Workpuls Teramind ActivTrak Hubstaff DeskTime Time Doctor RescueTime Kickidler Veriato Work Examiner
OVERVIEW
Price $6/user/month $6/user/month $7.20/user/month $7/user/month $7/user/month $9.99/user/month $6/user/month $9.99/user/month $150/licence/year $60/licence (lifetime)
Free trial 7 days 7 days No 14 days 14 days 14 days 30 days 7 days Yes 30 days
Ease of use Very easy Difficult Very easy Easy Easy Very easy Very easy Very easy Very difficult Easy
TRACKING METHODS
Unlimited (tracker working 24/7)
Fixed (defined working hours)
Automatic (when computer is connected to a specified network)
Manual (start/stop)
Project based (track time only on projects)
GENERAL MONITORING FEATURES
Stealth mode
App and website usage
Real-time monitoring
Offline time tracking
Attendance
Activity levels
Keylogger
Geolocation
Remote desktop control
Website/activity blocking
SCREENSHOTS AND RECORDING
Screenshots
Screenshots on demand
Screen recording
PRODUCTIVITY FEATURES
Productivity trends
Websites and apps labeling
Category labeling
Productivity alerts
ADVANCED SECURITY FEATURES
User behavior analytics
Data loss prevention
Advanced file and web monitoring
REPORTING
Productivity reports
Team reports
Timelines
Email reports
Access management
PLATFORMS
Web
Mac desktop app
Windows desktop app
Linux desktop app
Mobile app iOS, Android iOS, Android iOS, Android iOS, Android iOS, Android Android
Browser extension Chrome Chrome Chrome
Other Citrix, VMware Chrome OS
OTHER
Support Phone, email, online Phone, email, online Phone, email, online Email, online Phone, email, online, in-person Online Phone, email, online Email, online, Viber, Whatsapp Phone, email, online, support ticket Phone, email, online
Knowledge base
Video tutorials
Integrations comming soon
API
Deployment cloud, on-premise cloud, on-premise, AWS, Azure cloud cloud cloud cloud cloud on-premise cloud, on-premise on-premise
Kronos Humanity Timeclockplus Tsheets Wheniwork Deputy Replicon Jibble EbilityTimeTracker OnTheClock BeeBole
OVERVIEW
Price(per month)Available upon requestFrom $2 per userAvailable upon requestFrom $6.40 per user+$16Free for up to 75 usersFrom $2.50 per userBasic plan:$30 for 5 users+$5 per additional userFrom $1.50 per employeeFrom $4 per user+$8From $2.20 per user$5.99 per user per month
Free trial30 days14 daysYes14 days14 days14 days30 days30 days,no credit card required
Ease of useDifficultEasyDifficultVery easyEasyEasyDifficultVery easyEasyEasyEasy
FEATURES
Timecard management
Scheduling
Shift Trading
Timesheets
Break time management
Real-time tracking
PTO Management
Payroll
Invoicing
Client billing
GPS tracking
Clock out reminders
Alerts
Manual time
PUNCH-IN METHODS
Web app
Mobile app
Time clock device
Time clock kiosk
Facial recognition
Fingerprint scanning
Geofencing
Group punch-in
REPORTING
Visual reports
Email reports
Time rounding
MANAGEMENT
Permissions
Manager approvals
Add time for others
Integrations
PLATFORMS
Web
Android app
iOS app
Mac desktop app
Windows desktop app
Linux desktop app
OTHER
SupportPhone and onlinePhone and onlinePhone,chat and onlinePhone and chatEmail and onlineChat and phonePhone,email,chat and onlinePhone and onlinePhone,email,chat and onlinePhone and onlineOnline chat and video support in English,French,and Spanish
Knowledge base
Video tutorials
Community forum
API
Workpuls Hubstaff Toggl TimeDoctor Harvest TimeCamp Timely Everhour Tick TMetric
OVERVIEW
Price (per month) $6 per user $5.83 per user $9 per user $9.99 per user $10.80 per user $5.25 per user $99 for 5 users $7 per user $19 for 10 projects $5 per user
Free trial 7 days 14 days 30 days 14 days 30 days Yes 14 days 14 days 30 days 30 days
Ease of use Very easy Difficult Difficult Very easy Easy Very easy Easy Difficult Very easy Difficult
TIME TRACKING METHODS
Manual
Start/stop buttons
Automatic time mapping
IN-DEPTH TASK AND PROJECT ANALYSIS
Screenshots
App and website usage
Activity levels coming soon
Real-time tracking
TASK AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Project adding
Project templates
Project status
Task assignment
Task priorities
Budgeting coming soon
Mark billable/non-billable hours
Payroll calculation
Invoicing
ALERTS
Idle time reminders
Deadline alerts coming soon
Budget alerts coming soon
REPORTING
Client login
Productivity analysis
Email reports coming soon
PLATFORMS
Web
Mac desktop app
Windows desktop app
Linux desktop app coming soon
iOS app Beta
Android app
Browser extension Chrome Chrome, Firefox Chrome Chrome Chrome, Firefox Chrome Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge
OTHER
Support Phone and online Email and online Email and online Online Online, email and phone Email, online and support ticket Email and chat Email and chat Email Chat
Knowledge base
Video tutorials
Integrations coming soon
API
On-premise hosting

As many businesses continue to embrace remote work, managers around the world have had to adapt to new ways of leading their teams. 

