Today, the increasing need for a better, more streamlined workflow has been in focus in a situation where face-to-face interaction is limited. Thanks to the power of the Internet and connectivity, the convenience of working from home is now experienced by many. From top-tier management to rank and file employees, everyone seems to stay at home. It may or may not lead to a revolution in how we as a society will approach work and jobs in the future.
As most of those who have worked from home during the quarantine, the need for both online and offline tools is nothing short of life-changing. The pandemic only emphasized the need to have both software and hardware working hand-in-hand for a better process overall. In this article, we’ve listed down five of the tools you should add to your work process:
1. PDF editor and converter
Trust us when we say that everyone – absolutely everyone – needs a dependable PDF editor and converter, one that you can access via a browser. A web-based PDF editor and converter is more convenient than those third-party ones, which can take up space and RAM on your computer. If you are using a web-based tool, the need for these resources lessen.
As a result, your workflow becomes better, more streamlined. Most people won’t need to have a dedicated PDF editor with powerful features. PDF edits like adding and deleting text, merging pages, and converting Office-based and image file formats can be done by the array of tools offered by a free PDF to JPG converter.
So instead of purchasing a subscription from a top-of-the-line software that you probably won’t need to use every single day, bookmark a web-based editor and converter instead. PDFBear is an excellent choice, and if you want to check out other alternatives, a quick Google search should yield relevant results.
2. Noise-canceling headphones
Part of doing work efficiently is having the focus, attention, and concentration that turns your workflow into something akin to a personal process. Each of us works differently, much like our taste in music. Different genres appeal to different kinds of people, that is why pulling focus from one person will be different from the next.
The point is, if you want to have a better, more improved workflow, you’ll need a conducive environment that will bring out the best in you. This could be achieved by having noise-canceling headphones and listening to power beats while you work. Gone are the days where the main headphone type, we as a society depend on are wired ones. Don’t get us wrong, they’re still as relevant as ever, but this is the era of wireless noise-canceling headphones.
For this tool, you’ll need something lightweight, conveniently connected, and has above-average acoustics. A person can only tolerate at least two hours of headset time, so be as discerning as possible on your purchase with regards to this tool. For most people, something like the Cambridge Audio Melomania should be more than enough.
3. Smartphone
We are living in the era of smartphones. That much is true. Smartphones are so prevalent in our society that we act like our lives are dependent on them. And that is probably true because part of the power of smartphones is that they can now be used to do work remotely. With applications that are optimized to the phone’s screens, specs, and overall capabilities.
There are only two options when it comes to deciding which smartphone to choose: Android or iOS. For the former, original equipment manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi are top choices. Huawei’s hardware is top-notch as well, but the company is in hot water right now because of some privacy issues. The Samsung S20 series of phones are some of the best Android smartphones right now, and if you can afford one, definitely snatch one up.
For iPhone people, the just-released 12 series are top of the line from the company that made famous the effective marrying of hardware and software. If you mainly have Apple products in your life, getting an iPhone makes total sense. Compared to Android devices, iPhones usually have a better lifespan, with longer software updates and support.
4. Focus and concentration timer
Working from home presents quite several challenges, one of the most pressing is how to recreate the focus and concentration that you usually get from the office. Our homes give us the leeway to relax and rest, which means our bodies should be used to not being their most focused when you’re at home.
To remedy this and improve your focus in general, use the Pomodoro technique. This time management tool is easy to use and is available in a wide array of implements: application, web-based tool, etc. It lets you focus on the task at hand for 25 minutes, then gives you a 5-minute break after. This work-rest-work interval creates a process inside your body to make your brain work better.
5. Reliable WiFi and data connection
This is given. But there are still areas and locations around the world that don’t have reliable broadband or LAN connection. Part and parcel of working from home is a WiFi connection that consistently works. When you are out of your house, which should not be a lot these days, you should also have a backup data plan just in case you have an impromptu meeting you can’t go out of when you’re on a grocery run.
Getting a reliable data connection will depend on where you are. Sometimes a service provider is more prominent and has a better connection in one area but is utterly unusable in others. A big part of the choosing process is knowing your needs and your capacity to pay. As much as possible, choose the one that could deliver, and has superb customer service.
Takeaway
There you have it – these are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to online and offline tools to better your workflow! Good luck out there!
