Remote teams have become the norm rather than the exception in today's ever-evolving workplace landscape. By 2025, effectively managing remote teams will be crucial for organizational success. 

This article delves into the challenges of managing remote teams, Remote Team Management Software, highlights essential tools and best practices, showcases leading software providers, and offers key leadership strategies. 

It also features top tools, including those offered by AgilityPortal, designed to streamline remote team management and monitoring, this is our list of Best App for Team Management For 2025 keep reading to learn more.

What is Remote Team Management Software?

Let's start by defining Remote Team Management Software. 

This software encompasses a comprehensive suite of tools designed to enhance remote teams' communication, collaboration, and productivity. 

These tools replicate the ease and efficiency of working in a physical office by offering features like video conferencing, instant messaging, file sharing, and task tracking. Many also include advanced functionalities such as time tracking, scheduling, and project management to support seamless workflows.

As far as why businesses are using remote team management software, well, this is because those tools have skyrocketed as companies adapt to the growing prevalence of globally distributed teams or work-for-home policies. A recent study revealed that 74% of companies plan to maintain or increase remote work options, making these tools indispensable for managing employees across distances and time zones. 

Also, businesses using remote work software report a 20–25% boost in productivity, highlighting its impact on teamwork and efficiency. With mobile-friendly accessibility, these tools empower employees to stay connected and productive from anywhere, driving organizational success in today's increasingly remote world.  Learn more on What Great Remote Managers Do Differently?

Example of Remote Team Management Software Free

Here's a quick overview of each remote working software, highlighting their ideal use cases and standout features. 

Also, screenshots are included to provide a glimpse of their user interfaces. We'll delve deeper into their functionalities later in the article, take a look at some of the best team management software.

Here Are Some Remote Team Management Tips 

To effectively manage remote teams and drive productivity, it's essential for the manager to play a pivotal role in implementing a few key strategies. 

Start by setting clear expectations for every team member, outlining roles, responsibilities, and project goals to ensure alignment and reduce ambiguity. 

This guidance will make the team feel supported and clear about their tasks. Creating accountability is equally essential—establishing measurable benchmarks and deadlines while fostering a culture of ownership to encourage individual and team commitment. Providing the right tools is critical for success; invest in robust team management platforms that enable seamless communication, collaboration, and task management. 

Also, overcommunicate to bridge the gaps inherent in remote work, using frequent check-ins, updates, and feedback to maintain transparency and connection. Finally, adopt tools that enhance these efforts, ensuring they are user-friendly and tailored to your team's needs, enabling them to stay engaged, efficient, and aligned with organizational objectives, we hope you found those remote team management tips useful.

Key Drivers for Remote Work Shift

The shift toward remote work continues to gain momentum, driven by technological advancements, changing workforce expectations, and globalization. 

By 2025, it is projected that 70% of the workforce will work remotely at least five days a month, underscoring the growing importance of flexible work arrangements. 

Companies are embracing remote work to access a wider talent pool, reduce overhead costs, and promote work-life balance, which has become a top priority for employees. It also worh mentioning, advancements in cloud computing, high-speed internet, and collaboration tools have made remote work more seamless and efficient, encouraging organizations to adopt hybrid or fully remote work models. As businesses navigate this shift, they increasingly rely on technology to bridge communication gaps, ensure accountability, and maintain productivity.

The adoption of team management tools is expected to accelerate as businesses adapt to the challenges of managing geographically dispersed teams. By 2025, the market for collaboration software is estimated to reach $23 billion, driven by the demand for tools that enhance connectivity, streamline project management, and foster employee engagement. 

Features like AI-powered task prioritization, real-time analytics, and immersive virtual meeting environments will redefine how teams collaborate and innovate. Furthermore, companies will focus on integrating tools that promote asynchronous communication, ensuring that global teams can work effectively across different time zones. 

As organizations prioritize remote work, team management software will become a cornerstone of business operations, enabling companies to thrive in the evolving workplace landscape and managing remote teams effectively.

Why it's hard to Manage a Remote Team

Reddit: As a remote employee, what tools/software do you use the most?

