Optimizing Google Workspace: Add-ons and Extensions

Optimize your Google Workspace with our selection of 15 add-ons and extensions for your Google Chrome browser.  

With remote working becoming almost the norm, professionals are learning every day to better adapt to their new work environment. But this adaptation isn't always easy. Indeed, many of them are still looking to optimize their virtual workspace, often managed on Google, so as not to lose productivity (or even gain it) or improve motivation.

Here are 15 tools to optimize Google Workspace and web browsing. We'll first introduce you to add-ons to your Google Workspace, then add-ons to your Google Chrome browser.

Difference between add-ons and extensions

1. Add-ons for Google Workspace

Add-ons integrate with your Google Workspace. These include Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Forms, GMail, Google Drive, and Google Calendar. They help you get more out of your apps by adding features from third-party apps. You can find and install them from the Google Workspace Marketplace .

2. Extensions for Google Chrome

Extensions are programs that add functionality to Google Chrome. They differ from add-ons in that they are related to the search engine and not to Google apps. They enhance your overall web experience, not just Google. You can find and install them in the Google Chrome Webstore .

Add-ons for Google Workspace

1. DocuSign Module

The DocuSign module allows you to sign documents without having to open a third-party application.
Sign documents sent to you in just a few clicks, easily prepare documents for sending, and save everything in seconds directly to your drive.

2. Adobe Creative Cloud Module

This module creates a link between your Adobe Creative Cloud Library and your Google apps.

So you can save items from your Google Workspace directly to your Adobe library. Share direct access to your creative work in your Gmail emails. Save attachments to your Adobe library. Embed creative items in your Google Docs or create libraries specific to your Google Workspace.

3. Zoom Module

With the Zoom add-on, scheduling and managing meetings becomes much simpler.
Schedule detailed meetings using the information provided in emails. Automatically add Zoom meeting details to your invitation with one click. Customize your meeting options without leaving Google Workspace.

4. Kami Module

Often described as a module for students and teachers, the Kami module is just as useful for professionals.

Indeed, Kami will allow you to draw, write, annotate, comment, and highlight all types of documents, including PDFs. A tool that will greatly facilitate collaboration while working remotely. The paid version will give you even more freedom (integration of images, equations, access to a dictionary, audio commentary, and much more).

5. Flat Icon Module

This module allows you to integrate icons from the Flat Icon platform directly into your Google documents, simplifying design and creation.

6. LucidCharts Module

LucidCharts makes it very easy to create diagrams and flowcharts.

LucidCharts makes it easy to create diagrams and organizational charts. Create diagrams, mockups, mind maps, and even organizational charts. View your collaborators' comments and edits in real time. Directly import your LucidCharts modules. Directly import your AWS architectures to create network diagrams. Embed diagrams in your Google Docs, as well as on your website and social media.

7. Boomerang Module

This module integrates with your Gmail application.

It will remind you to respond to emails that haven't yet been answered and to follow up on exchanges for which you were waiting for replies. It will allow you to schedule emails to be sent. It also brings emails you've marked as important to the top of your inbox so you don't forget them.

Finally, even if not mentioned here, we suggest installing add-ons for the applications you use daily in your work (Slack, ClickUp, Asana, etc.). This will streamline collaboration between applications, thus optimizing your productivity.

The extensions

1. Chrome Remote Desktop

The Chrome Remote Desktop extension allows users to remotely access another computer through the Google Chrome browser (or on Chromebooks). This tool is especially useful if you need to support someone remotely.

2. Lusha

If you often prospect on LinkedIn, the Lusha extension is for you. The extension lists the contact information of numerous LinkedIn profiles, making it much easier to develop leads. Its free version will give you 5 credits per month, giving you access to 5 contact information.

3. Checker Plus for Google Drive

This extension allows you to be notified when your documents are modified, without having to open the document. You can also search, open, and delete your documents without having to be on your drive, making browsing more efficient.

Apart from the Drive extension, Checker Plus also offers a Gmail extension that allows you to similarly view, read, delete, and even listen to your emails without opening your inbox.

4. AdBlock

The name of this extension speaks for itself. With AdBlock, you can block ads and pop-ups on the websites you visit, thus limiting distractions while you work. If necessary, you can disable or pause the blocker on specific pages or sites.

5. Convertio

You can probably guess the usefulness of this extension: it allows you to convert any type of file into another format: audio, images, text, archives, presentations, videos, etc. Convert your files in just a few clicks, on a secure platform.

6. Loom

We talked about Loom in our article 5 apps to make working from home easier . In addition to being an app, Loom is also an extension that you can install on your Google Chrome browser. Depending on your needs, choose the extension or the app to record your screen, voice, and face and easily create shareable videos.

7. Hunter

Similar to Lusha, Hunter aims to simplify email address searches when prospecting, this time on websites. Contact information is verified to ensure you're contacting the right person, and you can also add address verification yourself.
The extension offers a free version that allows you to perform 50 searches and 50 verifications per month.

In summary

These 15 tools should optimize your Google Workspace and therefore improve your virtual workspace, thereby optimizing your productivity. And while all these tools will make your remote work life easier, they will quickly become essential to your professional organization!

Finally, if you haven't read it yet, we also suggest our article detailing the 5 essential actions to ensure the security of your teleworking network .

About Nexxo

Nexxo Solutions informatique is a company specializing in providing IT and technology services to Quebec businesses. Its mission is to offer Quebec companies IT services tailored to their needs. Acting as an external IT department, it handles all of a company's IT tasks, allowing it to focus on its business activities. It achieves this by collaborating closely with its clients and putting their interests at the center of its concerns.e