What are collaboration tools?
A collaboration tool for business is an app or program that helps employees work together more efficiently. It provides a digital common space for workers to exchange ideas, update progress and share project assets.
Modern tools of collaboration typically offer several communication and project management features, including:
- Messaging
- Video conferencing
- Virtual meetings
- File sharing
- File editing
- Task assignments and management
- Calendars and timelines
- Whiteboards
14 collaboration tools for your team
These 14 collaboration tools may help your team be productive and innovative.
Video collaboration tools
- Zoom: This video conferencing platform offers host controls, meeting summaries and, depending on the plan, the ability to host upwards of 500 participants.
- Teams: Teams can easily integrate with Google Calendar. Background customization and video filters can also enhance video conferencing.
Communication
- Slack: Slack organizes conversations for easy searchability. It also includes video and audio meetings, file sharing, app integrations and an optional AI feature that summarizes lengthy discussions.
- Igloo: This customized intranet solution helps employees share ideas and information and offers human resources (HR) and IT features.
- GoTo Meeting: Built for virtual web conferencing, GoTo Meeting offers secure online meetings with screen sharing, high-quality audio, drawing tools and messaging.
Project and task management
- Asana: This kanban board visually displays individual tasks, allowing team members to track and complete their assignments for each project. Personalized and templated guides can help employees prioritize and view their tasks in one place, and the platform’s rule feature lets project managers design easily accessible workflows.
- Trello: Developed by Atlassian, this kanban board features Inbox, Boards, and Planner—three tools for team or personal accountability. With the AI integration, users can also turn emails into to-do lists.
- monday.com: This cloud-based work platform streamlines project management with workflows and task and resource management. Simple status bars and internal messaging help support quick communication and cross-functional collaboration.
- MindGenius Online: MindGenius Online offers task management features and helps users visualize work processes with mind maps, task boards or timelines.
- ProofHub: ProofHub is designed for task management. The platform allows employees to review and approve files, discuss projects and monitor progress. You can zoom in and out to see individual, project and team views.
Document and design management
- Quip: Designed specifically for Salesforce customers, Quip lets employees import live data, share files, communicate about projects and collaborate on tasks.
- Wimi: Wimi offers organized workspaces and robust document management, and employees can share everything from files to projects and calendars.
- CoSketch: This free tool is a multi-user online whiteboard that supports image uploading, Google Maps and messaging. It’s a simple, streamlined option for creative brainstorming with dispersed teams.
- Canva: Canva is a user-friendly online graphic design tool that supports shared access and team branding. Employees can use or modify thousands of premade layouts for efficient design.
How to choose the right collaboration tool for business
As you evaluate collaborative tools for business, these tips may help you select the most effective platform for your team.
1. Look for opportunities
Identify opportunities for operational improvement, and find tools that address those needs. If employees need help managing responsibilities across multiple projects, you might select a collaboration tool with detailed project and task management options.
Platforms with built-in to-do lists and status indicators can help employees stay organized. If you have a remote team, you might look for tools with advanced document-sharing and editing features.
2. Ask employees for input
Survey your employees or brainstorm ideas with individual teams. Your HR team or an external company may also conduct interviews about pain points in the current workflow. Employees’ answers can help you understand what features they need most.
3. Plan the integration process
Before you make a final selection, ensure your chosen tools work with the company’s current software. For example, if your team uses group calendar software to schedule meetings, ensure it can be synced with new tools for easy data transfer.
4. Manage change
Conduct information and training sessions to communicate the upcoming integration to employees. Be clear about the launch date, login information and setup process. You could also supply links to tutorials and a contact name for questions or concerns.
By choosing the right collaboration tool for business, you can streamline your company’s workflows and promote open communication.
FAQs about collaboration tools for business
What are the most important questions to ask before choosing a collaboration tool?
When you’re considering different tools, you might ask the following questions:
- Can multiple users manage a project?
- Can you set custom alerts for project milestones, missed deadlines and other events?
- Can employees in different countries use the tool?
- Will employees need training to learn how to use it?
- Can the tool be accessed remotely?
- Does the tool offer desktop and cloud-based options?
- What kind of privacy and data security features does the collaborative tool have?
- Does the tool offer video conferencing, a schedule of meetings and shared calendar options?
Why have collaboration tools become so popular?
Changes in the business landscape have made collaboration tools more popular. Employees often work remotely, either at home or in different countries. Collaboration tools help make communication and cooperation easier, even when employees work in different time zones or locations.
