Troubled by Tube Strikes? Work from Home Effectively Using These Great Tools
If you normally rely on the Tube to get you to and from work, you’re probably now amongst the legions of commuters who have been forced to work from home due to the current strike action. The strike is due to continue until 9pm on Wednesday, with disruption expected to continue until Thursday morning. While some lines will be operating a reduced service, meaning it will be possible for some people to travel to work, here are a few fantastic apps which will help you to work efficiently from home.
Updates on the Tube strike and travel information can be found here.
Useful resources for working remotely:
Meetings and conference calls
That important meeting doesn’t have to be abandoned because you can’t get to the office. Just install GoToMeeting on your computer, iPad, iPhone or Android device and join an online meeting with up to 25 attendees. Remember to share the link in advance so everyone has time to download and install the software.
Another way to get around the issue of being unable to attend meetings, PowWowNow provides free conference calling facilities. You don’t even need to book your meeting in advance as the software allows instant access. Bear in mind that, although the software itself is free, you will be charged the cost of a call to an 0844 number.
Collaborative working
Share files, folders, documents and more with colleagues, no matter where you are all working from. The basic Dropbox package is completely free of charge, enabling everyone to collaborate on a project without having to travel to the office. Dropbox is available in desktop, online and mobile versions.
Basecamp is an excellent app for remote working on a complex project. Regardless of how many people are involved in the project and where they are based, everyone can see exactly what needs to be done and what everyone else in the team is working on. Basecamp offers a 60 day free trial too, giving you plenty of time to try it out and see how it works for you. Mobile and online versions of the software are available.
We’ve previously shared details of our favourite file-sharing services on our blog – why not see if one of them is just what you need?
Productivity
If your concerns about working from home centre more on your ability to stay away from daytime TV and social networking than on the tools you need, there are plenty of apps which can keep you away from non-work-related content. Here are just a few of the blockers you can use to remove temptation:
cushion the impact provides award winning personal and virtual assistance and customised lifestyle management for hard working and hard living individuals and small business owners. We know there aren’t enough hours in the day, so let us help you live an organised, efficient, & fulfilling life. Take a deep breath & call us today. Your personal service awaits!!
