recipients.
Need help managing remote teams? Check out this list of remote management tools!
7. Microsoft Teams
Price: Free or starting at $4 per user per month; billed annually
Best for: Remote workers who need a communication tool that can integrate with other Microsoft products
Microsoft Teams is a useful remote communication tool. This tool is excellent if you use other Microsoft products, as it can seamlessly work with apps such as OneDrive and Sharepoint.
Exploring Microsoft Team’s packages grants you AI capabilities. For instance, you can transform your meeting into an immersive 3D experience. This can enhance engagement with remote teams and foster participation and creativity.
Wanna know which is better between Slack and Teams? Check out our comparison article!
8. Connecteam
Price: Free or starting at $29/month for the first 30 users
Best for: People looking for a simple communication platform
Connecteam is a great work management platform that includes messaging in its app. This tool’s remote work communication example includes easy-to-use all-rounded features like video, message, audio chats, and file attachment services.
The platform is convenient for composing and sharing complex work information with team members.
Similar to Slack, users can create channels or communicate one-on-one based on a specific task. Employers can also utilize polls and customized features to assess and foster a conducive working culture.
9. MarkUp
Price: Free or starting at $25/month
Best for: Remote workers who need a communication tool with task collaboration features
Markup is one of the leading remote work communication tools that can enhance task collaboration. It assists remote teams in comprehensively evaluating work documents and project designs.
Collaboration is also achievable through real-time editing, annotation, and feedback-sharing features.
With real-time editing, users can highlight texts, add comments, and stamp documents. This is handy when explaining concepts to clients.
You can integrate Markup with file storage platforms such as Google Drive and Dropbox. This ensures easy access to documents and smooth workflow integration. Additionally, employers can track changes and compare revisions for better results.
Want to improve your skills? Check out these 10 virtual training platforms!
10. Asana
Price: Free or starting at $10.99 per user per month; billed annually
Best for: People who need a task organization platform
Asana is a tool that streamlines project management and boosts team collaboration. Its user-friendly interface enables project managers to set deadlines, assign tasks, and monitor real-time progress.
The platform is renowned for task organization, allowing remote teams to categorize and prioritize essential tasks.
Asana integrates with third-party apps and services to enhance its versatility. Additionally, the mobile app version ensures users can always stay connected and productive.
Aside from communication tools, having the best task management tools for virtual assistants can make remote working easier.
What Are the Benefits of Using Online Communication Tools for Remote Work?
Here are the advantages of online communication tools for remote work:
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- Better Productivity.
Remote jobs allow for more working time. Therefore, using the right communication tool can help expedite tasks. This allows more time to take on additional tasks and complete tasks like revisions and providing client feedback.
- Better Productivity.
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- Enhances Employee Management.
Employees familiar with online communication tools can easily fulfill their roles in remote companies. They can easily follow set guidelines, including job delivery periods.
- Enhances Employee Management.
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- Real-time Communication.
Remote communication tools provide a platform for real-time interactions between employees and clients. For instance, you can quickly follow up or ask for feedback for ongoing tasks or revisions.
- Real-time Communication.
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- Influences Knowledge Sharing.
With platforms like Slack, employees can share information on how to work on specific projects.
- Influences Knowledge Sharing.
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- Helps in Training.
Different remote companies train/onboard new employees through platforms like Zoom. They can share company ideologies and engage through question-and-answer sessions
- Helps in Training.
Related Post: 5 Effective Remote File Access Methods
Online Communication Tools Have Revolutionized Remote Work
Online communication tools have revolutionized the business landscape. Companies can now hire globally and utilize the available skilled and affordable labor. The tools discussed above are beneficial for various purposes.
However, many of these tools offer a range of features, including video, audio, channels, and messaging, providing a comprehensive experience.
Keep in mind that certain tools offer subscription packages that provide access to premium features. However, the basic plans of most tools can encompass a variety of company activities. Visit your preferred tool website for more pricing & plan information.
