Want to stay productive while working remotely? These 10 tools can help you manage your time, collaborate with teams, and stay secure, no matter where you are.
- Notion: Organize tasks, projects, and travel plans in one place.
- Trello: Visualize workflows and manage deadlines with ease.
- Slack: Communicate with teams using channels, notifications, and instant calls.
- Zoom: Host video meetings with features like virtual backgrounds and cloud recording.
- Google Workspace: Collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and schedules in the cloud.
- Grammarly: Write error-free and polished content effortlessly.
- NordVPN: Protect your data on public Wi-Fi with secure VPN connections.
- Toggl Track: Track time for projects and generate detailed reports.
- Evernote: Keep notes, research, and documents organized across devices.
- Coliving.com: Find all-inclusive, work-ready housing in over 360 cities.
These tools are designed to tackle common challenges like time-zone management, unreliable internet, and collaboration on the go. Combine them with flexible housing options like Coliving.com for a seamless remote work experience.
1. Notion: All-in-One Workspace
Notion combines notes, documents, databases, and kanban boards into one flexible workspace. With templates for project planning, travel itineraries, and content calendars, it helps you stay on top of both work and personal tasks. It's available on desktop and mobile, and changes sync automatically once you're back online.
For digital nomads, Notion is a go-to tool for organizing client briefs, managing time-zone–specific deadlines, and sharing travel plans with team members. Features like real-time collaboration and integrations with Slack and Google Calendar make it easy for remote teams to stay connected during conferences, coworking sessions, or shared living arrangements.
Up next, check out Trello’s visual boards for task and deadline management.
2. Trello: Visual Task Management
Trello uses a board-and-card system to turn tasks into easy-to-follow workflows. Its drag-and-drop feature makes it simple to rearrange priorities as needed. You can set due dates that adjust for different time zones, create detailed checklists for more involved projects, and expand its capabilities with Power-Ups like calendar views and file attachments.
For digital nomads, Trello works across devices, syncing updates automatically when you're back online. Need quick access during a client call? Pin key cards to keep them handy. Plus, integrations with tools like Slack and Google Calendar make it easier to collaborate with teams around the globe. Even if your Wi-Fi is unreliable, Trello’s offline mode allows you to make updates and sync them later.
Up next: See how Slack keeps your team connected, no matter where you are.
3. Slack: Team Communication
Effective communication is at the heart of smooth remote workflows, and Slack makes it easy by organizing chats into focused channels. These channels can be based on projects, teams, locations, or even time zones, helping digital nomads stay connected no matter where they are.
Top Features for Digital Nomads:
- Custom notifications: Set alerts that align with your work hours.
- Threaded messages: Keep discussions organized by topic.
- Huddles: Start instant audio calls for quick collaboration.
- Custom statuses: Let others know your time zone and availability.
With Slack's mobile and desktop apps, you’re always in touch, whether you're at a coworking space or on the move. The powerful search feature ensures you can quickly find discussions or files from any channel. You can even schedule messages to align with your teammates' work hours, keeping communication smooth and considerate.
Next, we’ll explore how Zoom connects your team face-to-face, no matter where you are.
4. Zoom: Video Meetings
While Slack handles chat, sometimes you need face-to-face interaction. Zoom is a top choice for video calls, whether you're presenting from Bali or joining a team meeting in Barcelona. It ensures you're always connected.
Features Perfect for Remote Work:
- Virtual backgrounds: Keep your surroundings private - no one needs to see your messy hotel room.
- Calendar integration: Automatically adjusts for time zones, so you never miss a meeting.
- Cloud recording: Save meetings without taking up space on your device.
- Low-bandwidth mode: Keeps audio clear, even with unstable internet.
- Mobile-friendly: Join calls directly from your smartphone.
- Scheduling assistant: Displays meeting times in each participant's local time.
- Breakout rooms: Great for workshops or smaller team discussions.
- HD video and clear audio: Maintain a professional image, no matter where you are.
- Screen sharing: Perfect for remote presentations and collaboration.
