Jana Schellong

Jana Schellong is a co-founder of Beams, a productivity tool designed to help teams manage their workdays more effectively by reducing distractions and improving focus. Alongside her co-founder, Mihri Minaz, Schellong aims to address the common issue of workplace distraction caused by the overwhelming number of productivity tools and notifications that employees face daily.12

Background and Career

Schellong has a background in product management, which she leveraged to create Beams. The startup, launched in 2021, focuses on providing a "meta layer" over existing software-as-a-service (SaaS) products, allowing users to navigate their work with greater mindfulness and efficiency. The application integrates with tools like Google Calendar and Slack to help users manage their schedules and minimize interruptions.123

Vision for Beams

The core mission of Beams is to enhance workplace wellbeing by recognizing the link between productivity and mental health. Schellong emphasizes the importance of creating a work environment that fosters focus rather than constant availability, which can lead to stress and burnout. The app features functionalities such as a focus mode that silences notifications during critical work periods and reminds users to take breaks.13

Development and Growth

Since its inception, Beams has grown significantly, transitioning from an alpha testing phase with just ten users to over 700 users through effective product-led growth strategies. The team actively engages with potential users to gather feedback, which informs ongoing product development.2 Currently, Beams operates on a freemium model while exploring different monetization strategies.12

Conclusion

Jana Schellong's work at Beams reflects her commitment to improving the modern workplace by creating tools that prioritize user experience and mental health. Her efforts contribute to a broader conversation about productivity in the tech industry and the need for solutions that support rather than hinder employee performance.