Hi and welcome to YT. Congrats on you baby.
Well, 2 things come to mind about the pads. Well, 3. There are pads that have the scent that draws the dog to them. Or you can buy a spray that is supposed to do the same. Or you can rub some onto the pad.
I didn't know about the spray or the scented pads when we started out so what I did was watched and learned the signs of them needing to potty and jumped up and grabbed them and placed them on the the pad. Like you I used a phrase for when they pottyed and used it. Then I praised and treated.
It will take some diligence in watching for their signs. I was able to stay home with them and had more opportunity to do this.
But with you working and crating, I would suggest putting him on the pad as soon as you take him out in the mornings and when you get home. Still continue to take him out as well. I would place him on the pad, say when you first wake up or get home and then take him outside before you leave for work and a short while after you get home from work. This will continue to enforce that you want to him to potty outside as well.
Good luck.