With the number of COVID-19 cases rising exponentially in almost every country of the world, authorities across the globe are recommending social distancing as a preventive measure. Public places like malls, gyms, public pools, and movie theatres everything is getting shut down, along with workplaces.
Many private offices are following suit by providing work from home to employees. Sadly, managing the tasks while employees work from home is not as simple as it appears to be. You need to be super organized and arm yourself with the right set of tools. However, with the technology at your disposal, working from home is no longer an inconvenience.
Here is a list of applications that will help you manage the flow of work while employees are working from due to quarantine:
For Virtual Meetings
Following are the applications that can be used to conduct virtual meetings without any obstacles:
1. Zoom:
Zoom is an effective tool to simplify video conferencing and messaging across any device. Easy to start, join and collaborate across any device, Zoom enables quick adoption with meeting capabilities. The tool enables all-hands meetings, internal and external communication, and meetings through a single platform.
Customers have reported a 92% increase in performance and engagement with the help of this video conferencing tool.
Here are some of the features of the tool:
- HD video and audio
- Recording and transcripts
- Streamlined calendaring
- Built-in collaboration tools
- Secured, easy to scale
- Available at affordable price
Pricing:
The Basic version of the app is available for free and the Pro version is available at $14.99/mo/host. The tool also has Business and Enterprise pricing plans.
2. TeamViewer:
TeamViewer is a leading all-in-one solution for remote support. TeamViewer enables you to remotely access the desktop and servers from anywhere using an internet connection. TeamViewer is completely secure and can be operated on any modern smartphone.
Here are some of the features of the tool:
- Remote Device Control
- Cross-platform access and VPN alternative
- iOS screen sharing
- Mobile Device Access
- Flexible File Sharing
- Remote Printing
Pricing:
The Business for Single User is available at $18.18 per month. A premium subscription to the application is available $35.69 per month and a corporate subscription at $84.18 per month.
Read More: 5 Design and Development Tools to Boost the Productivity of your Remote Team
3. Microsoft Teams:
Microsoft Teams is a robust collaboration platform that combines video conferencing, instant messaging, file sharing, and project management capabilities. It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft tools, making it an attractive option for organizations already using the Microsoft ecosystem.
Features:
- Video and audio conferencing with screen sharing
- Chat-based communication with threaded conversations
- Integration with Microsoft Office Suite
- File storage and sharing through SharePoint
- Project management and task assignment
- Guest access for external collaborators
Pricing: Microsoft Teams offers the following pricing plans:
- Free plan: Suitable for small teams and personal use with basic features.
- Microsoft 365 Business Basic ($5/user/month): Includes Teams, email, and cloud storage.
- Microsoft 365 Business Standard ($12.50/user/month): Offers advanced Teams features, desktop apps, and cloud services.
- Microsoft 365 E3 ($20/user/month): Designed for enterprises, providing advanced security and compliance features.
4. Webex by Cisco:
Cisco Webex is a reliable and secure platform for virtual meetings and webinars. It provides a comprehensive set of features suitable for businesses of all sizes.
Features:
- High-quality video and audio conferencing
- Interactive whiteboarding and screen sharing
- Meeting recordings and transcriptions
- Breakout sessions for smaller group discussions
- Virtual backgrounds and filters
- Integration with calendars and third-party applications
Pricing: Cisco Webex offers the following pricing plans:
- Free plan: Suitable for personal use with limited features.
- Webex Starter ($13.50/host/month):
For Work Management
1. Trello:
Trello has got boards, lists, and cards, which enable you to organize and prioritize your work in a fun and flexible way. Trello makes it easy to collaborate on projects from beginning to end. You can easily dive into the details by adding attachments; due dates and more directly to Trello cards.
Here are some of the features of the tool:
- A detailed and quick overview of front/back cards
- In-line editing and data filters
- Automated email notification
- Easy, drag-and-drop editing
- Information retrieval and backup
Pricing:
The starting pricing of Trello is $5/user and the application also comes with the free trial.
