There are over 11 million business meetings every day in the United States. Although workplace meetings sometimes have a bad reputation, they’re more prevalent than ever.
It takes some organization to hold a meeting that’s productive and isn’t a waste of time. However, even if you’ve got that part down, the process of scheduling the meeting can be a frustrating experience.
Luckily, there are several scheduling tools that can automate most of the process and make life easier for everyone involved. Simplifying this process means less wasted time and more productive meetings. Skip the hassle and find the scheduling software that’s right for you.
11 Scheduling Tools That Make Life Easy
The hard part about scheduling tools? Deciding which one you want to use. There are so many options, it can be a bit bewildering.
Each piece of scheduling software comes with its own features, design, and functionality. One of these eleven scheduling tools is sure to be a perfect fit.
1. Clara
If you use Gmail, Clara could suit your needs. It’s more than a meeting scheduler. Clara is a virtual assistant that schedules meetings on your behalf. After setting your preferences for meetings, such as time and locations, it’s ready to go.
Did someone ask for a meeting over email? Add Clara to the message as a recipient. It’ll schedule all facets of the meeting, so you don’t even have to worry about it.
But note that you must use Gmail for Clara to function. Plus, Clara isn’t free scheduling software. It’s a large expense, so be sure you’d prefer a virtual assistant over traditional scheduling software.
2. Microsoft Outlook
Even the modern version of Microsoft Outlook can seem a bit retro. But take a moment to ignore its dated layout. It can still get the job done.
Outlook was created to serve as a corporate scheduling program. You can set your own events on the calendar, along with the events of the attendees. They don’t even have to worry about doing it on their own.
Of course, Outlook can be a bulky and inelegant solution when it comes to complicated shifts.
3. Rally
Rally can save you a headache if your group dynamic doesn’t allow for a set time. This program allows attendees to vote on the days they’d like a meeting to take place. With Rally, scheduling a meeting is a breeze.
Just note that beyond polls for meeting times, it offers few other features.
4. Timebridge
Looking for free scheduling software? Try Timebridge. It’s sort of like Rally in that it focuses on finding a meeting time and date that works with everyone.
But it requires more input from the attendees. Timebridge will inquire about meeting times through emails. Or, instead, you can set your own schedule and others can reach out to you to work out a meeting.
5. Doodle
Poll your group of attendants for an ideal meeting time with Doodle. Attendees can also come to you to request a meeting around your own availability.
Sound familiar? Yeah, it shares the same major features of Timebridge. But they differ in aesthetic and minor offerings.
6. Meetio
Meetio is meeting booking software. It’s a must-have for any large company looking to easily delegate meeting space. With Meetio, you can search available rooms, search their equipment, and book them at your leisure.
Although it doesn’t have its own calendar, it syncs with most calendar software. And best of all, it tracks statistics of room use, helping you optimize the functionality of your workspace.
7. Genee
How about a mobile option? Genee is a mobile app that automates most of the scheduling process. Distribute an email with meeting options to the attendees. Once they give their preferences, Genee will collate the information, decide on a time, and schedule it on your calendar.
Note that you need Gmail to use Genee’s email function.
8. Google Calendar
For small groups, Google Calendar gets the job done. It was a personal calendar in its early days, but now it offers more comprehensive group features.
Once you create an event on the calendar, you can add employees to the event. The program also features some simple organization tools, such as color-coding.
Since scheduling multiple employees can require a fair bit of work, it’s not a great choice for managing more than a few people.
9. Pick
Need help finding the best times for a meeting? Pick examines the calendars of each potential attendant. Once it finds an opening acceptable for all parties, you can automatically invite everyone through the app.
It can be a bit of a hassle to set up, and it requires everyone to keep a fairly comprehensive calendar. Otherwise, Pick wouldn’t be able to find an accurate meeting time.
10. Calendly
Calendly makes it easy for others to request a meeting based on your schedule. While some other programs on this list have had this feature, Calendly takes it a step further.
An individual can request a custom meeting type and it will automatically appear on your calendar. You can also get information during this stage by including questions in a custom form.
11. Grapple Meetings
You know when you’re available for a meeting, but what about everyone else? That’s where Grapple Meetings comes in.
List a few of the times that would work for you. Your collaborators will specify their own availability based on these suggested times.
Just like that, you’ve figured out when everyone is available for a meeting.
Make Meetings Magical
With the help of scheduling tools, meetings practically schedule themselves. It works like magic. Stop wasting hours of your week with outdated practices.
Not sure which tool is best for the job? Discover your ideal scheduling software by signing up for some free trials. Then, come back to our blog for even more articles that will help make your life easier and more productive!
