Some of the reputed universities feel that Instant Messaging apps for students are by far one of the best inventions of humanity. We bet that many young people will agree with this statement. This student chat app enables us to stay in touch with literally anyone in real time despite the distance. And it’s especially important for students. With the help of these free messaging apps, students can chat with their family and friends. At the same time, they can connect with their classmates and teachers to create collaborative learning opportunities. Most popular instant messaging apps for students offer unique privileges and other benefits too. And all that you need to do to start getting them is to choose an application that suits you best. Knowing that college students are extremely busy, we can bet that you don’t have much time for testing different options and finding your perfect messenger. Luckily, other students have already done it for you! Leverage the professional academic help from EssayPro to set aside all your current tasks and free a bit of time. And read on to learn about the top instant messaging tools that students love! Instant Messaging Apps for Students 1. WhatsApp 2. Signal 3. Telegram 4. WeChat 5. Slack 6. Discord 1. WhatsApp   An undoubted leader among all student messaging apps available today is WhatsApp. For years on end, it has been the best student messaging app for communication, and there are many reasons for this. First and foremost, there are over 2 billion users of this tool all over the world. Such a massive user base basically means that this app can help students connect with nearly anyone in the world. We have to say that WhatsApp is also great for collaborative learning. According to Researchgate, this application is widely used by students and teachers for educational purposes, especially by those who are getting their degrees online. Lastly, it is very effective and easy to use. It comes with a variety of great features that make communication simple and stress-free. And, it is worth noting that it is absolutely free of charge, which is another reason why students love it. 2. Signal   Although WhatsApp is the most popular messenger, it doesn’t make it perfect. As many of you may already know, there has been a lot of buzz around the app’s changing terms and conditions. And this made many people feel like it was not private enough anymore. But, luckily, there is a cool alternative - Signal. Compared to its older rivals, Signal has been around for a shorter time. It also never had as many active users as, let’s say, WhatsApp or Telegram. But, it seems like it is catching up and widely used group chat apps for students. The number of people switching to Signal from other messengers is growing rapidly. At this point, there are nearly 40 million people on it. But, given the fact that it is considered the most private and secure tool for communication, we can expect it to get more popular in the future, especially among students who are feeling a bit anxious about using unprotected tools. And it’s also free of charge! 3. Telegram   Another instant messaging software that has long overtaken the hearts of students is Telegram. Just like the two previous options, this one is free of charge, which is the first benefit of using it. But, in fact, Telegram has many more benefits, too. It has been around for quite a while and has long been considered one of the primary alternatives to WhatsApp. Some of the biggest perks that Telegram users highlight about this tool include:   Straightforwardness Seamless communication Plenty of features for different types of communication Group chats, etc.   But even that’s not all! For more advanced users, Telegram also offers a number of unique features. Namely, it enables you to connect to another vpnwelt proxy server instead of leveraging VPN, share your location in real time, and use handy Telegram bots. This suggests that the opportunities are huge. And that’s what makes Telegram one of the most popular instant messaging apps for students. 4. WeChat   The next option on our list, WeChat, is much different from traditional instant messaging apps. It has much more to offer. And this is the biggest reason why many students and other people choose it for communication. First and foremost, speaking about WeChat it is vital to mention one specific, unique feature inherent in this tool - WeChat Pay. As you can easily guess, this feature was designed to let users make payments right within the app. WeChat Pay allows you to connect your wallet directly to the application and make any payments you need to make. Another huge benefit of WeChat, a popular student messenger app, is that it includes a number of social media features that are not available in other messengers. For example, with this tool, students can search for verified accounts and follow them. Also, they can discover a wide variety of stories on different topics, from food to overcoming writer’s block, and much more. In addition to that, WeChat is free of charge. And, all in all, it works great as an instant messaging app. So, it is another option worth considering. 5. Slack   Slack may not be the most obvious choice of instant messenger for a student. After all, it is widely known as a tool for corporate communication and team collaboration. But, the truth is that many students and teachers actually love Slack, and there are plenty of reasons for that. Of course, Slack is nothing like the chatting apps we mentioned earlier. Typically, it is not utilized to communicate with family or friends. But, when it comes to collaborative learning, this tool is just great! Available both in a free and paid version, Slack suits perfectly staying in touch with your class and teachers. Many schools and colleges have recognized its handiness during the lockdown when students and teachers had to find ways to stay connected despite being unable to meet face-to-face. With this tool, you can create a convenient group chat to send instant messages, hold discussions, and collaborate. At the same time, there is the possibility to start private chats with anyone from your shared channel. In addition, though this app doesn't offer on-premise, it has plenty of great customization features. Using them, you can even customize what notifications you want to receive. 6. Discord   The last app on our list is Discord. And it’s also much different from all the other options that we mentioned so far. It also allows you to communicate with people in real time and comes with a variety of cool features. But, there is much more to it than seems at first glance! According to its creators, Discord is primarily the choice of students and gamers. The biggest highlight of this messenger is the possibility to create and find different servers for streams, games, and genres you like. Due to these reasons, gamers absolutely love this tool. One big disadvantage of Discord is that it might be a bit difficult to figure out at first. But, once you get used to it, you will never want to use other applications. Especially if you and your friends are also into gaming. The Bottom Line As was already mentioned, instant messaging apps for students can be very handy and can have numerous uses. So, there should be no doubts concerning whether you need to use such student messaging software for universities or not. The only question that is there is - what app you should use in particular? But, we have you covered on this one. Hopefully, this article will help each of you find the best option!

