Remote work

What is remote work? What are the types of remote works and the emerging trends in the domain of remote work? Read on! 

What is remote work?

Remote work is a working lifestyle where employees are allowed to work outside of a traditional office environment. It is a flexible working arrangement where the employee can work from the location of their own choosing. Remote work is now becoming mainstream.

Remote working is now a popular phenomenon in the professional world. Though it is gaining substantial importance in many companies, their employees, and freelancers yet many questions circle what is remote working?

Is it safe and advantageous for the future growth of an individual? How can a person work remotely? And last but not least what are the pros and cons of remote working? In this article, you will be guided on the details of what does working remotely means and its benefits.

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What is work remotely meaning traditionally?

What does working remotely mean? Traditionally, remote work is the feasibility of working from anywhere remotely without commuting to the office. Professionals have the flexibility to select either a few days of a week to work remotely or the entire week.

The essence is to finish your assignments within the mentioned deadline. With the advancements in technology, companies and individuals are realizing the benefits of working remotely. It is leading to cost-saving, an increase in employee satisfaction, and greater productivity.

Companies have the privilege to select the workforce from the respective specialized zones in the world without focusing on a particular location. They gain a substantial competitive advantage over their peers. Freelancers determine their style of conducting business hence they work remotely every day.

Did you know? Studies have proved that about 70% of professionals working remotely have attained greater productivity than a normal office goer.

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What does working remotely mean in the wake of Covid? 

Work remotely means an employee is allowed to work away from the employer or a centralized office. It could be their home, a cafe, a co-working space, etc. Remote work meaning an employee is given the flexibility to work from any location they feel comfortable to work from and be productive. 

Other commonly associated words with location remote working include Work From Home, Mobile working, Flexible Working, etc. We have seen a sudden rise in the number of people working remotely due to the pandemic. Many workers are not allowed to return back to their workplaces.

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What is a fully remote job?

While understanding what is remote work, one would come to know that there can be two types of remote work, one is partly remote and another is fully remote. Employees with fully remote jobs don’t have to come to the office at all, but partly remote employees are required to visit the office a few times a month.

A fully remote job gives you the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world and allows you to travel to other places. Such employees are also popularly known as Digital Nomads. A strong internet connection is the only requirement. 

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What does remote position mean?

What is a remote position? A designation where the employee is expected to work out of the traditional office space. A remote position job essentially means when there is flexibility to work from any location. Working in a remote position allows employees to have a healthier work-life balance. 

Workers who are hired for a remote position are not required to show up at the office. The work is carried out through different communication channels such as text messages, emails, Skype, Zoom, Slack, etc. What is remote work, it can easily be said that it is the future.

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Types of remote jobs

As technology evolves, more and more employees are shifting towards the remote work culture due to its flexibility. Advancement in technology has made it easier to communicate and complete the work from any location. Let us look at the different types of remote jobs one can consider,

1. Build user-friendly and appealing websites as a web designer
2. Become a social media manager and work closely with the marketing team to manage the businesses’ social media accounts
3. Virtual Assistants are responsible for carrying out administrative tasks for their supervisors
4. Make visual graphics for a company as a graphic designer.
5. Work as a copywriter to improve the content quality
6. Craft unique content for brands as a content writer
7. As a marketing manager, develop campaigns and strategies to promote the business
8. Become an Accountant to manage financial accounts
9. Hire quality candidates as a recruiter 
10. Look for an outbound sales position

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Post Covid remote employment opportunities

A lot has changed ever since companies were forced to work remotely. Many organizations have found remote working beneficial and plan to have to hire more remote workers even after the pandemic. Here are some of the remote employment opportunities that may come up post-covid,

1. Examine a company’s financial data to help them make business decisions as a financial analyst.
2. Interpret data as a statistician and communicate results to clients.
3. Data scientist opportunity for data wizards who analyze company’s data and provide valuable insights to boost productivity.
4. Design and build computer programs as a software developer
5. Content Writer opportunities for those who are good with words. 
6. Human Resources Executive responsible for overseeing hiring, training, and resignation processes
7. Oversee the company’s overall sales strategy as a sales executive
8. Online teaching opportunities in different subjects for subject matter experts
9. Content Designer skilled in language, graphic design.
10. Study market behaviors as a marketing analyst

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Emerging trends of the remote worker class

Let us have a look at the emerging trends of the remote worker class,

1. Worldwide, 88% of organizations have made it mandatory or encourages their employees to work remotely after the pandemic was declared.
2. Based on a report by Statista, 25% of respondent companies will move almost 10% of their employees to full-time remote positions even after the pandemic ends.
3. Almost 99% of the employees would continue to work from home due to increased freedom, flexibility, and independence.
4. Zoom is one of the most widely used apps for virtual collaboration amidst the pandemic.

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Emerging trends of remote location across the world

Trends have changed ever since people were forced to work remotely due to the pandemic. Here are some of the emerging trends of remote location across the world,

1. Due to remote work, more people moved out of the cities as compared to those who moved in. Cities such as New York, Brooklyn, and San Francisco witnessed dramatic exodus.
2. The majority of the people moved from big cities to nearby suburbs. 
3. Cities like Arizona, Florida, and Texas gained the most movers from big cities.
4. People are even moving out of the country to find cheaper destinations.

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Recently declared fully remote working companies 

Look at the companies that have declared to their employees that they are allowed to Work From Home indefinitely,

1. REI, an outdoor retailer, announced a plan to work from home indefinitely.
2. Twitter told their employees that they can work from home permanently even after the pandemic ends.
3. Square will allow employees to work remotely for an indefinite period.
4. Coinbase, a cryptocurrency exchange company, announced that most of the roles will remain remote.
5. Nationwide Insurance plans to downsize its physical offices from 20 to just 4. The majority of the workforce will be continuing to work from home permanently.

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Remote working Vs Hybrid working

What is remote work model? It is a full remote setup where employees work out of centralized office space. Some remote companies may not even have physical offices. Everyone in the company, from managers to interns, work from their favorable locations.

What is a hybrid work model? A working model where some employees come to the office whereas others work remotely. Based on the requirements, few departments and roles can be kept as fully remote and others as fully-onsite. 

Both models have their own advantages and disadvantages. Hence, companies can implement any of these models based on their personal preferences. 

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Top 5 mistakes of employers on remote working

Here are the top 5 mistakes you should be avoided if you are planning to employ remote workers in your team,

1. Not changing the hiring process – During the hiring interview ask questions that will help you identify people who are comfortable working on their own from a remote location.
2. Not getting to know the remote employees personally – Try to know about your employees on a personal level to develop trust and rapport with the team.
3. Lack of communication and oversight – It can be easy to forget about the remote employees. Daily skype or video check-ins are helpful.
4. Not providing the right tools – Provide the right tools to your employees to assist them in getting the work done.
5. Not including them in office perks – Do not forget your remote employees when you reward your on-site team with a pizza or a lunch party

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How to work remotely?

Now that we have understood the basics of what is remote working, let us now discuss how to work remotely? There are plenty of options available for professionals while deciding to work remotely from home. 

1. Select a pattern – Individuals can either select certain working days of the week to work remotely to balance their professional and personal life. Others may opt for a completely remote working life to achieve flexibility in working hours and save time on commuting.
2. Select a venue – People normally meet up with their team face to face monthly or biweekly for interpersonal relations and team alignment. Some professionals prefer to work out from a café for a few hours of their work every day. Alternatively, remote teams can connect over Virtual offices platforms like unremot.com.
3. Ways to boost productivity – The shifts from the bounded workspace to a pleasant environment boost up productivity and release mental stress. Majority of the people who work remotely prefer to work from home whereas others select a co-working space for at least a few hours of the day if not the whole day.
4. Go for coworking spaces if open collaboration is key – The co-working space is an office space occupied by people from different professions and different industrial sectors. It helps in creating a mind share between individuals with knowledge sharing of different types of topics.
5. Optimize for learning and networking – Whichever mode is selected by professionals to work remotely, they try to utilize the opportunity to increase their professional network for future growth and recognition. They tactfully select their productive times in a day and set their work schedule accordingly.

Due to the immense flexibility the employee satisfaction index of many companies is on a rising trend. The result is the retention of highly skilled consultants, cost reduction, an increase in revenue and customer base, and greater productivity.

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Driving factors of remote work

While understanding the basics of what is remote working, it is very important to understand the driving factors which motivate a person to work remotely.

1. Work and home priorities – many professionals especially the women workforce struggle to manage both work and home lives.
2. Traffic – There are times when the offices are located at a distance which necessitates hours to commute from home. Traffic jams or unanticipated transport issues further enhance such difficulties. All these factors negate the outcome of an assignment, resulting in delays and failure of deadlines.
3. Lack of motivation – Associates tend to get lethargic or demotivated, affecting the health of a company. In turn, if they are granted the flexibility to work remotely the productivity gains are increased exponentially.
4. Fixed vs flexible work hours – Work remotely meaning has been occasionally distorted by the words “work from home” or “flexi hours”. Though they sound similar there are lines of difference between them. Work remotely does not mandate working from home. In fact, you can work from a different country, city, or coworking space as well. Sometimes you may not have the Flexi hours advantage. The company can set fixed office hours even if is working remotely and professional need to strictly adhere to the timing ensuring their availability and accessibility.

Tip: Before deciding to finally work remotely, it is very essential to judge whether you are convinced of its benefits and also if you are motivated to attempt the particular way of work.

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The pros and cons of remote work

As we advance to our understanding of what is remote working, we need to focus on the benefits of working remotely along with its pitfalls for better judgment. Let us first discuss the pros,

1. Pros of remote work

Here is a summary of the pros of remote work,

1. Increase in Productivity levels

Surveys and researches have proved that an associate working remotely is likely to achieve higher productivity gains in comparison to a person’s daily commuting to the office. First and foremost companies are now hiring skilled employees irrespective of geographical distances from their headquarters or operational offices.

The composition of highly qualified and experienced staff within a company increases the efficiency and competency levels. The employees working from remote locations contribute jointly to the company’s growth. They judge their effective times in a day to schedule their work hours.

On the top, if they are granted Flexi hours then the productivity and satisfaction level is further enhanced. In remote workplaces, the distractions are comparatively less allowing work to be completed faster with better quality.

2. Cost reduction

Cost reduction is one of the significant benefits of working remotely. Commuting to the office daily and sometimes long distances amounts to higher expenses that need to be borne by the employees.

A significant part of the wages is saved if the commuting is reduced considerably. It has a direct effect on the lifestyle of the people working remotely.

Companies are also able to reduce costs since they can avoid allocating workspaces and other infrastructure facilities. Cost reduction impacts the revenue earnings of a company and in turn the percentage hike in salaries. 

Interesting Fact: Employees commuting daily to the office and sometimes working night shifts often claim additional allowance from the company. Working remotely almost negates the chances of claiming the same which in turn is beneficial to the company.

3. Healthier Life 

Regular commuting through private or public transport, sometimes long distances through traffic jams, has been a source of complaint from many professionals. Health issues are a growing concern among them, resulting in increased mental and physical stress.

This, in turn, hampers productivity and efficiency in work. Some even fail to complete their regular workouts which reduces their physical strength and stamina levels. Commuting is avoided significantly when we work remotely, leading to better health both physically and mentally.

Working from the office may lead to irregular and unhealthy food habits due to the constant pressure of meeting deadlines within the stipulated office hours. Remote working induces flexibility and more productive work hours. Professionals can maintain their food habits comfortably without any difficulties. It leads to better health and a better life.

4. Harness your communication skills

Remote working demands excellent communication skills as you need to convey your messages clearly to your stakeholders, supervisors, and peers. Failing to do that will bring in misunderstandings, passing incomplete information, and sometimes even incorrect messages as well.

Hence it is a great opportunity to improvise your communication skills to suit your needs. You will be forced to find out new techniques in imparting your messages through impressive communication skills.

