Gmail for G Suite becomes a hub for corporate communications

Gmail has been going through a revolution lately with the addition of Chat one month, then Google Meet the following month. Now, Gmail is getting even deeper for G Suite organizations, as Google looks to make Gmail a one-stop hub for all things corporate communications.

This update will bring Google Meet, Google Chat, Google Rooms, file sharing, task tracking and email right into the space where users spend the most time: their Gmail inbox. It starts with the relative basics, giving all users quick access to Google Chat, Google Meet and Google Rooms without leaving their Gmail app or on the web.

Google Rooms is one of the more robust additions, as you can click “Add Room” and segment off a space for a particular project or team. Within that space, you have a group chat feature, but it goes way beyond that. At the top of the Google Room is a tab named “Files,” where you can share files with the group without creating and tracking loads of folders on Google Drive. There is also a “Tasks” tab that allows you to set tasks for the group and track the progress and due date.

While adding more to your email may seem overwhelming, Google has included a “Do Not Disturb” mode that mutes notifications and lets others know you can’t be disturbed for a specific period.

In the Gmail for G Suite app, you can find the Chat, Rooms and Meet buttons on the bottom. In Gmail for G Suite on the web, you will find these in dropdown menus in the left-hand column, just under the “Mail” dropdown.

With everything grouped into Gmail, this seems like a great way to streamline corporate communications, sharing and collaboration. However, for those already overwhelmed by their inboxes, this could induce a slight panic attack.