When managing a team, the first thing to get straight is that what's valid for individual assignments is also applicable for group projects. In other words, you will have to define the objectives, understand the tasks, and proceed with setting clear expectations.   That said, in group work, you will have to face other complexities. Whether it is for a student project or handling a team in the office, you can try to implement the following practices to ensure the best outcome. Table of Contents 1. Ensure Balance  2. Create a Plan  3. Communicate Transparently 4. Foster Collaboration 5. Review Meetings and Reward Systems 6. Have Fun Together 7. Work Through the Differences 8. Celebrate  1. Ensure Balance  Needless to say, having the best people in a team can make things much easier. If you do not already have a perfect team assembled, the first thing to do is select members who are compatible with the project's requirements and have the capabilities to meet the target.   Compatibility is a crucial point because even members who are the most skilled might fail when it comes to working with others. And this is likely to slow down the progress of the project and create friction between the team members.   Similarly, someone with excellent interpersonal skills should also be able to add value by pulling their weight when it comes to working. If you are the project leader, it is necessary to ensure balance for every individual and team. 2. Create a Plan  Once you have got the team together, the next step is to define the goals of the project and make sure that everyone is on the same page. Whether you are the leader or a member, you cannot assume that everybody knows what to do and will perform without any difficulties. Instead, you need to have guidelines on how to proceed and complete the project.   Below we have listed some crucial points that you need to address during the initial meeting.   Goals - What is the aim of the project?  Steps - Divide the project into small manageable tasks and create a plan accordingly. Delegation of Tasks - Assign a role to each person based on their skills and potential.  Terms of Completion - Clearly define the expectations for each task.     After you have clarified these steps, everyone in the team will have a clear idea of their role and what is expected of them. This will make it easier to carry out the rest of the project.  3. Communicate Transparently You can avoid a large part of confusion and stress by communicating properly with other team members. In an office setting, a 2019 survey found out that 80% of workers experience stress from poor communication. And when it comes to student group projects, the situation is not entirely different.   To begin with, communication is necessary to get clarity on what you are trying to achieve. It is also critical in delegating tasks, meeting deadlines, and even passing on reliable resources. For example, some of you might be taking academic paper help from WritePaper, and by sharing this useful tip, you can help other students handle the assignments better.   Today, there are free platforms such as Trello that let you define tasks and deadlines with ease. These can be immensely helpful in ensuring transparency, so everyone is aware of how others are performing in the group. 4. Foster Collaboration For a team to be successful, different elements have to come together and go hand-in-hand. For instance, without transparency, you cannot communicate effectively, and without that, there will not be any collaboration. In other words, the entire process is interlinked.   A positive collaborative atmosphere is critical for the smooth running of the team. This means that no one should feel hesitant to discuss any issues that they are facing when handling the assigned tasks.   It might be helpful for the team leader to dedicate individual sessions with each of the members to understand their requirements and difficulties. While some might be struggling with studying for a presentation, others might have difficulty gathering the resources for research. You can also consider the project management tools we discussed earlier to integrate for promoting better collaboration. For achieving such results, you need perfect team collaboration software like Troop Messenger. 5. Review Meetings and Reward Systems Of course, holding unnecessary meetings can be a huge waste of time. However, with proper management and clear intentions, you can make business meetings more effective. Ideally, you can increase the frequency of meetings or communications while keeping them short and succinct.   It might be a good idea to conduct review meetings regularly to make sure things are on track as planned. These can be held on a daily basis or at regular intervals. You might think this works only for businesses and other organizations, but it also brings results in any team, be it in the student setting or for voluntary work.   In order to make sure that individuals fulfill their obligations, you can also try to come up with a strategic reward system to show appreciation for members who are making good progress. When done positively, this will also encourage others to pull their weight.   That said, also bear in mind that encouraging unhealthy competition can lead to a hostile environment which can prove to be counterproductive. 