There are many companies now embracing work from home, especially with the current problems caused by the COVID-19 virus. Both Google and Facebook announced that they will let their employees to work from home until the end of 2020 if their work allows it. We can expect that some companies will follow in their footsteps and create a dynamic shift towards flexible hours and working arrangements.

While this allows workers to continue with their work at home and not have to worry about getting stuck in traffic or the long commute, it is not easy to do if you do not have the right tools you need for work at home to keep you going.

To help you set up your work from home computer and keep you productive, here are the best productivity apps you can use today:

1. Zoom

For meetings and group messaging, Zoom is one of the best apps you can try out. What makes Zoom great is the fact you can video call your teammates in HD and it can even accommodate up to 1,000 people in one meeting.

You can also send files in the app, as well as change your background as you video chat. This is a popular choice among many companies due to the ease of usage. You don’t even have to download their software to use it.

Read More: Best Video Conferencing Tools besides Skype and Zoom

2. Slack

Another instant messaging app that you can use for work is Slack. The app developers aim to replace emails using the app since teams can create channels to organize where messages should go to without having to spam emails.

Users can send files and links through the app, and they can opt out from a channel if they don’t want to follow it.

I really like using Slack and I wished more clients will move over from Skype to Slack.

3. Trello

For people who prefer to organize their work tables through a visual organizer, Trello is perfect.

The tool enables users to sort out their tasks through various columns and indicate which ones are important and which members should work on them.

Notifications will be given to all the members of the team and they can also edit the project page.

4. Dropbox

To make it easier to share files to your co-workers, you can use Dropbox. Dropbox allows users to share large files and store it in one platform.

There is also a special tab in the platform that allows teams to collaborate in one folder and also sort out to-do-lists through the Dropbox Paper tab.

5. Skype

Skype is an old name in the industry that offers video calls and messaging through various platforms like desktop or smartphones.

Aside from allowing users to have a group call to up to 50 people, the app also allows screen sharing and recording. You can also save these video recordings to your desktop.

Read More: Skype No Longer Accept Facebook Logins And The Crap Its Impacting Me

6. Google Drive

Like Dropbox, Google Drive allows users to share large files without having to use their email. It can also be shared easily between team members by sending the link of the file.

Since it is connected to Google’s platform, you can access your files from Google Docs and Sheets and edit them. You can also undo any of the changes your team members did on the app.

In case you run out of internet, you can check out the files offline.

7. WeChat

If you have colleagues living in China, WeChat is their communication staple, kinda like Whatsapp + Facebook.

Unfortunately, China has “the Great Firewall” to block out most communication apps like Whatsapp and Skype. Even accessing Google Docs will required them to use a VPN.

The only way out is to use WeChat for ease of communication and collaboration.

Conclusion

If you want to work at home, it is important that you check out the applications that will make your work faster and easier to do.

With these apps I mentioned above, I’m sure that you and your team will find it easier to work at home and keep things on time.

Want more tips to make your work at home a breeze? Check out these articles:
8 Mistakes To Avoid While Working From Home
How to Work at Home with Young Kids without Going Crazy
How to Make the Most of Your Day When Working Remotely

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