Posted on 29/06/202329/06/2023 in Productivity

12 Remote Work Apps for Staying Productive in 2023

remote work app

Face it. If you’re working remotely, you likely sometimes struggle to stay focused and productive. Thankfully, there’s a growing number of remote work apps and tools available to boost employee productivity and facilitate collaboration among remote teams.

Here’s a carefully curated list of the best remote work apps and tools that can help you be more effective at your job, whether you’re working from the comfort of your couch or on the back of a barge heading to Bora Bora.Click here to start selling online now with Shopify

12 Best remote work apps for staying productiv

1. Todoist: Manage tasks from anywhere

When you set a due time for a task, Todoist automatically sets a reminder for you

A versatile task management app, Todoist provides a centralized platform for managing tasks, making it easy for remote workers to create, organize, and prioritize work.

In addition to the standard task-app fare (organizing tasks, setting due dates, assigning labels and priorities), you can share with and assign tasks to your teammates while staying up to date with real-time task tracking and productivity statistics.

Platform: iOS, Android, web

2. Evernote: Capture ideas on the go

In Evernote, it’s easy to search for and view tasks by assignment, note, or due date.

Inspiration can strike at any moment. With Evernote, a robust note-taking app, you can easily record your ideas at any time, from anywhere, in any format, on any device and share with colleagues (even if they don’t use the app). Evernote integrates with several popular apps, including Google Drive, Gmail, and Outlook, so you can attach documents and emails to your notes for reference later.

Evernote also offers over50 easy-to-install remote work templates for all sorts of useful tasks, including trip planning, tracking milestones, and note taking. The templates are fully customizable and reusable and can be saved as notes that can then be shared with teammates.

Platform: iOS, Android, web

3. ProofHub: Track time spent on various tasks and activities

Use timesheets to set estimates and track time spent on projects.

While ProofHub offers a platform for all project-related needs, its time-tracking features set it apart. As a manager of a geographically dispersed team, you can set and communicate how much time it should take to complete a task and then measure your team’s efficiency against project estimates. You can also use timesheets to track client billing and payroll processing.

Platform: iOS, Android, web

4. Trello: Keep remote teams connected

Trello mobile app

Trello utilizes a visual board, list, and card system that can help you organize just about any type of project (or team), from event planning to product development. Drag and drop files and paste images from your clipboard onto cards and then organize your cards into lists. You can attach Google Drive, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive links to your cards to keep both assets and ideas in one place to share with your distributed team or keep for yourself.

Trello’s Remote Work templates cover everything from daily planning and team bonding to brainstorming and building a remote team culture.

Platform: iOS, Android, web

5. Asana: Stay organized while working remotely

Monitor and track team initiatives in Asana.

Asana is a flexible project management tool that offers multiple ways for remote workers to view and manage projects and tasks, from a Kanban board and calendar to simple to-do lists and timelines. You can also switch between views to gain another perspective and set up custom dashboards which help you stay on top of your team’s progress.

Finally, Asana’s free version supports up to 15 members, along with unlimited task and project creation.

Platform: iOS, Android, web

6. Slack: Facilitate communication with your team

Slack makes it easy to stay on the same page and communicate with your team.

A messaging app, Slack makes asynchronous communication a snap. You can message anyone inside your organization and collaborate in real time (just like you would in person). Additionally, you can create channels (or rooms) on the fly for different purposes, such as customer support tickets and social media mentions.

Want to find support and connect with like-minded folks outside your organization? Slack Communities is the answer. As a remote worker, consider joining a community of telecommuting enthusiasts, such as We Work Remotely, Digital Nomad, and Remotely One.

Platform: iOS, Android, web

7. Google Workspace: Create, communicate, and collaborate

Google Workspace combines productivity and collaboration tools.

Workspace provides centralized access to Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides—essential apps for creating and editing documents and collaborating with your team in real time.

Need to talk something over quickly? You can join and host meetings from anywhere in the world with Google Meet. And of course, with Google Calendar, you can keep track of all your events, share and view group calendars, and keep your work and personal lives on track. Plus, with Google Drive, you can store, access, and share all your files in one secure place.

Platform: iOS, Android, web

8. Zoom: Host free video conferences

Zoom mobile app with integrated chat.

