Google Tailors a Version of Workspace Offering for Frontline & Remote Workers

To better meet the needs of frontline and remote workers, which has changed permanently due to the pandemic, Google is updating its productivity software to better meet the needs of frontline and remote workers.

In a blog post, the Alphabet Inc. mentions that it will be tailoring its Workspace offering specifically for frontline workers, such as retail and healthcare employees. The effort will let organizations better communicate and collaborate with employees through their mobile phones, and is similar to a service from rival Microsoft Crop, reports Bloomberg.

Formerly known as G Suite, Workspace will also integrate with Google’s digital voice assistant and gain features to let employees set and enforce unique working hours.

Google is working on making its line of productivity tools, including Gmail, Meet videoconferencing and Docs word processing, essential to businesses.

Javier Soltero, Vice President and General Manager of Workspace, said Google was trying 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 try to recreate 2018 or 2019,” he added.

The new version of Workspace will notify employees if they try to message a colleague who’s off the clock, and encourage them to time an email for when the co-worker is back online. It will also help minimize distractions for periods of time, share employee locations with colleagues, and set up recurring out-of-office messages.

Google Assistant will now work with corporate Workspace accounts, letting people send messages and check calendars with their voice.

While Workspace has 2.6 billion users, the suite is free for individuals. Google makes money from the software by signing up business customers and other organizations to paid accounts.