• What technology/software do you use for remote working? 23 Dec 2021
• What software do you use for your remote work? - Reddit 29 Jan 2024
• What software does your company use for remote employees? 12 Jul 2024
• What remote work tools have truly improved your workflow? 1 Oct 2024

What Challenges Do Team Management Tools solve for business

Team management tools address various challenges businesses face in managing teams, particularly in remote and hybrid work environments.

Here are the key issues that Remote Team Management Software and tools for managing distributed teams, remote team help solve:

1. Communication Gaps

Since the pandemic, disconnected teams have often faced miscommunication and a lack of real-time updates, which can lead to confusion and workflow inefficiencies. 

Businesses are looking for Team management tools to address this issue, and those tools do this by offering centralized communication platforms that streamline teams' interaction. 

With features like instant messaging, video conferencing, and discussion threads, these tools ensure that team members remain connected and informed, fostering clear and consistent communication across the organization.

2. Collaboration Barriers

Now, let's get into collaboration. Collaborating effectively on projects can be challenging when team members are spread across different locations and time zones. 

This often leads to delays, misunderstandings, and fragmented workflows. Team management tools address this problem by providing shared workspaces, file-sharing features, and real-time document collaboration. 

These capabilities enable team members to contribute seamlessly, regardless of their geographic location, fostering a more cohesive and efficient approach to teamwork.

3. Task and Workflow Management

Another issue with managing remote teams challenges to look out for, such as tracking task progress, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines can be significant business challenges, especially in fast-paced or remote work environments. 

Team management tools address these issues by offering features such as task assignment, progress tracking, and deadline management. These tools give managers and employees clear visibility into responsibilities and timelines, ensuring that projects stay on track and goals are met efficiently. 

This streamlined approach helps teams maintain productivity and accountability across all levels of an organization.

4. Accountability and Productivity Monitoring

Measuring performance and ensuring accountability can be challenging in remote work settings, where direct oversight is limited. 

Team management tools address this problem by offering features like time tracking, performance analytics, and activity logs. These capabilities provide managers with valuable insights into employee productivity and task progress, enabling them to identify areas for improvement and ensure that goals are consistently being met. 

These tools help maintain high-performance levels even in remote work environments by fostering transparency and accountability. 

5. Employee Engagement

Remote and distributed teams frequently need more engagement and cohesion, decreasing morale and productivity. 

Team management tools address this issue by incorporating features designed to foster community and connection. 

Tools like team chat channels, polls, and recognition systems encourage interaction, collaboration, and acknowledgement of individual and group achievements. Creating a more engaging and inclusive environment, these tools help improve team morale and strengthen the bonds within remote and distributed teams.

6. Access to Information and Resources

When information is scattered across multiple platforms, employees often face challenges locating essential files, documents, or project details. 

This can lead to wasted time, frustration, and decreased productivity. Team management tools solve this problem by providing centralized repositories where all essential resources are stored and organized. 

With integrated search functions, users can quickly find the information they need within a single platform, streamlining workflows and ensuring that teams remain efficient and focused. 

7. Scalability Challenges

Managing larger teams and more complex projects becomes increasingly challenging as businesses expand. 

The growing scale can lead to inefficiencies, miscommunication, and oversight difficulties. Team management tools are designed to address these complexities, offering scalable solutions that grow with the organization. 

With features such as customizable workflows, seamless integrations with other software, and robust data management capabilities, these tools enable businesses to adapt to their evolving needs while maintaining efficiency and organization. 

Strategies for Effective Remote Team Management

Here we list managing remote teams best practices and how leaders who want to overcome these difficulties have to implement efficient management plans that support involvement, communication, and output among distant workers.

1. Establish Clear Expectations

Establishing clear expectations is among the most important components of running remote teams. This covers the early definition of roles, duties, and performance criteria. Use project management tools to create deadlines, task outlines, and key performance indicators (KPIs) allowing team members to monitor their own development.