Did you know? Many professionals attend special communication classes and extempore sessions to learn the proper methods of speaking. It helps a lot in their professional careers and extremely beneficial while working remotely. 

5. Employee Satisfaction

Working remotely provides the professionals with the leisure of working from home in their independent way and equally balancing their personal life. This has a significant impact on their satisfaction level.

For many every day commuting is a serious concern especially when the traveling distance is more coupled with heavy traffic during office hours. Avoiding the commuting part is a big relief for them, reducing daily anxieties and maintaining proper health.

Tip: A satisfied employee will possess the right attitude and dedication to complete an assignment much before the stipulated time. A company can expect greater productivity coupled with the high quality of work from such individuals. Hence companies and firms should encourage their employees to work remotely for a better satisfaction level and greater outcome.

6. Long term association

Regular office goers often face the risk of job loss owing to ill health or personal problems or health problems of family members. Working in companies who mandate availability in person in the office, projects them into difficult situations.

They may be under the constant stress of losing their jobs. There may be a tendency to shift from those companies to ones that offer greater flexibility in jobs.

Companies with the flexibility of allowing their employees to work remotely are likely to earn more loyalty and long-term relationship. Their employees enjoy the benefits and in turn feel the responsibility to remain dedicated and sincere in delivering their work on time and with better quality.

7. The decrease in sick leaves

While discussing the question of what is remote working, many people are inquisitive to know whether they are permitted to work remotely when they are sick? Well, the answer is Yes. There is no one to stop you from working remotely even if you are sick.

It entirely depends on the individual and his or her physical condition of whether the work can be executed. Moreover, even if you are sick at home or admitted to a hospital or visiting a doctor, you can remain connected to the outside world with your laptop and internet connectivity. That is one of the benefits of working remotely.

The result of such an advantage is the decreasing tendency in applying for sick leaves. Both the employee and the employer are benefitted. The employee need not lose the sick leave balance and the employer does not experience work delays or loss due to the absence of any employee.

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2. Cons of Remote Work

Below is the summary of three main cons of remote work,

1. A feeling of Isolation

There is a common fear among professionals of being isolated while analyzing the details on what is remote working. Since they are not present in person, a feeling persists in their minds that they may be missing in important meetings and discussions. 

The best way to get over the fear of isolation is to engage in video conferences and web meetings as much as possible. Fix the hours in a day when your employer expects you to be available.

Meet up with the team once a week or 2 weeks for in-person discussions to ensure you do not miss out on anything important. An alternate option is to go for a co-working space where you will not feel isolated since you will get a chance of interacting with other professionals who work remotely.

2. Tendency to de-focus

Remote working demands self-motivation remain focused on your work. Since there is no one to encourage or motivate you to keep working, there is a tendency among professionals to deviate and lose focus. Employers will be disappointed if you do not deliver your work within the scheduled time. 

Meditation helps a lot in increasing self-motivation, patience, and concentration level. But if you feel that you are facing issues in concentration then it is recommended to avoid working remotely or maybe once in a while when you encounter any unavoidable personal or health issues.

3. Burning out 

Working remotely often induces professionals to work for extended hours. Since they do not have to commute and have the flexibility to work whenever they want to, they tend to work more than a normal person who travels to the office daily.

This may adversely affect their health and in the long term reduce the productivity and quality of work.

Planning the working hours in a day with the tentative start and end time is very essential while working remotely. If you follow the routine strictly with few exceptions, then you will avoid burning out due to excessive work pressure.

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Self-analysis for fitment into remote working

How to analyze and see if you want to opt for remote working or travel daily to the office? The following points will guide you in the judgment and analysis process,

1. Measure the productivity levels by working from the office and working remotely for a few days.
2. Try to check whether you can concentrate on your work at home without being distracted by household chores or the family members
3. Judge your communication skills and check whether you can impart your messages clearly without any discrepancy
4. Maintain interpersonal relations with your team and employer and frequently follow their reactions through emails or video conferencing on whether they are ready to accept you working remotely
5. Check on your focus and concentration levels for a few days to decide if you can stay motivated for maximum hours of the day
6. Find out alternate options of working remotely – home, co-working space or working remotely 1 to 2 days a week. You must select the option which suits you the most.
7. If you have a team working with you or under your supervision, then you must positively check whether you can trust your team without meeting them in person
8. Another important point to verify is whether you are experiencing a feeling of isolation or insecurity while working remotely 
9. Since you will now have to handle your laptop and the needed infrastructure facilities on your own, ensure that you can handle that without any support from your office infrastructure team

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Remote work misconceptions

Though remote work is gaining prominence among the companies and their employees and there is a growing rise of free-lancers, yet there are certain misconceptions about this modern style of working. Let us discuss some of those topics and try to remove the misunderstandings on remote working.

1. Avoidance of Work

Many people are of the notion that since remote workers operate from home, they are lethargic and tend to avoid work. There is a general feeling that they leisurely at home watching TV or engage in personal activities more than the regular work schedule. Studies and surveys have proved the concept to be wrong.

Remote workers are more inclined to follow a strict schedule daily. They wake up early in the morning and work often more than the normal office hours. They are accessible constantly on phone and emails, and even via video conferences, web meetings, and some occasional in-person meet-ups as well.

2. Communication problems

It is an acceptable fact remote workers are not available daily for in-person meetings or discussions. Having said this, they are always connected to their employer and team via emails and phone calls. They respond sincerely whenever they are contacted.

The majority of remote workers possess strong internet connectivity and excellent telephonic arrangements to avoid any disruptions in communication. Since they harness their vocabulary and interpersonal skills, it is very convenient to understand the messages conveyed by them. They are seldom misunderstood or misinterpreted.

3. Full time availability

Professionals working remotely possess a fear that they are expected to be available full time since they have the luxury to work in a co-working space or at home. They remain worried about their rest time and breaks and in turn their personal life as well as physical and mental health.

But they must rest assured that employers who allow their employees to work remotely never desire to burn out their associates. In fact, they are keener to work out the daily hours and plan accordingly. 

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Important facts on remote working

Below is a summary of key facts about remote work,

1. Freelancers stand at the most advantageous position when it comes to remote working. Most of them work on a contractual basis or on per day remuneration.
2. The majority of the companies and firms expect them to work remotely and deliver their services timely.
3. Entrepreneurs can prefer working remotely without hampering their business execution.
4. Some business operations can be monitored from home for which you do not need a dedicated workspace for yourself and your employees.
5. For professionals employed in a Corporate office, the decision of working remotely will depend on the company policies and norms and also the decision of the supervisor. Hence before deciding on working remotely, you need to be first acquainted with the company rules.
6. If the company norms do not permit remote working, then the option is completely ruled out. On the other hand, if there are norms for remote working then as a next step you need to discuss with your supervisor for the required approvals and procedures.
7. Once your supervisor agrees, you must decide on the daily mode of working since there will be a significant impact on your future professional life and career.
8. Many companies mandate the creation of a strong business case for granting permissions on remote work. The business case must be properly thought of by showcasing the qualitative and quantitative benefits of working remotely.
9. Remote Working is truly a gift for those who are struggling to meet the balance of professional and personal life or have trouble commuting long distances. It relieves them from unnecessary anxieties and mental stresses.
10. Companies are slowly realizing the benefits of remote working and are deviating from the traditional working style to the modernized style of working. 

The interesting concept of remote working is building up a global team that can be present anywhere in the world. But in the end, they collaborate in creating a healthy work environment through the magic of advanced technology of the modern era.

Employment contracts are supercritical for remote workers. This blog explains, why. Read on!

Employment Contracts

Within any organization, there may be a need for remote workers. Due to the recent pandemic of COVID-19, the percentage of people working remotely has increased to 34.4% in 2021.

It’s important that businesses are still playing by the book when it comes to employment contracts and the laws in place to protect themselves and the employees in question.

But why are employment contracts so critical for remote workers? In this article, we’ll be exploring what a typical employment contract looks like and why it’s useful to have them in place for your employees.

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What does an employment contract for remote workers look like?

Whether you have a lot of employees working remotely as a result of the pandemic, or it’s perhaps one or two, a new employment contract might be needed. That or you’ll want to update the existing one to cater to the new surroundings and structure to the working day. A typical employment contract for remote workers will have the following,

1. Employee location and working hours

This will mention where the employee will be based and the number of hours that are necessary to work. A requirement to take breaks should also be included in this section. Both employee and employer have the right to terminate this home working agreement should they deem it applicable at any point.

With remote working, it’s very easy for office hours to become blurred, so this is an important part of the contract to focus on in detail.

2. Reimbursements

There should be a mention of reimbursement of expenses when it comes to that of the employee’s utility costs. As employees will be working from home, they’ll need to rely on their own utility services. Typically, there will be a certain amount mentioned that the employee gets to reimburse their bills.

3. Equipment supply

The company has the responsibility to provide all the work equipment and tools needed for the employee to work successfully from their remote location. This also includes ensuring the equipment too. 

Providing the right equipment for your staff is critical to them doing their job effectively and with fewer issues.

4. Health, safety, and confidentiality

The employee should be made aware of compliance when it comes to relevant health, safety, and security guidelines that are in place. Confidential information and data protection must be provided, particularly when remote working has more vulnerabilities to its security.

And finally, there should also be a mention of no other changes when it comes to the employment terms and conditions, for example, pay, holiday, and pension contributions. 

Knowing exactly what’s needed in the new or updated contract can help protect the company’s interests and the employee’s too. There are plenty of employment agreement template options available online to utilize if you’re having trouble defining the contract’s layout.

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Why are employment contracts so important for remote workers?

With the content of the contracts themselves now understood, why is it so important to have updated or new employment contracts? Remote working is a different environment from the traditional workplace and therefore certain assurances need to be made. 

By not having something in place that assists both the employer and employee, it’s likely to cause a lot of trouble should something go horribly wrong.

1. Protects both parties under a legally binding agreement

As both parties sign the employment contract, it’s protecting both under a legally binding agreement. Now if it were necessary to do so, either party as mentioned above, could choose to terminate this contract if homeworking was no longer needed.

Without this type of legally binding agreement in place, you’re risking a lot and an opportunity for either party to take advantage of the other.

This is why having a detailed contract is also important and care must be taken to include anything and everything that’s required to protect the rights of both the employee and employer. There’s also the opportunity to dispute anything that either party may have a problem with.

2. Avoids miscommunication by outlining everything clearly

It’s wishful thinking to expect that communication within a business is clear and concise, 100% of the time. In fact, 57% of employees report not being given clear directions in the workplace.  Miscommunication leads to mistakes and things going wrong, which ends up having a direct impact on the business in some way or another.

Whether that’s through the quality of your customer experience or a loss in finances. It pays to be attentive to communication in business, not just for the business but for your remote workers too.

With that being said, an employment contract will help provide all the information clearly to the remote worker. There might be a remote working situation in place already and so sending over a contract is better than having a brief chat over the phone or going back and forth on emails.

A contract in general can provide little room for miscommunication because both parties should have read the terms carefully before signing. If they signed without reading it properly, then that accountability for not doing so lies with them.

3. Maintains confidentiality and data safety

Confidentiality is a big one because there have been occasions where data breaches have occurred. Whether it’s the company’s own data or that of their customers, it can often lead to a big fallout and a lack of trust in the company when customers are affected. According to Cobalt, there are over 2,200 attacks that happen every day in the US alone.

That’s nearly one cyber attack every 39 seconds. Employment contracts especially in the case of remote workers are essential to maintain confidentiality with everything they access. As the employer, it’s the responsibility of this party to ensure all equipment and security measures are secure and that the same level of security 

4. Keeps your workforce happy and supported

According to SnackNation, an employee that’s happy within the workplace is likely to be 12% more productive as a result. Keeping your workforce happy and supported is a must and it’s one of the benefits that come from having this type of contract in place.

Employees want to feel properly supported, particularly when it comes to a new working environment that perhaps they’re not used to. In the US alone, the percentage of people working from home reached heights of 44%, according to Statista.

