6 Apps Every Employee Should Be Using

Smartphones can easily become a major distraction. With games, social media, and text messages just a touch away, it's easy to fall into a procrastination trap. Fortunately, there are a number of helpful smartphone apps designed to up your efficiency on a daily basis. Rather than distracting you, these clever apps will get you back on track and increase your productivity.

Messaging programs are often lacking when it comes to collaborating on projects, plus they pose the risk of distracting you with messages from friends and family. Slack, on the other hand, makes it easy to have group chats with co-workers and collaborators.

Plus, the notifications are non-intrusive so you can stay on task when you're in the zone.

• Cost: Free
• Available on: Apple and Android

Don't let a deadline sneak up on you ever again.

The Due app allows you to set reminders so that you'll have enough time to complete assignments and projects by the deadline. Rather than fiddling with your phone's alarm, which can be tedious, Due streamlines the reminder process and gives you the perfect nudge to get your work done.

• Cost: $4.99
• Available on: Apple

If time gets away from you easily, download Team Viz.

This app lets you organize your various to-do lists (since we all have at least one for work and one for home) and prioritize certain tasks. The app's unique tracking tool allows you to time yourself as you complete each task. It also includes breaks so you get a little rest in between productive bursts.

• Cost: Free
• Available on: Apple and Android

The Lift app is great for those who want to boost productivity in all aspects of their life.

While most productivity apps are geared towards work or school, Lift can be utilized for anything from exercise programs and diets to other lifestyle goals. Seeing your progress through data reports keeps you motivated, plus coaching and community guidance helps to eliminate procrastination.

• Cost: Free
• Available on: Apple and Android

Timeful is the perfect tool for those who need a calendar app that actually understands their hectic schedule.

This unique app allows you to combine work, personal and lifestyle to-dos and events into one place. It uses sophisticated algorithms to learn your schedule and make the most of every minute of your day. The more you use it, the better your personalized recommendations will be.

Additionally, Timeful lets you share calendars and sync with calendars on other platforms, like Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook.

• Cost: Free
• Available on: Apple

Do you really struggle to stay on task? The Stay Focused app has you covered.

This handy tool allows you to create custom distraction-free periods by blocking any of the apps on your phone. That means more time working and less time checking out the latest Instagram posts. Plus, you can block calls and texts while still allowing exceptions for certain contacts (like your boss, for example).

You can set regular blocked periods for certain days of the week or just set a custom period when you need it.

• Cost: Free
• Available on: Android

Once you use these great apps to hone your time management skills and get the most of out of your day, your work still isn't done. At some point you'll either have to negotiate for a new job or a raise, and no app is better at that than having the fundamental knowledge you need to negotiate. And Salary.com can help you get paid fairly what you do.

The first thing you should do is research, so you're able to come to the table armed with the knowledge of what your job is worth. Use our free Salary Wizard below to find out what's a fair salary for your position. You can enter your location, education level, years of experience and more to find out an appropriate salary range before you negotiate.

Good luck.