6. Have Fun Together Well, you might be all working together because your teacher put you in a team, However, this need not stop you from having some fun while doing the work. In fact, spending time outside of the project can be a great team-building exercise. Such interactions are likely to be less formal, encouraging better communication, sharing, and bonding.   This can, in turn, foster trust between the team members. This could be anything from eating out and exercising together as a team without or with Precor gym equipment to diversify the workout routine, to vacationing together (if you have the time for it). Such an approach can help turn a group project into a fun activity that everyone enjoys. 7. Work Through the Differences Regardless of how meticulously you plan the teamwork, you will run into obstacles. After all, the team is made of different individuals with different perspectives. If you ask your senior students, they will undoubtedly say that conflicts are bound to arise in a team. And you will need to come up with strategies on how to handle them.   Needless to say, it wouldn’t be helpful to dismiss a team member's idea or even to talk over them when they are presenting. Instead, the aim is to compromise and come to an understanding that works best for everyone in the team as well as the success of the assignment.   It is also important to look at the differences as learning opportunities. Sometimes, opposite opinions can point you to a totally new perspective, which can turn out to be a better approach. Remember that each individual on the team has different attributes and should be recognized for the strengths they bring to the table. 8. Celebrate  Lastly, be sure to celebrate both big and small accomplishments. Remember how we suggested that you divide the project into manageable tasks? When the team completes each one successfully, make it a point to reward the team. You do not have to go all out every time you celebrate, but you can have smaller celebrations more frequently.   This can be another step to remind your team members that the goals are achievable and worth striving for, which can keep the motivation high. Conclusion Effective team management relies on clear communication, goal alignment, fostering collaboration, providing support, recognizing achievements, offering opportunities for growth, promoting work-life balance, and leading by example. Implementing these strategies can lead to a motivated and high-performing team, ultimately driving the success of the organization.

When you go from managing a team of in-house employees to managing an entire external workforce, it can be tough to keep up. You have to worry about payroll, benefits, scheduling, and more. The best way to manage your external workforce is by automating as much of the process as possible with HR workflow automation solutions.   Here are 22 tips for automating your external workforce management. Table of Contents 1. Choose the Right Partner 2. Define Your Objectives 3. Develop a Roadmap 4. Gather Requirements 5. Assess the feasibility 6. Select the Right Automation Solution 7. Design the Solution 8. Implement a Pilot Project 9. Train Your Staff 10. Monitor and Optimize 11. Be Prepared for Change 12. Get Buy-In from Senior Management 13. Manage Expectations 14. Set Clear Goals 15. Collect Data 16. Use Technology to Aid Decision Making 17. Communicate with Stakeholders 18. Be Flexible 19. Continuously Improve 20. Integrate with Existing Systems 21. Consider the Total Cost of Ownership 22. Manage the Transition Conclusion 1. Choose the Right Partner Selecting the right technology partner is critical to the success of your automation initiative. Look for a company that has a robust and flexible technology platform and a team of experts who can help you every step of the way. Onsiter has a vendor management system that helps you find and manage external talent in the IT and management sectors. This could be particularly helpful for businesses that want to automate everything from looking for and onboarding experts to invoicing and offboarding. 2. Define Your Objectives Before you start automating your external workforce management, it’s important to define your objectives. What do you want to achieve with automation? What processes do you want to automate? What are your targets for cost savings, efficiency gains, and process improvements? There should be clear KPIs associated with the objectives you set.   The problem with starting an automation project without clearly defined objectives is that you can easily get sidetracked and end up with a solution that doesn’t meet your needs. So take the time to define your objectives and make sure everyone involved in the project is on the same page. 3. Develop a Roadmap Once you have defined your objectives, you need to develop a roadmap for achieving them. This will involve identifying the steps you need to take and the resources you will need to make it happen. It will also help you set timelines and budgets and ensure that everyone involved in the project is on the same page. It is vital to have a clear and achievable roadmap if you want to achieve success with automation. 4. Gather Requirements Before you can start automating your workforce management processes, you need to gather the requirements and identify any limitations. This will include understanding the current process, identifying the areas that can be automated, and specifying the desired outcomes. You will also need to identify the data and systems that will be used in the automation process. 