COVID-19 has forced many companies to accommodate remote working to minimise impact of the virus on employees and the wider society. To ensure that some amount of productivity is maintained, companies are implementing collaboration tools to manage tasks, projects and other initiatives with employees.
To prevent failed implementations, the tools selected must align with the company culture and have employee buy-in; therefore, primary stakeholders should be involved in the assessment and selection of tools to be used. Be careful, do not overwhelm the team by implementing multiple software or software that are difficult to learn — simple, easy-to-use software is key.
Here’s a quick review of my favourite online collaboration and communication tools that are simple and easy-to-use.
1. Trello
If you’re looking for a tool to organise various initiatives, manage tasks or action items from meeting consider using Trello’s Kanban board style view.
Trello allows users to create task lists or boards which can be organised by teams, milestone or any preferred task grouping. Users can also assign tasks, add files, make comments among other things.
A major benefit of Trello is that it can be integrated with apps such as Slack, Adobe Creative Cloud and Google Drive. It is available as both a web app and mobile app with free and premium options. Check out Trello here.
2. Slack
Slack is a collaboration tool which allows users to easily organise conversations into different channels (for example a technical channel, commercial channel, finance channel, etc.). Users can also send direct messages, host video calls and share files within the platform. It can be integrated with Trello, Dropbox, Google Drive, Adobe Creative Cloud and other software. Slack can be accessed via web, mobile app and desktop app. Additionally, it offers a free and a premium model. Create a Slack Workspace here.
3. Zoom
Zoom is a web conferencing platform that is offered as a freemium service. It allows users to record meetings, share screens, chat privately or in a group and offers a virtual whiteboard. One of my favourite features is the ability to share mouse and keyboard with participants allowing them control of your device. Zoom can be accessed via web, mobile app and desktop app. Check out Zoom here.
4. Asana
Asana allows users to create to-do lists, set reminders for upcoming deadlines, send requests to team members and comment on posts. Users can organise tasks/projects in a list or board format. One of my favourite functions is the search option which makes it easier to locate files or tasks. This function can also be used to create reports on the tasks, projects and users which can be downloaded for in-depth analysis. When integrated with email users can receive alerts without visiting the software. Asana can also be integrated with calendars, Salesforce, Adobe Creative Cloud, Slack, Office 365, Google Drive, Power IB and other software. Asana is available for use via web and mobile app. Check out it here.
5. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a communication software which offers video conferencing, messaging, file sharing and screen sharing. When integrated with Office 365 users can use plugins such as Stream, Whiteboard, Notes and Planner; these tools allows users to record meetings, make meeting notes, create and assign tasks to team members and brainstorm and plan initiatives. It allows for integration with other platforms such as Trello, DropBox, Adobe Creative Cloud and social media platforms. Teams can be accessed via web, mobile app and desktop app. Check out the Teams demo here.
