Tools for managing teams of tradespeople
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Managing a team is hard work, but as with everything nowadays, there is software that can make it easier. This guide looks at popular team management platforms and explores how they could work for you and your business...
Stay on top of your business
As the boss, you need to be in control of your team, in charge of materials and on top of the cashflow. As your business grows, it can be hard to stay on top of things unless you have systems in place.
Team management software is designed to streamline and simplify the everyday business of building.
There are loads of team management tools out there and they’re all designed to improve communication, ensuring you’re in-touch and in control of every job you do.
- You can get daily updates on progress from your team.
- Agree what tools and materials are needed to complete the job.
- Plan out your workload.
- Manage team holidays and leave.
- Share accurate updates on progress and budgets with your clients.
How can software and apps help?
- Simple team management tools such as Zoom can provide face-to-face contact wherever you are. Using a smartphone or tablet, you can get real-time updates on progress and use video-conferencing to see what’s happening on-site.
- Some team management platforms, such as Slack, include encrypted instant messaging software that can provide a useful way for teams to chat about jobs, progress and problems.
- More advanced team management software such as Monday is packed full of functionality that can make life easier. You can log tasks, assign them to staff, manage projects and progress, and invite your team members to collaborate.
- If you need to, you can use team management software to track timesheets, log holidays, and manage expenses.
- Team management software can provide a useful way to store and share documents, plans and other information your team might need. It’s safer and simpler than email, for example.
- All the solutions here work across platforms and have safe and secure mobile apps, so it’s easy to keep in touch wherever you on, and with whatever device you have.
- Software such as Microsoft Teams enables you to arrange your own video-conferences which can be useful when speaking to customers or partners.
- Using software is meant to reduce stress, not increase it. Choose a platform you feel comfortable with and give it a try. If it’s not working well, or you find it’s taking up too much of your time, then do something else.
- If you’re asking employees to log-in and use software, make sure they’re happy to do so and have the tech they need. All the solutions we feature here can be used on a smartphone, tablet or computer, but to use software such as Zoom, they’ll need an internet connection.
Popular team management tools
Monday
- Monday is an advanced team management tool that keeps you in touch with your team.
- You can create projects, assign tasks and create to-do-lists. In Monday, they’re called boards.
- The programme is ideal if you’re running a large team and multiple jobs, but it can take some time to set-up and learn.
- You’ll pay for each user, with the basic package starting at £7 each.
Zoom
- Zoom is a video-conferencing software that works across all mobile devices.
- You log-in, arrange a call and invite participants.
- It’s an ideal way to stay in touch with employees and can be especially useful if you want to actually see what’s happening on-site.
- It’s free to use Zoom, but you’re limited to 40 minutes for each group call.
- Other options include Skype and Google Hangouts.
Slack
Slack is a communications tool that allows you to create communications channels for various jobs or project.
It’s designed to be an improvement on email, with more structure, and individual channels for different jobs or topics.
You can also share files and folders, making it more appropriate for work use.
Small teams can try out Slack for free.
Google Tasks
- Google Tasks is a nifty piece of note-taking software that can help manage a team.
- You’ll need a Google account and Google Calendar to start with. Then you can create tasks, upload them to the calendar from any device and tick them off when they’re done.
- You can use Google Tasks yourself, or collaborate with your team.
- It’s simple to use and free, and integrates well with other Google software such as Google Sheets or Google Docs.
Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft Teams is similar to Zoom and offers a space to chat and collaborate with your team.
- You can arrange video calls, and voice calls, involving large groups of participants.
- If you already have a Microsoft 365 subscription, it’s free.
- It’s a handy platform for chatting with customers.