5. Assess the feasibility Not all processes are suitable for automation. It’s important to assess the feasibility of automating a particular process and to consider the impact on employees, customers, and other stakeholders. You also need to consider the technical feasibility and whether the required technology is available.   You might have brilliant automation ideas in mind that you believe would save you a lot of time and money, but which ultimately aren’t feasible given your current infrastructure and budget. 6. Select the Right Automation Solution Once you have identified the requirements, you need to select the right automation solution. There are many options available, so it’s important to choose one that meets your specific needs. You should also make sure the solution is scalable so that it can grow with your business.   Spend some time on review websites like Trust Pilot and G2 reading reviews from people who have already implemented the automation solutions you are interested in pursuing. These are typically great resources for honest reviews of software. 7. Design the Solution Once you have assessed the feasibility of automating a process, you need to design the solution. This will involve specifying the business requirements, designing the process flow, and selecting the right technology. You will also need to consider how to test and deploy the solution. 8. Implement a Pilot Project To ensure that the automation solution meets your expectations, it’s important to implement a pilot project. This will allow you to test the solution in a real-world environment and make any necessary adjustments before rolling it out across the entire organization. 9. Train Your Staff Automation will only be successful if your staff is properly trained on how to use it. Make sure you allocate enough time and resources for training and ensure that everyone who needs access to the solution has the necessary skills and knowledge. 10. Monitor and Optimize Once you have implemented automation, it’s important to monitor the results and make sure the solution is meeting your objectives. You should also regularly review and optimize the process to ensure that it continues to be effective. 11. Be Prepared for Change Automating your workforce management processes will require change, both in terms of how work is done and in the way your staff interacts with the solution. Be prepared for this by communicating with your team, providing training, and being open to feedback. 12. Get Buy-In from Senior Management To ensure that your automation initiative is successful, you need the buy-in from senior management. This means ensuring that they understand the objectives of the project and are on board with the proposed changes. 13. Manage Expectations Automation will not solve all your problems overnight. It’s important to manage expectations and ensure that people understand that there will be a learning curve as the new system is implemented. 14. Set Clear Goals In order to measure the success of your automation initiative, you need to set clear goals. These should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). 15. Collect Data Data is essential for measuring the success of your automation initiative. Make sure you have a system in place for collecting and analyzing workforce-related data so that you can track the progress of the project over time. 16. Use Technology to Aid Decision Making Technology can be used to help make better decisions about workforce management. Tools like business intelligence dashboards can provide insights into how the automation solution is performing and help you make adjustments as needed. 17. Communicate with Stakeholders Automation will have an impact on all parts of your organization, so it’s important to communicate with stakeholders regularly using chatting apps about the project status and any changes that are being made. 18. Be Flexible The workforce management landscape is constantly changing, so it’s important to be flexible in your approach. This means being open to new ideas, trying different solutions, and making adjustments as needed. 19. Continuously Improve Automation should be seen as an ongoing process, not a one-time project. As such, it’s important to continuously improve and adapt the solution to meet the ever-changing needs of your business. 20. Integrate with Existing Systems Automation should be integrated with existing systems wherever possible in order to minimize disruption and ensure a smooth transition. This will also make it easier to track the performance of the automation solution. 21. Consider the Total Cost of Ownership When evaluating automation solutions, it’s important to consider the total cost of ownership (TCO). This includes not only the initial purchase price but also the costs of implementation, training, support, and maintenance. 22. Manage the Transition Moving from a manual to an automated workforce management process can be daunting. It’s important to manage the transition carefully to ensure that the change is as smooth as possible for everyone involved. Conclusion Switching from a manual workforce management process to one that is automated can be a daunting task. However, with the right planning and execution, it can be a successful journey that yields significant benefits for your business. By following these 20 tips, you’ll be on your way to automating your workforce management processes and reaping the rewards.

