When it comes to corporate innovation, change doesn’t just happen. Half the battle is making sure that your team is running as efficiently as possible, so you can find the time and space to have big conversations without dropping the ball on any essential daily tasks.

With that in mind, here are 5 collaborative tech apps that every corporation should be using. Whether you have five or five thousand employees, you might find that one of these tech solutions is exactly what you need to whip your workflow into shape, and open the door to collaborative innovation.

1. Google Drive (Safely store and share your documents)

You might already use Google Drive as a backup location for your most important files, but it’s so much more than that: it’s also one of the best collaboration platforms around. Google Docs is one of the simplest and most effective cloud-based word processors available, while Google Sheets and Google Slides provide spreadsheet and powerpoint capabilities.

By working directly in the cloud, rather than emailing documents back and forth, your team can practice dynamic collaboration on even the smallest tasks. Review, develop and improve your work collectively without having to schedule time to be in the same place. Plus, if anyone loses or breaks a laptop, you can rest easy that all your most important documents are safe.

2. Trello (Organise your team’s workflow with ease)

It can be hard to keep track of what everyone is up to on a daily basis, but Trello is a flexible and beautifully designed task management app that keeps everyone on the same page. Each team member can see where they (and everyone else) sit within their team and the company as a whole, allowing you to assign and prioritise tasks.

Trello can be a great way to make sure that everyone has access to a basic understanding of what their colleagues across the business are up to every day. Sometimes it can become too easy to get overly focused on your own tasks and forget the bigger picture. Trello can help to facilitate teamwork beyond the existing organisational structures of your company, leading to new initiatives, bold ideas and exciting collaborations.

3. Slack (Instant communication, wherever you are)

Flexible working and work-from-home contracts are more popular than ever, but even if your team all sits together, they may not be communicating well. Slack is a dedicated chat platform that reduces reliance on email, and makes online conversation easy and immediate. Send proofs, organise meetings and stay in touch wherever you are.

It’s not as personal as being available by text or WhatsApp, as you can set your availability. However, Slack still ensures you can be reached when you’re needed. There’s a reason it’s one of the most popular collaboration apps in the world!

4. BlueJeans (Efficient and reliable video conferencing)

When chat isn’t enough and you need to talk face-to-face, reliable and efficient video conferencing software is a necessity. Skype is great, but BlueJeans is a stylish and dedicated platform that works extra hard for businesses. Loved by the team at Facebook, you can integrate the software to schedule meetings directly from your calendar app or Slack.

The audio and visuals are clear and reliable, and meetings are simple to join on any device, so there’s no faffing around for the first ten minutes until everyone’s settled (only for them to drop out!).

5. Idea Drop (Capture your team’s big ideas)

No enterprise innovation resources list would be complete without a name check for Idea Drop. If you haven’t heard of idea management software, consider this your introduction.

While all the other collaboration tools are amazing for keeping your team scheduled, connected and on track, it’s important to have a dedicated space for collecting and managing feedback. After all, the extra time you’ve saved is probably going to lead to new and better ideas for how your team can perform even better, and you’ll want to capture them! Store and manage feedback, share new ideas and update your team on what you’re taking action on first, so everyone feels included in the innovation process for your business.

Together, these five affordable collaboration apps can transform the way you run your business. Whatever your industry, consider trialing one or two today with a pilot group, and see what they can do for you!