Top 5 Tech Tools for Your Hybrid Workforce
The workforce landscape is changing at a faster rate than ever before. In the past year alone, we’ve seen drastic shifts. There were massive home-based migrations, new office vs. home vs. mobile-based work models, the list continues. Amidst all the changes, one thing is clear: companies must evolve quickly to accommodate today’s hybrid workforce. And we’re here to highlight five of the top technology tools that are helping companies do just that.
The Device Magic team is a prime example of a hybrid workforce, with a mix of floating home-, mobile- and office-based workers scattered across the globe. We compiled this list based on our direct experience with providing, integrating and/or working with all the tools listed below. We’re not here to recommend anything we haven’t tried and seen success with ourselves. Now let’s get started!
1. Device Magic Data Collection App
We could talk all day about the value a data collection app brings to businesses. But focusing on the hybrid workforce, it’s especially important to find a tool that provides the same data collection capabilities whether you’re using a smartphone or desktop computer. Device Magic offers both mobile and web forms apps to facilitate workflow flexibility and process efficiencies among mobile- and web-based users.
Data collection can be done in the field using the mobile forms app on an Android or iOS-supported device, or be completed at home or the office by accessing the web forms app through a web browser. The web forms app is available for all Device Magic Users, and can be accessed by scanning a device authentication QR code or by logging in with an email address associated with a connected device.
2. Zapier
If you’re going to be assembling a technology tool belt, you definitely need a solution to help you integrate the new applications. Zapier provides a way to easily transfer data between different apps and automate workflows across your entire team, no matter how they’re set-up. It supports thousands of applications, including CRM systems, marketing automation platforms and financial software.
As an example, Device Magic integrates with Zapier so our users can easily submit data to their existing systems by creating a “zap” that triggers the workflow. A huge perk of using Zapier is that users don’t need a developer to connect these platforms.
3. Teamwork
Teamwork is an extremely user-friendly project management application. The obvious benefits include visibility across multiple projects, task management facilitation and enhanced communication among remote workers. However, we see a clear differentiator when it comes to project management across multiple organizations. This is important when trying to manage a successful hybrid workforce – keeping your internal teams, as well as your vendor or partner teams on track.
One of the graphic design agencies our marketing team works with uses Teamwork. They set up a dashboard specific to our projects so we are able to easily stay in the loop on project status, provide feedback to their team, add files, and much more.
We wanted to highlight another tool in the project management category: Process Street. This application focuses specifically on process documentation – an essential element when trying to keep everyone aligned and on task amidst constantly changing team structures and work environments. As an added bonus, both Teamwork and Process Street integrate with Zapier.
4. Slack
Identifying a communication platform for your organization is an absolute necessity, now more than ever. Slack is one of the most popular options for businesses today. And for good reason. It’s a one-stop-shop for everything your team needs to stay connected. It’s a messaging app first and foremost, allowing you to organize conversations by topic, importance, and teams. You can set up channels specific to certain departments or work settings. For example, we have a Slack channel for our U.S.-based employees where HR can issue notifications that only impact those team members, such health insurance updates.
Beyond messaging, Slack integrates with many of the platforms you’re already using, and the easy-to-use search filters help you find information quickly.
5. Zenefits
With today’s hybrid work models, there’s a lot to consider when deciding how to communicate or house important HR information for your employees. How can you make it easy-to-access, but also secure? Is there an all-in-one solution that can handle everything from PTO requests to payroll to employee benefit opt-ins? Will the tool be able to accommodate a fast-growing company? We’ve found that Zenefits checks all of those boxes. It’s been extremely valuable in streamlining our employee onboarding process, especially as we navigated a new, completely remote process.
Closing Thoughts
The workforce landscape will continue to evolve at a rapid pace. And the companies that are able to adapt quickly will continue to thrive. Onboarding tech tools like the ones listed above can make it easier for your organization to accommodate a hybrid workforce, and ultimately drive future success. Making data collection easier, faster and more accurate is our wheelhouse. So if you’re curious to learn more about the first tech tool featured on our list, you came to the right place!