Managers may establish well-defined project plans and guarantee that everyone knows their tasks by using tools like AgilityPortal. This openness makes staff members responsible and involved in their job. 

2. Foster Open Communication

The success of remote teams depends critically on open communication. Urge staff members to routinely discuss their ideas and difficulties. Create a culture where comments are appreciated and sought for. Set up daily or weekly check-ins to go over development and any challenges staff members could run across.

These exchanges may be facilitated by tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and communication tools included in AgilityPortal. Frequent contact ensures that everyone feels connected and supported, therefore helping to close the distance between distant workers.

3. Utilize Remote Employee Tracking Software

Monitoring output and performance calls for investing in remote employee tracking systems. Good monitoring tools let managers learn about team member time allocation without resorting to micromanagement.

Remote employee tracking software features available from AgilityPortal include performance metrics, project management, and time tracking. Using such instruments helps managers keep an eye on output, spot problems, and provide quick assistance as required. This data-driven strategy may support better general performance and aid in keeping responsibility.

4. Prioritize Employee Engagement

Productive and content in their employment are more probable traits of engaged workers. Establish a culture of involvement by means of regular virtual team-building exercises, acknowledging team and individual achievements, and encouraging social contacts among team members.

Get comments on employee engagement and satisfaction using tools within AgilityPortal. Knowing employee mood will enable managers to modify their plans to better fit the demands of their teams

5. Encourage Work-Life Balance

Encouragement of a good work-life balance is crucial in avoiding burnout among distant workers. Urge team members to schedule frequent breaks and to create limits on their working hours.

Establish rules discouraging after-hours correspondence and pushing vacation days' usage. Managers who exhibit a good work-life balance will show the value of self-care and wellness.

Top 3 Tools to Watch for Managing Distributed Teams in 2025

Here's a concise overview of each remote working software, highlighting their ideal use cases, key features, and advantages and disadvantages. Screenshots are also included to provide a visual glimpse of their user interfaces.

#1. AgilityPortal - Best for organizational management and building connection

• AgilityPortal is a comprehensive app that has been around since 2019 fairly new Communication App on the list, its a cloud-based platform that enhances team communication, collaboration, and productivity across remote and hybrid work environments. Its robust feature set includes messaging, video conferencing, and secure file sharing, making it an all-in-one solution for managing teams effectively.
• Ideal for organizations seeking a flexible yet integrated collaboration tool, AgilityPortal allows users to store files in a centralized document library, manage workflows, create team groups, and receive real-time notifications. The platform is fully customizable to suit the needs of different teams and provides seamless communication options through instant messaging, video calls, and web conferencing.
• AgilityPortal seamlessly integrates with popular applications such as Microsoft Office 365, Gmail, and Slack, enabling users to work on shared files within apps like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and SharePoint. 
• This real-time collaboration feature allows teams to work on content across various devices, ensuring efficient communication, document sharing, and project management for distributed teams.

Features 

• AgilityPortal includes a comprehensive suite of tools such as automated employee scheduling, HR management, real-time labor cost tracking, compliance management, and leave management. The platform also supports automated tax calculations, customizable reporting, and multi-language functionality, making it a scalable solution for businesses of all sizes. And project management tools, performance analytics, and employee engagement surveys add value by providing actionable insights and fostering team alignment.

Integrations

• AgilityPortal seamlessly integrates with major office and HR applications, as well as scheduling and video conferencing tools, including Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, Entra, Gmail, Google Calendar, Slack, Zoom, and Bamboo. These integrations ensure a unified experience, enabling teams to collaborate, communicate, and manage tasks efficiently across widely-used platforms.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Feature Set - AgilityPortal offers a wide range of tools, including shift management, leave requests, project management, employee engagement surveys, performance analytics, and collaboration spaces, providing a holistic solution for team management.
• User-Friendly Interface - Users have praised its intuitive design, which facilitates easy navigation and quick adoption across teams.
• Robust Customer Support - The support team is noted for being responsive and proactive, assisting users effectively and communicating product enhancements promptly.
• Customization Options - The platform allows for significant customization, enabling organizations to tailor it to their specific needs and workflows. 