Although some employees have experience working remotely, others might be completely new to the situation. A legal contract that both the employer and employee have signed, can certainly provide some reassurance that everything is being done legitimately.

By keeping your workforce happy and supported, you’re going to keep staff turnover rates low. This is going to be something you want to be wary of during these uncertain times in particular. Losing staff is only going to mean more time, effort and financial burdens are incurred as a result.

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Helpful resources for creating employment contracts

If you need assistance and resources for creating employment contracts, then here are some helpful suggestions for you to look through.

1. Bonsai for contract templates

For contract templates, Bonsai is a great platform for all types of contract templates for employees. They have a range of different employee templates depending on the industry and type of job required.

Making sure that every detail is added into a contract is critical and platforms like Bonsai, it can help ease this pressure. Every industry is different, so it’s beneficial to use templates that have been made with the industry or job in mind.

2. Understand the law with CIPD

The legalities of the contract are another important one and so having an understanding of the law and terminology is key. CIPD is a great resource for those who are looking to define any legal queries that remain unanswered. 

This is helpful for both parties, particularly for the employee who might not have much legal knowledge, to begin with.

3. Speak to your legal aid

As mentioned above, there may be certain elements to the contract that need further clarification. Most employers will have access to their own legal aid, whilst a remote worker can always utilize human resources within a company.

Seeking advice and guidance from legal aid will help clarify anything that’s uncertain. They can also go over the documents before either party signs to ensure everything is clear and concise.

For everything else, depending on the country your business operates in, there are various governing bodies available at your disposal. This can be helpful in addressing anything else that needs attention and ensuring the contracts align with the national laws in place.

4. Introduce or update employment contracts

Employment contracts are an essential part for remote workers and many businesses will want to take a look at those existing contracts in place. There will likely be one or two contracts that, since the pandemic, are now outdated. 

It’s not worth the risk to either you or your employee, to simply operate as normal without taking a look at what needs to change in the contracts.

Want to compare and identify the best presentation software. Here is a complete list of the best, along with their key features, prices, pros, and cons. Read on!

Best Presentation Software

Presentation software broadly refers to software programs that help display cohesive information in the form of a slide show. They come in handy whenever someone has to deliver a presentation.

An excellent presentation software largely has three parts for the three primary functions. These include an editor for the input of formatted or unformatted data, a method for inserting and appreciating tabular information, and finally a slide-show utility to display the required content.

Slide presentation software may be regarded as the major enabler of a functionally specific way to represent textual, graphical, or tabular data on slides, with a distinct style of its own in contrast with traditional presentation media.

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Importance of presentation software in professional lives

There is hardly any professional on earth who hasn’t used any presentation software in his or her lifetime. Presentations are commonplace. Be it product descriptions, some form of public speaking, or even hosting a webinar explaining profit margins and revenue figures and whatnot, chances are high that informative slides roll along with the presentation.

The best presentation tools aim to make a visible difference in how they are delivered. This is especially more pronounced during these trying times. With social distancing norms in place due to the coronavirus pandemic, most of the corporate work, teaching, and the like are being done online from the safety of homes.

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What makes up the best presentation software?

When it comes to the best presentation tools, there are cool presentation software as well as common ones. The digital world has come a long way since the first presentation programs were invented.

Of course, Microsoft Powerpoint, developed in 1987 is the most widely used presentation software in the world, but it’s not without its flaws and complexities, which is why alternatives have sprung up left, right, and center. But what exactly are the ingredients needed to cook up a successful presentation software?

Looking out for the best ppt software makes us want flexible and efficient programs. From academic instruction delivery to board meetings and Church sermons, slide shows today are deployed in almost anything. So the best presentation software should compulsorily contain the following,

1. Ready-to-use templates – The presentation programs should feature ready-to-use templates for maximum productivity. Readymade designs are so much better than plain bland options in so many ways.

2. Collaborations and easy sharing – Gone are the days of working as lone wolves. Productive people generally work in groups and often remotely nowadays. A cool presentation software offers easy options for collaborations and sharing of work.

3. Media support – Text-based slides hardly cut it anymore. Presentation programs need support for easy narration recording and also support for video insertion to make the session more fruitful.

4. Graphics options – What if you are short on time and need to create a presentation for that quick meeting? You certainly can’t scavenge the whole internet for graphics, animations, and other such stuff to make your presentation look good.

Interactive presentation software should have in-house options for quirky animations and custom graphics to save your time and efforts while not losing out on eye candy.

5. Convenience Features – Best presentation tools must have extra convenience features like a full-fledged presenter tool for ease of usage. Data analytics, live polling, etc. are nice to have, as well.

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How to determine the best presentation software for your needs

In today’s world, we are almost always spoilt for choice. There are umpteen options available for almost everything we look for. It’s no different when choosing the best presentation programs for your needs.

So how do you choose what is best for you? Do you simply go for the “conventional” or are you okay with diving deep to look beyond the obvious to pinpoint the exact slide-show presentation software for your needs? Let’s find out.

1. Familiarity with the presentation formats

Assuming you want to opt for a certain slide presentation software for your next project, familiarity might play a central role in your decision-making. If you are already familiar with a certain ppt software (read: MS Powerpoint), you might genuinely find yourself at crossroads when deciding the ideal presentation interactive presentation software.

You might need the most features for your animated presentations even if you have to opt for something which you have never used before. How open will you be to trying out something new? What is the learning curve of the one you chose over the one you already know? Is it worth the extra effort to learn the Powerpoint alternatives you have in mind?

2. Flexibility – for example, easy slides

What good is a feature-packed cool presentation software if you find the UI overwhelming or the software as a whole difficult to use? After all, productivity is what we all aim for. Ease of usage is a real criterion to determine whether a particular slide-show presentation software you have shortlisted is suited to you.

This is often subjective, though and not everything is for everyone. To make the most of the presentation software, you need to choose carefully. There are many presentation software examples that might be the looker but not the doer when it comes to your exact needs. And some of us have had this experience the hard way!

3. Price – for example, alternatives to power point

Of course, this is a huge consideration when weighing up the best presentation tools as per your needs. There are paid programs like Microsoft Powerpoint (as a part of Microsoft Office Suite) as well as umpteen free alternatives.

For example, LibreOffice Impress which, if spent proper time on, would produce equally good if not better presentations. In many scenarios, the budget often becomes the deciding factor when choosing the best interactive presentation software for your needs. 

4. Platform – to make it flexible across PowerPoint projects

Not everyone works on the same platform. Not everybody can work on the same platform as well. My preferred choice of platform might be Linux, and yours might be MS Windows. Some may even opt for cloud-based slide presentation software which helps with collaborative efforts. The choice of platforms might trump every other consideration out there.

5. Powerpoint options and required features

Most of the popular interactive presentation software nowadays is feature-packed. Even so, they may differ slightly. The implementation of the features you require the most might not be identical.

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8 best presentation software list – the PowerPoint alternatives in 2021

There are a plethora of presentation programs and software available today which offer solid replacement to MS Powerpoint. Although Powerpoint is still the numero uno option for the masses, there are Powerpoint alternatives with better cross-platform compatibility, the questionable performance of the online version, and of course the high license fees.

Some of these products are free and online and some are enterprise versions, with heavily loaded features and premium pricing. Read on to know about the most popular presentation software and choose the one that best fits your team.

1. Prezi Next – the Prezi software

Prezi Next is one of the best Powerpoint alternatives you can find. The best thing about Prezi is, it’s feature-packed with a large graphics and animation library but at the same time relatively easy to use. The best thing about Prezi is probably its ease of use. With a slick and straightforward UI, Prezi makes it easy to get eye-catchy presentations.

It has a large collection of custom templates, gifs, videos, emojis, and even a voiceover feature, although you have to pay for that. Talking of cost, Prezi Next has a free version that is made for just the barebone functions. The paid plans start at USD 7 for individuals, while the versions aimed at teams are more expensive.

2. Visme – one of the best Prezi competitors

Visme is a good Prezi alternative. You can create good-looking, interactive, and animated presentations using Visme. Like Pr works on the web, which in turn helps bypass local system architecture limitations.

This presentation software also features a large selection of graphics, icons, and even royalty-free pictures to take your presentation to the next level. Visme has both free and paid options. The paid version starts at USD 14 per user per month. There are other plans as well, letting you choose one which is most practical for you.

3. Ludus slide tool

Ludus is yet another good Powerpoint alternative and in turn a Prezi alternative as well. Ludus is highly customizable and has almost every feature under the sun to make gorgeous presentations.

It’s especially for the artistically inclined users who stop at nothing to make their presentations look like works of art. Although this interactive presentation software is highly customizable, you don’t need to be a Photoshop expert in utilizing all of that.

The user-friendly beginners’ tutorial makes sure you don’t go in blind – it contains a neatly organized collection of guides for the most common tasks expected from such a suite. Ludus, unfortunately, doesn’t have a free version although there is a 30-day free trial period for new users.

After that, it would set you back by USD 14.99/ month, which is billed annually. The paid version features a remote control, advanced sharing, and collaboration, password-protecting presentations, and also embedding on websites such as Notion and Medium.

4. LibreOffice Impress – a solid PowerPoint substitute

This is part of the LibreOffice Office Suite pre-installed on most Linux Distros these days. But even Windows and macOS users can take advantage of this brilliant presentation software. Thus this is truly cross-platform while being locally installable, open-source, and thus, effectively free irrespective of the platform you install it on.

Powerpoint users would feel almost at home while using LibreOffice Impress as the UI is (intentionally?) made similar to Powerpoint, with some minor changes here and there. As for features, it has everything you need to create beautifully animated presentations. It has the best presentation tools, like an extensive collection of graphic images and gifs.

There are also video and audio embedding options that work just like in Powerpoint, hence a truly free Powerpoint alternative. If you are someone who loves using open-source rather than closed-source software, this is definitely for you.

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5. Apple Keynote – the dynamic PowerPoint

It should be clear from the name which fruit.. erm.. tech company has developed it. This is a great Powerpoint alternative for the Apple ecosystem and comes pre-installed with every Apple device, be it Macbooks running on macOS or iPads on iPad OS or iPhones on iOS.

This presentation software is particularly known for being slick and fast. It also sports a good number of animation options. The typography, as well as beautiful fonts, make it a pleasure to work with. As such, it is particularly effective when creating interactive presentations.

Of course, the Apple-only architecture severely limits its usage on other platforms like Linux, Android, or Windows, but at the very least they have included a web version too.

This can be accessed on browsers running on non-Apple systems using your unique Apple ID. It is free on Apple ecosystems when it comes to the price, as it comes pre-installed. If needed, it can also be uninstalled and installed from the Apple app store on all types of Apple devices.

6. Slidebean – the slideshare alternatives

Do you want to sound like a tech stud using AI-powered web-based presentation software? Then Slidebean is definitely for you. This offers a whole set of automation options that others don’t provide.

You are presented with two options when you attempt to create your first slide – either start with a preset template or start from scratch. If you choose the latter, the built-in AI features will start suggesting to you what themes and fonts to choose based on your presentation type and format.

Although what the AI suggests is more than enough on most occasions, you can always manually customize if that’s your cup of tea. The tight integration of AI throughout the whole software is impressive, to say the least.

AI will guide you every step of your way, and it can even arrange the order of slides for you to bring the best parts to the fore if you’re unsure yourself. As far as the cost goes, it has both a free and a paid version starting from USD 8 monthly (again billed annually).

7. FlowVella – Mac PowerPoint alternative

Another great unique and interactive presentation software for Apple ecosystem fanboys. FlowVella has everything you need to be able to call it an all-rounder and more, except for cross-platform integration. Like Apple Keynote, this one runs on Apple OSs only. The silver lining here is like Keynote again, and it retains a web-based version.

FlowVella has custom fonts, beautiful preset templates with good template customization options allowing you to experiment. But what sets it apart is its ‘Kiosk mode’ which converts any presentation if you so wish, to something resembling a portable digital billboard.

