To be honest, there are plenty of app tools in the Google Play Store that are extremely useful, but if we had to choose just three for our smartphone, these would be them.

Google Translate (Free)

Google Translate is one of the best things to ever happen to the internet as it almost closes the communication gap completely in between people from different regions of the world. It has support for 103 languages at present, with many more about to be added. The app even supports offline translations for up to 52 languages and includes a conversation mode, so that you can translate while communicating with a person who is speaking in another language! There's also Optical Character Recognition embedded in the app now.

Smart Tools ($2.99)

Smart Tools is a handy little application which includes multiple rulers, a compass, torchlight, measurement tools, unit converter, vibrometer and a mirror. It's almost everything you may need for daily tasks, tucked into one app for easy access.

ParcelTrack ($2.99)

Being an online shopper myself, I really appreciate how easy it is to keep track of all my shipments via this one app. Put in the tracking number and the courier service's name to keep yourself informed about the whereabouts of all your shipments, complete with alerts and timely updates. If you are a seller who ships merchandise to your customers on a regular basis, you will appreciate ParcelTrack even more.

The coronavirus pandemic has created the need for organizations to make it possible for their employees to work remotely. While this has helped companies to remain competitive during a difficult time for the global economy, it has also created new challenges.


One of these challenges is how to manage remote teams and ensure they remain productive. The issue is attributed to the fact that employees can choose to engage in other activities while at home due to the freedom they enjoy. Many employers, therefore, fear that these workers might fail to deliver.


As an employer or manager, you can improve the productivity of remote teams in three ways.


Require Employees to Have Dedicated Workstations


You can improve productivity by requiring remote workers to have dedicated workstations at home. This should be like a private office with all that they need.


The advantage of having a dedicated workstation is that there are fewer distractions. This allows the employee to concentrate on the task at hand even though they are at home.


Such a station also helps to create the right mood. The worker feels like they have officially entered the workplace environment each time they step into the workstation. This then allows them to work as though they were in the workplace, contributing to improved productivity.


Invest in the Right Communication Tools and Technology


Communication between members of a remote team and the management has a significant influence on productivity. Poor communications and lack of access to vital information can make it impossible for employees to complete their tasks on time. This can then affect the productivity of the whole team and that of the whole organization.


Such issues are the reason why you need to invest in the right communication tools and technology. Among those you should consider are unified communications, which combines the various communication methods used by your organization. It also ensures there is easy access to vital information by all the members of the remote team.


With the right type of communication tools and technology, you eliminate gaps that can affect productivity due to the physical distance between the employees.


Trust Your Employees


As an employer, you might be tempted to keep tracking your employees each minute of the day on suspicion that they are not working. While this can be a good thing, it can also demoralize the remote team. As a result, they can decide to stay in front of their computer and do little, which will then affect productivity.


Therefore, the best thing would be to trust your remote team more. You can show this by giving them the freedom to plan daily schedules, provided that they meet their target within the agreed time. This will encourage and motivate them to give their all, which will then boost productivity.


In conclusion, you can boost the productivity of your remote team in three ways. First, encourage them to have dedicated workstations at home. Second, invest in the right communication tools and technology such as unified communications. Finally, show your employee that you trust them to do what is right. This will motivate them to give their all even with no supervision.