2. Asana:
Asana is again a widely popular work management platform that helps you organize your work in a way that is best for you. Asana lets you set priorities and deadlines, follow projects and tasks through every stage. With Asana, you will be in a consistent track about the status of your work and keep everyone aligned on goals.
Here are some of the features of the tool:
- It allows you to create tasks, subtasks, milestones, task assignees and sections.
- Easily know where your work stands with reporting.
- Permission and privacy controls
- Allow you to tie your communications based on team, projects and tasks
- It can be easily integrated into other tools.
Pricing
The basic version of the application is free of cost, whereas the Premium version is available at $10.99 and the Business version is available at $24.99. For the Enterprise version, you can contact the sales team of the tool.
Read More: How to Make a Smooth Transition to Remote Development Team
3. Monday.com:
Monday.com is a versatile work management platform that combines project management, collaboration, and automation features. It provides teams with a visual and intuitive interface to streamline workflows and boost productivity.
Features:
- Customizable dashboards and boards for the task and project management
- Timeline and Gantt chart view for tracking progress
- Communication and collaboration through updates and mentions
- File sharing and integration with cloud storage platforms
- Automation of repetitive tasks and processes
- Reporting and analytics for performance tracking
Pricing: Monday.com offers the following pricing plans:
- Basic plan ($8/user/month): Suitable for small teams with core features and limited users.
- Standard plan ($10/user/month): Ideal for growing teams with advanced features and additional automations.
- Pro plan ($16/user/month): Designed for larger teams with advanced customization options and integrations.
- Enterprise plan (custom pricing): Tailored solutions for larger organizations with advanced security and dedicated support.
4. Wrike:
Wrike is a robust work management and collaboration tool that empowers teams to plan, organize, and execute projects efficiently. It provides a comprehensive set of features to streamline workflows and enhance team productivity.
Features:
- Task and project management with customizable workflows
- Time tracking and resource management
- Collaboration through real-time discussions and document sharing
- Request forms and approvals for streamlined processes
- Reporting and analytics for performance insights
- Integration with popular tools and software
Pricing: Wrike offers the following pricing plans:
- Free plan: Suitable for small teams or personal use with basic features and limited users.
- Professional plan ($9.80/user/month): Ideal for teams looking for comprehensive project management capabilities and advanced collaboration features.
- Business plan ($24.80/user/month): Designed for larger teams or organizations with robust work management features, customization options, and advanced security.
- Enterprise plan (custom pricing): Tailored solutions for large-scale enterprises with advanced security, dedicated support, and additional customization options.
Document Management
Quip:
Quip has completely transformed the way enterprises work together by delivering modern collaboration securely any device. Quip lets you transform processes like Mutual Close Plans, Account Planning and Case Swarms.
Here are some of the features of the tool:
- You can Quip’s documents into offline modes, can give permissions to different users and also check the version history
- Quip provides spreadsheets that come with collaborative editing, are mobile-ready and can be embedded into docs.
- Slides in Quip come with real-time co-editing, connective live data and feedback polls.
- Quip also offers 1-on-1 chat options, you are allowed to comment on anything and also have team chat rooms.
Pricing:
The Starter plan of Quip is available at $10/user/month, Enterprise plan at $25/user/month and you can request a quote for a more advanced plan.
2. Dropbox:
Dropbox lets you organize traditional files, cloud content, web shortcuts and Dropbox Paper docs all into one place. Personalized suggestions are also provided by the application which lets you find files and folders easily and you don’t have to spend your much time searching.
Here are some of the features of the tool:
- Enables to store and access files from anywhere
- Cloud content and Microsoft office can be directly edited in Dropbox
- Plan meetings with calendar integration
- Use note-taking templates
Pricing:
The basic version of Dropbox is available at $9.99/month, whereas the Professional version is available at $16.58/month. There is also a Standard and Advanced version of the application available for teams.
3. Google Drive:
Google Drive is a widely used cloud-based document management tool that offers a comprehensive suite of features for file storage, organization, and collaboration. With its seamless integration with other Google Workspace applications, it has become a popular choice for individuals and businesses.