This way, cross-device compatibility is no more an issue – half of your slides won’t get cut off when you switch from your Macbook to your iPad. FlowVella offers a free as well as paid version like many others in this list. Prices start from USD 10 monthly and go all the way up to USD 60 annually.

8. WPS Office Presentation

This is similar to LibreOffice in many aspects, other than the fact that it is a Chinese-origin software. WPS Office, like LibreOffice, is a truly cross-platform office suite as it has apps for Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and most other popular platforms.

Also, like LibreOffice, it has a whole office suite consisting of a Writer analogous to MS Word, a Presentation software analogous to Powerpoint, and a Spreadsheet software analogous to MS Excel. It is also truly free to use a platform like LibreOffice. One thing which we noticed during its testing is that it has very good MS Office inter-compatibility.

It means slides made in either software will look and behave very similarly when running on each other. But there are some font issues as many proprietary Microsoft Fonts are not available in WPSOffice, and you have to make do with the Chinese counterparts.

A feature worth mentioning is that WPSOffice has a tab-like UI feature wherein you can open PDFs, PPTs, XLSs, and DOCs in the same instance of the software on individual tabs similar to what you do on most browsers.

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Top 3 online presentation tools

Online presentation tools can display information and graphics in a slideshow format. It has three main components – Text editors, Import Function, and Presentation mode. PowerPoint is still the most popular online software tool, but making presentations can be challenging and time-consuming. The top three online presentation tools are,

1. Slidebean presentation websites

Slidebean is a presentation website that allows businesses and marketers to make online presentations. It has a simple interface that allows you to put your content and arrange your text, graphics, and content.

Slidebean has ready-to-use templates that can impress your audiences. It has an extensive library of graphics and gifs to highlight information. The minimalistic charts allow you to present data in an engaging format. It has a universal interface and can be used seamlessly for all presentation types.

2. SlideCamp presentation maker

SlideCamp is a presentation maker that provides templates for creating company presentations. The online presentation tool allows you to adjust color schemes, add your company logo, import charts, and data, and build infographics.

SlideCamp is an excellent tool to create consistency across your presentations. Utilize the predesigned templates to ensure your presentation has a professional look. The company offers plans starting at $49 to $449 per month, depending on the number of users that will access the program.

3. Pitcherific presentation tools

Pitcherific offers presentation tools to build and practice your presentation. The template-based presentation format helps you through the presentation process. Instead of just drafting slides, the program prompts you to write out areas of your speech.

There are several templates and different pitches available to guide you through the presentation. You can follow the elevator pitch that includes hook, problem, solution, and closing. There is a recommends character count for each section. A clock allows you to time your presentation. These features make it one of the best presentation software.

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Top 3 PowerPoint alternatives

PowerPoint has become the industry standard. It is easy to use and versatile, but PowerPoint presentations are not engaging. The bullet-based format can become tedious after some time. The standard templates available on PowerPoint may not create the desired impression. The top PowerPoint alternatives available are,

1. Zoho Slide presentation

Zoho has emerged as a good alternative o create slide presentations. It has a clean interface. The library has 17 prebuilt themes with animation and slide transition effects. Zoho allows you to present content like PowerPoint and has emerged as a powerful PowerPoint alternative.

The slide presentation can be viewed and edited by multiple people simultaneously. Zoho is free for up to 25 users. For larger teams, there are affordable premium plans available.

2. Canva presentation online

Canva allows users to make free presentations online. You have access to several layouts to create a beautiful presentation. You can choose images, fonts, and colors to convey your message convincingly. Customize or use the stock templates.

You have the option to use stock images or upload your images. Give your presentation a professional look by uploading your company logo. Canva will allow you to collaborate with your coworkers in real-time.

3. Haiku Deck ppt software

Haiku Deck is one of the best PPT software available. The presentation tools enable you to create stunning visual backgrounds. The extensive library of templates makes it one of the best presentation tools available.

Though simultaneous editing is not an option, you can share your presentation with others. The program has a simple interface and easy to learn. Haiku Deck is ideal if your presentation is not text-heavy. It is paid platform with costs ranging from $8 to $30 per month.

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Top 3 interactive presentation software

We use presentation software for learning, product or brand promotion, or spread information. In the internet age, our audiences expect interactive content. To get noticed, your content should be able to forge a connection between you and your audiences. Interactive content helps your audiences participate. Below we have listed the top 3 interactive presentation software,

1. SlideDog presentation programs

SlideDog is a presentation program that allows users to create presentation playlist to create a presentation. It is easy to use, and you can add files to the playlist pane. The flexible software allows you to add PowerPoint presentations, PDF documents, webpage, and Prezi files.

For interaction, you can insert a questionnaire or have live chat with your audiences. The files are available in the original format. SlideDog is the best presentation software for conferences and events and is used in multiple formats.

2. Mentimeter Presentation Pro

Mentimeter is a presentation pro, allowing you to make an interactive presentation with real-time voting, quizzes, reactions, scale, and much more. Audiences easily connect with your presentation; they can interact through their preferred device. Mentimeter is a cloud-based application, and you can start making presentations after signing up.

After making the presentation, shares the link with your audience. All participants have a unique code to vote on during the presentation. The results are visible instantly on the screen, and you can export the results to a pdf file or excel file.

3. iSpring Suite Max best PowerPoint presentations

iSpring Suite Max is one of the best PowerPoint presentation software available. It is ideally suited to create interactive e-courses, assessments, dialogue simulations, screencasts, and videos. You have the flexibility to build on your existing PowerPoint presentation or start from scratch.

The readymade template, background, icons, and character help you create engaging content. It allows you to collaborate with your coworkers. Your presentation works on various devices and can be published online or on e-learning management systems.

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Top 3 PPT editing software

You may need to prepare a presentation to introduce a product, host a webinar, or during any other public speaking. The latest ppt editing software allows you to make a professional-looking presentation. You can now collaborate and create presentations easily. The new features let you capture your audience’s attention. Here are the top 3 ppt editing software,

1. Ludus PPT programme

The Ludus ppt programme allows you to be creative. Graphic designers enjoy using the program. You can edit SVG files, upload your fonts, and copy and paste your illustrations from Sketch and Illustrator. It has features that are useful if you are a Web designer or illustrator.

The tutorial introduces you to its complex features. The paid platform offers advanced features like password protection, use of remote control, collaboration, etc. The program is one of the best presentation software available.

2. Beautiful.ai PowerPoint maker

Beautiful.ai uses advanced AI technology to remove the hassles and granular requirements while creating a presentation. It allows you to focus on the content of your presentation rather than design. The editor is intuitive.

You can create a new slide by selecting the template you like, and the app will use the layout and reset the presentation with the design. It strikes a beautiful balance between automation and customization. The paid plans are reasonably priced offer features like collaboration. The ease of use makes it one of the best presentation software.

3. Genially PPT presentation online

Genially allows you to create a ppt presentation online. The interactive features and animated templates are intuitive and make it easy to make your presentation. The interactive features allow you to hover, skip a page, and navigate external links.

The templates include a business proposal, reports, social media presentation. There are several useful features like data visualization, image galleries. If you are a premium user, you can include your logo, color scheme, font, images, background, etc.

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Top 3 slideshow presentation maker

A good slideshow presentation software allows you to add images and music to make a seamless presentation. It will help your presentation look sleek, and you can edit the images, add titles, and do so much more. You can get creative. These are the top 3 slideshow presentation makers,

1. PixGram Slides App

PixGram is one of the best slide apps for your smartphone. The free version has almost all the features you need though it has a three-minute time limit. The premium version offers more features. You can set your slideshow to music.

The app is user-friendly you can select photos and videos from your photo gallery and add music. The app allows you to add filters and edit your pictures. The only downside the app lacks transition and you can share the slides on your social media platform.

2. PhotoStage Slideshow 8 slide presentations

PhotoStage Slideshow 8 is a pocket-friendly option to create a slide presentation. It is a basic program, and we recommend it is if you do not need flashy graphics and transition. It gives you several transition options to make your presentation.

PhotoStage offers simple editing options like crop, rotate, and adjusting the contrast, hue, and brightness of your photographs. It can handle most audio and video formats effortlessly. The slide presentation can be saved in popular file formats and uploaded on YouTube and other social media platforms.

3. Movavi Slideshow Maker 7 slide presentations software

Movavi SlideShow Maker is handy slide presentation software that is easy to use. The montage wizard walks you through the process. It comes with different effects, transitions, and filters to help you make the presentation exceptional.

Video effect tools like zoom, camera pans, effects, sticker, and animation give more life to your presentation. You can add music to your presentation to create mixed media slideshows. Movavi can work with all types of images and videos you will not have compatibility issues.

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Top 3 video presentations software

Video presentations are perfect for marketing and can be used on your website or social media sites. Video presentation software is a practical solution that can be formatted as video ads, graphics, stories, and banners. Some video presentation software allows users to create GIFs. Here are the top 3 video presentations software,

1. Visme video presenter software

Visme allows you to create, download, and share video content. You can select templates and animated presentation slides. It has a large library of images and videos. You can embed third-party content into your presentation.

Visme provides data visualization capabilities, and all charts and graphs are automatically animated. You can brand your presentation with a logo and customize fonts depending on your budget. Add music or your voiceover to your videos. These features make Visme one of the best presentation software in this category.

2. Powtoon free video presentation software

Powtoon is great free video presentation software. It is cloud-based animation software for creating animated video presentations and explainer videos. Powtoon allows users to create animated presentations by manipulating pre-existing objects, import images, and add music or voice-overs.

You can view the videos on Powtoon online viewer. The videos can be exported to YouTube or download as an MP4. It is easy to use and you can create professional videos in 20 minutes.

3. Focusky the best video presentation software

Focusky is the best video presentation software presently available. It has an interactive platform, which makes it easy to create presentations and animated videos. You have the option to download the client for your Windows or Mac PC.

Focusky offers smooth 3D transition effects like zooming, panning, and rotating. It offers 10 different styles to create charts. The handy screen recorder makes it one of the top presentation software. There over 300+ animation effects to make your videos more engaging.

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Top 3 free presentation software

Today students and professionals use presentation software to make presentations. Research shows 65% of people are visual learners. A visual presentation can help your presentation stand out and improve your audience retention. There are several free presentation software available. The top free presentation software available are,

1. LibreOffice power points app free

LibreOffice is PowerPoint apps free software. LibreOffice presentation app is called Impress. It has nearly all the features offered by Microsoft PowerPoint, other than collaboration and integration with Microsoft OneDrive. You have the flexibility of importing files from Keynote.

You can insert different elements into your presentation. It has templates you can download and use. There are several formatting options and unlimited fonts. Impress is compatible with Microsoft. LibreOffice has useful plugins like advanced grammar options. It has emerged as one of the best presentation software in the market.

2. WPS Office free presentation makers

WPS Office offers free presentation makers to make a powerful presentation. WPS Presentation tool has several features including animation, slide transition, and embed your videos. WPS Presentation tool and Microsoft PowerPoint have a similar interface.

The program has an easy-to-use and simple interface with no glitches at the time of presentations. The program is compatible with Microsoft Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. The only downside to the WPS office is the ads.

3. Google Slide best presentations tools

Google Slide has emerged as the best presentations tools available. You can make your presentation anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. Google Slide allows users to collaborate with their colleagues.

It has all the basic functionality required for presentation like layout, formatting, adding texts and images. You have the option to publish the presentation on the web. Google Slides have a great feature where your audience can ask questions virtually either anonymously or use their email address.

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Top 3 presenter software for Mac

If you have switched to using Mac you miss using PowerPoint, fortunately, there are many options for presenter software for Mac. There are options for desktop presentation programs and browser-based apps you can use. The software we have listed is easy to use and interactive. The top 3 presenter software for Mac is,

1. Prezi best PowerPoint presentation

Prezi has over 100 million users has emerged as one best PowerPoint presentation software. The non-linear movement feature has proved to be popular. Prezi also offers zoom-in and panning features.

