The global pandemic, COVID-19 has affected almost all the companies in the world. In the present scenario, the most affected and troubled companies are the ones that are still running on principles of a traditional workspace. However, companies have now realized that they now need to reinvent themselves and revisit the entire work and workplace methodology to survive this pandemic.
Companies have realized that they need to switch to digital tools to retain some resemblance of normality. The firms that are equipped with digital technology and arsenal, and are capable of remodeling the business by the fast-tracking digital transformation, will be the ones able to survive this situation.
At this time, firms need to be digitally adaptable and flexible when social distancing is necessary. They require the tools and processes that enable all employees to communicate and conduct the responsibilities efficiently.
During this time, one set of tools that have grown by leaps and bounds are collaboration tools.
Collaboration Tools
Various companies across the world are implementing working from home methods, to manage the business, so that work can be performed while taking precautions to reduce the spread of the COVID 19. According to a survey done by Workhuman, in the United States, only one-third of people have worked for home before this COVID 19 pandemic.
In this pandemic situation, many firms across the globe are obtaining tools that can assist in collaborating when working from home. Technical giants are coming up with ideas for effective coordination during the work from home, with many types of digital technologies and tools. These tools basically make collaboration between remote teams a seamless experience.
Popular Collaboration Tools
Some of the Collaboration tools that have gained the most during this time are:
- Zoom: Every Tom, Dick, and Harry has now heard of the phrase “Zoom Meeting”. Zoom is now akin to video meetings as Google is to Search. With a generous free plan that allows up to 100 participants per meeting, comes with audio / video conferencing and screen sharing, and a really easy to use experience, Zoom has taken the video meeting world by storm. However, the early gains came with concerns around security, Zoom Bombings, as well as China connection. This spooked a lot of people who started looking for alternatives, but Zoom has moved to add the security issues quickly and is rising.
- Microsoft Teams: Microsoft Teams is another tool that became the guardian angel for remote teams. With almost everything that remote teams require for collaboration, Microsoft Teams became an instant hit. On top of that, the fact that it came bundled with Office365 meant most of the corporate users already had access to it and just could hit the ground running. Even the ones that were not on Office 365 could enjoy the Free version of Teams, which came with much more than what someone could ask for.
- Google Meet: Google was really late to the party. And probably confused also. With all sorts of tools (Hangouts, Google Meet, Duo) it really didn’t have a unified strategy to take advantage of this situation. And while other tools launched generous free versions, Google made Google Meet free only recently for anyone with a Gmail address. It does not even require a G Suite account now. However, it might be too late, as people have already got accustomed to the other tools that have already been available.
- Jitsi Meet: Among these technology behemoths, another tool that has gained significant popularity is Jitsi Meet. It is a free Video / Audio conferencing tool that can be self-hosted. And comes with end-to-end encryption. So, if someone is concerned about security, they can just host Jitsi Meet on their own server and set up a full functional audio / video conferencing suite for free. However, it does come with a limitation that the system starts slowing down if the number of participants increases beyond 35.
With the help of these tools, teams working remotely can collaborate effectively.
Conclusion
The COVID 19 pandemic has changed the method of business. Companies that are digitally transformed are equipped to handle the disruptions caused by the COVID 19 outbreak. Digital transformation and automation of the businesses and the administrative structure can assist in managing the business, even when working remotely.
