During lock down we have all had to adapt to a changing work-life balance working remotely or from home is the order of the day. We may see a step change in behaviour post lock down, as people continue to work remotely and rely even more on technology and audio-visual systems.
We’ve been researching useful apps and software which could be extremely beneficial for efficient home working and collaborating with others as businesses of all sizes look at ways to continue to operate effectively in today’s world.
1. Zoom
Free to download, Zoom is becoming increasingly popular for those working remotely. It allows you to share your screen with your colleagues as well as cross-platform instant messaging. You can invite up to 100 people into a video conference and links to your calendar system to ensure you won’t miss vital meetings.
2. Google G Suite Apps
Google G Suite has a multitude of applications that you can utilise. To stay connected and up to date, you have full use of Gmail and Google Drive, in which you can create and share documents and files that can be edited in real time. You can also host video conferences on the Google Hangout app, while the Calendar app can be used you on schedule. For the creative worker, the ‘Keep’ application allows you to record your inspirational moments and create to-do lists.
3. Miro
Miro is ideal for small or medium sized businesses, as it acts like a cloud-based collaboration tool. The application comes fitted with a digital whiteboard that allows users to keep track of research and ideas. It can also be used for the creation of mood boards and mock-ups, which can be posted for fellow colleagues to make notes and leave feedback. Miro comes with pre-loaded templates, these can be converted to a PDF format or exported into a presentation.
4. Slack
Slack allows you to communicate with your team all in one place. With the ‘Channels’ tool you can create specific group chats for various topics. These channels can be assigned to individual team members, reducing congestion for your team. Slack can be used to share files amongst team members and allows the use of Dropbox.
5. Noisli
Noisli is different to the previous applications, as the core purpose is to increase focus. It is a background noise generator that allows you to mix your own sounds together to create a soft playlist. This allows for a tailored sound environment to help keep you on track. Included is a timer function that allows you create work sessions to maximise efficiency.
6. Focus Booster
Focus Booster is a time tracking app based on the pomodoro technique. The pomodoro technique encourages you to work within the time you have, rather than struggling against it. You work in pomodoro sessions, which are 25-minute blocks of work followed by a 5-minute break. This framework helps improve productivity and focus. This is particularly vital for freelancers.
7. Zapier
Zapier is an online automation tool that you can connect with your different apps and services. By connecting two or more apps, you can automate repetitive tasks to save yourself time and increase your productivity and work efficiently. This is done through an automated workflow known as a ‘Zap’. These run automated actions when triggered, such as downloading email attachments from your different emails.
AV Aide is a dedicated trade supplier of specialist audio-visual services and solutions.
Servicing Audio Visual Solutions providers, IT Consultancies and Construction companies on a national scale AV Aide is one of the UK’s leading companies in its field.
With a reputation for excellence and an ethos of partnership and trust, the company provides a specialist range of trade services including pre-sale support, implementation support and after sale support.
Founded by Rob Orrell, with its head office in Lancashire, AV Aide possess over 25 years of experience in the AV industry and is renowned for outstanding service, unrivalled expertise and exceptional quality.