Americans are warming up to the remote working boom imposed by COVID-19, according to a recent Gallup poll. Around 62% of employed Americans are working from home – a figure that has doubled since the middle of March – and many are finding the experience productive and time efficient. The ‘new norm’ for teams is not without its share of challenges, however. A new Consumer Intelligence Snap poll suggests that top problems being faced by remote teams include setting up technology, managing time efficiently, and finding a way to exercise. How can technology help with these and similar challenges?
Embracing Time Tracking Solutions
Around four million users in the U.S. use Microsoft’s Dynamics 365 – a cloud-based platform that combines components of customer relationship management, enterprise resource planning, productivity applications, and artificial intelligence tools. Companies working remotely can take it a step further by relying on time tracking for dynamics 365 so that employees can share the time involved in project hours and overhead. This type of software can also be used to create project hierarchies and track daily in/out work times. It is particularly useful for large teams in retail, marketing, sales, finance and operations, and other industries.
Video Conferencing Services
Google Meet, Zoom and GoToMeeting are three video conferencing platforms which are taking on a whole new importance during the COVID-19 crisis. Used for entertainment and work purposes, these platforms have a number of useful features that make video conferencing more ‘real’ than in the past. Motion recognition features, for instance, immediately zoom into the person speaking and users have a number of different options with respect to visibility. For instance, they can pin one user – a feature that is useful in conference-type communications.
Collaboration Software
Video conferencing isn’t for everyone, and many teams are managing to communicate without it via collaboration software such as Slack, blizz, Gsuite, miro, Samepage and talkspirit. Slack essentially enables users to chat in real time and permits the creation of groups. Thus, individual teams can work together and upload data, while also belonging to larger groups for general communication with other teams and management.
Social Communication
Social media is proving to be a crucial way to stay in touch with clients, provide information and/or entertainment, and strengthen a business’ sense of commitment. Tools such as HootSuite can help ensure that uploads are made to schedule and at a predetermined pace. This platform allows users to pre-upload posts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. Similar tools include Buffer and Sprout Social.
Technology is playing a big role in keeping teams active, productive and connected during this unique moment in history – one in which remote working is ‘the new normal.’ From social media management platforms to video conferencing apps, technology is making it easier for management to communicate with employees. It is also facilitating communication and smooth workflow between teams and organizations as a whole.
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