Work-related apps can be a powerful tool to have on hand, providing you with all kinds of services or options that you might not be able to handle on your own. These apps could be anything from scheduling tools to note-taking programs, but an employee still needs to know which ones to actually use.
Whether you are new to a company, a veteran employee, or even a business owner, finding the right apps to make your day easier takes time. If you want to narrow down your options, then there are some ways to make the search easier.
Value
How much value does the app add to you as an employee? While this might not seem all that important, it can actually be a valuable thing to consider if you are looking for promotions or want to win over a particular manager. Using an app can make you a more valuable employee, even if you did not intend for it to happen.
For example, a calendar or timer app might help you stay focused or keep you on track with the meetings you are meant to attend. This usually means that you will be more productive, but it also shows that you are actively trying to become more productive, which a lot of managers are going to love.
Improvement
A lot of apps can help you improve on your weaknesses, so consider the kinds of apps that might actually benefit you in that way. A notes app can compensate for a bad memory, a timer might help you stay focused in short bursts of time without getting sidetracked, and a paystub generator can help you create a checkstub in almost no time at all.
These can be problems that many employees face on a regular basis. Improving yourself through apps is just as valid as improving yourself in any other way, and using an app on a regular basis might even provide you with a more stable routine in the office.
Features
Some apps are going to be packed with features, and others are simple tools with only one or two real functions. Both of these can be valid options to focus on, but it depends on what you want from your work management apps.
If you have a specific problem and want a basic solution to that problem, then using a straightforward single-purpose app is not a bad idea. A basic notes app is a great example since a no-frills note-taking tool can be better than an over-complicated writing app.
On the other hand, you might want to have something complex that can serve multiple roles at once. A calendar app can act as a scheduling tool, a date-checking option, a way to remind other people of meetings, and fit into multiple niches all at once.
Cost
Finally, there is cost. Some apps will be free, and some will not – the ones that you choose will depend on what you need most, so take some time to figure out which ones will suit your budget the best. You do not want to spend too much on apps, but do not be afraid to experiment with paid options if they offer features that you might want.
