Power up and take note – Five tech tools for remote working success

In flexible workplaces, technology has been playing an increasingly important role in recent years. This goes just beyond video calls and sharing files, however – many of us are increasingly drawing on the power of tech to drive everything from background noise to the way we think. Here are five tech tools that drive the Spark team to hybrid working success:

1. Powering up

The modern worker often finds themselves working from all locations – be that a coffee shop, train or, as Tris shared in this Spark blog, on the Cornish coast. But that doesn't always mean you're near a convenient power source. Luckily, power banks are there to help when you need to get that urgent press release written – even keeping a MacBook or Dell XPS charged for over an hour when you need it most.

Spark’s resident tech guru Hamer Reviews, says, “I love portable chargers – I mean, when do you not need them? When I don't have cables with me with enough capacity to keep my phone or laptop working, my power bank saves the day."

2. Work and play

Many of us have smart speakers at home, and have realised these can be useful while working, as well as for play.

Kelly says “My smart speaker is great for listening to music to help me focus, or to ask different questions that saves me time from having to search online. I didn’t think it would when I first bought it, but it’s quickly become integrated into my daily routine.”

And they’re also great as voice-activated assistants within the home to help put on focus music, search for things without switching tabs, or even help track fitness goals.

3. Getting productive

Let's face it – the world can be a distracting place. With emails flying into the inbox, notifications popping up, and phone calls coming through, we need help to stay focused.

Alice says, “I find to-do and planning apps really help get your ducks in the row – both at work and in your everyday life.”

Apps such as Todoist – which provides a task planner and to-do list – can be perfect for helping organise work tasks and even life management.

4. Making a note

Some people still prefer writing notes over typing but, it’s not always the most practical or time-efficient way to capture information. And what if you leave your notes in the office and are working from home the next day? That’s why digital notepads are a great tool – offering the freedom and creativity of a pen and paper, while keeping notes organised and easily transferable to a digital version.

Issy says, “I’m old school and like writing down notes and to-do lists, but find things get really jumbled in a paper notebook, not to mention wanting to avoid paper wastage! With my digital notepad I can organise my notes into separate client folders, convert my notes into text and email them to myself all via the cloud – making them accessible anywhere!”

5. Tools to relax

It's essential to be able to switch off sometimes. Applications that help manage stress and refocus attention during the workday should be essential for everyone.

“A good night’s sleep is a must to stay on top of the game,” says Millie. “There’s tons of options for apps that can help ensure you get enough rest, so you can be fresh and ready to tackle whatever the new day throws at you.”

One of Spark’s favourites is Calm: an app designed to help with sleep and relaxation through daily meditation programs, music and breathing exercises – and we even provide membership as one of the perks of working here.

Hitting the right balance

It would be easy to overlook how much of a change the shift to remote working has been. Whether you miss the usual office background noise, or struggle to decompress without making a commute home from the office, tech can make a big difference. Most of us are only at the start of our hybrid working journeys, so keeping an eye out for these issues will be crucial over the months and years ahead.