Managing a remote team's communication requires a bit more effort than if everyone were in the same office. You need to be deliberate about creating a communication strategy, ensuring everyone is on the same page with the office chat app, and making sure everyone feels comfortable sharing information. There are a few key things you can do to make sure your remote team's communication is secure. Table of Contents 1. Use a VPN 2. Use Two-Factor Authentication 3. Use a secure messaging app 4. Use a password manager 5. Use a secure email service 6. Use a secure file-sharing service 7. Use a secure online backup service 8. Use a secure browser 9. Use a secure FTP service 10. Use a secure remote desktop service 11. Use a secure website 12. Use a secure Wi-Fi network 13. Use a secure VoIP phone service 14. Use a secure instant messaging software 15. Use a secure online storage service 16. Use a secure file storage service 17. Use a secure online backup service Conclusion  1. Use a VPN A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in another location, making it appear as if you are accessing the internet from that server's location. This can be useful for accessing geo-blocked content or bypassing restrictions placed on your internet connection by your employer. If you are working remotely, make sure to use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data. For added security, consider having your remote team make use of a residential proxy. 2. Use Two-Factor Authentication Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring you to enter a second code after entering your username and password. This code is usually generated by an app on your phone and can help protect your account from hackers if your password is stolen. If you are working remotely, make sure to use 2FA on all of your online accounts. 3. Use a secure messaging app Secure messaging apps, such as Troop Messenger, Signal, and WhatsApp, encrypt your messages so that only the intended recipient can read them. This is a good way to send sensitive information or for communicating with people who do not use your regular email address. Some messaging apps have come under fire over the last couple of years for not doing enough to protect and encrypt data, exposing their users to hacks and data theft. 4. Use a password manager A password manager stores your passwords in an encrypted database, making it easy to create and manage complex passwords. This can help keep your online accounts secure even if one of your passwords is compromised. It is also a good idea to keep your passwords randomized. Password managers are great because they allow for more secure and quicker logins for your team members.  5. Use a secure email service Secure email services, such as ProtonMail and Tutanota, encrypt your emails so that only the intended recipient can read them. They are helpful for sending sensitive information or for communicating with people who do not use your regular email address. On top of using a secure email service, it is also important to make sure all employee computers utilize firewalls and antivirus software that will scan incoming emails and provide warning messages when suspicious messages or links are encountered.  6. Use a secure file-sharing service Secure file-sharing services, such as Sync and SpiderOak, encrypt your files so that only the intended recipient can read them. These are an important part of sharing sensitive information or collaborating on projects with people who do not have access to your regular file storage system. 7. Use a secure online backup service Secure online backup services, such as Backblaze and Carbonite, encrypt your files so that only the intended recipient can read them. You need things like these to back up your files or for sharing sensitive information with people who do not have access to your regular backup system. 8. Use a secure browser Secure browsers, such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, help protect you from online threats by warning- ing you about malicious websites and blocking dangerous content. It is always important for remote teams to be extremely careful when it comes to opening emails and visiting potentially dangerous websites. Employee education is key in keeping your business secure while working remotely, given that your employees represent your biggest cybersecurity threat. This threat is only going to increase in the future with more and more businesses turning to the remote work model. 9. Use a secure FTP service Secure FTP services, such as FileZilla and Cyberduck, encrypt your connection to the server so that only the intended recipient can read the data. This can be useful for transferring sensitive information or for accessing servers that are located in remote locations. 10. Use a secure remote desktop service Secure remote desktop services, such as Splashtop and TeamViewer, encrypt your connection to the remote computer so that only the intended recipient can read the data. These provide invaluable peace of mind when accessing your work computer from home or for providing technical support to someone who is not physically present. 11. Use a secure website Secure websites, such as those that use HTTPS, encrypt your connection to the server so that only the intended recipient can read the data. You absolutely need these for accessing sensitive information or for conducting transactions on sites that do not use SSL/TLS encryption. 12. Use a secure Wi-Fi network Secure Wi-Fi networks, such as those that use WPA2 encryption, encrypt your connection to the router so that only the intended recipient can read the data. These are used to prevent other people from accessing your network or for protecting your information when you are using an unsecured Wi-Fi network. 13. Use a secure VoIP phone service Secure VoIP phone services, such as Skype and Google Hangouts, encrypt your voice conversations so that only the intended recipient can listen to them. VoIP is increasingly common and very useful when it comes to customer service while also securing your privacy and communicating with people who are located in different countries. 14. Use a secure instant messaging software Secure instant messaging software, such as WhatsApp and Signal, encrypt your messages so that only the intended recipient can read them. This end-to-end encryption is vital for keeping your conversations private and for communicating with people who are not physically present. 15. Use a secure online storage service Secure online storage services, such as DropBox and Google Drive encrypt your files so that only the intended recipient can read them. This is a great way to store sensitive information or to collaborate on projects with people, particularly external workers, who do not have access to your regular file storage system. 16. Use a secure file storage service Secure file storage services, such as iCloud Drive and DropBox, encrypt your files so that only the intended recipient can read them. Having something like this is incredibly important for securely sharing sensitive information or for collaborating on projects with people who do not have access to your regular file storage system. 17. Use a secure online backup service Secure online backup services, such as Backblaze and Carbonite, encrypt your files so that only the intended recipient can read them. You need these for backing up your files or for sharing sensitive information with people who do not have access to your regular backup system.   Use a secure Wi-Fi network: Secure Wi-Fi networks are those that use WPA2 encryption, encrypting your connection to the router so that only the intended recipient can read the data. You need these for preventing other people from accessing your network or for protecting your information when you are using an unsecured Wi-Fi network. Conclusion  The best way to keep your communication secure while working remotely is by using a combination of these methods. By using these practices, you can protect your data while communicating with people who are located in different countries or using networks and internet connections that are outside of your control.