Remote work can come with its own unique set of challenges, but with the right strategies and tools in place, managers can successfully lead their teams from a distance. 

In this blog post, we'll explore best practices for remote management and how computer tracking software for business like Insightful can help managers track progress and manage their teams more effectively.

1. Communicate frequently and effectively

When working remotely, communication is key. Managers should encourage regular check-ins through video conferencing, chat applications, and email. 

Video conferencing tools like Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or Microsoft Teams can help facilitate face-to-face communication and build rapport. Chat applications like Slack or Microsoft Teams allow for quick and informal communication, while email is still an essential tool for formal communication. It's important to choose the right communication channels that suit the needs of the team and the task at hand.

However, communication can be challenging to track when working remotely. This is software like Insightful can be incredibly useful. Insightful solves the problem of how to monitor work from home employees and can help managers track communication and collaboration among team members, identify which communication channels are most effective, and provide insights into how team members are interacting with one another.

2. Set clear expectations

Clear expectations can help remote workers stay on track and focus on their tasks. Managers should define goals and expectations for each project and make sure everyone understands their role and responsibilities. This includes establishing clear project timelines, setting specific and measurable goals, and outlining the scope of work.

Project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com can help managers track progress and ensure that projects stay on track. These tools allow managers to manage tasks and workflows, assign responsibilities, and set deadlines. By using these tools, managers can monitor progress, identify potential bottlenecks, and ensure that projects are completed on time and to a high standard.

Company computer monitoring software Insightful can also be used to track progress and identify potential issues before they become major problems. By monitoring employee activity and identifying when employees may be falling behind or need additional support, managers can take proactive steps to ensure that projects stay on track.

3. Trust your team

Trust is essential when managing remote workers. Remote work requires a level of independence and self-motivation from employees, and managers should show that they trust their team members by delegating tasks and allowing them to make decisions. 

Use tools like Insightful to track progress and monitor productivity, so you can focus on outcomes rather than micromanaging.Insightful can help managers track employee activity and identify any potential issues, such as excessive time spent on non-work related websites or low productivity. By using this information, managers can identify potential issues and provide employees with the resources and support they need to succeed.

4. Provide feedback and recognition

Regular feedback and recognition can help keep remote employees engaged and motivated. Use tools like 15Five or Lattice to provide regular feedback and track progress, and recognize good work with public praise or rewards through platforms like Bonusly or Blueboard. 

Feedback should be constructive, specific, and actionable, and should focus on the employee's strengths and areas for improvement. Recognition can be a powerful motivator, and managers should make an effort to acknowledge and celebrate their team's successes.

Insightful can also be used to identify areas where employees may need additional support or training. By identifying areas for improvement and providing employees with the resources they need to succeed, managers can help their teams achieve their goals more effectively.

5. Foster a positive work culture

Creating a positive work culture is important, even when working remotely. Encourage team building activities and social events, such as virtual happy hours or games. 

Platforms like Donut or Team Building can help facilitate these activities, and icebreaker questions or team-building games can be found on websites like Icebreaker.video. 

Insightful can provide valuable insights into team dynamics and help managers identify areas for improvement. By fostering a positive work culture, managers can build a sense of community and collaboration among team members, which can help boost morale and productivity.

6. Prioritize work-life balance

Working remotely can lead to burnout if employees are not careful about setting boundaries. Encourage employees to take breaks, set boundaries, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Tools like Insightful or RescueTime can help employees track how they spend their time, and Time Out or Stretchly can remind employees to take breaks throughout the day. Insightful can also provide insights into employee work habits and help managers identify when employees may be at risk of burnout. It's important to promote a culture of self-care and encourage employees to prioritize their mental health and wellbeing.

7. Be flexible

Finally, be flexible and adaptable when managing remote teams. Recognize that everyone's situation is different, and be open to finding creative solutions that work for everyone. 

Platforms like Calendly or Doodle can help schedule meetings across different time zones, and Google Drive or Dropbox can help facilitate collaborative work on documents or files. Insightful can be used to identify potential bottlenecks or areas where additional support may be needed to keep projects on track. By being flexible, managers can help their remote teams overcome obstacles and achieve their goals more effectively.

Embrace the Future of Work

Remote work has become a necessity for many businesses, and managers must adapt to this new way of working. Effective communication, clear expectations, trust, project management tools, feedback and recognition, a positive work culture, prioritizing work-life balance, and flexibility are all crucial strategies for managing remote teams. 

By leveraging these strategies, along with supporting tools like Insightful, managers can build strong and productive remote teams that are capable of achieving their goals and driving business success. 

