Trying to break free from email stress? Start using social collaboration tools

Social collaboration software can make all the difference for employees in sales and support department. More importantly, 75% of employers believe that working together as a team is really vital. Email is the most used form of communication among businesses.

As you may know, Email was designed for one-on-one correspondence, not for cross-departmental cooperation between sales and support teams. In order to handle incoming emails and communicate, teams often use group email addresses such as This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

As a result, collaborative inboxes might be difficult to manage because they don't notify you who is working on what. Collaborating on emails is easier and quicker with email collaboration software. 

Why is it necessary to enhance collaboration?

 The term "project collaboration" is a hot topic at work. In order to accomplish a common goal, a team's members must work together to solve challenges.

The project collaboration tools or team collaboration software that you utilize are essential. 'Important' Using project collaboration technologies allows teams to operate faster, better from a variety of places, and with greater efficiency.

Use the right project collaboration technology to:

• Save time
• Improve team relationships
• Enhance project management, and
• Increase the productivity of your organization

Why you should stop using email?

Employees spend an average of 28% of their workday reading and responding to emails, according to a study by the McKinsey Global Institute. Employees are "busy" for 13 hours a week, yet they aren't actually doing anything meaningful. In terms of enterprise social collaboration, what is it that makes email so ineffective?

As a result of its focus on communication rather than collaboration, email's role has been diminished to that of a notification tool, resulting in closed-end information sharing and the creation of silos.

Emails are a productivity killer

It's a fact of life in the modern world: spam emails are inevitable. Even with the best spam filters, it's estimated that 45% of all email is spam. For businesses, this can be frustrating, as sifting through promotional offers and Viagra ads can take up valuable time. However, there are some steps that businesses can take to minimize the amount of spam they receive. 

First, it's important to have a clear and concise unsubscribe policy. This will help to reduce the number of unwanted emails that are sent to customers. Additionally, business owners should be careful about giving out their email address. For example, when visiting a website, it's often possible to sign up for updates without providing an email address. By taking these simple steps, businesses can help to reduce the amount of spam they receive on a daily basis.

Upcoming generations aren't too fond of email

The way we communicate has changed drastically over the past few decades, and it continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Email was once considered an essential tool for both personal and professional communication, but it seems that generation Z does not view it in the same way as previous generations. According to research, email is less important to them than it is to millennials or generation X. 

They are also less likely to use email for work-related purposes; instead, they prefer it for personal emails from people they know outside of work. This shift in communication preferences is likely due to the fact that generation Z is the first generation to grow up with social media. 

They are used to instant messaging and other real-time forms of communication, so email feels slow and outdated to them. Businesses need to be aware of this generational change in order to stay relevant and connected with their target audiences.

Online collaboration: An effective replacement of email

It's easy to see how dramatically the workplace landscape has evolved in the last ten years by looking at how modern professionals conduct business today.

Collaboration used to necessitate everyone being present in the same room at the same time. In-person collaboration technologies have their advantages. However, they often have practical challenges that make things more difficult than they need to be.

It is especially true for large corporations or organizations with distant workers. Online collaboration tools are the current solution, and they represent one of the most significant tectonic shifts in recent years.

Internal communication software

AgilityPortal is one of the most popular email alternatives used for team communication and collaboration. Developed by Agility Online Ltd, AgilityPortal consists of multiple platforms that help individuals and teams to engage in communication through chat, video calls. AgilityPortal's popularity is due to its user-friendly interface and features that enable seamless collaboration among team members. Video call feature is particularly useful for team members who are geographically dispersed or have difficulty meeting in person. The video call feature allows team members to see and hear each other, which reduces miscommunication and fosters a greater sense of connection among team members. In addition, AgilityPortal's chat feature is also useful for quickly exchanging information or sending reminders to team members. Learn more about Internal communication software

An important feature that can actually replace emails is the announcements feature, its designed to allow leaders to reach the whole entire team by broadcasting messages within a private portal, It allows you to create "spaces" such as teams for information, team rooms where people can discuss ideas and in-depth.  Overall, AgilityPortal is an essential tool for any team that desires efficient communication and collaboration.

Benefits for internal communication software:

Improved connectivity: Reach every employee and create a real-time connection
Improved communication: Provide an efficient flow of information on a regular basis
Improved engagement:Encourage staff to get involved and take action
Improved operations: Provide instant access to essential information

How do you define online collaboration?

There are several ways to collaborate online, including web-based platforms that allow coworkers to connect and collaborate in real time with each other and with clients and partners.

One of the best ways to streamline workflows for companies with remote employees—and for organizations with extensive business communities—is through the use of online collaboration platforms.

Because of its ability to boost efficiency, productivity, and creativity while also blending social media with traditional corporate practices, online collaboration is unmatched.

Online collaboration is a process of working together on a project or task using the internet as a means of communication. It's different from in-person collaboration because it allows people to work together even if they're not in the same place. 

There are many different ways to collaborate online, but some common methods include video conferencing, instant messaging, and document sharing. The key to successful online collaboration is effective communication. 

That means being clear about what needs to be done and making sure everyone is on the same page. It can also be helpful to set up specific guidelines for how you will communicate and work together. 

For example, you might agree to have regular check-ins via video chat or decide to use a certain messaging platform for all project-related communication. By taking the time to establish some ground rules, you can make sure everyone is on the same page and avoid potential misunderstandings.

