Checklists, reminder alerts, goal-setting devices… the list of work-at-home essentials can go on. But with the endless catalog of productivity apps that help ensure people stay on top of their work regardless of where they are, it would be easy to get lost in identifying which ones truly make up a quality, effective, and efficient performance.
Working from home can definitely have more gains than pains, and that lies in helping companies and businesses choose the right tools for their employees. By utilizing easy-to-use, comprehensive, and reliable apps for smoother remote workflows, they can hit that balance between accomplishing their work targets and enjoying that #ExtraCareAtHome. Here are some of the top productivity apps that any workplace can maximize to their benefit:
While the staple “Can you hear me?” that pops up every time a video conference begins can get a little old, this platform remains one of the best apps that can meet an organization’s need for occasional or everyday huddles, quick follow-up meetings, webinars, training and orientation sessions, and more. Recording, screen-sharing, and collaborating are also included in its features, which are added advantages to any office or business operating remotely.
Pro-tip: Maximize professional meetings with affordable pro plans, so you don’t limit sessions and you can build better relationships with employees and customers.
Missing the work desk at the office? Having a difficult time retrieving or storing files? Want easy and quick access to both archived and ongoing projects? Then Google Workspace can rise to that need. Previously known as G Suite, this has all the collaboration tools needed to make processes faster and less costly, allowing real-time access to inboxes, calendars, documents and presentations, photos and videos, databases, websites, and storage that easily sync with any gadget.
Pro-tip: Collaborate on Google Sheets in real-time so you can track inventory and take advantage of Google’s large cloud storage. You can also add branded links with your Gmail, creating email addresses with your company name to avoid customers from assuming your emails are scams.
As much as it still is fun and effective to have that tactile experience of tacking post-it notes, keeping updated on workflows, project tasks, milestones, or ideas is now more convenient with Trello. This online bulletin board provides a visual representation of tasks, making it easier to see all the workload at a glance, and allows contributors to add comments, files, and other attachments to specific boards in which they are members of. The bonus is, Trello boards can be linked to other apps such as Slack and Google Workspace, which helps make collaboration and productivity more seamless.
Pro-tip: Plan and manage your projects better through grouping tasks together and tagging the right team members for each to-do. Tracking is made efficient too as you see timelines and workflows clearly.
Contrary to the dictionary definition of its name, Slack is a messaging app that is faster, more secure, and better organized. Employees can communicate with one another on a real-time basis, at the same time, availing the various features of the platform such as setting up specific threads, sorting diverse topics or projects, assigning project statuses, and even sharing and exchanging files and documents.
Pro-tip: Stay on top of workflows between each employee through organized channels. You can also connect other apps to Slack so you can do your work without leaving the Slack workspace.
Time management can be an underrated skill yet this is one of the most powerful ones that boost the productivity of a workplace or business. With TMetric Time Tracker, employees can better design and organize tasks, schedules, and targets in a time-efficient manner, empowering them to take advantage of the most optimized hours and adjusting to hurdles such as priority changes, interruptions, or even procrastination.
Pro-tip: With TMetric, you can assign billable rates so that workspaces, clients, and employees can check their project and salary rates. One click transforms these rates into invoices so your team can get paid on time.
Need to fund a project? Want to send bonuses to your employees for a job well done in an instant? Beating a bill deadline? Then look no further than the virtual wallet in the GCash app. With this installed in your workplace system, sending money and facilitating other fund-related transactions is more convenient. Businesses, whether remote or otherwise, thrive by switching to digital payments, making it easier not only for the company and employees but also for the customers and clients.
Pro-tip: Send payroll over this digital payment platform to maintain social distancing. Employees can also get their cash disbursements on time for both employer and employee’s peace of mind.
Many businesses have worried about the transition to indefinite remote work, but with these tried-and-tested apps combined with a holistic work-life balance approach, achieving a thriving productivity setup for the employees and ensuring they also have that #ExtraCareAtHome is no longer daunting. When employees excel, business success can follow.
You can avail of a productivity suite from Globe myBusiness, powered by our high-speed internet. Get in touch with us here.
HELPFUL PRODUCT INFORMATION:
Keep your operations going wherever you and your team may be with Google’s collection of top-rated productivity apps. Google Workspace allows you to seamlessly collaborate in real-time despite the distance through Google Docs, Sheets, Slides. Learn more here.
Empower your business with GCash for Business! Safely and securely send funds to your employees’ accounts without the hassle. GCash for Business protects your business from theft and fund mismanagement, making it a powerful digital payment tool. Inquire here.