A business cannot only survive on the number of clients it has; it must also increase its productivity to meet its goals and bring on new customers or clients. I don't think I need to remind you that team communication is critical to boosting business productivity, but I do believe you should be aware that a conventional or social messaging app will not suffice to do it. Any best messaging app can serve as your communication tool, but you'll need a business productivity app in the form of a team communication tool to accomplish your vision. However, there are a few best chatting apps on the market that assist you in boosting your team communication and business productivity more efficiently. The following are some of the best chatting apps for businesses. Best Chatting Apps 1. Troop Messenger 2. Slack 3. Microsoft Teams 4. Mattermost 5. Discord 6. Mesibo 7. Ryver 8. Google Chat 9. Rocket.Chat   1. Troop Messenger   Troop Messenger is one of the best chatting apps that can help you improve business productivity and team communication. Its features and functionalities were created to establish seamless communication between teams to carry out everyday business tasks and workflows efficiently. For example, it's entirely plausible that you'll be required to participate in classified discussions; however, Troop Messenger has a feature called Burnout that allows you to have one-on-one communication with the participant in a secret chat window while remaining confident that the entire data will be terminated at the time you specify. Troop Messenger is a comprehensive team collaboration tool that not only allows you to communicate with your team via messaging, audio/video calling, and file sharing, but also includes features such as remote access, screen sharing, and video conferencing to help you start business meetings at any time. On-premises, SaaS, chat APIs & SDKs, and other delivery formats are all supported by this encrypted chat app. It is a secure and reliable platform that is used by the Army and Air Force for defense collaboration services, government agencies, political parties, health-care units, finance, software, and other purposes. This business messaging app is appropriate for all domains, so you're only a few steps away from using it as your communication tool. Highlights   Secret chat Highly encrypted chat app A plethora of features & functionalities Easy to use Advanced search filters Super admin controls   Pricing Troop Messenger pricing starts at $2.5 for the Premium Plan and $5 for the Enterprise Plan, with the Superior Plan requiring contact with sales.   2. Slack   Slack is a commonly utilized tool, but there is a slew of rivals or rip-offs on the market vying for its crown. According to its co-founder and CEO Steward Butterfield, SLACK stands for Searchable Log of All Communication and Knowledge. It began as an internal tool in a gaming company, and today it is used by a few other domains employing this tool as their chatting app for business productivity. File sharing, texting, and other functions are easy, however, group calls are limited to 15 participants in audio/video calls, which is insufficient to meet today's business needs. And unless you choose to integrate with a suitable solution, you won't be able to hold business meetings with this application, which is why remote employees faced issues and had to opt for an alternative. Slack should anticipate business needs and upgrade the platform as quickly as possible, as it is past its prime. Highlights   File storage Data residency Domain claiming Slack huddles Well-integrated tool   Pricing The free subscription is available, and Premium membership plans are priced as follows: Pro US$2.67 per month, Business+ US$5 per month, and Enterprise Grid plan requires contact with sales.   3. Microsoft Teams   Microsoft Teams quickly became a viable competitor to Slack, and it is unquestionably one of the best chatting apps. During the pandemic, it was utilized as a video conference software by educational institutes and sales organizations because it permitted up to 100 people with a 60-minute time restriction, whereas Zoom only allowed for 40 minutes. It is one of the few chatting applications that enables users to schedule meetings and add agendas, as well as attend surprise calls. Sharing capabilities include close interaction with the Microsoft Office suite for document, note collaboration, and calendars. This messaging app has established itself as a viable alternative to its software, such as Skype. Many Skype business users switched to Microsoft Teams after it was shut down, as predicted. Highlights   Cloud storage Noise suppression 250+ integrated apps Meeting recordings and transcripts File storage   Pricing Microsoft Team Free plan is available, and Premium membership plans are charged as follows: Microsoft Teams Essentials $4 per user/ month, Microsoft 365 Business Basic $6 per user/ month, and Microsoft 365 Business Standard $12.5 per user/ month.   4. Mattermost   Mattermost is a self-hosted, open-source online chat service. This chatting app was developed to be used as a business messaging app. Certain interactions are too critical to be hosted on a third-party server, in which case Mattermost will come in handy. Conversations are separated into channels in the same way that other services are divided into channels. Threads are available, but each post in a thread is also broadcast on the main channel. From the user interface to storage to the mobile app, you have complete control to customize. Highlights   Private playbooks Elastic search Email Authentication Guests accounts Granular data retention   Pricing Mattermost offers a free Starter pack, while subscription plans such as Professional cost $10 per user each month, and Enterprise requires contacting the sales department.   