Collaboration is a factor that doesn’t receive as much recognition but can contribute significantly to the success of your business, alongside numerous other factors.
Collaboration, no matter the organization’s size, holds immense importance. It aids in fostering a positive work culture, uniting individuals towards a shared objective, offering a sense of purpose, and enabling every member to contribute. Studies have additionally revealed its impact on boosting workplace performance and productivity.
Collaborating has become challenging due to the absence of the days when everyone gathered in the same room. Nowadays, we work with teams that have different schedules and are scattered across various time zones.
Are you looking for a way to work effectively with your team members no matter their location? Then you’ll be pleased to know that there are numerous online tools available to simplify collaboration. Here are 13 solutions that can help you achieve this goal.
The 13 Best Online Collaboration Tools to Boost Your Team’s Productivity
1. Calendar
By using Calendar, you have the option to send a smart scheduling link to your team in order to determine the most suitable meeting time. When tagging the invitees, you will receive a notification indicating their availability. This process not only prevents lengthy email conversations but also takes into account factors such as time zones automatically. Afterward, you can include further details like the conference call number link.
2. Gmail/G Suite
Whether you opt for the free version or the paid G Suite option, this collaboration tool is widely regarded as the best one available. It allows you to communicate with others through email, Hangouts, or Duo, as well as collaborate on Docs, Slides, and Presentations. Moreover, you have the option to share your calendars, enabling you to easily determine people’s availability or absence.
Not only that, but also Keep allows everyone to exchange their ideas. Additionally, for brainstorming sessions, there is a virtual whiteboard called Jamboard.
3. Nifty
Nifty is an all-inclusive project management tool that enables project members and stakeholders to engage in real-time discussions, establish objectives and expectations, collaborate on tasks using the Kanban method, and receive automated progress updates. Essentially, Nifty is capable of efficiently managing both day-to-day tasks and fostering a collective focus on bigger project objectives.
4. ProofHub
ProofHub is a web-based project management and collaboration tool that allows you to effectively organize files, plan projects, track progress, schedule tasks, and communicate with other project participants.
Additionally, there is a proofing tool available that enhances the speed of approving and reviewing the design process.
5. Slack
Slack was created with the purpose of facilitating communication among remote teams. This user-friendly tool enables real-time conversations without the need for email meetings. Furthermore, it allows the creation of distinct channels to cater to different types of discussions. These channels can encompass individual conversations, dedicated project-related discussions, or simply serve as a general forum for open conversations.
6. Backlog
Another tool for managing projects. In addition to performing basic tasks such as organizing, discussing, and tracking projects in a single location, it also offers the ability to divide projects into tasks or subtasks, set milestones and due dates. Moreover, it provides the option to create wikis and utilize Emojis for an enhanced user experience.
The app of the hand has bug tracking and version control features. Moreover, Backlog offers burndown charts, Git graphs, and Gantt charts for easily monitoring the project’s progress at a glance.
7. Time Doctor
Time Doctor is a robust time tracking app that has a connection to collaboration. It provides the ability to monitor the duration it takes for your team members to finish assignments in real-time. Consequently, you will gain a clearer understanding of project completion time and the necessary actions to maintain progress.
By analyzing this data, you can identify areas where people are spending their time unproductively. If someone is excessively using social media or visiting distracting websites, they will be notified to avoid those sites. Additionally, this tool seamlessly integrates with Asana, Basecamp, GitHub, Salesforce, Teamwork, Trello, and Zendesk.
Collaborative Calendar Apps
1. Google Calendar
For many businesses, Google Calendar and the rest of the Google Suite has become the default cloud setup because of its ease of use, sleek interface, and the fact that it is free. It’s no surprise that it has gained popularity. Sharing your calendar with others through a unique URL can be a convenient way to set deadlines or check workplace productivity. Additionally, since it is already integrated into your Gmail account, you can easily schedule meetings or calls. There are also several schedule apps that work seamlessly with both Google Calendar and Gmail. It can be argued that Google Calendar is not only the most popular free team calendar, but also the best online calendar overall.
2. Apple Calendar
If your company utilizes Apple hardware, then Apple Calendar will already come pre-installed. It is important to note that Apple Calendar is a stylish application. Its interface is extremely simple, matching the visual design found in other Apple apps. Although Apple Calendar may not have fancy add-ons and is only available on Apple and iOS devices, the company’s applications have consistently prioritized simplicity and user experience. As many individuals often remark, it functions effortlessly.
3. Microsoft Outlook
Apple utilizes Calendar, while Microsoft depends on Outlook. A number of businesses utilizing desktops still opt for Outlook due to its integration with Microsoft Office, which facilitates the management of emails, contacts, tasks, and events in a cohesive system. Notable features comprise the ability to share team calendars, compare timetables side by side, and send meeting requests directly from email or the calendar. Unlike Apple Calendar, Outlook is compatible with both Windows and Apple devices. The cost for Office 365 business subscriptions starts at $5.00 per user per month or $120 per user per year. Fortunately, the mobile versions are offered free of charge.
4. UpTo
If you’re looking for a calendar with a more casual and social focus, give UpTo a try. Unlike other calendars on this list, UpTo functions more like a closed social network for organizing events. It allows you to see what your colleagues are up to in real-time, with the option to like and comment on their activities. You can also follow other calendars, such as your favorite TV show or sports team schedule. UpTo even lets you create groups for work, family, projects, and more. The best part is that it seamlessly integrates with popular calendars like Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, and Facebook Events. In terms of features available at no cost, UpTo is arguably the most robust alternative to Google Calendar.
5. TeamUp
Are you looking for a way to view upcoming events or projects easily, without the hassle of creating accounts and permissions? That’s where TeamUp comes in. With its vibrant interface, TeamUp streamlines team collaboration. The calendar is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit various industries, such as education and technology. It has been adopted by prestigious institutions like Harvard University, NASA, HPE, Philips, Red Bull, and many others. For further insight into how TeamUp is practically applied, visit their website.
6. Calendly
Do you find the constant back and forth in scheduling a meeting annoying? If so, Calendly is the solution for you. Simply set your availability preferences, share your Calendly link with your clients or teammates, and they can then select the correct time and date from the options provided by Calendly. It is a straightforward, intelligent tool that integrates well with third-party calendars. You can use the basic version for free, or opt for the premium or pro plans at $8 and $12 respectively, which offer additional features and capabilities.