Examples of collaboration tools:

• AgilityPortal, has been created to empower your employees through online training across-the-board from frontline staff, field workers, remote users, with feature like Project management, Goals, Ideation, forms and views, such as timeline, Gantt, kanban etc.
• One of the most well-known project management tools, Asana allows users to assign tasks to other members, add followers to projects and monitor deadlines. It's very useful as a to-do list or calendar for strategic planning.
• Dapulse is a collaboration tool that helps you communicate, set objectives and assign tasks. Its big advantage: it has a great visual design so it's easy to understand and work with.
• ProofHub is a work management tool that offers a comprehensive suite of collaboration and project management functions. On this platform, you can organize files, plan and monitor projects and discuss with colleagues and stakeholders. ProofHub also lets you review and approve files through an online proofing tool.
• Redbooth is an easy-to-use project management tool. Its platform allows users to plan and collaborate through many functions from video conferencing to creating Gantt charts.
• Trello has an intriguing interface that resembles solitaire (you can even drag task cards across columns, just like you would playing cards). It's easy to learn and works well for monitoring projects and assigning tasks. Trello also makes using Agile, Scrum and other project management frameworks easy.
• Wimi offers users their own 'unified workspaces' where teams can manage projects and share files and calendars. You can control access in each workspace with a rights-based system. Wimi Drive, their file syncing software, helps you make the most out of cloud technology.
• Milanote is one of the qualified tools that can be used for serving numerous purposes including blogging. Using this tool, you can organize creative projects and place them into excellent visual boards. It will provide you a feel like you're working on the wall in a creative studio. Milanote would be a great fit too for designers who work remotely.

What are the advantages of using online collaboration tools for businesses?

Some of the advantages of using online collaboration tools are listed below.

Universal

​ Regardless of the industry, the size of the company, or the company's culture, most organizations require close cooperation in order to advance initiatives.

Work in a streamlined manner ​ 

Distant professionals can connect and collaborate with each other by using online collaboration tools. Employees can work together as if they were in the same room and create relationships as a result of this.

Progressive technology ​ 

Online collaboration is a fantastic platform for forward-thinking firms because of its innovative character.

Boosts productivity ​

A more productive workplace is one where people love coming to work, where problems are prevented before they arise, and where ideas that could not otherwise be realized are nurtured.

Online collaboration solutions are a godsend for businesses that don't have a centralized location.

Social intranet software for online collaboration

Collaboration has long played an important role in organization's success. Employees used to have to be confined to the same office if they wanted to work together.

Even if phone and email made distant workers' lives simpler, it wasn't enough. It was just a matter of time until social intranet software like AgilityPortal took over the market.

Social intranet software is increasingly being used by businesses as a way to facilitate online collaboration. A social intranet can provide employees with a central location to access company information and resources, as well as to connect with colleagues. 

When choosing a social intranet platform, it is important to consider features such as user-friendliness, security, and integration with other business applications. 

Additionally, businesses should consider their specific collaboration needs in order to select the most appropriate platform for their needs. By taking the time to choose the right social intranet software, businesses can ensure that their employees have the tools they need to collaborate effectively online.

Social intranet software provides a secure, private online space for coworkers to collaborate on projects, share files, and stay connected. While there are many different types of social intranet software available, they all share some common features. 

For example, most social intranet software includes a news feed where users can post updates and announcements. In addition, most social intranet software provides tools for task management and file sharing. 

And finally, most social intranet software offers some form of messaging or chat so that coworkers can communicate in real-time. 

When choosing social intranet software for your business, it is important to consider your specific needs and choose a tool that will fit well into your workflow.

Components of a social intranet

There are a wide number of social intranet software options, but they all have one thing in common: improved collaboration. Everyone on your team will be able to work together without a hitch, no matter where they are located, thanks to online collaboration facilities provided by an intranet.

No two social intranet systems are the same, although the following features may be found on the majority of them:

• Internal communication system
• Document sharing
• Content creation options
• Calendars for individuals and groups
• Easy to use search features
• News sharing
• Policy updates

Indicators that your company is in need of a social intranet

'Are we ready for online collaboration tools?' is the major question today for many organizations. The extensive use of collaborative tools in the sales funnel has been well documented. These platforms are saving huge corporations tens of millions of dollars each year through increased productivity and efficiency. For many small organizations, online collaboration solutions are becoming increasingly important.

Moreover, is your organization ready for online collaboration tools?

For example, your company may be experiencing a slowdown in innovation due to a high staff turnover rate, or it may already have a culture that encourages social collaboration.

• There is a lack of communication between departments or employees.
• There is a lot of duplicate work being done because information is not being shared efficiently.
• Employees are not using the existing intranet or email system effectively.
• There is a need for better collaboration on projects or tasks.

Conclusion

For the most part, the idea of online collaboration is logically sound. Work is no longer about having a physical location; it is rather about having access to resources. You can still receive and post updates if you use a computer and a browser, including mobile devices like the iPad.

Social media is probably beginning to exert its influence on your company. Workplace collaboration may be a subtle request from employees. It's only a matter of time before your wants and needs come into contact with one another. Social intranet software is well positioned to address the needs of both worlds and move workplace collaboration forward to the next level of online collaboration.