Over the past year, many tools have emerged that allow seamless remote collaboration, but Google Workspace stands out.
It is because of the special features that are added with this upgrade from G-Suite, which is the original collection of Google apps. With only a few changes, these tools make real-time collaboration possible in a way that enhances productivity.
Although the work from home structure has its downsides, Google workspace is designed to help. Google’s G-suite was great, but Workplace is especially exciting to use, as it makes work easier to handle. Here are seven reasons why:
1. Unified Interface
If you have used G-Suite, you know about the difficulty of switching between apps. Before the update, Gmail, Meet, Calendar, and Drive were separate, and since working requires the use of more than one of these tools, it was a bit cumbersome to alternate between apps.
According to research by Pega, the average employee switches between 35 different applications up to 1100 times per day, which can lead to distraction, loss of time, and reduced productivity.
Google Workplace simplifies this process by providing everything you need in one place, ready to use anywhere. You don’t have to switch tabs to view a document enclosed in an email or tap your calendar to get to all of your calendar meetings. Everything’s at your fingertips.
2. Easier Collaboration
It can be difficult to work remotely across time zones and locations, as this can create a lack of synergy that makes collaboration and productivity difficult.
With new features like Chat, Rooms, Jamboard, and Meet, it is now possible for you to switch between your emails to find instant messaging. You can even make video and voice calls. Co-working just got easier!
The Chat feature would also include a function that helps create documents directly so anyone within a chat room can collaborate and work on documents together.
Shared links and files are also stored for easy access, and different rooms streamline communication for different purposes. This way, everyone working on projects can be in the loop concerning recent developments or tasks.
Finally, Google has announced the introduction of “Google Workspace Frontline” for frontline employees. It appears to be a more straightforward way for administrators to set up a Google Workspace for retail or field employees.
3. Better Time Management Tool
One of the most discouraging aspects of the work-from-home structure is the messy work hours. In some organizations, flexible work hours are starting to mean round-the-clock availability. And this isn’t easy; balancing various personal responsibilities and work has gotten even more difficult.
The upgrade on Google Calendar features would mean more for employees and managers alike. Time insights are now available to help you monitor the hours spent on actual tasks and meetings. Not to worry, these insights are only available to you, not your employers.
Also, you get the option to specify work hours and location to help your employer stay aware of your availability and time zone. Google Calendar now shares your availability status and helps indicate that you are out of the office.
In addition to setting up out-of-office and working hours, users will be able to create a new event type called Focus Time. When you set up a block of Focus Time, Google says it will restrict “notifications during these event windows”.
4. Google Assistant
Before now, Google Assistant was only available to personal Gmail accounts, but no longer. You can now use voice promptings for work functions like asking Google what’s next on your calendar or sending a message to someone.
The AI also allows you to stay on top of tasks by helping you automate simple ones and reminding you to reply to chat messages and emails. The voice assistant can even serve as a reminder and help you set up your work routines.
5. Third-Party App Integrations and Security Features
Your favorite plug-ins and third-party integrations still have a place on Workspace. You can access apps like Trello, DocuSign, and Salesforce from Gmail, Chat, and Rooms to take action and stay informed of updates.
Security has also been upgraded such that sensitive information is not compromised. With advanced phishing protection, you can rest assured that malicious content and links sent to your mail or chat will be flagged. Google Meet also has an upgrade for safety locks and knocking controls to ensure that meetings are not hacked.
6. Split Screen Feature
The new Google Workspace promises yet another exciting feature, one that allows you to juggle between two screens while using your device for a meeting.
One screen will enable you to see the meeting participants, while the other is left for extra functions you might need during meetings.
This would mean that you can access other smart functions without having to go off video on your end. This feature is currently available on desktop but would be rolled out on mobile later.
7. Live Captions During Meetings
For Pixel users, live captions are starting to get enabled during Workspace meetings. The languages to be covered include English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Finally, you wouldn’t need to strain to understand a conversation as you can easily catch up irrespective of your language. This feature is inclusive, not just for people whose first language isn’t English, but for non-verbal or hard-of-hearing people as well.
What Google Workspace Has to Offer
Google’s pursuit of “Collaboration Equity” has led to the rollout of various office tools that make collaboration and teamwork as seamless as they will be in an on-site work environment.
This new dynamism would extend to post-pandemic times, and you can expect there will be a mix of this new pace of remote work, flexible hours, as well as the “old normal.”
Do take advantage of these features today. A free plan is available to all users, but businesses with more complex needs can use the paid options, with monthly plans ranging from $6 to $13 and $18.