Cons:

• Learning Curve for Advanced Features - Some users have reported that certain advanced functionalities may require time to master, especially for those unfamiliar with similar intranet solutions.
• Documentation Needs Improvement - While the platform is feature-rich, the accompanying documentation has been noted as an area needing enhancement to better support users. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT HUBSTAFF:

#2. Hubstaff - Best remote working software for time and attendance tracking

Features 

• Hubstaff is a versatile workforce management platform offering features like time tracking, employee monitoring, project management, payroll automation, and detailed analytics to enhance productivity and accountability. With integrations for over 30 tools and accessibility across mobile and desktop devices, it empowers teams to work efficiently and stay connected.

Integrations

Hubstaff offers various integrations to enhance functionality and streamline workflows across various business operations. Key integration categories include:

• Project Management - Hubstaff integrates with tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, and ClickUp, allowing seamless time-tracking of tasks and projects.
• Communication - Integration with Slack enables real-time notifications and updates, keeping teams informed about time-tracking activities and task completions.
• Payments, Accounting, and Invoicing - Hubstaff connects with platforms like QuickBooks, FreshBooks, and PayPal, facilitating streamlined payroll processing and invoicing.
• CRM - Integration with Salesforce allows tracking of time spent on customer-related tasks, enhancing client relationship management.
• Help Desk - Hubstaff integrates with Freshdesk and Zendesk, enabling time tracking on support tickets to improve customer service efficiency.

Additionally, Hubstaff supports connections with hundreds of other applications through Zapier, offering extensive customization to meet diverse business needs.

These integrations enable businesses to centralize operations, improve productivity, and maintain accurate records across various platforms.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Feature Set - Hubstaff offers a wide range of tools, including time tracking, employee monitoring, project management, payroll automation, and detailed analytics, providing a holistic solution for team management.
• User-Friendly Interface - Users have praised its intuitive design, which facilitates easy navigation and quick adoption across teams.
• Robust Customer Support - The support team is noted for being responsive and proactive, assisting users effectively and communicating product enhancements promptly.
• Customization Options - The platform allows for significant customization, enabling organizations to tailor it to their specific needs and workflows. 

Cons:

• Learning Curve for Advanced Features - Some users have reported that certain advanced functionalities may require time to master, especially for those unfamiliar with similar intranet solutions.
• Documentation Needs Improvement—While the platform is feature-rich, the accompanying documentation has been noted as an area that needs enhancement to better support users.
• Design Limitations - A few users have mentioned that the design could be improved, indicating that the user interface may not meet everyone's aesthetic preferences. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT HUBSTAFF:

#3. Wrike - Best remote working software for project management

• Wrike been around since 2006 is a versatile project management application designed to help teams, especially remote ones, streamline project workflows and enhance collaboration. Tailored for organizations managing complex tasks, Wrike offers tools that make planning, tracking, and executing projects effectively easier. Its flexibility and customization capabilities allow businesses to adapt the platform to their unique needs, making it a popular choice across industries.
• One of Wrike's standout features is its task management system, which enables users to create, assign, and prioritize tasks easily. Teams can use visual tools like Gantt charts and Kanban boards to map out timelines, set deadlines, and monitor project progress. This ensures that all team members remain aligned and projects stay on track.
• Another critical feature of Wrike is its focus on real-time collaboration. Team members can share documents, provide feedback, and communicate directly within the platform, eliminating the need for scattered emails or external messaging tools. Wrike also integrates with popular third-party tools like Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, and Slack, enhancing its collaborative capabilities.
• Wrike's customizable workflows and dashboards allow managers to set up processes that match their team's operations. Whether it's marketing campaigns, product launches, or IT projects, Wrike adapts to suit different use cases. Its built-in analytics and reporting tools also provide actionable insights, helping teams track performance, identify bottlenecks, and optimize productivity.
• Security and accessibility are also top priorities for Wrike. It offers cloud-based access, allowing teams to work from anywhere on any device. Features like user permissions and data encryption ensure that sensitive information remains secure. 