- Collaborative whiteboard: Brainstorm in real-time with your team.
Next, we'll explore how Google Workspace simplifies document management and teamwork across the globe.
5. Google Workspace: Cloud Office Tools
Google Workspace brings together tools like Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar, and Meet into one cloud-based platform, accessible from anywhere.
Core Tools for Remote Work:
- Google Docs: Collaborate on documents in real time, even offline.
- Google Sheets: Manage spreadsheets with powerful built-in functions.
- Google Drive: Store and share files with 15 GB of free storage.
- Google Calendar: Schedule meetings with time zone awareness.
- Google Meet: Host video calls directly within the platform.
Notable Features:
- Automatic syncing of edits across devices.
- Smart Compose helps draft emails that match your writing style.
- Search across all apps using Cloud Search.
- Simplified scheduling with cross-time-zone support.
- Access files without using local storage via File Stream.
- AI-powered Priority Inbox organizes emails efficiently.
Integrate Google Workspace with your task manager and set up automated backups to create a centralized productivity system. With everything in the cloud, your office is always ready, no matter where you are.
6. Grammarly: Writing Assistant
When you're on the move, clear and professional communication is just as important as staying organized. Grammarly helps digital nomads maintain polished writing, ensuring your messages, proposals, and posts reflect your professionalism no matter where you are.
Key Features:
- AI-driven grammar, spelling, and punctuation checks
- Tone detection to match your writing style
- Built-in plagiarism checker
- Seamless browser and desktop integrations, plus offline access
Whether you're drafting client emails, writing blog posts, or responding to urgent requests, Grammarly ensures your writing is error-free and professional. Pair it with a focused workspace - like those found in coliving spaces - and you're ready to write and edit whenever creativity strikes. This tool keeps your communication sharp, even across time zones.
Up next, learn how NordVPN protects your data on public Wi-Fi.
7. NordVPN: Secure Internet Access
Once your writing is polished with Grammarly, protect your online activities with NordVPN. Public Wi-Fi in cafés and shared spaces can put your data at risk. NordVPN encrypts your connection, ensuring your work files and communications stay private no matter where you are.
Even if you're using the high-speed Wi-Fi available in Coliving.com homes, local networks can still have vulnerabilities. A VPN adds an extra layer of security, and NordVPN's fast server switching ensures you stay connected seamlessly across different time zones.
Key Features:
- AES-256 encryption for top-notch security
- Access to 5,500+ servers in over 60 countries for fast, stable connections
- Kill Switch to stop traffic if the VPN connection drops
- Double VPN for added privacy
- Easy-to-use apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
Next, find out how Toggl Track can help you make the most of every minute in your workday.
8. Toggl Track: Time Management
While NordVPN secures your connection, Toggl Track ensures every minute of your work is accounted for. This straightforward time-tracking tool helps digital nomads keep tabs on projects, generate detailed reports, and handle client billing with ease. Whether you're working from a Coliving.com space or a local café, Toggl Track can automatically log your hours.
Key Features:
- Start tracking time instantly with one click on any device
- Idle detection alerts you when you've been inactive
- Project dashboards display time allocation across clients
- Detailed reports break down tasks into billable hours
- Syncs with your calendar to stay aligned with your schedule
- Offline tracking works seamlessly without an internet connection
Next, we'll dive into how Evernote helps you keep your notes organized wherever you are.
9. Evernote: Note Organization
Evernote helps you keep track of notes, research, and travel plans, seamlessly syncing across all your devices.
Top Features:
- Web Clipper: Save web pages, articles, and research with one click, keeping the original formatting intact.
- Document Scanning and OCR: Scan physical documents into searchable PDFs and locate text within images.
- Cross-Platform Sync: Make edits offline and automatically sync them across desktop, mobile, and web.
Evernote also supports teamwork with tools that let you share notebooks, leave comments, and collaborate in real-time. The built-in work chat simplifies communication about specific notes or projects.
To keep your data safe, Evernote includes strong security measures like two-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption for sensitive information. Whether you're working remotely or on the go, your data stays secure, even on public networks.
