Announced on Google’s blog, the new additions to Workspace include tools to improve collaboration, as well as time management. The new features are scheduled to be added to Workspace over the coming weeks.
Google Workspace Frontline
Google Workspace Frontline is due to launch in the next few weeks, and while details on the actual mechanics of the feature are a little sparse at the moment, Google states that it is designed to “open up communication and collaboration channels between frontline workers and corporate teams in a way that’s safe and secure.” With Frontline, Google will allow for collaboration across its apps, including Gmail, chat, Docs and so on, with “business-grade” support, as well as more advanced security features. The rise of working from home has exposed many businesses to security concerns, so employers are sure to welcome these improvements.
Google Assistant Integration
Google Assistant isn’t new, but Google has integrated it into Google Workspace. It’s now possible to ask Google to see what’s coming up on the work calendar, or to send a message to colleagues. Google Assistant is already available for Google Workspace on mobile devices, and is now in beta for smart speakers and displays.
Time Management
One trend that Google has apparently taken note of is the change in work pace for many of its users, with the traditional working day being replaced with ‘sprints’ of two to four hour blocks of time. As such, there are changes coming to Google Workspace to accommodate these chunks of time, as well as Focus Time, which allows for minimal distractions from outside influences, and be marked as such across the Google Workspace apps. Also coming is Time Insights, which is a tool that will allow employees to see how they are spending their day (Google is very keen to point out that this information is only intended for the employee, rather than the employer). Take your time management up a notch with our guide to the Best Project Management Software
Google Meet Updates
A new introduction to Google Meet, means that second screen features, such as polls, chat and Q&As will be available to all, regardless of the device they’re using or where they are. Still on video calling, some changes are also slated for those working with small screens, such as mobile devices, such as a new tile view that will allow the user to see more participants at once, as well as split screen and picture-in-picture support. In addition, live streams are set to integrate further with Google Workspace, and offer Q&As, polls, and live captions in English, Spanish, German, Portuguese and French. In its launch announcement, Google stated that the G Suite branding was no longer apt with the fragmentation of the office – hence, Workspace was born. While the end is in sight for the pandemic, with the mass rollout of vaccines currently underway, many, including Google, believe that home working is here to stay. According to a recent Gartner survey, 90% of HR respondents plan to allow their employees to continue to work remotely, at least part of the time, once the vaccine is widely adopted. Google’s own message to its employees is that they will be allowed to work from home some of the time, but should still live “within commuting distance” of their office. Learn more about the best conference phones for small businesses Google’s focus on Google Workspace, and the new features unveiled this week, show that the company is serious about the changes that the workplace has undertaken in the past year, adapting its offering to best suit newfound ways of working.