Features 

• Wrike offers a comprehensive suite of features, including task management with Gantt charts and Kanban boards, real-time collaboration tools for seamless teamwork, and customizable workflows to fit various project needs. It also integrates with popular apps like Google Drive, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, while providing built-in analytics and reporting for performance tracking.

Integrations

• Wrike integrates seamlessly with a wide range of tools to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. Popular integrations include Google Drive, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Dropbox, and OneDrive for file sharing and communication. It also connects with Salesforce and HubSpot for CRM, Jira for development tracking, and QuickBooks for financial management. 
• And, Wrike supports integrations with Adobe Creative Cloud for creative workflows and Zapier to connect with hundreds of other applications, ensuring flexibility and adaptability for diverse business needs.

Pros:

Cons:

LEARN MORE ABOUT WRIKE:

Selection Criteria for the Best Remote Working Software

You might be curious about how I curated this top remote working software list. To create this comprehensive top 3 roundup, I evaluated and compared a wide range of remote tools with consistently high user ratings. After narrowing down my options, I applied specific selection criteria to analyze how each platform performed relative to the others. I also relied on over three years of experience working remotely to identify the features that add significant value in real-world scenarios.

Selection and Evaluation Criteria

Here's a summary of the critical criteria I used to determine the best remote-working software for this article:

• Usability: Remote teams consist of individuals with diverse technical skills, making user-friendliness a top priority. I selected tools with intuitive interfaces, straightforward navigation, and easy access to essential features to ensure they are accessible to all team members.
• Functionality: Robust functionality is crucial when relying on software to complete work. The tools on this list provide a wide range of features tailored to meet the varying needs of different users, ensuring that critical capability is included.
• Support for Collaboration: Seamless teamwork is vital for remote teams, regardless of location. I focused on tools that promote clear communication and effective collaboration between team members and stakeholders, enabling projects to progress smoothly.
• Integrations: Modern SaaS tools excel by working seamlessly with other applications. I prioritized solutions that integrate with popular business tools, particularly those frequently used by remote teams, to create a frictionless user experience.
• Pricing: Budget-conscious pricing is essential, especially as organizations grow and subscription costs increase. I sought tools that offer excellent value for money, including affordable per-user pricing and scalable options for larger teams. While free plans (freemium models) can be a good starting point for small teams, I also considered paid plans that deliver a solid return on investment (ROI) through enhanced functionality and scalability.

This systematic approach allowed me to identify the most valuable remote working tools, balancing usability, functionality, and affordability while ensuring they meet the diverse needs of remote teams and organizations.

The Role of Virtual Team Leadership

The success of remote teams depends mostly on good leadership. These are important traits that effective virtual team leaders have to possess:

1.Empathy 

Now when manging remote teams virtual team leadership is imporant, knowing the difficulties team members have and offering encouragement builds loyalty and trust. Good morale and output follow from an atmosphere in which staff members feel appreciated and understood created by sympathetic leaders.

2.Transparency 

Open communication of organizational objectives, challenges, and performance criteria helps distant workers to have a common purpose. Frequent updates and honest conversations about expectations will assist to keeping everyone in line.

3.Adaptability 

For distant leaders, the capacity to change with the times is very vital. Adopting openness to fresh ideas and flexibility in work procedures might help to produce creative ideas and better team performance.

4.Proactiveness 

Maintaining team cohesiveness and output depends on the proactive handling of problems before they become more severe. Anticipating possible problems and putting plans into place to minimize them will enable leaders to properly negotiate the challenges of remote team management.

Remote Team Management Software: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Remote Team Management Software?

Remote Team Management Software includes tools that help organizations manage distributed teams by facilitating collaboration, communication, and task tracking. 

Popular solutions like ADP Workforce Now, Slack, and Wrike integrate seamlessly with human resources platforms, scheduling software, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, ensuring streamlined workflows for teams of all sizes.

2. Why is Remote Team Management Software important?

With remote work becoming a norm, these tools ensure productivity and clear communication. They integrate key functions like human resource management, payroll software, and employee scheduling software to support independent workers, remote teams, and HR professionals. These platforms simplify management while fostering team engagement and collaboration.

