2020 was the year of remote working. By 2021 the technology firms had caught up and started offering apps with amazing remote working features, and 2022 is the year where we will see these features truly evolve into something special.
There are so many apps for remote workers that are competing for space, so how will you know which one is right for you?
Here are The Top 5 apps that have received a consistent thumbs-up from remote workers around the world, what they do, how they work, and why remote workers highly recommend them.
Serene
The one thing that all remote workers have in common is distractions. While distractions certainly exist in the traditional office, when working from home the distractions are magnified tenfold and productivity suffers.
Serene helps you to manage your workflow and your mental health. It prompts you to take regular breaks, blocks access to distracting websites and apps, controls internet-connected lights, and other cool interactive features that can help you stay focused and in the zone.
Additional features include:
- Goal planning and management
- Productivity tracking
- Focus Music
- To-Do list
- Phone silencing
Discord
Discord was originally a platform for gamers but more and more remote workers are jumping onboard the Discord app and using it for work communication.
Discord is a secure server where you can talk to anyone, about anything, providing they are tuned into that particular ‘channel’.
It's a safe and secure way to connect with people with the same interests as you and unlike Slack and Teams, you can communicate with anyone in your industry even if they work outside of your organization.
Remote workers in 2022 have hijacked the gaming app for work purposes because of the following features that Discord offers:
- Excellent networking opportunities
- Large servers
- Secure IP and protection from viral attacks
- Affordable (most Discord channels are Free)
- Clear audio - connectivity between users
- Business-focused Bots
- File Uploads
It is important to remember that Discord is not designed for work. Some desirable features are missing as Discord is tailored to gamers.
However, the marketing giants at Discord are currently rebranding the app to attract more business-savvy users, so we expect the app to introduce more integrated features for workers over the next 12 months.
Zoom
No list of apps for remote workers would be complete without Zoom. Arguably to King of Remote Communication, Zoom has remained steadfast throughout the pandemic and shows no signs of slowing down as workers gradually return to their offices.
Working from home is not only here to stay, but it is expected to increase by 2023. This assumption includes full-time WFH opportunities and hybrid work models.
Zoom is taking full advantage of this permanent shift, and maintaining its status as the leading virtual meet-up service by introducing new interactive options for users.
If you’re behind on the latest Zoom features, here’s what’s new in 2022:
- Ability to place your Presentation as a virtual background
- Closed captions for neurodivergent employees and those with hearing impairment
- Option to suppress background noise
- Option to create highlights and timestamps for playback purposes
- Enhanced encryption options for better security
iLovePDF
iLovePDF is a free document management system that is set to replace the traditional office printer. Popular with freelancers and the self-employed, iLovePDF gives you the ability to protect your work by converting Word files to PDF format for free.
ILovePDF allows you to manipulate PDF documents before you send them to customers and colleagues. You can also reformat PDFs back into Word documents.
The document conversion app offers basic features for free and premium memberships are available with additional benefits. If you chose to opt for the premium subscription, as a paying member you can enjoy the following features:
- Unlimited document conversions
- Digital signatures
- Customer support
- No Adverts
Zapier
Zapier can help you eliminate repetitive tasks so you can stay busy with important work that requires real focus.
Zapier is great for home and traditional office working. Whether you realize it or not, working from a computer involves a lot of repetitive tasks that can take up a whole chunk of your workday.
Repetitive tasks like cross-posting across platforms, data entry, approvals, and sign-offs can consume up to 6 hours a week of your precious work time.
You can streamline your workflow by setting up automated systems called ‘Zaps’. There are numerous functions for each Zap, and they can connect to different apps across devices to help you check off those smaller tasks on your to-do list.
- Trigger Zaps from any App
- Compatible with Trello, Google Sheets, Gmail, Facebook and MailChimp
- Add or subtract steps to any Zap, anytime
- Bookmark important information for later use
- Share data between apps
- Autofill from one database to another
So, there it is, our Top 5 Best apps for 2022, and which one works best for you depends on your work and your lifestyle.
As we all adjust to remote working, these apps certainly come in handy to help us stay focused, organized, and connected throughout our day.