Exclusive for Globe myBusiness customers: Enjoy 50% off for 6 months for the UNLI Internet PLAN 2499 at speeds up to 50Mbps, with FREE UNLI Landline Calls from Globe to Globe for 24 months. Inquire here.
UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION:
Exclusive offers, event invites, and freebies await when you update your contact details! Get these and receive real-time notifications on your account when you update now: glbe.co/Get-Updates-GmBA
Working from home has become an essential part of a business continuity strategy in these uncertain times, but there are challenges that come with it. There are certainly many perks, like you and your employees being in charge of your own time, dressing however you want and being able to take care of personal tasks even as you manage your business. But while all this is enjoyable, there’s undoubtedly a wide range of distractions at home that can keep you and your employees from being as productive as you want to be – and in business, being unproductive is a huge setback.
These days, it’s best to prepare for any possible disruption on your business with a “Work from Home” strategy that can easily be adapted. Here are some simple tips to help you and your employees maintain efficiency, so you can still reach your business goals from the comfort of your home.
When you’re in an office, you know instinctively that it’s a place of business, and that the entire area is designed specifically for the purpose of working. You need to designate a place at home for this same purpose – a space that will give you the maximum focus for managing your company. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate office, but it should at least be conducive for work. Have a desk and a comfortable chair, at least. While a chair isn’t as comfy as your couch (or God forbid, your bed), it’s a much better place to stay focused. It also helps you stay organized if you have specific spaces for paperwork, devices, and other materials only related to business.
Employer Pro-Tip: Ensure your employees have the right tools for your business. To help you start, here are some questions you should ask yourself: What do my employees need to make them more productive?– devices, connectivity, conference call tools? How do I make sure they have access? If they don’t, how will I be able to provide?
This is something that can’t be stressed enough. In the absence of physical meetings, your employees must be able to get in touch with you and each other to operate the business efficiently. Voice calls or messages are the most basic, but in today’s digital world, video conferences and instant messaging apps are quickly becoming the norm with their ability to simulate a face-to-face meeting with immediate feedback.
Employer Pro-tip: Agree on communication protocols with the team – set regular cadences. Ask yourself, what is the best way to communicate and how often? Should it be via phone calls, chat, productivity apps (like Slack, Trello), or conference calls (like Google Meet, Zoom)?
Ideally, this doesn’t have to be a 9-to-5 thing. But to stay on track, your company should at least come up with a daily plan of action and stick to it. Clarifying deadlines and definite goals at a morning huddle will help the team get into the correct mindset for the workday and will teach everyone to prioritize important tasks to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Employer Pro-Tip: As it’s all too easy for a passionate team to work the hours away in the comfort of their own homes, encourage a time-out with a lunch break, for example, to prevent burnouts. Your mind and body – and your business – will surely thank you.
First, agree on some ground rules — virtual meetings work best when people are fully present. Some suggestions to minimize disruptions: No multitasking, keep your mic on mute if you’re not presenting, or allocate time for asking questions and feedback. Second, have a simple ice breaker — it can be in a form of kamustahan, or a simple trivia question. This sets a light tone and energizes the attendees at the start of the meeting. Finally, follow up your meeting by sending minutes. This will ensure everyone is aligned with the meeting agreements and can be used as reference especially if there are a lot of action steps.
Employer Pro Tip: Video conferencing is highly recommended — most apps, like Zoom and Google Meet, allow you to share your screen so your attendees can follow the discussion. In addition, seeing your employees’ faces will provide you visual cues on how they feel.
These are just some things you can do to maximize this arrangement. Don’t know where to start your Work from Home arrangement? Schedule a consultation with an account manager here.
Empower your employees with this exclusive Globe myBusiness UNLI Internet offer up to 20Mbps. Get 50% off for the first 3 months and save up to P6,100 for plans starting at Plan 1899 Exclusive to existing Globe myBusiness customers. Click here to learn more. Check out Direct Internet for even more reliable wired connectivity for the office.
Stay connected with all your suppliers. Check out Globe myBusiness Postpaid Plans with UNLI Calls and Texts to ALL Networks and more data than ever before. If you avail o multiple lines, you’ll also get free KonsultaMD. Want to know more? Click here.
Google Meet is a tool to connect your team from anywhere via chat and video meetings. It is part Google Workspace (previously known as G Suite), an online suite of productivity tools. Work on important reports and presentations together as a team in and out of the office. Learn more about Google Workspace (previously known as G Suite) here.
Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars. Sign up to learn more here.
UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION:
Exclusive offers, event invites, and freebies await when you update your contact details! Get these and receive real-time notifications on your account when you update now: glbe.co/Get-Updates-GmBA
Get access to all our exclusive member-only content
By clicking the sign-up button, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.