Features:
- Generous free storage space with the option to purchase additional storage
- Online file storage and synchronization across devices
- Document creation, editing, and collaboration in real-time
- File sharing and permission controls
- Integration with other Google Workspace tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
- Version history and revision tracking
Pricing: Google Drive offers the following pricing plans:
- 15 GB of free storage
- Google One plans: Starting at $1.99/month for 100 GB, with options for higher storage capacities.
4. Microsoft OneDrive:
Microsoft OneDrive is a popular cloud-based document management tool integrated with the Microsoft 365 suite. It offers seamless file storage, sharing, and collaboration features for individuals and organizations.
Features:
- Generous storage space and synchronization across devices
- File sharing and collaboration with real-time editing
- Advanced security features and compliance options
- Integration with Microsoft Office applications
- Version control and file recovery options
- Co-authoring and commenting features
Pricing: Microsoft OneDrive offers the following pricing plans:
- Microsoft 365 Personal ($6.99/month or $69.99/year): 1 TB of storage and access to Microsoft Office applications.
- Microsoft 365 Family ($9.99/month or $99.99/year): 6 TB of storage (1 TB per user) and access to Microsoft Office applications for up to six users.
- Microsoft 365 Business (custom pricing): Tailored solutions for small to large businesses with additional security and collaboration features.
5. Evernote:
Evernote is a versatile note-taking and document management tool that helps individuals and teams capture, organize, and find information effectively. It is known for its powerful search capabilities and cross-platform availability.
Features:
- Note creation and organization with tags and notebooks
- Web clipping and bookmarking
- Document scanning and OCR (optical character recognition)
- Collaboration and sharing options
- Advanced search capabilities
- Integration with third-party applications
Pricing: Evernote offers the following pricing plans:
- Basic plan (free): Limited storage
How to manage tasks during work from home
Managing tasks during work from home requires a combination of discipline, organization, and effective time management. Here are some tips to help you stay productive and organized while working remotely:
Establish a dedicated workspace: Set up a designated area in your home where you can work without distractions. Ideally, this space should be separate from your personal living area.
Create a daily routine:
Set a schedule that includes specific working hours and breaks. Having a routine will help you stay focused and maintain a sense of normalcy.
Set clear goals and priorities:
Identify the tasks and projects that need to be accomplished each day or week. Prioritize them based on importance and deadline. Use tools like to-do lists or project management apps to keep track of your tasks.
Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks:
Large tasks can be overwhelming, so break them down into smaller, actionable steps. This will make them easier to tackle and help you stay motivated.
Eliminate distractions:
Minimize potential distractions during work hours. Turn off notifications on your phone or computer, close unnecessary tabs or applications, and communicate with family members or roommates about your need for uninterrupted work time.
Communicate and collaborate effectively:
Use digital communication tools like email, instant messaging, or video conferencing to stay connected with your colleagues. Set regular check-ins to discuss progress, share updates, and address any challenges.
Take regular breaks:
Breaks are important for maintaining productivity and avoiding burnout. Schedule short breaks throughout the day to rest your mind and recharge. Consider using the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for focused periods (e.g., 25 minutes) and taking short breaks (e.g., 5 minutes) in between.
Stay organized:
Keep your digital and physical workspaces organized. Use folders to categorize and store electronic files, and declutter your physical workspace regularly. A clutter-free environment can help you stay focused and find what you need quickly.
Maintain work-life balance:
Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Set specific working hours and try to stick to them. Avoid working outside of these hours unless necessary, and make time for activities you enjoy outside of work.
Practice self-care:
Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Get regular exercise, eat nutritious meals, get enough sleep, and take breaks to relax and recharge. Remember that maintaining your health is essential for optimal productivity.
Remember that everyone’s work-from-home situation is unique, so it’s important to find strategies that work best for you. Experiment with different techniques until you discover a routine and approach that helps you stay focused, organized, and productive.
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