Prezi is compatible with Windows, Mac, and mobile versions. You can work offline and then save the presentation on the cloud. This allows you to collaborate with your colleagues. Prezi’s unique approach allows you to have an interactive and storytelling approach.

2. FlowVella presentation software for Macs

FlowVella is presentation software for Macs and is available in the Apple App Store. It is one of the best presentation tools available for Mac. The versatile software is easy to use and you can insert text, images, videos (including YouTube videos), audio, and PDF files.

FlowVella may not have all the features of Keynote and PowerPoint, but it is easy to use and fast. The handy analytical tool gives you useful feedback. There over 70 templates for you to choose from. FlowVella offers both free and paid versions.

3. Keynote the Mac PowerPoint equivalent

Keynote comes preinstalled in Mac and is considered to be Mac PowerPoint equivalent. It has an IOS and cloud-based version. The latest Keynote allows you to collaborate with others. Keynote is powerful and is compatible with PowerPoint, though not all features of PowerPoint work on Keynote.

There is a bit of a learning curve when you use Keynote, luckily there are online tutorials and a comprehensive help menu to get you started. You can make your presentations come alive with illustrations and handwritten notes.

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Conclusion and FAQs on best presentation software

There are many other presentation software examples out there in the wild. While some excel at cross-platform compatibility, others provide mouth-watering feature sets to create eye-popping presentations sure to grab some attention.

What one finds the best is often subjective – depending on the requirements, platforms, and individual tastes. While it’s difficult to ascertain the one-size-fits-all program, the presence of several great options surely helps the users’ cause.

1. What are the creative ways to present a project without PowerPoint?

Some of the creative ways to present a project without PowerPoint are,

• Animoto – To produce 30-second videos with text, pictures, and music.
• Capzles – Capzles is a multimedia tool allowing you to add text, music, images, and music.
• Glogster – This is an online poster-making tool for content creators.

2. What type of software enables you to create dynamic slideshows?

Several software computer presentation tools allow you to create dynamic slideshows. The popular presentation tools used are Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, Adobe Persuasion, and Open office.

3. What is Prezi powerpoint?

Prezi PowerPoint is a web-based tool to create presentations. Traditional presentation tools have a slide-based approach where you can move back and forth between slides. Prezi PPT has a canvas-based approach where you can move your presentation around, zooming in and out of the different frames. Prezi Powerpoints has a desktop app and a web-based version.

4. Comparison: Prezi vs Sway

Sway is a program introduced by Microsoft is considered to be a friendly alternative to PowerPoint. Prezi is a web-based tool for creating a presentation. Prezi is more versatile than Sway allowing you to customize layout, text, background, text boxes, etc. Prezi is easier to use and you can create a bullet list easily. You however cannot see the exact font size on Prezi.

Here is a list of the 20 best calendar apps that suit professionals at work. Read on!

Best Calendar App

The rapidly evolving digital world has made work from home easier than ever. However, working from home can become a herculean task without proper planning. The tendency to take the luxury of time and flexible work hours for granted creeps in. Often, this results in complete confusion, disorganization, and lack of motivation.

Productivity could also be affected immensely. The most efficient solution to this problem is to have the best calendar apps to schedule your day and accomplish your tasks with ease. Keep in mind that the best schedule app for you would depend upon your lifestyle and needs.

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What makes a good calendar app?

The best calendar apps send you reminders about events, give a view of your schedule, and help in using time effectively. The best calendar apps that we have shortlisted have the following characteristics,

1. Ease of use 
2. Customizable features
3. Promising design
4. Sharing options
5. Presence on many devices

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Best calendar apps in 2021

Here is a summary of the 10 best calendar apps in 2021,

1. Google Calendar – Best free calendar app

• Devices – Web, iOS, Android
• Cost – Free with a Google Account

The best free calendar app, Google Calendar is very popular. With this app, you can build many calendars in one app with the use of your Google account. These entries could be sent to any other online calendar as well. A major advantage of Google Calendar is that it can be connected to business apps like Trello.

This digital calendar makes it very easy to identify events and their dates through the feature of color-coding. Integration with G Suite apps is also available. A lot of good remote collaboration tools like UnRemot offer google calendar integration.

2. Apple Calendar – Best schedule app for Apple devices

• Devices  – Web, macOS, iOS
• Cost – Free with Apple ID or iCloud

The default scheduling app to store calendar entries made to all Apple devices, Apple Calendar is built into iOS and macOS. You can also update your entries through a web-based app on iCloud.

A very good calendar app, Apple Calendar provides you the option of pulling information from any calendar that makes use of CalDAV, Google Calendar, Yahoo, and Microsoft Exchange. To all new events, you can add locations, titles, notes, invitees, and reminders.

Travel time estimates can also be factored into alerts for events. Integration is available for all Apple devices. Notifications from Apple Calendar can be seen in the macOS and iOS sidebars.

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3. Microsoft Outlook Calendar – Best agenda app for businesses

• Devices – Windows, Web, iOS, macOS, Android 
• Cost – Free for iOS and Android; paid plan available from $5.99 per month for Office 365 subscriptions

A personal information manager, Microsoft Outlook Calendar is the best agenda app for businesses. Its desktop app provides the option of combining your email, notes, calendar, contacts, and tasks into a single view.

The mobile apps provide the option of combining your email and calendar. Microsoft Outlook Calendar allows you to share your calendar with co-workers as you work from home. Exchange Server accounts and relevant permissions let you and your co-workers subscribe to and manage each other’s schedules.

There is also an option using which you can drag and drop an email onto the calendar icon to make an appointment. A great feature is that several time zone views are supported in Microsoft Outlook calendar apps.

4. Any.do – Best scheduling app for staying organized

• Devices – Web, iOS, Android 
• Cost – Free; paid plan available from $5.99 per month which gets billed annually

One of the best calendar apps, Any.do is very useful to those people who need to stay organized. Location-based reminders can also be received through this calendar. Travel time estimates can also be added to notifications prior to any event. The mobile app makes great use of the small screen.

It sends notifications to remind you to preview your agenda at the start of every day. Color coding options are available on Any.do calendar app for different events on your calendar. The bottom of the screen shows a snap of the tasks assigned to the date you select.

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5. Thunderbird Lightning Calendar – Best calendar app for Linux users

• Devices – Windows, macOS, Linux
• Cost – Free

Along with being a fantastic email app, Thunderbird’s calendar app is one of the best calendar apps. The app has a tab for your calendar, email, and tasks. You can conveniently switch between scheduling, communicating, and managing your tasks and events.

The calendar tab in the app shows a summary of your schedule for the day. Four views are offered by the calendar – day, week, multi-week, and month. The app has a very convenient search function that is enhanced with time filters.

The major advantage of the Thunderbird Lightning App is that it is a calendar, personal email client, and task management app all in one. Although the app is available for Mac and Windows, it is the first choice for Linux users who need a powerful calendar app.

6. 24me – Best calendar app for managing several calendars

• Devices – Android, iOS
• Cost – Free; paid plan available from $5.99 per month or $35.99 per year for labels, alerts, and customization

Building your schedule with several apps on a mobile phone can be very frustrating and confusing. 24me is an app that exists to get rid of this problem for you. A single mobile assistant provides a uniform interface for notes, tasks, appointments, and meetings.

You can connect your Google Calendar, Yahoo, Outlook, Exchange, and iCloud calendars to this app so that you can view everything in one place. What’s great about this app is that it also connects to financial providers like banks, social networks like Facebook, and utility providers.

You will receive alerts when your bills are due and can make the payment in only a few steps. Being integrated with Siri, 24me allows you access without even opening the app. With the Apple Watch app connection, you can check your upcoming events on your wrist!

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7. Fantastical 2 – Best paid scheduling app

• Devices – iOS, macOS
• Cost – Free trial available for 21 days; paid plan available from $4.99 for iPhone, $9.99 for iPad, and $49.99 for macOS

Fantastical 2 has everything you need to keep yourself organized on Apple devices. It also has the Apple Watch app companion. Fantastical 2 works best on desktop. It is very appealing with its cheerful colors.

You can make additions of notes, URLs, locations, and invitees to an event with ease. Integrations with the rest of the system allow the app to give you a Today view widget, share sheet extension, and Handoff support.

When you type an event’s name, the app itself parses your words into calendar fields to bring out related information such as the availability of team members and addresses. The creation of events with natural language is the best feature of Fantastical 2.

Suggested read: Time Blocking: All you need to know about this powerful technique

8. TimeTree – Best calendar app for collaborations

• Devices – Web, iOS, Android 
• Cost – Free

A collaborative calendar app, TimeTree allows you to create useful calendars. It aims to understand what exactly your needs are and creates calendars accordingly. For example, it asks you whether the purpose of your calendar is for personal plans, work, family, friends, or groups.

Every option provided to you has a detailed description so that you can decide your purpose carefully. You can create as many calendars as you want as there is no limit to the number.

When you create multiple calendars, all your events will be shown in an overlay which would give you an idea of what your complete schedule looks like. There is also a color-coding feature for each calendar. You can also import different calendars like those with the list of national holidays.

9. My Study Life – Best agenda app for educators and students

• Devices – Web, iOS, Android 
• Cost – Free

My Study Life is a calendar app that is specifically designed for educational purposes. Schedules in the world of education vary considerably from those of the private sector. Those pursuing education follow the term or semester system instead of the quarterly one.

These educational calendars are filled with unusual situations and exceptions. My Study Life caters to these conditions. You can log your classes, assignments, study times, and exams to this calendar. The app also allows you to track the progress of your task completion which shows up as a percentage.

10. Cozi  – Best calendar app for families

• Devices – Web, iOS, Android 
• Cost – Free; paid plan available from $29.99 per year

Family schedules involve many conflicting events, work and study appointments. Made specifically for busy families, Cozi consolidates several calendars, shopping lists, and to-do lists in one app.

Members on the calendar are given assigned colors so that when an event is created by one person, the others know who has created it. Cozi also has journaling and messaging features.

Read: Best resume software | Give the finest first impression

Best planner apps for work

Planner apps help plan your time properly to enhance productivity. Choose the best calendar app to keep your day organized without missing any deadlines. Here are some of the best planner app you should consider for work,

1. Things 3 – Calendaring software

Things are task manager that combines beauty and power with plenty of flexibility. Unlike other task managers, things are super simple to use and don’t need a lot of time to get accustomed to and start using.

All tasks added to Things can be given a due date, tagged, and have a checklist if required. Everything can be easily moved around in a drag-and-drop fashion. It is also available on iPhone and Mac. 

2. nTask – Calendar desktop

nTask is the best calendar app that provides end-to-end tasks and workflow management. It can help you be productive by streamlining tasks, activities, projects, issues on a beautifully integrated in-app calendar.

nTask provides compatibility with both Android and iOS. The user experience at nTask is built in a way that anyone can get started with the calendar and scheduling process with ease. There are several other tools to manage tasks, projects, meetings, etc.

3. My Study Life – Cute calendars

It is the best planner app for students and teachers. Both students and teachers find scheduling the work and finishing it on time to be the most important. Hence, My Study Life is one of the best calendar apps in the education sector.

It allows students to easily schedule their work and studies making them more productive. This app is available on Android, iOS, and the web. It is free to use.

Also Read: How to quit a job | An ultimate read for best results

Top 3 online calendar planner apps

Online calendar planner apps help schedule events, tasks, meetings, and customer call well in advance to stay on top of your tasks all the time. They allow you to make the most of your time and avoid any delays. Here are the best calendar app you must think of,

1. Todoist – best planning apps

If you are looking for the best calendar app, one that is compatible with all your devices tracks your productivity, organizes and analyzes your tasks, Todoist should be your pick.

This online calendar planner would help you to organize your tasks either by yourself or in collaboration with others. It has both free and paid versions available but few features are only available to their paid subscribers. It works offline.

