Working remotely or working across large organizations can have huge benefits but can also present many challenges like collaboration within the workplace.

With such flexible working environments, how do work colleagues communicate? How do companies organize their remote teams or even their departments? What is collaboration?

After testing various platforms, we have shortlisted four of our favourite business solutions that will increase your productivity, boost team morale and get you and your office in shipshape for the year ahead.

Crugo - The all in one communication platform for teams that get stuff done

Looking for something simple with no development requirements or integrations to set up? Look no further! Create your team, invite members and everything is ready to go. Simple, secure communications for your team through instant messages wherever you are, through the Crugo apps.

Features: 100GB storage per user, personal & shared tasks lists, shared calendars, instant direct & group chats.

Insider tip: Send any file type up to 5GB and store and manage them on your own personal network. Everything you and your team need, right out of the box.

Pricing: Free 14-day trial with no card details.  From £6.40 per user per month for Cloud Employee subscribers with the promo code"CLOUD20”.

Asana - The easiest way for teams to track their work—and get results

Looking for something to keep you on top of your personal and team tasks? Asana  might just be what you’re looking for. From tasks and projects to conversations and notifications. Move your work forward.

Features: project templates, project chat, attachments, team page and project lists.

Insider tip: Give tasks a clear owner, so everyone knows who’s responsible. Get automatic updates about the tasks that matter to you by customising your notifications.

Price: Basic version for free, premium version $8.33 per user per month, billed annually.

Slack - Where work happens

Team communication for the 21st century, for quick and fun communication slack can help you and your team collaborate. Integrate all your favourite tools into the slack platform. Communicate through direct chat or group channels.

Features: Voice and video calls, instant messaging, integration for your existing apps.

Insider tip: React to team members message with fun emojis and switch between different companies.

Price: Basic version for free (limited features), premium version $8 per user per month billed monthly.

Dapulse - A productivity app that solves the challenges teams face every day

Do you work better visually? Dapulse may be the platform for you. Visual, easy and versatile. Work from project boards closely with your team or clients.

Features: Mention team members and groups, see projects at a glance, real time notifications to keep you in the loop.

Insider tip: Search and find everything in your entire account, including images, updates, mentions and projects.

Price: Try before you buy with their free trial. If you like it then the basic version is $5 a month per user billed annually. Premium version $8 per user per month billed annually.

Depending on what you and your team need, these cost-effective business solutions can save you time, money and increase your productivity.

In need of developers? Here’s where you can find the best pool of tech talents. With Cloud Employee, you can hire dedicated offshore developers across many technologies. Talk to us, learn more how Cloud Employee works, or see our Developer Pricing Guide.