With teams increasingly spread around the world, it pays to keep connected. But that can be harder than it sounds: for example, 67% of Australian workers say they need to be onsite to access the right software. The poll, by Forum Group Workplace Digital Outlook, also reveals that permanently offsite workers often have to make do with inferior products. Here are six of the best project-management packages for empowering your colleagues to do their best – wherever they are.
Asana
Designed to ensure the smooth-running of projects that require input from different sources, Asana takes the pain out of teamwork. Compatible with Box, Google and Slack, the Basic suite of project-management tools is free and even the next level up, Premium, only comes in at £7.99 ($ 9.78) pppm.
Basecamp
Whereas Asana offers a task-oriented approach, Basecamp can be thought of more as a portal where all the components of a project can be accessed in one place (though it does of course still have the tools to get things done). What it lacks in flexibility it makes up for on price: for a flat fee of £81 ($99) per month, you can add as many users as you like.
Box
With everything you need like files, chats and deadlines all in one place, Box’s mission is to do away with the “endless status meetings” that can threaten to become an all-too regular feature of teamworking. It boasts app-developer toolkits and the option to integrate tools including G Suite, Office 365 and Slack, with plans starting at £4 ($4.90) pppm.
Google One
The new name for Google Drive, Google One combines the search giant’s (fully compatible) versions of Excel and PowerPoint and Word you’re probably already used to and combines them with staggering amounts of storage for very reasonable prices. Starting at £1.59 ($1.95) for 100GB, it’s never been easier to get your business up and running.
Nutshell
This customer relationship management (CRM) platform does all the less exciting – but very necessary – takes required to run a small business. Starting from £15.51 ($19) pppm, contact details, lead pipelines and sales forecasts are stored side-by-side in an easy-to-use interface that shows you everything you need to know.
Wave
Based around the premise that small businesses as well as large “have a right to great software”, Wave allows you to track income, log expenses, send invoices and even pay employees. Merging accounting, invoicing, payments and receipts into one seamless suite of products, it’s almost surprising to discover that all this comes for free.
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