With the right approach, remote work can be just as effective as in-person work, and can offer employees greater flexibility and work-life balance.

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Remote Work Management

7 Best Practices for Effectively Managing Remote Teams

Written by
Kendra Gaffin
Published on
April 4, 2023

As many businesses continue to embrace remote work, managers around the world have had to adapt to new ways of leading their teams. 

Remote work can come with its own unique set of challenges, but with the right strategies and tools in place, managers can successfully lead their teams from a distance. 

In this blog post, we'll explore best practices for remote management and how computer tracking software for business like Insightful can help managers track progress and manage their teams more effectively.

1. Communicate frequently and effectively

When working remotely, communication is key. Managers should encourage regular check-ins through video conferencing, chat applications, and email. 

Video conferencing tools like Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or Microsoft Teams can help facilitate face-to-face communication and build rapport. Chat applications like Slack or Microsoft Teams allow for quick and informal communication, while email is still an essential tool for formal communication. It's important to choose the right communication channels that suit the needs of the team and the task at hand.

However, communication can be challenging to track when working remotely. This is software like Insightful can be incredibly useful. Insightful solves the problem of how to monitor work from home employees and can help managers track communication and collaboration among team members, identify which communication channels are most effective, and provide insights into how team members are interacting with one another.

2. Set clear expectations

Clear expectations can help remote workers stay on track and focus on their tasks. Managers should define goals and expectations for each project and make sure everyone understands their role and responsibilities. This includes establishing clear project timelines, setting specific and measurable goals, and outlining the scope of work.

Project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com can help managers track progress and ensure that projects stay on track. These tools allow managers to manage tasks and workflows, assign responsibilities, and set deadlines. By using these tools, managers can monitor progress, identify potential bottlenecks, and ensure that projects are completed on time and to a high standard.

Company computer monitoring software Insightful can also be used to track progress and identify potential issues before they become major problems. By monitoring employee activity and identifying when employees may be falling behind or need additional support, managers can take proactive steps to ensure that projects stay on track.

3. Trust your team

Trust is essential when managing remote workers. Remote work requires a level of independence and self-motivation from employees, and managers should show that they trust their team members by delegating tasks and allowing them to make decisions. 

Use tools like Insightful to track progress and monitor productivity, so you can focus on outcomes rather than micromanaging.Insightful can help managers track employee activity and identify any potential issues, such as excessive time spent on non-work related websites or low productivity. By using this information, managers can identify potential issues and provide employees with the resources and support they need to succeed.

4. Provide feedback and recognition

Regular feedback and recognition can help keep remote employees engaged and motivated. Use tools like 15Five or Lattice to provide regular feedback and track progress, and recognize good work with public praise or rewards through platforms like Bonusly or Blueboard. 

Feedback should be constructive, specific, and actionable, and should focus on the employee's strengths and areas for improvement. Recognition can be a powerful motivator, and managers should make an effort to acknowledge and celebrate their team's successes.

Insightful can also be used to identify areas where employees may need additional support or training. By identifying areas for improvement and providing employees with the resources they need to succeed, managers can help their teams achieve their goals more effectively.

5. Foster a positive work culture

Creating a positive work culture is important, even when working remotely. Encourage team building activities and social events, such as virtual happy hours or games. 

Platforms like Donut or Team Building can help facilitate these activities, and icebreaker questions or team-building games can be found on websites like Icebreaker.video. 

Insightful can provide valuable insights into team dynamics and help managers identify areas for improvement. By fostering a positive work culture, managers can build a sense of community and collaboration among team members, which can help boost morale and productivity.

6. Prioritize work-life balance

Working remotely can lead to burnout if employees are not careful about setting boundaries. Encourage employees to take breaks, set boundaries, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Tools like Insightful or RescueTime can help employees track how they spend their time, and Time Out or Stretchly can remind employees to take breaks throughout the day. Insightful can also provide insights into employee work habits and help managers identify when employees may be at risk of burnout. It's important to promote a culture of self-care and encourage employees to prioritize their mental health and wellbeing.

7. Be flexible

Finally, be flexible and adaptable when managing remote teams. Recognize that everyone's situation is different, and be open to finding creative solutions that work for everyone. 

Platforms like Calendly or Doodle can help schedule meetings across different time zones, and Google Drive or Dropbox can help facilitate collaborative work on documents or files. Insightful can be used to identify potential bottlenecks or areas where additional support may be needed to keep projects on track. By being flexible, managers can help their remote teams overcome obstacles and achieve their goals more effectively.

Embrace the Future of Work

Remote work has become a necessity for many businesses, and managers must adapt to this new way of working. Effective communication, clear expectations, trust, project management tools, feedback and recognition, a positive work culture, prioritizing work-life balance, and flexibility are all crucial strategies for managing remote teams. 

By leveraging these strategies, along with supporting tools like Insightful, managers can build strong and productive remote teams that are capable of achieving their goals and driving business success. 

With the right approach, remote work can be just as effective as in-person work, and can offer employees greater flexibility and work-life balance.