What would we do without Zoom—even in a post-pandemic world? With a free basic account, you can schedule an unlimited number of video conferences and invite up to 100 participants per meeting. During the call, you can share screens and whiteboards and chat with teammates.

It’s easy to join a Zoom call on the go—whether you’re dialing in from your home office or on a train heading to Hamburg. With a free account, you’ll need to create and stick to an agenda, since meetings timeout after 40 minutes. But that’s a good thing, right?

Platform: iOS, Android, web

9. WiFi Map: Find free Wi-Fi near you

With WiFi Maps, it’s easy to find free Wi-Fi hotspots and get internet access on the go.

A stable internet connection links you to the rest of the world. Without it, remote work would not be an option. That’s where WiFi Map comes in. Through the magic of crowdsourcing, WiFi Map compiles more than 150 million free hotspots in over 200 countries around the world (along with passwords and internet speeds submitted by users).

From Germany to Jamaica, the app also supports eSIM and VPN and allows you to download and access Wi-Fi maps offline.

Platform: iOS, Android, web

10. ChatGPT: Get instant answers, learn something new

ChatGPT interface on iPhone

No doubt, artificial intelligence is changing the world. Unleashed in 2022, ChatGPT is hands down the most-talked-about app today (not to mention the #1 productivity app in the App Store). Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT combines “chat” and “GPT” (a generative pre-trained transformer) into a natural language processing tool.

Ask it anything. Chat GPT will reply with smart suggestions and recommendations based on deep learning and neural networks. ChatGPT can help you brainstorm, translate text and documents, conduct research—it’s endlessly useful.

Platform: iOS, Android, web

11. Brain.fm: Tune out distractions

Brain.fm streams custom music to help you achieve your ideal mental state.

Working remotely can be distracting. Dogs yipping. The smell of popcorn. UPS delivery. Can music help you focus? Brain.fm and the National Science Foundation believe so. Brain.fm designs music with your brain in mind. Its patented technology identifies the optimal Hz range for a given mental state and translates it into volume modulations within certain areas of its music.

When you sign up for the free trial, there’s a short quiz that helps Brain.fm adjust the music so your brain won’t feel bored or over-stimulated.

Platform: iOS, web

12. Workfrom: Find work-friendly environments near you

Workfrom interface in the browser, showing place to work in San Francisco

As a remote worker, you might need to establish a temporary base of operations to concentrate for hours at a time. Workfrom makes that easier by crowdsourcing local recommendations from a large community of remote workers.

Whether it’s a coffee shop, bar, or co-working space, you can find locations near you based on priorities such as good Wi-Fi, manageable noise levels, and power outlet availability. Each venue gets a “workability score” from one to four to help you choose the best place to work. Plus, as a member, you can contribute your own favorite spots too.

Available for: iOS, Android, web

Overcoming the challenges of remote work

Regardless of profession, remote workers of all kinds share many of the same challenges, whether it’s locating a steady internet connection or simply finding the focus to get things done.

By embracing a few (or all) of the apps above, you can also embrace the benefits that come with remote work—namely, the freedom to choose the setting you work in and the flexibility to live a fuller life.

Wrapping Up:

We at ShopShipShake have been working with businesses like yours with fulfilling experiences. We offer one-stop services, including an efficient supply chain, over 10 thousand of China’s suppliers, over 1,000,000 SKU and more. With a successful track record of over 100,000 clients, we are sure to deliver your orders requirements.

Let’s get in touch to build, sustain, and grow your businesses! If you would like to know more details about us, please contact us: blog.shopshipshake.com. If you are interested in cooperating with us. Please register on: https://bit.ly/3Cfdu4w

The article originates from: https://www.shopify.com/blog/travel-apps-remote-work-tools

Posted on 16/05/202316/05/2023 in Business, Productivity

What Is Productivity Guilt? Here Are 7 Things You Need to Know About It.

Sometimes, all you need to do is prioritize yourself. Then, you’ll see a return on your investment in the form of easier, more efficient work.

Productivity guilt can make you feel like you need to continue working, even when you know you need a break. People can’t always perform at the same caliber day after day, but in a hustle culture, productivity is valued above all else. When you can’t perform at 100% each day, you may start to feel guilty.

