As we go well into 2020, one thing’s clear – remote working is becoming more and more popular. Whether it’s social distancing during a pandemic or family commitments, being able to work from home solves a lot of our problems. It’s also much more convenient and comfortable using many apps. Being able to work from the comfort of your home, in your pajamas, who wouldn’t want that?  Not only is working from home more relaxing, but it’s also much more efficient and you don’t waste time socialising with co-workers and catching up on each other’s lives. Most of the time we spend at the office is spent socialising, not working.  However, this is not to say that working from home is a perfect solution to increasing productivity. Remote workers still face some problems when working from home, such as difficulty collaborating with co-workers. 
a man works with a laptop at home,
Luckily, there are several apps and software that can help you be more efficient when working from home! We’ve listed some of these down below so that you can download them as soon as possible. 

4 Work From Home Apps You Must Have

 1. Slack

If you’ve been working from home for a while, chances are you’ve heard of this application. Slack is available on all operating systems: iOS, Windows, Web, Mac, and Android. It’s one of the most popular platforms for teamwork and communication.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YUTc4Cigc8 On Slack, you can create different channels, each with its own agenda. You can add the relevant employees to each channel, so they have a way of communicating with each other regarding that specific project. This way, employees don't receive unnecessary notifications, which is the case with other group chats! 

 2. Zoom

If you a platform that allows for video conferencing, then Zoom is the application you need! You can use zoom for both one-on-one video calls and group video calls. But zoom isn’t restricted to just video calls! You can also use the platform to send and receive messages as well as files.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJq_OM5VcDY Zoom is also free to use. The free version offers enough features for small teams. For bigger teams, employers can upgrade to a monthly subscription. 

 3. Remember The Milk 

The name of this application may be confusing but, trust us, it's a great platform for task management! On Remember The Milk, you can make to-do lists that have a bunch of great in-built features. On your lists, you can prioritise items, set reminders, and mark them as complete along the way.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7QY2nBTp5Y&list=RDCMUCYyaQsm2HyneP9CsIOdihBw&start_radio=1&t=418 The application is also compatible with Apple Watch, allowing you to access your list without having to open your phone. You can also sync it with Gmail and Evernote. This platform is also free to use! 

4. Toggl 

If you get paid by the hour, whether you’re a freelancer or a contract worker, this is an application you must have! With Toggl, you can track the amount of time you spend working so you can bill your clients with more accuracy.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWeQxGU1iiE Toggl also produces reports that allow you to see how productive you are with your time. Use Toggl to see which tasks you're slow at and which ones you can do within time so that you can take up projects that are more profitable for you! 

5. SERENE

Imagine the following. You have a deadline today for a project that you were supposed to finish days ago. Yet, your mind is hectic and you struggle to find the self-discipline to sit down and work. You probably do not have to even imagine all of this. Chances are that you are living this. Self-discipline is a tricky thing. It is not easy to do the things that we do not feel motivated for. This is where an app such as Serene comes in handy. Serene is a revolutionary app available for Mac. This app allows you to achieve your maximum potential while working from home. Each day, you will set up a single goal that you need to achieve using the app. Next, you will list all of the distracting apps and websites in Serene and start your productivity session. To get the most out of it, pair Serene with the airplane mode on your phone and enjoy your productivity during the session.  If you find that silence is awkward for you, simply choose from the variety of focus sounds to play in the background. During the session, you will not be able to visit the websites that are listed within the app nor use any of the distracting apps such as Instagram and YouTube. Download Serene today and watch as your productivity boosts. 

6. DOODLE 

If you do not want to waste your money buying a planner, then we highly recommend the Doodle online calendar app. Doodle is currently available as an online calendar or as a calendar app for Android and iOS.  It offers a free scheduling solution for anyone with a busy schedule. Use Doodle to keep track of any deadlines, meetings, and activities outside work. You can even sync your Doodle calendar with the Google calendar or any other calendar that you may be using. Creating an account and an initial calendar on Doodle is free. However, you will need to become a premium member if you want to share your Doodle calendar with any colleagues and friends. Still, even the free version is one worth trying out.

7. FOREST

For any Windows user who felt disappointed by not being able to download Serene, we have some good news. You get to enjoy the lovely Forest app. The Forest app works in a similar way as Serene does. It is a productivity app that limits your access to distracting apps and websites. It can be used as a Chrome extension or downloaded on Android and iOS. The reason why people love the Forest app is that they get to grow their little forest within the app.  To grow a single tree, you need to stay focused on an appropriate amount of time. At the end of the day, you can see what your forest looks like thanks to you being productive.  But that is not all. The creators of the Forest app have partnered up with a special organization called Trees For The Future. Each time that you spend your virtual coins to buy different trees, the Forest app is donating money to the organization. The organization then uses this money to plant actual trees around the world! So far, there are nearly 860,000 planted trees thanks to the Forest app users. For premium users, there is also the option of playing calming background sounds. 

8. SEVEN

While not exactly being the productivity app that one would imagine, Seven is still a great app for anyone working from home. Freelancers and those working from home often lack the time or motivation to visit the gym or go for a run. This is where the Seven app would fit your schedule.  The Seven app offers a variety of over 200 different workouts. The best thing about them is that it does not take longer than 7 minutes to finish any of them. The app offers tailored programs to give you abs of still and toned glutes if that is what you are wishing for. Each exercise comes with clear instructions and a visual representation so that you avoid doing any mistakes.  Use your Doodle calendar to schedule a daily 7-minute workout and do something good for both the body and mind. Plus, daily exercise will improve your productivity, mood, sleep, and overall health, all of which will reflect positively on your work. You will find the Seven app available for Android and iOS. 

9. ALOE BUD

If you are not interested in working out, even for seven minutes, then at least consider downloading the Aloe Bud app. The Aloe Bud app is a self-care companion that is designed to take care of you. Ask yourself this. How often do you forget to drink water while working? Do you remember to stand up and do a few stretches in between assignments? Or do you even stop to take a few deep breaths?  Do not be surprised if the answer to your questions is a big NO. Many people forget about eating, drinking, or even mindful breathing while being stuck in front of their computer. That is why we would recommend relying on a personal self-care companion that it is Aloe Bud. Use the build-in reminder option to schedule regular reminders for water, food, and a simple 5-minute meditation break. You can schedule whatever activity that you find useful and relaxing to help you recharge in between work. Bad news for Android users though. The Aloe Bud is currently available for iOS only. 

10. SIMPLISH 

If you want to use to-do lists to plan out your day, we recommend using the Simplish app. Its sleek, catchy design will certainly catch your eye. The Simplish app comes with to-do lists, a build-in calendar, and an option to share your calendar with anyone that you wish. Using the app, you can organize activities that you need to perform alone, as well as, those that are done in teams. Plus, using the Simplish app, you can chat with your coworkers and work together on assignments. Download the Simplish app, currently available on Android and iOS.  Working from home is not only easier but sometimes it's needed. At times like these, in the middle of a global health crisis, it's important to take precautions while continuing daily commitments. Work from home apps such as the ones we’ve mentioned can help you work from home and keep yourself safe!