COVID-19 has swept over the world like a bad dream. Truth be told, we have all been previously scared about imaginary alien invasions only to wake up to the harsh reality of an uncontrollable viral invasion. Consequently, major lifestyle changes have taken place. As Kenyans, we have lived to see times and situations that we never thought we would ever see. Stringent government directives have been issued to deal with the spread of the coronavirus. As a third-world country we have been hit hard!
Looking at how things are unfolding in other countries, we are literally gobsmacked!
Organizations and Companies have moved to working from home. Managers are having a hard task managing their teams. This is, as a matter of fact, the time when organizations need their managers more. Coordinating remote workers is the hardest task. Maintaining their high productivity levels while working remotely is even harder.
Below are apps that can be used to make the transition from a physical office to a remote working setup as seamless as possible:
Zoom:
This is a remote conferencing services app. This app is the most used right now across the globe to hold online meetings and keep staff updated.
It provides the following services:
- video conferencing,
- online meetings
- chats
- mobile collaboration
The advantages of using zoom as compared to other similar apps is that it offers reliability, it is easy to use and has security assurance because of the end-to-end encryption feature.
The other alternative to this is Skype.
Price: Monthly subscription but there is a FREE plan
Platform: iOS and Windows
Google Drive:
Google Drive is a file storage and synchronization service. It is a free cloud-based storage service that enables users to store and access files online. It allows you to store files on their servers, synchronize files across devices, and share them. This helps in reducing the number of back and forth emails as all reports can be stored in the drive and each person given access rights or the link shared with the people who need to see particular documents.
The alternative to this is Drop Box.
Price: Free up to 15GB
Platform: iOS and Windows
Anydesk
AnyDesk is a remote desktop tool. It provides free remote access to personal computers running the host application. It can also provide remote access to Android devices.
When computers have an issue, the IT person can remotely access that PC and fix the system related issues or offer guidelines on how to go about software installations and/or system navigations.
Price: Free for Personal Use. Business use starts from $10.99/Month
Platform: Windows, iOS, Linux, Android
Calendar
Google Calendar is an excellent cross-platform calendar app. It is simple to create new events whether you are on your phone or computer. Everything always stays synced no matter what time zone you are in. This app can be integrated with just about any other remote working apps.
Google Calendar can automatically create events based on emails you receive; it makes work a lot easier.
Price: Free for Personal Use, $5 per user for Business
Platforms: Android, iOS, Web
Docusign
Docusign is used to authenticate signatures. It is important while getting signatures for transactions and also for decision-making processes during this time when there is social distancing yet important decisions concerning the business have to be made.
Recipients of a document click a link to open the documents on an internet-enabled device (like a mobile phone, tablet, or computer). Simple instructions guide the user through the signing process, even adopting an electronic signature. The recipient clicks Finish to save the signed document.
Price: Free
Platform: iOS, Android and Windows
Bonus App
Serene: Used to block distracting websites & apps. With this app, you can organise your day around one goal that matters. This is the macOS app for laser-focus.
With remote working on the rise, more people are getting tasks done at home. If your office is preparing to start working remotely, I hope this list of apps will help you make the transition. It is important to stay in communication and on top of projects in a way that works for all the team members. In case you have any problems with your devices while working remotely, contact WeFix Tech and we will fix it for you.