While Workspace has 2.6 billion users, the suite is free for individuals.
Google is updating its productivity software to better meet the needs of remote and remote workers, in a bet that the pandemic has permanently changed the way work is done.
A version of Workspace’s offering will be tailored specifically for front-line workers, such as retail and health care workers, Alphabet Inc. said. in a blog post on Monday. The effort will allow organizations to better communicate and collaborate with employees through their mobile phones and is similar to a service from rival Microsoft Corp.
The workspace, formerly known as G Suite, will also integrate with Google’s digital voice assistant and gain features to allow employees to set and apply unique work hours.
The internet giant is trying to make its line of productivity tools, including Gmail, Meet video conferencing and Docs word processing, essential for companies that have been overthrown by the coronavirus pandemic. Employees have had to balance work and family requirements as they do their homework over the past year, stimulating an increase in unconventional working hours and other flexible arrangements.
Javier Soltero, vice president and general manager of Workspace, said that Google is trying to embrace the “disorder” of professional life during the pandemic. “It will never be the same again, but we should use it as an opportunity, rather than try to recreate 2018 or 2019,” he added.
With the changes, Workspace will notify employees if it is trying to send a message to a colleague who is permanently there and will encourage them to send an email when the colleague is back online. You can also minimize fun for periods of time, share employee locations with colleagues, and set up recurring out-of-office messages. The Google Assistant will now work with corporate workspace accounts, allowing people to send messages and check calendars with their voice.
While Workspace has 2.6 billion users, the suite is free for individuals. Google earns money from software by enrolling business customers and other organizations in paid accounts.
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