Connecting With Each Other During Coronavirus – How Do Businesses & Employees Keep Communication Open?
To slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses around the world have transitioned their employees from working in the office to working remotely from home. For most of us, the transition from office to home was very easy, but it wasn’t without the use of the right tools!
Everyone can agree that maintaining connections and being in constant contact with others could not be easier in 2020, however without the ability to meet face to face it is difficult for group collaboration.
Through the expansion of communication technologies, there are now many unique software programs and channels to choose from. These programs not only help keep employees organized but also allow seamless and instant communication; from scheduling an e-meeting, or keeping your tasks organized.
Industry Elites has compiled a list of the top websites and programs that we use to communicate and stay organized during these uneasy times. Let Industry Elites be your guide!
Skype
Skype has become a household name for communication technology, which is considered to be the most reliable. From video chatting to phone calls and instant messaging, Skype keeps your communication lines open with not only your coworkers but family and friends as well. Since Skype is a free platform, it will quickly become your go-to!
Fun Fact
Skype was started in 2003 by Niklas Zennström, from Sweden, and Janus Friis, from Denmark and now has over 800 employees.
Zoom
For video chatting purposes, Zoom is the place to be. Not only is Zoom beneficial for that 10 am business meeting but also to connect with friends and family! If you are not interested in downloading a new program, they have an online browser version that you can use to make your life a bit easier! Unfortunately, for the free version, it does set meetings to 40 minutes but on the plus side, it allows for up to 49 people on their video chats. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools have been taking the virtual route to their students via hosting classes on Zoom. Since Zoom is such a big platform it allows many educators and professors to connect to their students, simply by sharing a link to their virtual meeting.
Fun Fact
Zoom was founded in April 2001 by Eric Yuan and is based out of San Francisco, CA.
Google Hangouts
Google clearly does have the answer to everything! Working from home and having to balance talking with clients can cause a lot of unnecessary bumps in the communication line. To make our lives a lot easier, Google has incorporated a tool that allows you to not only schedule a calendar event to keep you organized but can also invite people to the event. Google Hangouts even gives you a ‘call number’ for people to call into for the meeting via their smartphone, tablet, or computer. This works perfectly for those who want to connect with people in different time zones or even in different countries to stay on the same page.
Fun Fact
Just in case you are worried, in most instances Google Hangouts provides free calling to the country you are currently in – it will not charge you any extra fees to your phone bill!
Monday.com
For all your team’s organizational needs, you need to explore Monday.com. This tool is a great asset when it comes to keeping yourself and your team members accountable for finishing tasks on time. Industry Elites’ highly recommends utilizing this platform to incorporate your to-do lists, as well as tasks for your team to complete. This is a paid service, but it is worth the spend; even during social isolation, you can’t let organization suffer!
Fun Fact
As of 2020, Monday.com aids over 100,000 organizations in total task organization.
Google Drive
Sharing documents, visuals and any project materials can be difficult when working from home, especially if your organization does not provide access to remove server storage. Google once again has created a user-friendly and free program that makes sharing information that much easier. Google Drive is a file storage and synchronization service developed by Google.
Fun Fact
Not only can you share files, Google Drive also gives you a place to create new documents, slideshows and spreadsheets on the fly!