Productivity tools in computer are the instruments that assist to complete the tasks within the stipulated time in efficient manner. It is very much feasible when in use in corporate organizations which aim to achieve the targeted performance level. With the help of these productivity tools, it becomes possible to attune efficiently to achieve target related results in least possible time duration.
Here are some important productive tools to try out.
BlueJeans
BlueJeans is a full-featured web conferencing app that integrates with collaboration tools. Touting a simple and modern approach, in contrast to some of the more complex services offered by competitors, Bluejeans uses a system of meetings, rooms and events to enable video meetings anywhere.
No software is required with the ability to launch meetings from a browser. Also, the service allows for easy viewing of all video conference activity in your organization. Plans start at $16.65/month/host for enterprise teams.
Source:BlueJeans
Whereby
This video chat service is ideal for small organizations that want a simple method for connecting team members. It features a fast service due to its streamlined nature.Whereby (formerly Appear.in) doesn’t require an app download or login, users simply share their meeting link and anyone can join in-browser. Whereby starts free, but teams will want to pay $59.99/month, which will allow multiple users and admins.
Source:Whereby
Slack
Slack is often touted as the pioneer of team messaging.
As one of the first persistent chat platforms, Slack has the upper hand when it comes to user experience and integrations as they’ve had longer to experiment and get it right.
Even down to the recently introduced Slack dark mode, Slack is always striving to improve it look and feel.
Another recent introduction is Enterprise Key Management (EKM).
This has been introduced to satisfy security requirements of large enterprises that had previous concerns over data retention.
Slack describes EKM as “providing all of the security of an on-premise solution, with all the benefits of a cloud tool.”
Key features of Slack include:
- Automated reminders
- Task list management
- Custom shortcuts
- Many, many bot integrations
- Search channels for keywords and important documents
Hive
Hive combines a unique blend of project management and team collaboration to provide teams the ability to manage their projects in the way they work best.
Configurable views are available to switch easily ultimate flexibility.
Supporting Gantt, Kanban and an assortment of tables, Hive then integrates into over 1000 other productivity apps like Salesforce, HubSpot and Marketo.
Key features include:
- Direct and Group Messaging (Private and Public Groups)
- Task Management
- File Integration with Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and One Drive
- Email Integration
- Notes
Troop Messenger
Troop Messenger recognizes that emails and one-on-one meetings are a thing of the past. Participate in productive team communication without ever leaving your seat. Troop Messenger makes it possible for you.
Try out Troop Messenger – a shortcut to office chat that protects your corporate interactions without compromising on privacy.
Troop Messenger includes:
- Swift Search
- Power Code
- Third Party App Integration
- Video Conferencing
- Instant Messaging
- Powerful Analytics
Lifesize
Lifesize describes itself as a purpose-built video conferencing solution for the modern business.
Lifesize video conferencing app for desktop, mobile, and browser delivers high-quality video and audio.
With a focus on ease of use and reliability, Lifesize has quickly become one of the leading video-based Skype for Business alternatives.
Key Lifesize features include:
- Integration with Outlook, Slack, Cisco, and Polycom
- Present wirelessly with Lifesize Share™
- Simple management and administration
- Screen sharing, chat, meeting recording and event live streaming.
Freedom
From checking website analytics to cruising social media, it can be hard to meet deadlines when you’re pulled away from your “focus zone,” every five minutes. With the Freedom app, you can block websites, alerts, and other digital distractions so your attention stays on your current project.
This app goes a step above the rest because it blocks sites on multiple devices, so you won’t be able to pick up your phone and scroll to get around the block on your desktop.
Make sure your teammates know that you’re entering a “distraction-free zone,” so they understand why you aren’t responding to their messages.
StayFocused
StayFocused is a free Chrome extension that restricts the amount of time you are allowed to spend on “time-wasting websites” like Facebook. The tool is ultra-customizable – choose which websites (or specific pages) to block, how long to block them for, etc.
Noisli
Whether you need to block out distracting sounds, increase your focus or wind down after a stressful period, Noisli can help. This isn’t your average white noise generator, though. You can mix sounds to create the perfect working environment where you can be your most productive self.
If you work in a busy household with children or roommates, all the hustle and bustle can be distracting. Turn on Noisli to get into your zone of focus quickly and easily.
Pushbullet
Throughout the day, you likely switch back and forth between devices. From computer to iPad to smartphone; from desktop to smartphone to tablet. If you’re always bouncing around, you’re setting yourself up for a day of distracting transitions that make it harder to get back into the project you’re working on. Wouldn’t things be so much easier, and less distracting, if all your devices were connected as one? That’s exactly why you need Pushbullet.
You can send text messages from your computer, see your phone’s notification on your tablet, and share links and files instantly without having to email them to yourself. These are just a few of the conveniences Pushbullet provides. For the multi-device worker, this is a must-have tool.
Sleep Cycle
Have you ever woken up in a mental fog, with a pounding headache, and somehow more exhausted than when you went to bed? This unpleasant trio is often the result of waking in the middle (or the deepest part) of a sleep cycle.
You’re much more likely to awake refreshed if you get enough rest each night and wake during the lightest phase of your natural sleep cycle. But how do you know when you’re in this lightest phase? Sleep Cycle alarm clock app will analyze your sleep and automatically wake you at the best time. Instead of being distracted by a foggy brain or the temptation to take a nap, you’ll feel refreshed and productive all day.
Calendly
Calendly is a must-have tool for small business owners and marketers because it eliminates the distraction of scheduling meetings and booking time to work. With this app, you can set up events from your existing calendar and block out times when you’re busy. If someone wants to set a meeting, they can reserve a time in Calendly without having to submit a calendar request via email—or having to go back and forth on a time that works for both of you.
This tool is particularly useful because of its buffers. Users can create buffer times in between meetings, like 10-minute breaks for travel time or stretching and even set up barriers for last-minute meetings. This prevents people from packing your day or adding something to your schedule with only an hour’s notice.
SaneBox
SaneBox analyzes your past and ongoing email activity to deduce, in a very Sherlock-esque manner, which emails matter to you and which don’t. SaneBox will move the less important emails into the @SaneLater folder that magically appears in your inbox, storing them for retrieval when you have a spare minute. You know, that spare minute when you say to yourself, “let’s take a look at more junk I probably don’t care about.”
Ultimately, the issue is that by hiding away “unimportant” (although notably not completely unimportant, otherwise you’d just unsubscribe) messages to the gloomy email moors, you risk never seeing them. But considering how inundated most of us are with spam and flash sales, we’d probably embrace sending them straight to the incinerator.
Toggl
Toggl was founded in 2006 and provides online time tracking software tailored towards freelances, graphic designers and consultants. One of the perks of the service is its generous free tier of service.
With Toggl, you can keep track of the time you spend on different tasks and review if you’ve spent your time wisely.
The functionality of Toggl is not restricted by device. In other words, it can work on your computer, tablet and phone while simultaneously keeping track of the number of hours worked on a specific task or project. It is an intuitive and easy-to-use service that provides users the tools they need to keep track of time.
Evernote
Evernote is a household name and the company was founded in 2000. The app allows users to capture, organize and find your information across multiple platforms.
You can add to-do’s, images, web pages and has a built-in searchable option. You can organize and customize the notes whatever way you want for a seamless experience.
RecueTime
RescueTime is headquartered in Seattle and founded in 2007. It is a web-based management tool that monitors a users’ computer usage and time spent on a site.
Conclusion
Productivity tools can help you get more done both inside and outside the office. More than just an app, productivity tools help you organize tasks and collaborate effectively. On that note, there are three different categories of productivity tools: physical, digital and collaboration tools.