The novel coronavirus pandemic accelerated the shift to remote working. Stanford University reports that over 40% of U.S. employees are now working from home full-time. About half of them are able to do their jobs at an efficiency rate of 80% or more.
Unfortunately, this new way of doing things doesn’t work for everyone. Some employees are not tech-savvy, while others have a hard time staying focused. Loneliness, distractions, and lack of motivation are all common complaints.
If that’s your case, start using the best productivity apps to get more done. Evernote, Trello, Workplace by Facebook, and other apps can make it easier to stay organized when working remotely.
Depending on your needs, you may use time trackers, website blockers, online collaboration tools, and more. The end result? A better work-life balance, higher productivity, and improved performance.
Not sure what to look for? Here are some of the best productivity apps to stay on track and reduce distractions!
Trello Makes Project Management Easier
Trello is ideal for both collaboration and project management, making it easier to organize your workflow. Remote teams use this service to share project updates, create to-do lists, and assign tasks.
For example, if you’re managing a team of writers, you can set up a Trello board and create lists for each project, such as “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done.”
The first list may include any articles you’re working on. Share the board with your team members and ask them to move the cards from the first list to the second and third lists as needed.
Setting up a Trello board couldn’t be easier. Users can choose from hundreds of templates designed for remote work, marketing, business, education, and so on.
Trello can also be integrated with other virtual tools, including OneDrive, GiftHub, Evernote, Box, and Twitter. Plus, it features an extensive library of custom cards and team collaboration tools.
Note that Trello works best for teams. If you work alone, consider using Microsoft to Do. This service allows users to create daily planners, share lists, and manage their tasks on the go.
Use the Freedom App to Minimize Distractions
The average employee spends about 12% of his workday on YouTube, Facebook, and other social networks. This number is even higher among those who work from home.
If you find yourself wandering the social media landscape instead of working, it’s time to use a website blocker. Freedom and other productivity apps can automatically block time-wasting websites so you can focus on the tasks at hand.
Employees who use the Freedom app gain about 2.5 hours of productive time per day. Currently, this online service has over one million users.
Take Notes on the Go with Evernote
If you had to choose just one app for taking notes, it should be Evernote. This online tool syncs across devices, allowing users to access their notes anytime, anywhere.
With Evernote, users can scan their handwriting, organize coursework, track due dates, and take screenshots. You can even add tags and comments, edit titles, and attach PDFs to your notes.
The app has three versions, including a free plan. If you need it for work, consider using the Premium version. It has a 10GB monthly upload limit and allows users to sync their notes across unlimited devices.
Typora Makes Content Writing a Breeze
What makes Typora stand out is its simplicity. This writing app makes it easier to create web content, organize files, and highlight key points.
Compared to other apps, Typora has a more minimalist interface for a seamless experience. It also features dozens of themes for every type of document you could think of. This makes it ideal for creating white papers, web pages, landing pages, and reports.
Track Your Work Hours with Toggl
About 82% of managers are afraid that remote work affects employee productivity. Nearly 70% are worried that their staff may end up overworking.
Whether you’re self-employed or working for a company, you can use virtual tools to get more done in less time. The whole point is to work smarter, not harder.
A good example is Toggl, a time-tracking app. By using this free tool, you’ll know exactly how much time you’re spending on each task.
Toggle automatically tracks every website or app you use for more than 10 seconds. On top of that, you can start the timer directly from Trello, Asana, and other apps. Users can also download weekly or daily reports to see where their time is being spent.
Slack Streamlines Teamwork
Working as part of a team comes with its challenges, especially when you’re miles away from your colleagues. That’s where Slack comes in handy.
Touted as one of the best productivity apps, Slack enables users to chat, share files, and manage projects in real-time. You can set up groups and channels, send direct messages, and make voice or video calls.
With this online tool, you’ll have all the information you need from your clients or coworkers in one place.
Slack can replace email, instant messaging, and video conferencing software. Plus, it’s compatible with over 2,200 apps, including Salesforce, Zapier, and Google Drive.
This collaboration tool is free for small teams. The Standard, Plus, and Enterprise plans offer a wider range of features, but you’ll have to pay a monthly fee of $6.67 and up.
Depending on your needs, you can start with the free version and upgrade later on.
Use the Best Productivity Apps to Maximize Your Workday
As a freelancer, you can use the best productivity apps to gain a competitive edge and get more done. If you’re an employee, these tools can help you stay on track with your projects and avoid distractions when working from home.
Speaking of freelancing, sign up as a writer on our platform to sell your services and connect with potential clients! If you’re a business owner, sign up for an account to find skilled writers who understand your needs.
In the meantime, browse the rest of our blog for expert insights into content writing, digital marketing, and more!
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