Next, we'll look at how Coliving.com can improve your remote work setup with housing options tailored for digital nomads.
10. Coliving.com: Remote Work Housing
Coliving.com helps digital nomads find fully furnished, work-ready living spaces in more than 360 cities across 70+ countries[1].
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Work-ready spaces: Each location includes dedicated desks and dependable Wi-Fi.
- All-inclusive pricing: Utilities, cleaning, and maintenance are bundled into one bill.
- Flexible terms: Monthly contracts mean no long-term commitments.
This setup takes care of the logistics, letting you focus on your work and make the most of the other tools on this list.
"For those working remotely, the reliable Wi-Fi enables you to connect and work from different delightful spots - your private room, a serene balcony, a collaborative coworking area, or the ambient breakfast/tea room." - Saxon W.
Tool Features at a Glance
"For those working remotely, the reliable Wi-Fi enables you to connect and work from different delightful spots - your private room, a serene balcony, a collaborative coworking area, or the ambient breakfast/tea room." - Saxon W.
Here’s how you can pair these tools with flexible housing choices to simplify your remote work setup and stay productive on the move.
Combining Tools with Flexible Housing
With your toolkit ready, integrate these apps into Coliving.com’s housing options to boost both productivity and collaboration within the community.
Make the Most of Shared Workspaces
Use Notion to keep track of community resources and events, and Trello to assign and monitor maintenance tasks efficiently.
Simplify Community Collaboration
Leverage Slack and Zoom for resident updates, virtual skill-sharing sessions, and networking across Coliving.com’s global network.
Protect Shared Connections
Enable NordVPN on shared Wi-Fi to keep data secure and ensure safe access to Google Workspace.
Encourage Collaboration
Combining digital tools with coliving spaces naturally encourages teamwork. Tools like Google Workspace shine in a professional community, allowing for:
- Shared calendars to organize events
- Collaborative documents for group projects
[1] Coliving spaces can reduce costs by up to 40% compared to living in a studio.
Conclusion
Pair tools like Notion, Trello, Slack, and NordVPN with Coliving.com's work-friendly homes in over 360 cities. With features like dedicated desks, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a global network of more than 100,000 members, you'll have reliable access, secure connections, and a supportive community. This setup helps digital nomads stay focused, connected, and productive no matter where they are.
FAQs
What’s the best way to incorporate productivity tools into my daily routine as a digital nomad?
To make the most of productivity tools as a digital nomad, start by identifying your specific needs, such as task management, communication, or time tracking. Then, choose tools that align with your workflow and integrate them gradually into your routine. For example, set reminders to use task management apps or schedule regular check-ins with team members through communication tools.
Staying in a coliving space can also help streamline your routine. Many coliving spaces are designed for remote workers, offering fast Wi-Fi, dedicated work areas, and a supportive community. These features can enhance your focus and make it easier to stick to productive habits while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
How can I protect my security and privacy when using public Wi-Fi in coworking spaces?
To safeguard your security and privacy while using public Wi-Fi in coworking spaces, consider the following best practices:
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network encrypts your internet connection, protecting your data from potential hackers.
- Avoid sensitive tasks: Refrain from accessing banking or other sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi unless absolutely necessary.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security to your accounts makes it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.
- Turn off file sharing: Disable file sharing and other network discovery features to reduce vulnerability.
- Use HTTPS websites: Ensure the websites you visit have an HTTPS connection, which provides a secure layer of encryption.
Taking these precautions can help you work confidently and securely, even in shared spaces.
How do digital nomads use these tools to improve their productivity and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
Digital nomads often rely on these tools to streamline their workflows, stay connected, and create a clear separation between work and leisure time. For example, task management apps help them organize daily priorities, while communication tools ensure seamless collaboration with remote teams.
Many also choose coliving spaces as a base, which provide a perfect mix of productivity and relaxation. These spaces offer fully equipped workstations, reliable Wi-Fi, and a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Additionally, their convenient locations make it easy to explore local attractions and immerse in the culture during downtime, fostering a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