2. Any.do – pocket life calendar

Any.do is an online calendar planner that is available on nearly all the devices that are available in the market. It is available on iOS, Android, web, Siri, Amazon, Windows Desktop, Slack, Chrome, wearable gears, etc. Any.do helps you to stay on top of your tasks and enhance productivity through an elegant calendar app. It is the best calendar app that also provides location-based reminders and real-time notifications. 

3. Google Calendar – computerized calendar

Google calendar is the official calendar app for Android phones and other Android devices. It is available for free on Android devices. The user interface makes it super easy to use and has hundreds of integrations.

It is one of the best calendar apps allowing you to create multiple calendars in one app with your Gmail account. Google Calendar is an online calendar planner that integrates with every other application available.

Also Read: Phone interview tips | A priceless list of tips to succeed

Best planner apps for small teams

Best calendar apps and online tools have made it possible to ditch the old pen and paper. We have curated a list of best planner apps for small teams that will help you manage all aspects of your small business effectively and efficiently,

1. nTask – Pic calendar app

nTask is the best calendar app that helps us to stay organized and meet deadlines. It helps users to see all the team tasks to improve visibility and communication.

nTask assists you in completing your tasks successfully whether it is a family event or a work project. nTask is one of the best planner apps that has a free version available. This project management software lets you do more in less time.

2. ZoomShift – Date planner app

ZoomShift is amongst the best planner apps for small teams. It has everything you would need for job scheduling – availability, time offs, shift swaps, etc. There is also a drag and drop option available to move shifts around in the calendar.

The schedule can be easily shared with each other via text message, push notification, or email. This best calendar app has both free and paid plans available based on your business needs.

3. Zoho – Color-coded calendar app

Zoho is the best calendar app for small companies as it is free to set up for up to 10 users. They offer emails, calendars, word processing, and spreadsheets. Zoho Calendars will easily integrate with everything that you are doing.

It has 45+ integrated applications. Zoho has the vision to transform the way people have been working. What makes this the best planner app is the end-to-end, fully customizable user solution.

Also Read: Two weeks notice letter | A comprehensive guide

Top 3 shared calendar apps

If you are looking for a shared calendar app that can be used companywide to collaborate with the team members, here is our list of the 3 best calendar apps that provide excellent features and are highly recommended by business owners across different countries,

1. Asana – Calendar sharing application

Asana is a lot more than a shared calendar app, it also makes it easy to manage team projects and tasks. Asana is the best calendar app with a hundred different integrations available.

The timeline feature of Asana shows different pieces of the project, how they all fit together, and helps you track all the changes. Asana doesn’t have a free version available but they have free trials and a lite version.

2. TeamUp – PowerPoint maker

TeamUp offers both free and paid versions which can be selected by businesses based on their needs. It offers a live demo and three-day trial, so a user can see if this is a good fit for them or not.

This shared calendar app is for groups to simplify organizing, scheduling, and communicating. TeamUp is the best calendar app as it was built specifically for groups and its calendars are easy to use.

3. Teamweek – PPT presentation online

Teamweek is a shared calendar app that makes it easier for teams to collaborate. Its free plan is suitable for a team of five people and the mobile app lets users collaborate on the go.

It has a wide variety of impressive features such as team timelines, zoom levels, project roadmaps, and a shared timeline. Teamweek is the best calendar app available for $39 per month for up to 10 people.

Also Read: Problem solving activities | Everything you must know

3 best calendar app for Mac

If you are a Mac user trying to find the best calendar app which can help you stay productive and organized, we have found the best ones for you. Let us have a look at the 3 best calendar app for Mac users,

1. Google Calendar app for mac

Google Calendar is a more popular option for Android devices but it can also be integrated easily with your Mac Device. It is a very simple and effective calendar app that works across platforms.

The different features that make Google Calendar indispensable are different color palettes, easy calendar invite, smart title and text suggestions, Gsuite and a hundred other integrations, etc. It can easily be listed as the best calendar app for Mac.

2. Woven – Aesthetic calendar

Woven is the best calendar app for Mac as it helps in bringing personal, work, and family calendars all in one place. It provides smart features to control your calendar such as scheduling links, templates, tags, analytics, insights, group polls, calendar sharing, etc.

Woven can be easily synced up with other accounts such as Gmail and Outlook. The group poll feature is unique to Woven where you can take a poll on everyone’s availability.

3. Apple Calendar – Mac calendar application

Apple Calendar is the best calendar app for Mac as it is specially built for Apple users. It is the default app for Mac and iOS products. The clean and simple user interface lets users focus on upcoming events and get organized with its calendar app.

It adds integration with several other iOS apps through the drag and drops functionality. Apple Calendar is available for free on Mac and iOS devices.

Also Read: Voice echoing | A complete guide

3 best planner app for iPad

Are you an iPad user looking for the best calendar app available in the market to enhance your productivity?  Several apps are specially designed for the Apple ecosystem. Let us look at the 3 best planner app for iPad,

1. Fantastical app – Best planner apps for iPad

The Fantastical app is undoubtedly the best calendar app for iPad. The app provides a wide variety of calendar views to choose from, has natural language parsing, power-user features like templates, weather forecasting, etc.

The Fantastical app is available at a $40/year annual subscription fee. The visual design of Fantastical is great to look at, making it easier for the users to understand their schedule at one glance.

2. Spark – Geek calendars

Spark helps to manage your email a much easier task. It allows you to add multiple email accounts and you can manage all of them at once with Spark’s Smart Inbox System. The email can be categorized into Personal, Notifications, and Newsletters.

Spark allows you to add smart notifications that alert you only when the mails are from a particular sender and saving you from unnecessary interruptions. It is available for free.

3. Calendly – Diary calendars

Calendly is automated scheduling software that integrates with your calendar to automatically check your availability. The program easily integrates with Google, Outlook, Office 365, and iCloud Calendar.

It is the best planner app for iPad as it lets users schedule meetings without a lot of back-and-forth emails. There are other features such as time zone detection, ability to schedule buffer time between meetings that make it one of the best calendar apps.

Also Read: Synchronus & asynchronus communication | A complete guide

Top 3 alternatives to Google calendar

There are more than 100 alternatives for Google calendar that will work on a variety of platforms. These apps have almost the same features as the Google calendar and sometimes more. Let us look at the top 3 alternatives to the Google calendar app,

1. Microsoft Outlook – Google calendar alternative

If you’re looking for an alternative to Google Calendar, Microsoft’s outlook is the perfect option. It is available for free and you can schedule meetings, create multiple calendars, share schedules, set email reminders, etc.

It comes with a lot of integrations and can be teamed up nicely with other services. It is available for free for both iOS and Android. It even works perfectly well with an Apple watch.

2. TimePage – Best planner app for iPhone

This calendar app is impressively robust and manufactured by the Italian company Moleskine. They are known for notebooks and journals. This elegant and stylish app is the best calendar app for people who value aesthetics.

TimePage has a very unique feature called heatmap. It generates circles around the days in your agenda, the more colorful the circle, the busier is the day. It is free to download.

3. Teamup Calendar – Calendar management

Teamup calendar has both free and paid versions available. The Premium version will get you access to a lot more features but the free version is perfectly suitable for a small team. It allows you to create and manage a calendar without even requiring you to sign up.

This is one of the best calendar apps as it allows sharing individual events as standalone web pages. The different features make it suitable for business.

Also Read: Virtual water cooler | A how-to guide for everyone

Top 3 work calendar app for large teams

The work calendar app helps in managing team availability and workloads. They allow managers to plan better and avoid employee burnout. Below we will look at the 3 best calendar apps that are suitable for a manager who is handling a large team,

1. Google calendar Apple watch compatibility

Google Calendar comes with all Android devices and is specially designed for Google’s ecosystem. It automatically pulls in events from your Gmail and sends notifications to you.

It offers five main views: schedule, day, three-day, week, and month which is sufficient for most of the situations. For most users, Google calendar is the best calendar app. It can even sync with the Apple watch if required by the user.

2. Trello – Smart calendars

Trello is one of the best calendar apps for large teams to keep track of different tasks and projects. While Trello is used mostly for to-do tasks, you can do a lot more by assigning a due date to any Trello card.

The Trello calendar gives a view of the entire calendar with Trello cards sitting on their respective due dates. This work calendar app lets people collaborate, discuss tasks, and track everything.

3. Toggl Plan – E-calendars

Toggl Plan is the best calendar app with all the features that make managing work easier. It offers timelines, Kanban boards, custom task flows, and much more. Toggl allows you to track important deadlines with color-coded milestones.

It provides easy integration with popular tools such as Google Calendar. The Toggl Plan work calendar app helps in managing teams on the go. It has both free and premium plans available as per need.

Also Read: Deep work summary | An ultimate read for best results

Comparison of some of the best calendar app features

Below is the comparison of some of the best calendar apps,

1. Google Calendar vs Apple Calendar

The verdict between Google calendar vs Apple Calendar is a subjective one. But as Google calendar is supported by multiple devices, it is shared and accessed by more people. Whereas, Apple calendar is not shared easily outside the Apple ecosystem. Ultimately, it is based on individual preference.

2. Google Calendar vs Outlook

Let us see Google Calendar vs Outlook, which one is the best calendar app? It depends on which app is more suited to your business needs, and your lifestyle. Both of them are free to use and are available both online and offline. Calendar sharing is common to both.

3. Cozi vs Google Calendar

Cozi vs Google Calendar, which one is the best calendar app? While Google Calendar is useful to manage all kinds of tasks from personal to professional, the Cozi calendar is more commonly known as a family calendar app. The Cozi app is like a personal assistant on your mobile devices.

4. iCal vs Google Calendar

While assessing iCal vs Google Calendar, the majority of people have found Google calendar easier to use, set up, and administer. Google calendar was found to meet the need of businesses better than iCal making it the best calendar app. iCal is more suited for the Apple ecosystem.

Also Read: Depth of knowledge | A priceless list of tips to succeed

Concluding thoughts and FAQs on best calendar apps in 2021

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on best calendar apps of 2021,

1. How does Outlook calendar app for Android works?

1. Open the calendar app on your Android device
2. Go to the Settings option
3. Tap on “Add New Account”
4. Select “Microsoft Exchange”
5. Enter your credentials and tap “Sign in”
6. Your Outlook email will now show under “Calendars” to confirm you have successfully synced Outlook with Android

2. How does Google calendar on Apple watch works?

Google calendar can be accessed through all devices including Android, iOS, and windows. To get google calendar requirements on apple watch, sync your google account with your apple watch paired iPhone. You can sync your google calendar with your apple calendar on a paired iPhone.

3. What are some Google calendar alternatives?

Google Calendar is one of the best calendar app but if it isn’t suitable for you here are the top alternative to Google Calendar that will help you manage your time,

1. iCal
2. Spike
3. Calendar
4. Microsoft Exchange Online
5. Microsoft Outlook
6. Teamup Calendar
7. TimeTree
8. TimeBlocks
9. Fantastical 2

4. How does Fantastical for PC works?

The Fantastical app is a very powerful calendar app developed specifically for Apple users by Flexibits. The Fantastical calendar app is available for download in the Apple store and can only be used across Apple devices such as iPad, Macbook, and iPhone.

Have a phone interview coming up and you want to give your best? Here are some useful phone interview tips to make a lasting impression.

Phone interview tips

The world we live in is interconnected. Jobs today are no longer restricted by geographical boundaries. Companies today have the flexibility of conducting interviews by multiple methods to shortlist candidates. Phone interviews have emerged as a popular method to interview candidates. These are typically shorter than an in-person interview. In this blog, our phone interview tips can help you ace the interview.

Also Read: Teaching Philosophy | A priceless list of tips to succeed

What is a phone interview?

Recruiters usually conduct phone interviews in the initial rounds. The interview allows an employer to screen you bases on experience, salary, and qualifications. A phone interview is structured. The questions asked during the interview tend to be tailor-made for the interview. Companies generally schedule phone interviews in advance, and you will get time to prepare.

