So you’re working from home? Welcome to the world of home officing! It’s not science, but here are the Best Apps for Working from Home to make you look like a pro.
Whether you’ve been working from home for a few years or all of a sudden have had it forced upon you with #coronacation, never fear, there are many apps out there to make you look awesome teleworking, remote working, working from home, or whatever it is now we do to get it done.
I’ve been working from home for more than 10 years in some way. Sometimes it was a project, sometime it was a kid (ok, most the time it’s been a kid), and then there were the times I just couldn’t make it to the office. And along the way, I’ve learned a lot – especially from other people that work from home. Ironically, I have an office, but most the time I prefer to work from home because I’ve been doing it for so long. And I’ve learned some tricks to keep me from going crazy (well, semi crazy at least.)
Make note: some of these are free, some have free versions along with paid services, and some have a monthly cost, so make sure to choose the right ones for you.
Best Apps for Working from Home
1. Slack
“It’s where work gets done…” Slack is for team communication – keeping direct messaging, group texting, notes, etc. all in one place. However, for me, I still love email to keep all my info nice and tidy. I don’t delete anything, ever so email acts as a que for keeping up with info and requests.
2. Skype / UberConference / Zoom
Everyone has their own way, but when you need to have a meeting, this is the way. Skype has been around the longest, is integrated with Microsoft and also includes chat, but I like UberConference. You can record the call for those that come in later or can’t attend. Also you can do screenshare, plus it’s free (and you’ll dig the wait music.) I don’t do Zoom as much, but when you’re having a big group call this seems to be the most used service. And of course, there’s always Facetime in a pickle.
3. Facebook Workplace
Just like Facebook – but for work. Think news, chats, polls, and groups – all for your work. I have one client that uses this and it’s more of a communication channel than a productivity tool.
4. Toggl
If you work by the hour or charge by the hour to clients, you have to keep up with your time to get paid. Toggl does just that – it allows you to track your time in real time. However, if you’re looking for a freebie with tons of bells and whistles, Homebase may be a better option (and my personal favorite.)
5. Google Drive
It’s an oldie but a goodie and I live by it. All documents can be created, shared, and stored here – no matter if it’s document, spreadsheet, or slideshow. For me, next to GMail and all the Workplace Apps, this is my go-to, hands down.
6. Dropbox
Need to store mass amounts of photos, files, etc.? Dropbox is where you do it. You can easily share large amounts of files and storage you need to easily access.
7. Chrome Desktop
It’s your desktop anywhere. With Chrome Desktop, you can securely access your computer from your phone, tablet, or another computer. It’s fast, simple, and free to get to your desktop even when you can’t.
8. Doodl
Doodl is easy website for helping to quickly poll / schedule meetings with clients, colleagues, or friends. You just send it over, everyone makes their selection and you go with the best of the rest.
9. Evernote
You need to take notes, but what happens when you need to save them, organize them and share them? Plus you can screenshot, search and handwriting also still applies too. That’s Evernote.
10. Expensify
If you have expenses that you need to track, Expensify makes it easy to take photos of your receipts, track your mileage and make a report all from your smartphone or on Desktop.
Best of luck with your telecommuting adventures!
What are your favorite tools and apps for working from home?
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