Great communication is essential for a team’s productivity. Chances are that you already have a communication system in place and if you’re using a free version, you’re probably skeptical about the actual usefulness of a paid one. There are plenty of free messaging apps that work just fine, but paid versions bring major improvements to security and overall efficiency. Anyone who has used both free and paid messaging tools will tell you that the upgrade is worth it.
Through the years, I’ve encountered my fair share of complicate communication procedures, most of which only slow down and frustrate employees. My journey into the communication optimization world began when I decided to suggest some email efficiency rules at a former workplace. It’s amazing to see how much of a difference just a few adjustments can make. I managed to get everyone on board with adopting a naming system for the titles based on topics and urgency (i.e. “[urgent] [budget] Approval for marketing budget 2014”), and a basic content structure for the email. From these small changes alone, colleagues started thanking me, and commending my initiative, because they simplified and made the whole communication system more reliable. From here on out, my attention was set on anything related to internal communications.
Though some messaging apps come close, I don’t think there is one yet that is best overall for everyone. It mostly depends on each team, their activity, work atmosphere, and so on. That’s why my recommendations will cover most of the needs you might encounter. Whether you’re looking for great interface, simplicity, or stellar security, these are some of the best options available:
Skype for Business
This is the internal communication app that I use at the moment. Since most of my colleagues were familiar with Microsoft Office Outlook and Lync, Skype was sort of a natural choice, providing integration for your accounts. Skype for Business would be one of my top recommendations anyway, because it’s the star of video chat apps.
As opposed to the free version (which most of us know), Skype for Business improves file and screen sharing, integrates calendars, and makes your overall experience better. I would definitely recommend it to any teams that need great and fast ways of communication to other locations – sales teams, teams that work with outside collaborators, or international teams.
Price (user/month): $1,70-$5,50 depending on the selected plans.
Slack
It would be impossible not to include the “email killer” on this list. What started off as a simple text tool designed to keep track of progress on projects, has become one of the (if not the) most popular communication platforms, and it’s easy to see why. Slack started from the premise that we waste way too much time with too many communication tools, so why don’t we combine them all into one? That’s right, this nifty platform can replace Word, Jabber, Outlook, and most of the common used editing tools out there. No wonder clients like eBay, BuzzFeed, or even NASA use and recommend Slack. According to some clients, productivity has skyrocketed by nearly 40%.
With over 70 integrations (plus the option to customize your own), and probably the best chat interface available, Slack brings visible communication improvements from the very first use. Effortless drag and drop sharing, good security, and useful search (as opposed to Skype), add up to one of the best communication tools you can get. I almost forgot about the best feature: Slackbot – your personal notepad that also guides you through the Slack experience, with tips and tricks along the way.
Price (user/month): $6,67 (Standard), $12 (Plus).
Asana
The king of project-management apps is still one of the best tools for any project-based company. Though it might seem somewhat peculiar that we categorize this as an internal communication tool, it fits the category because it improves team communication greatly. If you want to keep work hours for business, and chats for coffee breaks, this app is perfect for your team. You can use it to assign tasks, subtasks, follow deadlines and much more.
Price (user/month): $8,33 (or less, depending on plans).
HipChat
If you’re still not convinced that spending a bit extra for communication tools can improve your team’s productivity, this is probably the cheapest recommendation we have. Secure and easy to use, HipChat is one of the most used communication apps. With over 60 integrations, unlimited storage (for Plus users, of course), easy drag and drop sharing, and voice/video chatting, HipChat should cover every communication need a team might have.
Price (user/month): $2.
OfficeChat
OfficeChat became one of the most successful business communication apps in the past 3 years. Though it’s starting to lose ground to the likes of Slack or Skype, OfficeChat is still a top choice among many companies. According to the app’s recent data, more than 10,000 companies use the Office Chat platform. Accessible for iOS, Android and Windows, and with very accessible pricing, this communication app is an excellent, secure tool for any team to have.
Price (user/month): $3 (Premium), $5 (Enterprise).
Every app in this list also has a free version too, or at least free trial.
Successful entrepreneur will tell you to keep learning from the accomplished companies of the business world. Every single one of these companies, large or small, know the importance of good team communication and act accordingly. Choosing the right messaging service might seem like a small unimportant step – compared to other business necessities, but it’s actually a giant leap towards better productivity.