5. Discord   Don't think of it as just an online chatting app for gamers; it's also used by startups and small companies as a business messaging app, making it one of the best chatting apps. This instant messaging app may not comprise many business-specific features unlike other tools, and while it's obvious that Discord screen share is well-known for sharing gaming sessions with participants, few businesses have used it in conjunction with other features such as multiple text chats, features voice chat, and so on. When working remotely, it's convenient to communicate with fellow workers, and there are also video chats if you want to see your teammates in person. The audio chats are the real selling point here, with some of the best audio quality on the market, and this feature by itself turned out to be worth a look that helps you to communicate with the teams seamlessly and get things done. Highlights   Screen share Audio quality Bigger uploads HD video   Pricing Discord offers a free version, and subscription plans such as Discord Nitro start at $9.99 per month.   6. Mesibo   Mesibo is a cloud communication platform that includes features such as messaging, calling, video conferencing, file sharing, and so on. Its chat APIs are robust and designed to be user-friendly and simple to program. The API signature is the same whether you're building a mobile app or a web app, enabling messaging, or making phone calls. This allows bringing features to many platforms practically as simple as copying and pasting. If you are aiming to boost productivity this tool could be your ideal business productivity app. Highlights   Message retention Maximum file transfer size Real-time database Access controls/ permissions   Pricing Contact sales department   7. Ryver   Ryver is one of the easy-to-use team communication tools that makes organizing your team simple. Its unique Active Response Technology replaces a sophisticated, automated event response cooperation system with an error-prone, slow human response time. This chat app task management and team communication. There are three sites where communication takes place: Teams, Groups, and Discussion Boards The dialogue is further split down into chat, subjects, and tasks by the people in these places. Highlights   Task management Custom invite links Testing sandbox Single sign-on (SSO)   Pricing Ryver pricing starts at $4.67 per user for the Medium pack, $69 per month for the Starter plan, $129 per month for the Standard plan, and $199 per month for the Enterprise plan contact the sales department.   8. Google Chat   Google Chat is a team-oriented communication tool from Google that includes messaging, and group creation, and supports Google Drive file sharing. Google Chat is considered one of the best apps for chatting, which is known for its credibility. Similar to Slack channels, Google Chat splits conversations into rooms. Conversations are grouped into threads, which makes it easier to keep track of ongoing projects. The chat feature is dominant in this team chat app. When you paste a Google Doc link into a document, the permissions are changed to allow everyone in the room to open it. By tagging Google Meet, your teammate, and meeting details like date and time will appear, and you can quickly organize a meeting with any coworker. This creates a calendar appointment with a Google Meet link for video conferencing. Given that this is a Google product, it is inevitable that search is a strong feature. Results appear in real-time as you write, and you have a range of filtering options. Highlights   Searching Cloud storage Security Allows maximum participants in video conferences   Pricing Business Starter is $6, Business Standard is $12, and Business Plus is $18 on Google Chat. For EnterprisePlan, contact sales.   9. Rocket.Chat   Rocket.Chat is an infinitely customizable messaging platform for companies that place a premium on data security. As a result, productivity and customer satisfaction have increased. Rocket.Chat is one of the encrypted chat apps that start offering encryption from a free plan. It transforms into a task management hub, bringing all of your team's collaboration tools together in one spot. It allows you to have real-time chats with your teammates, other units, and clients/ customers, regardless of how they contact you. This business chat app facilitates tools for enterprise workflow automation, RSS streaming, and voice and video conferencing that will boost your business productivity. Highlights   Social network login Unlimited message history Message audit panel Guest users   Pricing Rocket.Chat has a free Community plan, while premium plans start at $3 for Pro, and you must contact sales for the Enterprise plan.   Conclusion I hope you now understand the significance of business productivity apps. So, begin by analyzing your business requirements and comparing them to the capabilities of the chatting applications listed above. However, in today's digital age, every business must employ a complete team collaboration tool that is more than simply the best chatting app; it must also be an encrypted chat app.

