How to Set Up and Use Your Mobile Phone for Remote Work?

Gone are the days of lugging around a 5-pound laptop. Now, you can work remotely with just a lightweight smartphone or tablet.

Smartphone apps enable employees to work remotely with full functionality on smaller devices, just like on larger ones. With the influx of productivity apps each year, companies are seeing real ROI from allowing remote work. The cross-device compatibility of these mobile apps makes them highly desirable. With these tips you will be able to work from home without losing efficiency.

1. Reduce Distractions

To stay focused at work, try these tips:

• Use “Do Not Disturb”: Silence your phone for a set time or until you decide to turn it off.
• Identify distracting apps: You likely know which apps eat up your time. If not, check your phone’s usage stats to find out.
• Record conversations: Why not use recording calls on iPhone instead of answering all calls and getting distracted? Moreover, there is an application called Recorder for iPhone with a free trial period. You can use call recorder for situations when you cannot or do not want to receive calls. Also, record phone call can be useful for clarifying details, because you can listen to the conversation at any time.
• Turn off push notifications: Disable notifications for the most distracting apps to better concentrate on your tasks.
• Uninstall apps: If you still find yourself getting drawn in, consider uninstalling these tempting apps.By following these steps, you can regain control over your smartphone usage and stay focused on what’s important.

2. Split Your Screen

Using dual monitors at work can boost productivity by 42%, so why not achieve similar results on your phone with the ‘split screen’ feature?

Pair apps on your home screen that work well together, like a chat window and browser, or a document and web page.

For devices using Android™ 9 or later, follow these steps to use two apps simultaneously:

1. Open the two apps you want to use and leave them running in the background.
2. Return to the home screen.
3. Open the “overview screen” or “multi-app view” by swiping up from the bottom if you’re using gesture navigation or holding the square “overview” key if you’re using three-button navigation.
4. Tap the icon above any app preview and select “Split Screen” (or “Split Top”) from the menu.
5. Choose the second app you want to see.

3. Use Shared Calendar

Stay organized and never miss a beat with a shared calendar. Keeping track of all your appointments with friends, family, and work can be challenging. A shared calendar helps you stay on top of your social plans, after-school activities, family gatherings, work events, and those all-important dentist appointments. Here’s how you can set up a shared calendar in Google Calendar:

1. Open Google Calendar on your desktop
2. Find “My Calendars”
3. Click the three vertical dots
4. Select “Settings & Sharing”
5. Under “Share with Specific People,” add their email address
6. Add the calendar widget to your home screen

Stay ahead of your schedule and make sure everything is under control with a shared calendar!

4. Prepare All Necessary Applications

Which applications do you use the most for work? You can likely find mobile versions of your favorite desktop apps. However, before you start working from your phone, compare the mobile app’s features with your desktop version to ensure it meets your needs.

Ready to make the switch? Head to your preferred mobile app store to find the mobile versions of your essential work applications. Here are some to get you started:

• Excel: Crunch numbers and stay organized on the go.
• OneDrive: Store photos and files in your personal cloud.
• Teams: Your hub for teamwork and collaboration.
• Word: Essential for copywriters and office workers everywhere.
• Adobe Suite: Experience the mobile version of top media tools, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator.
• Cisco Webex: Host video meetings, send instant messages, share files, and more.
• DocuSign: Easily send and sign electronic agreements.
• Dropbox: Upload, back up, and share files in the cloud.
• Salesforce: Manage customer relationships, data, and share direct links to records.
• Slack: Message, call, and collaborate with your team.
• Trello: Organize tasks, create to-do lists, and take notes.
• Wrike: Break down project management into tasks, assign responsibilities, and plan schedules.
• Zoom: Make calls and hold video meetings effortlessly.

5. Put Important Documents in the Cloud

Having your key documents in the cloud is always beneficial, whether you’re at home or in the office. I use OneDrive with Microsoft Office 365, but Dropbox is also a great solution. They offer instant document backup accessible from anywhere. The cloud is your friend.

Store work, documents, and notes in the cloud to access them from your phone. Apps like Microsoft OneNote and Evernote sync data between your computer and phone. Dropbox and OneDrive allow you to access Microsoft Word and Excel documents on your phone. With mobile access to your work, you can complete or check it from anywhere.

6. Add an External Keyboard

Smartphone keyboards have come a long way since the early days of mobile phones, but they sometimes fall short for extensive typing tasks. That’s where external phone keyboards shine. They make typing easier, faster, and can significantly boost your productivity. If you frequently take notes or send business messages on your phone, an external keyboard can be essential. Plus, carrying a smartphone with a keyboard is often more portable than lugging around a laptop.

Conclusion

Your phone has countless tools to boost your productivity. Even using a few of these can significantly improve your workday, giving you more time to focus on what really matters.