5 App Types All Remote Workers Should Have on Their Smartphones
Remote work is no longer an alternative solution but a long-term reality for millions of working professionals across the globe.
While the laptop and home office get the most attention in the context of remote work, the smartphone is an equally significant tool to stay productive, connected, and organized as a remote worker. Whether your focus is digital marketing, digital PR, freelance writing, or something else, the right tools of the trade are essential to getting your work done right.
Here are five types of apps that are must-haves for anyone who works from home.
- A Team Communication App
Communication is the lifeblood of working remotely, and email isn’t necessarily the best solution for it. While it’s possible to get the job done via email alone, a team communication app is a must-have for efficient remote work.
A team communication app allows remote workers to communicate and collaborate with the team in real time. Such apps enable instant messaging and discussions on specific topics. In addition, it can be set up to ensure the right messages are brought to the attention of the right users without interrupting their work.
If you work from home, using a team communication app will keep you connected to the office.
- A Task and Project Management App
Remote working involves juggling a number of responsibilities and tasks — so, being able to stay on task is essential. A task or project management app can, in this regard, be a godsend.
Apps such as Asana, Trello, or Todoist enable users to create task lists, set due dates, and organize tasks according to projects or boards. Having such an app on your phone can help you to easily check tasks, change task statuses, or jot down new ideas as they come to mind.
A task management app is extremely useful for remote workers who have to handle multiple projects or clients simultaneously. It’ll help you stay the course so you don’t get frazzled.
- A Cloud Storage App
Having access to files from anywhere is an absolute requirement for remote work. Using a cloud storage app, you can have easy access to your important documents, presentations, and spreadsheets regardless of where you are.
Apps such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive will let you view, edit, and share files from anywhere, as long as you have your smartphone on hand. This is extremely useful for reviewing files on the go, making necessary edits, and sending files to team members and clients.
A cloud storage app is also an essential tool for remote workers as it’ll reduce the risk of losing work.
- A Time Management or Focus App
Time management isn’t always as straightforward as it might seem. In an office environment, you’ll have set working hours. And when you’re done with work, you can use your time as you wish. However, as a remote worker, you’ll often find your work hours creeping into your personal time, and vice versa, due to distractions and other reasons.
Other apps, like Rescue Time, Focus To Do, or Forest, can help you track time spent on activities, increase periods of focused work, and optimize breaks. These apps use various techniques, like the Pomodoro method, to help users concentrate and prevent burnout.
Having a time management app on your smartphone can help you become more aware of your work habits, work more efficiently, and protect your personal time from constant work-related interruptions.
- A Video Conferencing App
Virtual meetings are an integral part of remote work, and a video conferencing app on your smartphone will ensure you’re always prepared for any remote work situation.
Having a video conferencing app on your smartphone will, for instance, allow you to join meetings, share your screen, and engage in meetings and discussions from anywhere and at any time.
Video conferencing apps such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams are great options.
Remote work is a reality, and remote workers need various tools and the right mindset to work remotely.
Having a laptop and a home office is a necessity. But so, too, is having a smartphone and various apps. Ensure you have a team communication app, a task management app, a cloud storage app, a time management app, and a video conferencing app on your smartphone.
You’ll find remote work easier when you have the tools that keep you efficient and productive.