Toxic productivity lies in the need to feel productive every waking hour. You might think you need to work instead of rest, and maybe you’re searching for something to do at home that will keep your hands busy outside of regular working hours, even something like cleaning the same spot twice. Here are a few things you need to know about productivity guilt and how it affects your life — and how you can squash it.

1. Separate “busyness” from “productivity”

Some people will continue to tackle new tasks just to keep themselves busy. Busyness can be detrimental, especially if you’re not working on something with substance or value. It’s okay to take a step back and not work on something. What people could consider lazy is often people taking care of themselves and trying to prevent further burnout. You should always work with your goals in mind and make choices to prioritize them.

2. Learn how to break up tasks

People aren’t supposed to work long hours without a break. When you feel your mind start to tune out of your work, you need to take a break. Stand up and look away from screens if you’ve been sitting at a desk. Your brain will be grateful for the opportunity to breathe.

Other times, you may feel like you can’t take a break due to all the work you’re responsible for. That’s when you need to learn how to break up your tasks effectively to save some parts for after your break. Check-in with yourself after each section to ensure you’re still feeling fine.

3. You need to prioritize your health

When you’re overworking yourself in the name of productivity, you’re likely hurting yourself in other ways as well. Something else may contribute to your feelings of burnout, like not sleeping enough or not nourishing yourself properly with healthy foods. Your physical health and mental health work together for your benefit.

Over 30% of working Millennials struggle with mental health issues, namely depression, which can lead to several bad decisions, such as pushing themselves harder at work or self-medicating with addictive substances. Check in with yourself frequently to understand your mental state. Your tasks should challenge you in a good way, but if they’re doing more harm than good, you may need to make a choice to preserve your health.

4. Try to understand what drives it

Understanding your productivity guilt is the first step to making a plan to deal with it. Are you more fear-driven, thinking that you’ll lose your job if you take the appropriate amount of breaks? If so, what can you do to try to relieve some of that fear? You could talk to your supervisor or someone else about how to better use your time in a way that benefits both you and your employer.

5. Set realistic expectations for yourself

You cannot expect to have a highly productive day every day. You should aim to improve a bit each day, but you don’t always need to be operating at 110%. Some days, you may not feel up to doing the same caliber of work, and that’s okay. You need to set boundaries to ensure you feel comfortable and are treated fairly, no matter how you may feel that day. As long as you make up for it on the days you are feeling good enough, you can balance your responsibilities and be gentle with yourself without holding your productivity to an unrealistic standard.

6. You need to allow yourself to relax

Unfortunately, in such a busy world, you may feel like you need to be productive every single day. However, productivity is only essential for tasks you need or want to get done. If you have some downtime to yourself, allow yourself to do something fun instead of searching for something productive. Though it might feel uncomfortable at first, forcing yourself to relax can be good for you and help lower your stress levels.

7. Almost everyone experiences it

You’re not alone in experiencing guilt over your productivity levels. Many people struggle with taking a break or even taking it easier on themselves. One of the best things you can do for yourself is learn what time of day you’re most productive and try to optimize your work around that timeframe. Everyone is different, so what works for you may not work for another person. The best you can do is strive to improve your working habits and allow yourself to relax when you need it, all while understanding this feeling often happens to most people.

Fight productivity guilt by caring for yourself

Checking in with yourself frequently can help you understand when you need to take breaks. Fortunately, most employers and team members should understand when you need to take a break. After you’ve allowed yourself to relax, you might notice that you’re more productive than you have been since you’ve been feeling burnt out and worried about your productivity. Sometimes, all you need to do is prioritize yourself. Then, you’ll see a return on your investment in the form of easier, more efficient work.

Wrapping Up:

We at ShopShipShake have been working with businesses like yours with fulfilling experiences. We offer one-stop services, including an efficient supply chain, over 10 thousand of China’s suppliers, over 1,000,000 SKU and more. With a successful track record of over 100,000 clients, we are sure to deliver your orders requirements.

Let’s get in touch to build, sustain, and grow your businesses! If you would like to know more details about us, please contact us: blog.shopshipshake.com. If you are interested in cooperating with us. Please register on: https://bit.ly/3Cfdu4w

The article reference: https://www.entrepreneur.com/living/what-you-need-to-know-about-productivity-guilt/452155