Remote working is the way of the world these days. While many employees love the flexibility of working from home and avoiding busy commutes, there are also many challenges when it comes to managing remote teams and boosting team morale. Without the bustle of a shared office and team coffees during lunch breaks, employees can feel somewhat disconnected, and this can directly hinder business success. Undeniably, morale is essential for teams to succeed. It boosts employee productivity, sparks innovation, and encourages team members to go the extra mile. When enthusiasm is deflated, feelings of loneliness and disconnect can loom, and productivity begins to decline.   Happily, there are some brilliant tried and tested ways to boost morale within remote teams. Table of Contents 1. Communicate often  2. Have daily/weekly check-in meetings 3. Create a chat group for queries and concerns 4. Offer transparent and honest feedback 5. Make sure you're on the same page 6. Online calendar 7. Chat feature 8. Task tracker 9. Encourage breaks, downtime, and positive mental health 10. Plan social online catch-ups 11. Motivate staff, acknowledge their efforts, and trust your team The Takeaway 1. Communicate often  Good communication is one of the most important components of managing your remote team. When teams are working in an office setting, it is easy to have quick catch-up meetings and address issues as they arise. When teams work in remote environments, however, communication modes have to be adjusted accordingly. Some key ways to guarantee successful communication between team members include the following: 2. Have daily/weekly check-in meetings Check-in meetings are a great way for teams to stay connected and to make sure that everyone is on the same page with regard to the current project. It also gives managers the opportunity to rectify any issues and stay on top of deadlines.   Remote teams need to know that their managers are there if they need them, even if they aren't there in the flesh. Normalizing virtual meetings drives this point home. If your team is comfortable with video meetings on platforms like Troop Messenger, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom, opt for video meetings rather than calls. This allows your team to connect on a deeper level since they will see facial expressions and body language.   Make time for meetings with the entire team and regular one-on-one meetings where you can check in with individual employees. This will ensure that employees feel seen and supported and allow them to share any concerns before they hinder team morale. Also, you can create a video on new tasks and share it with your team so they can watch the video whenever feels any confusion. It boosts their productivity with fewer mistakes. 3. Create a chat group for queries and concerns Another way to ensure that communication continues is to create a chat group for your team. This will allow employees to ask clarifying questions at the moment, and in turn, tasks will get done with a greater sense of urgency. It might, however, be worth stipulating that the team chat should only be used during office hours as encroaching on personal time might have a negative effect by diminishing morale rather than boosting it.  4. Offer transparent and honest feedback If a team member is dropping the ball or not understanding a concept, it's imperative to give them feedback fast. Sitting on minor problems and not addressing them head-on can result in more significant issues within your team down the line. A great way to prevent this is to organize weekly feedback sessions. Coach your staff and encourage them to find solutions to problems through creativity, innovation, and collaboration. 5. Make sure you're on the same page It's essential that every member of the remote team is on the same page, especially when managing multiple projects or complex tasks. This is where project management platforms like Indy can significantly improve collaboration. The all-in-one platform offers remote teams everything needed to manage projects with ease. Top features include: 6. Online calendar This function allows team members to easily sync their calendars and collaborate. Schedule group meetings set deadlines, and ensure that everyone knows precisely what component of the project is due. When it comes to managing remote times, timing is everything, and this feature is a must-have for brilliant coordination. 7. Chat feature The chat feature ensures communication flows and allows for centralized conversation between the team. Create different chat groups for various projects and build a culture where staff feels confident asking questions and asking for support. 8. Task tracker This is an excellent feature for big projects that require many components. Check off tasks as they're completed and allow the team to monitor the project's progress.   Other features include invoice templates and generators, a time tracker, contract templates, and space to upload forms and files. Since everything can be accessed via a centralized dashboard, team members can clearly see what each project entails. 9. Encourage breaks, downtime, and positive mental health When your team is feeling happy and supported, they will naturally produce better work. For this reason, it's imperative that you encourage employees to take care of their mental health and spend time doing activities that rejuvenate them. If you notice a shift in the mood or output of a team member, organize a one-on-one chat and see if they need some support. If finances allow, sponsor some sessions with a therapist or consider onboarding an organizational psychologist to work with your team. It's also important to take an interest in your staff outside of work. Remember those important details like their kids' names, their upcoming birthdays, or the holiday they just went on. 10. Plan social online catch-ups All work and no play can have a detrimental impact on a business and team morale. Organize online catch-ups that are solely focused on encouraging connection outside of work and having some fun. Ideas could include virtual after-work drinks once a month, online gaming tournaments, themed quizzes, or a book club. This also gives employees and managers a chance to really get to know each other and build rapport. This will naturally have a great impact on communication and teamwork. 11. Motivate staff, acknowledge their efforts, and trust your team One of the best ways to encourage better morale is to show your team how much you appreciate them. Give them positive feedback when they do a great job, recognize their hard work, and celebrate their wins. Numerous studies have showcased that a positive culture – whereby staff members are given positive feedback and appreciation – can considerably impact overall morale. In fact, a study by Robert Half discovered that around 66 % of people leave their jobs "because of a lack of appreciation." Appreciating your staff will boost productivity and motivation and result in greater employee retention. You might also start an employee of the month system or reward employees with bonuses when a project is particularly successful. Trust also plays a huge role in boosting morale. While you might have the urge to micro-manage employees and follow up on every moment of their day, it is essential to showcase that you trust them. When your staff feels trusted, their work will naturally improve. Allow employees to plot their own projects and instill a culture of trust from the get-go. The Takeaway There are loads of ways to boost team morale within remote teams and enhance overall productivity and workplace satisfaction. Prioritize communication, make sure your team is all on the same page with projects, foster a culture of trust and appreciation, and don't forget to have some fun!