Purpose of phone interviews

Telephone interviews are conducted as an initial round to screen candidates. Candidates that clear the phone interview are offered an in-person interview. 

There are several reasons why employers conduct phone interviews before further rounds. The purpose of phone interviews is as follows –

1. Phone screen interview to clarify missing information

Hopefully, your resume should be able to tell your prospective employer the details regarding your experience, qualification, etc. If the Human Resource department thinks you are a good fit they may arrange for a phone screen interview to get specific inputs about your work history or any other clarification.

2. Phone screening interview to determine your qualification

Phone screening interviews are popular, to determine if you have the required technical knowledge for the job. They will examine your logical thinking. They will ask you specific questions to determine if you are qualified for the job. They may present a technical problem and ask you how you would solve the problem. Phone interview tips include preparing well for the technical round.

Also Read: Employment Background Check | A comprehensive guide

3. Telephone interview to determine your interest levels

Several candidates apply for the position, and the company does not want to call someone who is not excited about the job. The interviewer will note your enthusiasm levels, whether you are willing to relocate and how soon you can join if selected to determine your interest levels. 

4. Communication skills in phone interview vs in-person

Recruiters judge communication skills during phone interview and in-person interviews. One of the main differences between a phone interview vs in-person interview is that in a phone interview you do not get visual clues on how the interview is progressing. Phone interviews can be less stressful help you communicate more clearly. Phone interview tips are you can use notes and reference material during the interview.

5. Determine if you a good fit in your 15-minute phone interview

Employers are looking at several factors while hiring someone. They want to examine if you will thrive in the office environment. During the 15 minute interview, they will ask behavioral and situational questions to narrow down the list of applicants.

Also Read: Leadership skills at workplace | Everything you must know

How to prepare for a phone interview?

Phone interviews are usually conducted by recruiters and not hiring managers. Recruiters receive several resumes for each post and shortlist the top candidates based on phone interviews. You may be able to take phone interviews from the comfort of your bedroom, but you need to prepare for it. Here are our top tips on how to prepare for a phone interview –

1. Prepare questions to ask during a phone interview

Remember phone interview is a conversation, not an interrogation. Think of questions to ask during a phone interview to determine if you would enjoy working there. It is a good idea to prepare 2 to 3 questions. Ask meaningful questions to show that you have researched the company. Some typical questions can be- 

• Why do you enjoy working for this company?
• How is the work environment?
• What are the next steps in the interview process?

2. Prepare well for a phone interview

Just like an examination you need to be serious while preparing for your phone interview. One of the best phone interview tips write down or highlight the terms used in the job description. They are looking for specific skillsets and abilities. You can tailor your answer to meet their requirement. Prepare the answers to technical and some human resource questions.

3. Listen to the phone screen interview questions

During the interview you will be asked hone screen interview questions, but you need to listen actively. Let the interviewer guide your interview. You can ask follow-up questions but do not dominate the conversations. Use your interview, to reinforce your intentions of joining the company and pay attention during the interview.

4. Create a comfortable environment for a telephone interview

You may find your first telephone interview phone intermediating and stressful. Take proactive steps so that you feel at ease. Avoid a place with distractions or background noise. It is one of the first steps on how to rock a phone interview. Review your resume and highlight key parts of your resume.

5. Tips for phone interview after your interview

One of the best tips for a phone interview is sending a thank you note to your interviewer on the same day. Confirm your interest in the company and your desire to proceed further. You need to be patient as you may not receive a reply to your thank you note. You can send two follow-up emails”, after your interview.

Also Read: How to turn down a job offer | A complete guide

On-call – how to ace a phone interview?

You have received an invitation for a phone interview after applying for a job. There are several advantages of phone interviews, such as there is no commuting, you do not need to dress up, and your body language will be immaterial. But you still need to impress, the interviewer over the phone. Here are some tips on how to ace a phone interview –

1. Cover deliverables during the phone interview with the hiring manager

The hiring manager examine if you meet their base requirement during the phone interview with the hiring manager. Study the job description carefully or talk to ex and present employees. You need to know the essential deliverables of the job. Highlight your strengths in these areas during the interview.

2. Maintain conversational tone during your 15-minute phone interview

Phone interviews typically last from 15 to 30 minutes. Many candidates start strong but fade away during their allotted time. Some phone interview tips are to keep your answer descriptive and avoid monosyllabic answers. You will sound nervous if you speak too fast. Remember to listen to the interviewer carefully before you respond.

3. Acing a phone interview by demonstrating you are a good cultural fit

There are several parameters to judge candidates. One of the essential parameters is if you will be a cultural fit for the organization. Acing a phone interview can be achieved by showing that you will be a good fit for the company. You will get clues by studying the company’s online and social media presence. You will get an idea about brand personality and vibe. 

4. How to nail a phone interview by understanding the recruiter role?

One of the ways on how to nail a phone interview? You need to understand the recruiter’s role in the hiring process. Companies compensate recruiters when they recruit a person. They want you to succeed. Do not feel scared to ask the interviewer for clarification if you do not understand the question or inputs on the hiring process.

5. What to say on a phone interview?

A phone interview is less formal than an in-person interview but still, need to prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Do your research and prepare questions regarding growth prospects, challenges, vision, and company products to show your interest and gauge if you want the job. Prioritize your questions so that you do not run out of time.

Also Read: Employee Satisfaction Survey | Critical items that you must know!

How to do a phone interview – 5 interview etiquettes

While looking for a job, you need to take the interview process seriously. You may have the qualification and experience required to get the job, but you still need to clear the phone or in-person interview. You need to follow some basic interview etiquette. Here are some etiquettes tips for how to do a phone interview –

1. Phone interview vs in-person interview

There are some differences between a phone interview and an in-person interview. You cannot make eye contact in a phone interview, and it may be harder to stand out. Dress for the phone interview as you would for an in-person interview as it might help you feel in control. Wear clothes that make you feel professional and confident.

2. Be ready for phone screening interview questions

You can be prepared with some commonly asked phone interview questions. There are no guarantees they will ask these questions, but these will improve your responses.

• Are you prepared to relocate for this job?
• What interests you about the job?
• If hired, how soon can you start?
• What are your salary expectations?

3. Practice interviewing

Prepare for an interview like you would prepare for your exams. Practice interviewing with your family or friends. You need to be prepared to sell yourself. As soon as you land the interview start researching the company and your role. The more you prepare, the more confident you will sound over the phone. Prepare the answers to commonly asked questions.

4. Good things to say in an interview

Do not talk too much, listen actively and take notes are some phone interview tips. The notes will come in handy while asking questions at the end of the interview or provide valuable inputs for future interviews in the company. Good things to say in an interview are-

• You have the required experience.
• You work well with others.
• You are excited about the job.

5. Phone interview with hr

You can nail the phone interview with the HR department and use the fact that you are unseen to your advantage. Some phone interview tips are –

• Maintain a conversational tone. Your tone should stay upbeat and strong. Speak clearly and at a steady pace
• Eliminate distractions sit in place with no background noise and strong signal
• Place your resume and notes placed near you for quick reference

Also Read: Employee engagement surveys | A how-to guide for everyone

Phone interview cheat sheet

A phone interview cheat sheet contains basic information about what to expect during a phone interview. Phone interview cheat sheet can help to refresh your memory and help you respond to questions confidently without fumbling. Here are some tips on how to nail the interview –

1. Company information for a job phone interview

During the job phone interview, they may question you about your knowledge of the company. Visit the company’s website and social media so that you have an idea about their products or services, objectives, and company executive. Write down some key points for quick recall during the interview.

2. Phone interview advice of positive frame of mind

Phone interview tips are to smile during the interview. Though the interviewer will not be able to see you, it may improve your frame of mind. Another phone interview advice is to dress well for the interview. You need to wear formal attire, but dressing well will improve your mindset. 

3. Schedule the call in a 30-minute phone interview

Schedule your call when you are not at work. Your 30-minute phone interview may last longer, set aside some extra time so that you do not have to rush. Choose a time when you will be awake and sober. Remember to select a time and place where you will be uninterrupted by colleagues or family.

4. Preparing for phone interviews

While preparing for phone interviews, prepare the answers to typically asked questions. You should write key skills and accomplishments. Prepare the answers to behavioral and technical questions. Some typically asked questions are:-

• Tell me about yourself.
• When can you start?
• What excites you about the position?
• Why do you want to work here?
• What are your salary requirements?

5. Elevator pitch for tips for phone interviews

Some tips for phone interviews include preparing an elevator pitch. Your interviewer may ask you to give any additional information. Use this opportunity to sell yourself – list out your accomplishments and skills. Reaffirm why you are the best candidate for the job. Use the opportunity to recap elements in your resume and emphasize the elements, you consider are vital for the job.

Also Read: Employee Empowerment | An ultimate read for best results

After the phone interview, what happens next?

It is important to thank the interviewer after your phone interview. Send a thank-you note as soon as possible, while the interview is still fresh in the interviewer’s mind. Remember to emphasize your interest in the job and your qualifications for the vacancy. A well-crafted thank you note can help remind the interviewer about your strengths and skills.

How to end the phone interview?

Take the opportunity to ask any questions to the interviewer. Research the company before the interview and ask any questions you may have. Remember to ask the interviewer the next step in the hiring process. Tell your interviewer that you are excited about the position. End phone call professionally and wait for the interviewer to say goodbye before hanging up the phone.

How to answer phone interview calls?

Answer the phone call promptly. Greet the interviewer professionally and politely. Confirm you were expecting the call. Politely address the interviewer and do not use a casual tone. Dress appropriately and sit straight to reinforce the fact this is a professional interview. Take notes to organize your thoughts. Listen carefully before answering the question.

Also Read: Employee Satisfaction | A priceless list of tips to succeed

What is the most professional telephone tip to follow during your job search?

Phone interviews are used to determine if the applicant can be shortlisted for further rounds. Here are some phone interview tips that may help –

• Be organized about your job search
• Prepare for the interview highlight the skills mentioned in the job description
• Prepare the answers to commonly asked questions.
• Research the company and prepare questions can ask after the interview.

What to expect in a phone interview?

Most phone interviews are screening interviews. The interviews are conducted to determine if you are a qualified applicant. There will be a brief review of your background and ask some questions. Typically you may be asked-

• Introductory questions
• Questions about work history
• Salary requirements 
• Why you want the job?
• Skill-based questions

Also Read: Remote Meetings | A comprehensive guide

How to prepare for a Google phone interview?

Google phone interviews are extensive, there are quite a few things you need to do to prepare for the interview –

• Spend time on data structure and algorithms. Your basic concepts should be clear. 
• Practice writing code on Google Docs.
• Websites like Glassdoor have several questions asked by Google.
• Ask your friends to conduct mock interviews.

How long does a phone interview last?

Phone interviews are typically shorter than in-person interviews. The length of the interview often depends on the type of job and your calibre. Phone interviews are often used for prescreening the candidates. Phone interviews typically last for fifteen minutes to a half-hour. A good phone interview can go up to 45 minutes. Interviews for executive positions can last up to an hour.

What are the questions to ask the interviewer during a phone interview?

Questions asked after or during the phone interview can show interest in the company and the job position. Here are some questions you can ask-

• What are the most important elements of the job?
• Why is the position available?
• How is performance evaluated? How often do you evaluate?
• What opportunities are there for personal and professional development?

Also Read: Instructional coach | Everything about starting an exciting career

What should be the next step, if it’s a phone interview no call?

There are a few steps you can take if the interviewer does not call-

• Cross-check the date and time of the interview
• Ensure your phone is charged and turned on. 
• Wait for 15 to 20 minutes and try to call the interviewer.
• Send a follow-up email after the call.

How to answer the phone for a phone interview?

Answer the phone call by stating your name. The caller will know they have reached the right number and will not have to ask you. Prepare for the interview including the greeting you will use. If you fumble during the call it may show poor communication skills. Be mindful of the tone of voice during the interview.

Also Read: Employee Gift | The ultimate guide

How to start a phone interview?

