5 tools you’ll still need when working from home 5 years from now

How and where we work has changed over the years. As technology has advanced and shifted in more recent times, it has allowed some workers to stay home while earning a living. 

These remote workers don’t travel to a physical office to do their jobs, so they need specific tools that they can use at home to ensure their work flows smoothly. While some work trends come and go, certain tools are here to stay.

Let’s take a look at the top tools remote workers will still be using five years from now. 

1. High-quality internet connection

The internet is now a necessity. The majority of remote workers need the internet to thrive, and a good, high-quality connection is vital now and it will still be vital in five years. 

Remote workers typically complete tasks on a computer and access the internet to accomplish their set goals for the day. Many workers use cloud-based tools and data-intensive applications. For these workers, a quick connection is more important than ever. 

With a speedy internet connection, remote workers can stay on top of their to-do lists, have seamless calls with their co-workers with zero lag, and interact with clients without delay. Slow internet connections or those with frequent disruptions can interrupt remote workers. If the internet drops out or stalls in the middle of an important virtual meeting, it can be devastating for a remote worker. Similarly, if a remote worker is on a sales video call with a client and their internet fails, it makes them look less reliable.

While the internet was not always used to accomplish work tasks, it has now become a part of our everyday work life and is a tool that is not expected to go anywhere anytime soon. 

2. Cybersecurity measures

As remote workers use the internet more and more, cybersecurity also becomes increasingly important. As internet usage among remote workers will likely increase in the next five years, it is safe to say that security tools will follow suit. 

Remote workers currently use a range of cybersecurity measures to enhance their security and privacy online and these tools will stay relevant for the next five years and beyond. Tools like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), antivirus software, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) all play a role in keeping remote workers safe. 

VPNs work by encrypting internet traffic and hiding a user’s IP address. Remote workers who use both Apple and Android devices can use VPNs to keep their work data private and secure online. Jacob O’Shea from Techopedia explains that the best Android VPN apps also allow users to bypass geo-restricted content and some can even block ads. Whether using an Apple or Android, remote workers currently use VPNs and will continue doing so for years to come as these powerful tools help keep information out of harm’s way online. 

Similarly, using antivirus software is also important for remote workers. Antivirus software works by scanning a worker’s computer and detecting threats in real-time. Many employers will have this installed on devices to help keep them safe before assigning them to remote employees. Beyond VPNs and antivirus, many remote workers also use MFA. Multi-factor authentication keeps remote workers’ accounts safe and secure because it requires workers to log in and then verify their identity through a second authentication process. 

These security tools are highly utilised today to protect remote workers from cybersecurity threats and will continue to be used for years to come. 

3. Advanced video conferencing solutions

Even though remote workers are completing their tasks from home, they still need to connect and communicate effectively with their bosses, co-workers, and clients. Video conferencing tools and solutions help remote workers connect easily and effortlessly with their team and will likely continue to be used for the next five years and beyond. In fact, many believe that over the next five years, these tools and tech will become even more advanced and offer users new ways to stay connected with one another. 

Examples of these tools are Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet. Currently, these tools allow users to set up meetings or call one another at any time and have a virtual conversation over the Internet. Most tools allow for multiple attendees, so whole teams can attend for group meetings or employees can simply call each other for one-on-one discussions. 

Video conferencing tools will remain popular for remote workers as they offer a way for those working from home, and even from foreign countries, to easily, quickly, and conveniently jump on a call to discuss the status of a project, review sales figures, or brainstorm for upcoming meeting pitches. 

4. Collaborative project management software

Project management software – like Asana, Trello, and Monday.com – is extremely important for remote workers. These tools allow workers to collaborate and communicate effectively with one another and are highly popular now and will likely continue to grow in use over the coming five years.

With collaborative tools like Asana and Trello entire teams can see the status of a project or monitor tasks as they are assigned and completed. This kind of management tool is not only vital for workers but also important for managers. Managers who are responsible for remote workers often use collaborative tools like this to streamline operations and track project progress in real time. 

It is anticipated that as remote work becomes more prevalent, collaborative project management software and tools will become more advanced. While the tools available to us are already highly versatile, many believe that these tools will see future updates and changes that will make working remotely even easier. 

5. Ergonomic home office equipment

While remote workers are not typically in a physical office setting for long hours, they are still usually working at a computer and a desk during the day. As such, ergonomic home office equipment is important today and will be in the future. 

The health and wellbeing of remote workers are vital, as teams depend on workers to perform at their best. In order for this to happen, workers must take care of themselves mentally and physically. Part of that can be accomplished by setting up a home office with an office chair, desk, computer, and other accessories that are comfortable and do not physically harm employees who spend hours at the computer each day. 

Currently, awareness surrounding ergonomic health is on the rise. Because of that, it’s likely that ergonomic home office equipment will continue to grow in popularity over the coming five years. These tools can help employees prevent strain and injury and they can ensure that workers can accomplish their tasks comfortably and efficiently. 

Conclusion 

Working from home is growing in popularity. As an increasing number of employers hire remote employees, they will use tools to ensure efficient and effective work, even if it’s not from an actual office.

The internet is one of the most important tools for remote workers now and will continue to be so. Because using the internet comes with certain risks, security tools like VPNs and antivirus will also likely continue to be popular over the next five years and well beyond.

Video conferencing and collaborative project management software are important for remote workers to successfully accomplish their jobs, and ergonomic home office equipment will keep those working from home comfortable and healthy.

Over the coming five years, we will likely see remote work grow around the world and, with it, these tools.