Although Workspace has 2.6 billion users, the package is free for individuals.
Google is updating its productivity software to better meet the needs of frontline and remote employees, in a bet that the pandemic has permanently changed the way work is done.
A version of the company’s Workspace offering will be tailored specifically for frontline workers, such as retail and healthcare workers, Alphabet Inc.’s unit said in a blog on Monday. The effort will allow organizations to communicate and collaborate better with employees via their cell phones and is similar to a service from rival Microsoft Corp.
Workspace, formerly known as G Suite, will also integrate with Google’s digital voice assistant and gain resources to allow employees to set and stick to exclusive working hours.
The internet giant is trying to make its line of productivity tools, including Gmail, Meet videoconferencing and Google Docs word processor, essential for companies that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Employees had to balance professional and family demands when doing their jobs at home in the past year, spurring an increase in unconventional working hours and other flexible arrangements.
Javier Soltero, vice president and general manager of Workspace, said that Google was trying to embrace the “mess” of professional life during the pandemic. “It will never be the same again, but we should use this as an opportunity, instead of trying to recreate 2018 or 2019,” he added.
With the changes, Workspace will notify employees if they try to send a message to a colleague who is out of hours and encourage them to set up an email when the colleague is online again. You can also minimize distractions over time, share employee locations with colleagues, and set up recurring out-of-office messages. Google Assistant will now work with corporate workspace accounts, allowing people to send messages and check calendars by voice.
Although Workspace has 2.6 billion users, the package is free for individuals. Google makes money from the software by signing up business customers and other organizations for paid accounts.
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