3. What features should I look for?

 Look for features such as employee work scheduling software, ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems), task management tools, real-time collaboration, and integrations with ERP enterprise resource systems. Also, ensure the software supports learning management systems (LMS), compliance tracking, and performance monitoring to meet modern workforce needs.

4. What tools integrate with Remote Team Management Software?

Top platforms integrate with major business tools, including Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, ADP Workforce Now, Gusto Payroll, and Workday. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and learning management systems also sync effortlessly with remote team tools, creating a unified ecosystem for managing tasks, tracking performance, and ensuring compliance.

5. Are these tools user-friendly?

Yes, many tools like AgilityPortal, ADP Workforce, Trello, and ClickUp prioritize usability, featuring intuitive interfaces for HR managers, team leaders, and employees. These systems are designed for users with varying technical skills, making onboarding and navigation seamless.

6. How much does Remote Team Management Software cost?

Pricing varies based on features. Many tools, like Patriot Software, offer basic plans or freemium models, while advanced platforms like Workday or ADP Workforce Now charge per user or usage tier. Staff scheduling programs and employee schedule management software also provide flexible options for small businesses and enterprises.

7. Can these tools improve worker motivation?

Yes, features like performance tracking, team recognition tools, and integration with core values and corporate values platforms help boost team morale. Many software solutions even include motivational quotes for workers, encouraging productivity and alignment with organizational goals.

8. Do these systems comply with labor laws?

 Modern tools like ADP Workforce Now Login and Gusto Payroll include compliance management, automated tax calculations, and HR pay salary tools to ensure organizations adhere to legal standards.

9. How do these tools assist in recruitment? 

With integrated candidate relationship management and applicant tracking systems, these platforms streamline recruiting, ensuring organizations attract and hire the best talent. Solutions like ATS tracking systems and cloud ATS simplify the entire recruitment process.

10. Are these tools scalable for large teams?

Yes, platforms like ADP Workforce, Workday, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are designed to scale as organizations grow. They adapt to expanding teams and offer learning management solutions, HR scheduling apps, and enhanced organizational management structures to accommodate diverse needs.

These tools simplify management, boost productivity, and empower HR professionals to focus on strategic goals, making them essential for the modern workforce.

11. How can I tell which remote working software is right for my business?

To determine which remote working software is best for your business, start by evaluating your team's unique needs and processes. Identify the tasks, workflows, and challenges that require support, such as project management, collaboration, scheduling, or payroll. Look for software that offers features tailored to these requirements, such as task tracking, real-time collaboration, or integration with tools like ADP Workforce Now. Additionally, consider your budget and scalability needs. Assess whether the software provides good value, with flexible pricing plans that align with your financial resources while supporting your business growth. Testing free trials or demos can also help you gauge usability and ensure the platform meets your team's expectations.

12. Are there different types of remote working software?

Remote working software comes in a variety of types, each designed to support specific functions that are essential for managing distributed teams. Popular categories include video conferencing tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, which facilitate virtual meetings, and project management software such as Trello and Wrike, which help organize tasks and track progress. For seamless file sharing and collaboration, platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox are widely used. Additionally, tools for time tracking and productivity monitoring, such as Hubstaff, provide insights into work hours and efficiency. Remote team management tools, Communication and messaging solutions like Slack ensure that team members stay connected and engaged, regardless of their location.

Wrapping up

Managing Remote Employees successfully in 2025 calls for a calculated strategy combining good leadership, suitable tools, and clear communication. Organizations may increase employee happiness and output by using best practices for team management and remote employee monitoring systems.

Leaders trying to simplify their remote management systems will find great value in AgilityPortal. Its all-encompassing toolkit promotes performance monitoring, communication, and involvement, therefore enabling managers to properly assist their staff.

Maintaining knowledge of the newest technologies and tactics can help leaders to change with the demands of their teams as remote work develops. For further insights and resources on managing remote teams, explore our AgilityPortal blog.