Although Workspace has 2.6 billion users, the suite is free for individuals.
Google is updating its productivity software to better meet the needs of frontline and remote workers, in the 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, the Alphabet Inc. unit said. in a blog post Monday. The effort will enable organizations to better communicate and collaborate with employees through their mobile phones, and is comparable to a service from rival Microsoft Corp.
Formerly known as G Suite, Workspace will also be integrated with Google’s digital voice assistant and features that allow employees to set and enforce unique working hours.
The internet giant is trying to make its suite of productivity tools, including Gmail, Meet video conferencing and Docs word processing, essential for businesses hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Over the past year, employees have had to balance professional and family needs while doing their work from home, leading to an increase in unconventional working hours and other flexible arrangements.
Javier Soltero, vice president and general manager of Workspace, said Google tried to embrace the “messiness” of work life during the pandemic. “It will never be the same again, but we should use that as an opportunity rather than trying to recreate 2018 or 2019,” he added.
With the changes, Workspace will notify employees if they try to message a colleague who is not on the clock, and encourage them to time an email for when the colleague is back online. It is also possible to minimize distractions during certain periods, share employee locations with colleagues and set up recurring out-of-office messages. Google Assistant now works with corporate Workspace accounts, so people can send messages and view calendars with their voice.
Although Workspace has 2.6 billion users, the suite is free for individuals. Google makes money with the software by signing up for business customers and other organizations with paid accounts.
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