Time is money. Most of us have been hearing that longer than we can remember. And as we go about our jobs, we’re constantly figuring out how to make the most of the limited time we do have. Time management strategies, productivity apps, or spreadsheets might be a part of your process as you figure out how to boost productivity.
Today there are countless apps and tools out there for computers and smartphones alike, and it can feel overwhelming to navigate them all. As you’re considering what might help you, think about your own needs. Do you need to-do list tracking? Maybe you’re looking for more robust-project management. Or perhaps you need something that helps centralize all of your files and information. Once you’ve figured out what you need, you’ll be well on your way to maximizing your productivity and reducing stress.
Here are 4 apps that work for different members of our team:
Track the time you’re spending on projects and tasks. If you’re working on project-based work, have multiple clients, or even just wear a lot of hats in your role, Toggl is a great place to start. In order to improve your time management, you have to understand how you’re spending your time—and Toggl helps you do exactly that.
This project management app works by creating cards for each item that needs to be completed. Think of it like an online bulletin board. You can move items between “boards,” like To Do, In Progress, Completed, etc., and add attachments, keep comments threaded, and assign due dates—directly to the individual task or “card.” Trello is incredibly flexible and highly visual. Some users have even adapted it for personal projects, like family activities and wedding planning.
Where would we be without Slack? Instant, organized team communication is a must, and Slack makes it easy—no matter how big your organization is. Slack integrates with a variety of different apps so you can more easily centralize file storage, calendar management, and project management.
We all struggle to remember passwords, especially when security measures require us to change them on a regular basis. LastPass uses multi-factor authentication and other features to to manage all of your logins and keep your information secure. And you can use it across multiple devices. LastPass also has features to audit your passwords and help you create better and more secure passwords.
What apps help you improve productivity and stay focused? We’d love to hear from you.