You need to prepare for a phone interview as you would prepare for an in-person interview. Practice and keep your resume near you for reference. Make sure you sound professional when you answer the call, state your name clearly, and confirm you were expecting the call. Ensure your voicemail message is professional and crisp in case you are unable to answer your phone.

Wondering how to quit a job? In this article, we will extensively discuss the best way to leave a job, and how to respectfully quit a job.

How to quit a job

Ambitions and career objectives influence professionals to hop on different opportunities. Hence it necessitates quitting the job in hand and move on to pursue the next company. But then a common question that arises is, how to quit a job? Let’s dig in!

How do you know when to quit your job?

There are certain indicative signs which you need to recognize, driving your decision on when to quit a job and then how to quit a job

• Lack of growth opportunities
• Unhealthy work environment
• Improper usage of your skills
• Company’s reputation or future at stake
• Unable to align your work principles with the company’s way of working

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How to quit a job if the management is tough?

When the management is tough, it is difficult to continue. But then how to quit a job in such a situation. The recommendation is to professionally resign from office; even if you have developed hard feelings against the management. Confrontations must be avoided while leaving a company.

1. Save data and files before you quit your job

Before you announce to quit your job, ensure to save all your data and files (leaving out company confidential information). You can keep it in Google Drive or any online Cloud storage software. This is your first step if you want to understand how to quit a job when the management is tough.

2. Draft the resignation letter for quitting job

As a second step for quitting job, draft the resignation letter. Even though you are unhappy with the management, the recommendation is to use polite words while leaving your job. Mention looking out for varying avenues of work in your resignation letter. This is how to quit gracefully from your current job.

3. Send an email for leaving a job

If you are wondering how to properly resign or how to quit a job when you are not on good terms with the management, send the resignation letter via email. That will prevent unnecessary confrontation and chances of miscommunication; leading to a hassle-free way of resign from work.

4. Bargain for minimum notice period while leaving work

When you are not convinced with the management, it is better to serve a lesser notice period while leaving work. It is the 4th step to answer your question on how to quit a job or how to resign from a position for non-alignment with management.

5. Prepare for the exit interview to resign from a job

The last step on how to resign from your job is to prepare for an exit interview. Answering questions of the HR and the management of the organization with poise is the recommendation. Talk about your ventures to explore more challenging opportunities; an answer to how to quit your job professionally.

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How to resign from a job with friendly management?

While you embark to resign from a position in a company with friendly management, it is tough to provide a satisfying reason. But then you must know how to resign from a job in such situations. In this section, we will discuss the 5 steps on how to quit a job in a company where you are aligned with the management.

1. Serve the full current notice period

Serve the full current notice period when the management is friendly and you are aligned with them. So if you are wondering how to resign from a job elegantly or how to quit a job on good terms, this must be your first step. It will help to keep your relation cordial and professional.

2. Be polite when you quit a job

While liaising with your current company for quitting a job, be polite, respectful and courteous in your conversations. This keeps the door open for coming back to the company in future. It is one of the vital steps as an answer to the question of how to quit a job without any hassles.

3. Impart the decision personally while resigning from work

Never use a phone call while resigning from work, especially when the management is good and friendly. It is advisable to impart the decision to resign from work personally. One of the best practices to leave the company is to inform the management 2 or 3 weeks in advance.

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4. Ensure adherence to the current protocol when you decide to resign

While you are wondering, how to quit a job, the 4th step is to ensure adherence to the current office protocol. Never be negligent towards your current responsibilities before you relieve from job. Fulfil all your tasks, even if you are quitting a job after a week for another job.

5. Training your replacement before leaving is the best way to quit a job

The best way to quit a job is to train the replacement and prepare him or her to take up your current responsibilities. Share all the relevant documents, data, files and tips and tricks for conducting the activities efficiently. It is one of the preferred and best ways to quit your job.

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Best practices while quitting a job

There is often a dilemma on the best way to quit a job and continue maintaining a warm relation with the current organization. In this section, we will elaborate on the best practices to follow while quitting a job. The checklist will act as a ready reckoner for your answer on how to quit a job professionally.

1. Settle with your new employer before you have resigned from job

Before you have resigned from job, ensure that all the formalities are processed with the new employer. You must have the offer letter; one of the best practices to follow while quitting a job. The new employer must be in sync with the current notice period you need to serve.

2. Curate a transition plan while planning for resignation from work

A well-defined transition plan must be drafted while planning for resignation from work. The plan is to ensure all documents, and information are properly transitioned to the person who will be taking up your position; one of the best practices and an answer to the question on, How to quit a job gracefully.

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3. Write a formal letter when you resign from a position

When you resign from a position, write a formal resignation letter. The letter must state the reasons for relieving from job. You must be polite in expressing your gratitude to the current company. Another very crucial best practice to follow as an answer to the question on, how to quit a job nicely.

4. Inform your immediate supervisor personally while leaving job

One of the best practices to consider while quitting a job or leaving job is to inform your immediate supervisor personally. Your supervisor must not hear the news from HR or any other person in the company. This will ensure maintaining a healthy relation, the best way to quit a job.

5. Clarify the benefits to be transferred with HR when you quit work

Never forget to clarify in details about the provident fund, superannuation fund, medical insurance benefits etc. from the HR department when you decide to quit work. Ensure a written confirmation; one of the best practices and an answer to the question on, how to quit your job professionally.

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Why quitting your job gracefully is important?

Never undermine professionalism while quitting the job. No one can predict when you may have to come back to the same company after few years. So to the question of how to quit a job, the answer is to be done gracefully. In this section, we would focus on the supporting reasons for the answer on why the best way to quit a job without notice or with notice demands grace.

1. Maintain professional relation while quitting the job

Your behaviour while quitting the job is noted by the HR, and leadership of the organization. You will remain in their good books and consideration if you are pleasant and cordial in your communication. Even if you consider re-joining the company in future, the reference will assist in your favour.

2. What to do when you quit your job

What to do when you quit your job? Inform your immediate supervisor at least 2 or 3 weeks before for proper planning and transitioning. You will earn respect for being considerate and honest. This is why when you ask how to quit a job, the answer is to be professional in your approach.

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3. I want to quit for my professional growth

When you convey the message, I want to quit to your immediate supervisor, the management or HR personnel, state the reason related to your professional growth. The recommendation is while quitting your job, mention that you are on the lookout for challenging opportunities.

4. Serve notice period on job application

A suggestion is to serve the current company’s notice period on job application into the new company. Besides, be sincere to fulfil your current responsibilities and tasks. So even if you are quitting your job, people will remember your dedication and commitment towards work.

5. The best way to resign from a job

The best way to resign from a job is to document all the tasks and activities that you have been performing in your current role. Explain in details to the person who is going to take over your role. Never hide any data or information while quitting your job.

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5 Don’ts while resigning from a job

Now that we have learned the best practices while resigning from a job, let us focus on the 5 donts to consider when you are thinking of how to quit a job. So if you are thinking of leaving a contract job early or even quitting your full-term job, the below-mentioned don’ts are applicable.

1. Not giving two weeks notice

If you are pondering on the don’ts of, how to leave a job, one of the answers to it is not giving two weeks notice. Never think of quitting job without notice as you may fall under bad scrutiny. Your resignation may be denied and you may not be able to collect a good reference.

2. Avoid email resignation

Avoid email resignation as one of the don’ts and answer the question, how to quit a job? Informing personally to your immediate supervisor is a best practice. You can go for a follow-up email or resignation letter as the official document. Remember while resigning from a job, people demand professionalism.

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3. Avoid being negative while leaving the company

Never be on bad terms or be negative while leaving the company. It is one of the don’t that must be strictly avoided and an answer to the question on, how to quit a job properly?. Being courteous, keep doors open for the future.

4. Forgetting Goodbyes is not the proper way to quit a job

The proper way to quit a job is to say Goodbye to the people you have been professionally acquainted with within your company. So never forget to personally wish each one of them goodbye. People need to remember you as a good person while resigning from a job.

5. Avoid resigning without another job

Strictly avoid resigning without another job. You may land up in monetary issues and dilemma. You will find difficulties in transferring your benefits and insurance details. Though there is a notice period, there is no assurance that you will be able to secure a job within the time frame.

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What to say when you quit your job?

While answering how to quit a job or how to give resignation, first and foremost you must know what to say. Talk about exploring new job opportunities, aspiration for a different role and desire to work in different technology or domain. Express your thanks to the current company and the management.

How to know what is your current notice period?

When you are in a dilemma on how to quit a job or how to resign from a position, one of the recommendations is to be aware of your current notice period. Open up the company HR manual and check the separation sections in the manual for the answer.

If hired, how much time do you need to give notice for your current position?

Typically serving a two-week notice is the answer to the question on how to quit a job or how to resign from job. In some companies, you may need to work for 1 month depending on the criticality of your role and involvement in the organization and program.

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When to quit your job without another job?

The best reasons for quitting a job without another job are if you are going for a sabbatical leave, health issues, desire to start a new business, higher studies, when the job is in jeopardy or maternity leaves for women. The reasons hold valid as an answer to the question of how to quit a job.

Why quitting your job without another job is a bad idea?

If you are not certain of alternate money-making opportunities or you are not desiring a break, then quitting a job without another job is a strict No; an answer to the question on, “How to quit a job?” You may not be able to secure another job within the notice period.

Should I tell my old employer where I am going?

It is advisable not to inform your old employer where you are going. If you are resigning for a break, sabbatical, studies or for starting a new business, you may still think of discussing; an answer to your question on how to quit a job or how to resign from a job in person.

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What is a notice period on a job application?

If you are thinking of how to quit a job or rather how can I quit my job nicely, and wondering what a notice period is all about. Well, it’s the time duration when an employer mentions resigning to the current company and the last day at the company.

How to quit a job without notice?

To answer the question of how to quit a job without notice, you need to be very prompt. Inform your immediate supervisor and HR and mention the reasons for the urgency. Be fast in drafting out a transition plan and work extra hours to ensure things are in order before leaving the job.

Is 3 weeks notice too much?

The standard practice is to provide 2-week notice. But it may extend 3 to 4 weeks as the company may face hurdles in securing a replacement or the project may be in a critical state. Predict the situation and finalize the last day; one of the answers to the question on how to quit a job.

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How to go back to your old job when the new one doesn’t fit?

As we have discussed before, an answer to the question on “how to quit a job” or “how should I behave while leaving my job” is to be cordial and polite. So if want to return to your old job, call up your old manager or fix a lunch with him or her to discuss.

How to resign from a job immediately?

How do you quit a job immediately? State the valid reasons and urgency to your immediate supervisor or HR. You may decide to withhold the money that the company owes to you for a certain period. Having said so, it is not advisable to resign without notice as there may be undesirable consequences.

How to quit your job like a boss?

If you are eager to know, how to quit a job like a boss, be polite, cordial, warm and respectful. Never engage in negative or repulsive terms with the current employer. Ensure to transition your activities well. Thank all personally you have known till date. Wish goodbye to all.

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Do I have to disclose my new employer when resigning?

No, it is not mandatory to discuss your new employer while resigning. It must be avoided as it is not advisable to trust your peers, supervisor or team in confiding the information. If you want to understand how to quit work or how to quit a job, then refrain from disclosing your new employer.

How to quit a job you hate?

If you are wondering how to quit a job you hate, the best is to keep the formalities short and brief. Avoid extensive interactions or discussions. You must serve the notice period without indulging in confrontations. Send out your resignation letter without being personal in your reasons.

How to quit a temp agency?

How to quit my job connected to a temp agency? The answer to the question is to serve till the end date of the assignment or contract. Besides, write a letter of resignation, be courteous in informing the decision to all the concerned stakeholders. Promise to be in touch with all in future.

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How to quit a job before you start?

How to resign from a new job or how to quit a job before even you start functioning? The recommendation is not to hesitate but inform the decision immediately. If needed serve the notice period. Be professional in your interactions and avoid any negative communication.