The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many businesses to adjust to an online working environment. This is a challenge companies can meet by using the right tools for remote work. Many of these are offering extended free trials or other benefits during this unprecedented time.
For Communication:
Slack
Slack is a messaging app built for teams and businesses. Although it usually offers a free version for small teams, Slack is currently offering free access to paid plans for any organization working on researching, mitigating or responding to the coronavirus pandemic.
Discord
Discord is a software solution for communication over video, audio, and text, similar to Skype. Due to the pandemic, they are temporarily allowing users to make free calls between up to fifty people.
For Collaboration:
Google Suite
Google Suite offers generous free access to office productivity software in the cloud, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and cloud file storage.
DocuSign
DocuSign facilitates the digital signing of essential contracts, agreements, and more.
For Marketing:
Hootsuite
Hootsuite is offering its professional marketing tool for free through July 1st, 2020. It allows businesses to manage their social media accounts and other marketing efforts efficiently.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp is a free tool for sending out email newsletters to subscribers. They are offering free access to paid services through June 30, 2020, to qualifying groups who are disseminating crucial public health information about COVID-19.
For IT Support And Security:
Support.com
Support.com is a tech support service offering free help to remote workers and students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
1Password
1Password is offering six months of their password management and data protection service for free.
For Finance And Accounting:
Wave
Wave is a free online accounting service that allows businesses to accept payments, manage invoices, and do their bookkeeping.
Expensify
Expensify is a free tool for employees to track business expenses and billable time.
For Research And Development:
SurveyMonkey
SurveyMonkey allows companies to conduct surveys remotely and gather essential data.
Asana
Asana offers free basic project management software that small businesses can use to assign responsibilities, monitor progress, and roadmap product development.
For Human Resources Management:
WebHR
WebHR provides free, cloud-based human resource management services, including time tracking, payroll, benefits, recruitment, and onboarding for up to five users.
OutMatch
OutMatch is offering its video interviewing software free for 60 days to facilitate entirely remote hiring.
For Education:
LinkedIn
LinkedIn offers numerous free resources for staying productive and networking remotely.
Coursera
Coursera offers free remote college-level courses in conjunction with leading universities, making it an excellent tool for employee education during this time.
Other Generally Useful Tools:
Shopify
Shopify is offering a free 90-day trial of online storefronts to businesses looking to shift their product sales online.
Calm
Calm offers several free tools for meditation and mental well-being, which could be critical for employees at this time.