As a manager, you have a lot on your plate. From overseeing multiple projects and teams to communicating with clients and stakeholders, it can be challenging to keep everything organised and stay on top of your priorities. Fortunately, there are many online tools available that can help you manage your workload more efficiently, boost your productivity, and save time and money. In this guide, we’ll explore five ways that online tools can make your life easier as a manager.

1. Organise Your Tasks with Project Management Software

Project management software like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com can help you organise your tasks, assign priorities, and track progress. These tools are particularly helpful when managing multiple projects or teams with overlapping deadlines. By using project management software, you can stay on top of your to-do list, track progress, and collaborate with your team more effectively.

Project Management Tool	Pros	Cons
Asana	Easy to use interfaceCustomizable project viewsTask assignment and subtask managementIntegration with other toolsMobile app available	Limited customisation options Limited reporting features in the free versionCan be overwhelming for small teams
Trello	Visual interface with drag-and-drop functionalitySimple task managementEasy to set up and useIntegration with other toolsFree version available	Limited customisation optionsLimited functionality in the free version Limited reporting featuresMay not be suitable for complex projects
Monday.com	Customizable project viewsTask assignment and subtask managementIntegration with other toolsMobile app availableRobust reporting features	Expensive compared to other toolsCan be overwhelming for small teamsLimited customizability in the free trialCan be slow to load

2. Schedule Meetings and Deadlines with Calendar Apps

Calendar apps like Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, or Apple Calendar can help you schedule meetings, appointments, and deadlines. These apps can also be used to set reminders, which can help you stay on top of your priorities. By using a calendar app, you can reduce scheduling conflicts, ensure that everyone is on the same page, and stay organised.

Calendar App	Pros	Cons
Google Calendar	Free to useSyncs with other Google toolsIntegration with other toolsMobile app availableCan create multiple calendars	Limited customisation options Limited functionality compared to other toolsCan be overwhelming for some users
Microsoft Outlook	Integrated with Microsoft Office Customizable interfaceIntegration with other toolsMobile app availableCan create multiple calendars	Expensive compared to other tools Can be difficult to set up and use for some usersLimited functionality in the free versionMay require IT support to implement
Apple Calendar	Integrated with Apple toolsSimple and easy to useIntegration with other toolsMobile app availableCan create multiple calendars	Limited functionality compared to other toolsLimited customization optionsMay not be suitable for large teamsCan only be used on Apple devices

3. Track Your Time with Time Tracking Software

Time tracking software like RescueTime or Toggl can help you track how much time you spend on each task. This can be particularly helpful when managing conflicting priorities and trying to figure out how to prioritise tasks. By using time tracking software, you can identify areas where you’re spending too much time and make adjustments to improve your productivity.

Time Tracking Tool	Pros	Cons
RescueTime	Automatic tracking of time spent on apps and websitesDetailed reports and insightsIntegration with other toolsCan set goals and alerts	Expensive compared to other toolsLimited functionality in the free versionMay be too detailed for some usersMay not be suitable for teams with sensitive data
Toggl	Easy to use interfaceManual and automatic time trackingDetailed reports and insightsIntegration with other toolsMobile app available	Limited functionality in the free versionLimited customization optionsMay be too detailed for some usersMay require additional training for some teams
Harvest	Detailed time tracking and invoicingIntegration with other toolsMobile app availableCustomisable reports and invoices	Expensive compared to other toolsLimited functionality in the free versionMay require additional training for some teamsMay not be suitable for teams with sensitive data

4. Communicate with Your Team with Communication Tools

Communication tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom can help you communicate with your team members and keep everyone on the same page. These tools can be used to share updates, ask questions, and collaborate on projects. By using communication tools, you can improve communication, reduce misunderstandings, and boost collaboration.

Communication Tool	Pros	Cons
Slack	Easy to use interfaceReal-time messaging and file sharingIntegration with other toolsCustomizable notificationsMobile app available	Can be overwhelming for some usersLimited functionality in the free versionMay not be suitable for teams with sensitive dataCan be distracting for some users
Microsoft Teams	Integrated with Microsoft OfficeReal-time messaging and file sharingIntegration with other toolsCustomisable notificationsMobile app available	Can be difficult to set up and use for some usersLimited functionality in the free versionMay require IT support to implementCan be distracting for some users
Zoom	High-quality video and audio conferencingScreen sharing and recording capabilitiesIntegration with other toolsMobile app availableVirtual backgrounds and other customisation options	Limited functionality in the free versionCan be expensive for large teamsMay not be suitable for teams with slow internet connectionsCan be overwhelming for some users

5. Share Files and Collaborate with File-Sharing Software

File-sharing software like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive can help you share files and collaborate on documents. This can be particularly helpful when working on projects with team members who are in different locations. By using file-sharing software, you can reduce the need for email attachments, ensure that everyone is working on the same document, and simplify the collaboration process.

Communication Tool	Pros	Cons
Google Drive	Free to useIntegration with other Google toolsEasy to use interfaceMobile app availableCan create and edit documents in real-time	Limited storage space for free versionLimited control over file permissionsMay not be suitable for teams with sensitive dataMay require additional training for some users
Dropbox	Easy to use interfaceIntegration with other toolsMobile app availableCustomizable file permissionsCan recover deleted files	Expensive compared to other toolsLimited storage space for free versionLimited collaboration features in the free versionMay not be suitable for teams with sensitive data
OneDrive	Integrated with Microsoft OfficeEasy to use interfaceMobile app availableCustomizable file permissionsCan recover deleted files	Limited storage space for free versionLimited collaboration features in the free versionMay require IT support to implementMay not be suitable for teams with sensitive data

In conclusion, online tools can be incredibly helpful for managers who need to manage their workload more efficiently, boost their productivity, and save time and money. By using project management software, calendar apps, time tracking software, communication tools, and file-sharing software, managers can stay organised, communicate effectively with their team, and manage conflicting priorities more efficiently. 

With so many online tools available, there’s never been a better time to start exploring what’s available and find the ones that work best for your needs and your team’s workflow.

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