To enhance the remote work experience, employees benefit from various tools such as multi-factor authentication for secure logins, cloud-based productivity tools like Microsoft Office 365 for managing files and emails, and collaboration software for video conferencing and shared desktops. According to IDC, 52% of employees consider having the right tools as a top driver for a good employee experience.

Agencies can adopt several strategies to maintain productivity, including making meetings shorter with clear agendas, setting communication norms for formal and informal collaboration, and encouraging time blocking in schedules. Additionally, 92% of federal employees reported being just as productive, if not more, while working from home.

To foster collaboration among remote employees, teams can implement daily icebreakers via instant messaging, replace casual hallway conversations with short 1:1 meetings, and host team lunches over video conferences. Collaboration tools like video conferencing and shared desktops can also help bridge the gap, especially since 41% of employees feel disconnected from colleagues when working remotely.