As the demand for businesses to produce work increase, the workforce has the need to collaborate now more than ever. This collaboration will also have to sync to the fast-paced work culture, so technology became their trusty resort.

Through my internships and experiences working with multiple organizations, I have had the chance to use some of the most common tools in the workplace setting. What I learned is that through these business tools, communication becomes instant, work speed increases, and workplace productivity is much more efficient. There were less communication barrier and error, and everyone was able to receive relevant information speedily and move on to complete their given tasks.

So, here I have compiled some of the best business collaboration tools that I found that are common in today’s workplace. Some I have used and some I have heard good things about.

1. Slack

The use of Slack has become a cliche in the business world today, especially for start-ups; but that does not discredit Slack’s usefulness. I have worked with Slack at work, in university, and other student organizations and I could really see how Slack impacted the productivity in those areas of my life.

Slack is essentially a workplace communication tool. People in the same organization can communicate with each other instantly with their own devices, be it mobile or computer. This not only save people time for walking across the office to get a certain product approved, but it also enables people from different countries to work together despite the distance.

I think Slack is especially useful for media companies. It can also be used to send files, photos, and links, which is something that media specialist do a few times every hour. My experience with this is sending social media graphics and copy to my editor to be approved before I can post it online. Slack will always be my top pick.

2. Basecamp

Basecamp was introduced to be at the beginning of 2018. I would describe Basecamp as a serious version of Slack. In addition to being a workplace communication tool, Basecamp has the feature to allows people to assign tasks and set goals.

I got the chance to work with Basecamp when I was a part of GrandPR, Grand Valley State University’s student-run PR firm. With Basecamp, our team was able to separate chatgroups based on our clients. There, the account executives will assign tasks to account associates for them to complete, and everyone can also set goals for themselves to be completed before a certain time.

Basecamp has more of a disciplinary feature, which sets it apart from Slack. I found that using Basecamp makes me hold myself more accountable, and I can also have a visual guide to make sure all my tasks are completed.

3. Google Suite

I find myself using all of Google Suite’s tools on a daily basis, it is like my best friend. Google Suite is like Microsoft Suite with a collaborative work upgrade. Google Suite allows its users to edit documents simultaneously online, and it allows collaboration in the workplace to be quick and easy. The common tools used in the Google Suite is Google Docs, Google Spreadsheet, Google Slides, Google Drive, and Google Forms.

Google Docs, Spreadsheet, and Slides are, no doubt, essential tools to students in the 21st century. But it is also commonly used in the workplace. Google Docs allows colleagues to draft documents together, the Google Spreadsheet can create financial report or campaign timelines, and GoogleSlides help with presentations. Google Drive allows management to upload materials like logos, contracts and other documents for their employees to quickly retrieve them. Google Drive also has the capacity for team members in companies to upload documents that are useful to each other, saving the time needed for members to email and request for certain documents. Lastly, people can collaborate in drafting a Google Form and use it to administer surveys or to have people RSVP to company events.

4. GitHub

GitHub is different from the other tools mentioned on this list, but those who are in the business of coding will be familiar with the tool. GitHub is a tool for coders to collaborate in their coding process. GitHub can be used free of charge but companies can also buy its program for added privacy. The coding team that uses GitHub will be able to code together. They are able to review each other’s code, give comments or even be authorized to edit certain codes, this ensures no mistakes are left unattended. There is also an interactive dashboard for the coding team to make sure they know what code is currently being worked on, and which codes are completed.

There are plenty of tools out there, making it hard for people to decide which to use. I think that it is important for people to assess their needs, then and only then should they start finding the tool that best suits their needs.