The rise of technological developments caused a surge of communication tools for users to choose. From emails, instant messaging, and video conferencing, to project management tools, the ways for people to communicate and collaborate have never been more diverse. However, while this has undoubtedly made lives easier in many ways, it has also made it increasingly difficult to stay focused and productive. This is due to the proliferation of communication tools often resulting in app and context switching.
Context switching refers to the time and effort it takes to move from one task to another. Each time a person switches tasks, their brain must adjust and refocus, which results in a loss of productivity. According to psychologist Gerald Weinberg reiterates that each extra task or 'context' a person switches between eats up 20-80% of their overall productivity. The more tasks a person switches between, the more productive time they lose.
Weinberg further reiterates that when a person focuses on one task at a time, they have 100% of their productive time available. However, if they switch between two tasks, they only have 40% of their productive time for each task, with 20% lost to context switching. If they switch between three tasks, they only have 20% of their productive time for each task, with 40% lost to context switching. As seen, the more tasks a person switches between, the less outputs they accomplish. For example, a person may be working on a project in a project management tool, while also answering emails, instant messaging with colleagues, and taking part in video conferences. This constant switching between tasks and apps results in a constant loss of productivity, making it difficult to focus on one task and get it done efficiently.
The key to combat this challenge is to ditch outdated tools and invest in cutting-edge apps that offer the functionality of a multitude of communication software in one platform.
Limiting App Switching, Streamlining Collaboration
Slack is the perfect example of this discourse in a corporate setting. While it's one of the most widely used communication platforms globally, it comes with its share of downsides. For one, it can hinder users from connecting with external entities, like potential clients and business partners. This hiccup leads to users opting for other platforms to perform other tasks, like Gmail, WhatsApp, and Zoom.
Furthermore, the addition of Slack to an already existing array of communication tools can result in over-cluttered channels and lead to stress and disarray due to constant switching between multiple communication apps.
With the relentless back and forths, organizations are now looking for more versatile tools to deliver necessary activities in one place and limit the number of apps and tasks they switch between. This is where all-in-one platforms like Spike come into the picture. This pioneering email solution for collaboration assists teams of all sizes in connecting, creating, and collaborating for enhanced communication in the workplace.
Recently, there has been anticipation about Spike's latest rumored offering, Spike for Teams, which is poised to challenge Slack as the preferred messaging platform for companies by replacing outdated methods and obsolete models. Spike for Teams converts the user's email account into a chatroom. Emails can be viewed as chat messages while still appearing as traditional emails to recipients. The platform also enables users to sort their conversations by contact, providing them with a full history of all their email exchanges with a specific person. Moreover, Spike for Teams is integrated directly into the user's email account, enabling them to establish group chats, collaborate on notes, and synchronize their calendar across multiple email accounts.
Today, international corporations are eagerly awaiting the official launch of Spike for Teams. Speculation about its release date is generating buzz in various industries that are looking to update their obsolete communication structure with a state-of-the-art solution for 2023.
*No official announcement from the company has been made.
