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Zoom has reported a not-insignificant 170% increase in revenue and 250% rise in the value of their stocks since the start of the pandemic – and it’s easy to see why. The advantages of being the first video calling software out of the gate back in March 2020 are clear to see – but is it all set to change?
Consumers are fickle – back in the Tiger King and banana bread stage of COVID-19, we flirted endlessly with Houseparty… until the security breaches persuaded us elsewhere.
Right now, other platforms are emerging with different features all vying for the top spot in virtual networking. With 80% of organizations expected to use cloud services by 2025, let’s explore some of the best platforms to keep remote workers connected.
Asana
Touted as a platform to empower remote workers to plan and coordinate work, Asana is a great alternative for project planning with a visual edge.
On one dashboard, you can structure work to suit your team’s needs, setting priorities and deadlines and assigning tasks from one location. Asana eradicates the need for those ‘just checking the progress on xyz project’ emails as you can transparently see where a job is at, and who it currently lies with. From medical malpractice attorneys to marketing experts, this is great when collaboration is key.
Used by the likes of Google, Nasa, and Sky, Asana is a tried and tested project management system, capable of handling the smallest tasks to the biggest, global launches all on the same browser.
Microsoft Teams x SelfDrvn
Integrating gamification with a traditional collaborative, virtual workspace, SelfDrvn has recently joined forces with Microsoft Teams to boost employee productivity… with games.
SelfDrvn is an employee engagement platform, optimized to empower and drive remote teams. Encouraging collaboration and togetherness, the software promises to motivate teams towards company-wide goals, urging them to ‘give their best every day.’
Now the service as a solution (SaaS) platform has integrated with Microsoft Teams, a raft of new workplace initiatives will be seen, from talent recognition, appreciation badges, reward points, and levels.
With employers struggling to see how their employees are performing at work without them being in their eye line, this SaaS provider gives key insights to behavior and habits to better commend workers for doing a good job.
Final words on connecting beyond Zoom
Buffer’s 2020 State of Remote Work report shows that 98% of those interviewed would like to continue remote working in some capacity for the rest of their working lives. The biggest struggle they list as their blocker? Collaboration and communication, followed by loneliness.
We are only fresh into the remote working world, but we need to continue to prioritize employee collaboration and communication if the initiative is to succeed. By using some of the tools we have listed above, you can improve the dynamics between your teams and enhance their working experience for good – and who knows what the next big thing in remote software will be.