Staying Safe and Staying Productive Through the Covid-19 Coronavirus Pandemic
Covid-19, also known as the novel coronavirus, or just “coronavirus,” has swept through the world with blinding speed. Hundreds of millions across the globe are quarantined or under some other form of movement limitation. Here in Boston, Massachusetts, we’re bracing for the worst and hoping for the best.
For many of us, the demands of work have not been paused. We still have jobs to do. We still have people to see and tasks to complete. But how can we continue to do our jobs when we can’t even leave the house?
Luckily, there’s a huge amount of tech available today to allow us to do just that. From video conferencing to cloud technology, modern software makes it realistic, for the first time in history, for office-based workers to do their jobs almost entirely from home.
Continue reading below to see some of my favorite work-from-home solutions.
Zoom
In my opinion, Zoom is the best video conferencing software available, period. It’s easy to use, fast, reliable, and secure. The cost is relatively low and it’s affordable for freelancers, small businesses, and larger companies alike.
Slack
Slack is one of the few communication software suites that actually lives up to the phrase “email killer.” Its slick interface, low cost, ease-of-use, and huge user base all make Slack a highly desirable option for communicating with teammates, colleagues, coworkers, and even clients.
Quickbooks Online
Quickbooks Online is a lifesaver for bookkeepers, like me, who need to stay on top of their clients’ business while minimizing contact with the outside world. Because Quickbooks Online is cloud-based, I can keep track of my clients’ books without leaving my desk. No need to go to my clients’ offices. No need to go through a big stack of physical papers. Just easy efficiency.
SmartVault
SmartVault is an online document manager and portal that allows for the seamless sharing and processing of digital documents. Its integrations with apps like DocuSign, the aforementioned Quickbooks Online, and Xero, make it an indispensable tool for accountants and other professionals seeking to create smooth remote workflows.
Custom Solutions
The apps I’ve described above may or may not work for your specific situation. Depending on the industry you’re in and the niche you occupy, you may be able to use all, or none, of the listed examples. For me, as a bookkeeper in the Boston area, I know they work great. My colleagues in New York love them as well.
The important thing to remember is that, at times like this, we all need to do our part to reduce the spread of a dangerous illness. That means limiting our direct contact with our fellow human beings while the experts work to bring the situation to an end.
So do what you can to build a remote-work solution that works for you. Whether you use an all-in-one app like Clio or RocketMatter, or a niche product like HelloSign, do your best to remotely complete as many of your mission-critical tasks as possible.
Many of the companies that make and sell these apps are even offering them at a steep discount during this current crisis. So take advantage and stay safe!