5 Exciting Ways Microsoft 365 Can Enable the Hybrid Office
- Nicole Baker
- Jun 29, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 18
A hybrid office lets people split their time between working from home and coming into the office. More and more companies are choosing this setup, so it’s becoming a real shift in how we work.
A recent survey found that over 80% of people with jobs that can be done remotely now work outside the office at least part of the time. Of those, 42% follow a hybrid schedule and 39% work from home full time. Remote work is now a regular part of many jobs.
Hybrid work became common during the pandemic, as companies looked for safe ways to keep teams working. This shift helped both employers and employees see the benefits of working in a hybrid way.
Remote teams can save money, offer more flexibility, and boost morale. Many companies are seeing positive results from remote work.
Some employers were concerned that remote work would hurt productivity, but in many cases, it has actually improved.
“Boost Your Growth: 63% of Companies Embrace Productivity Anywhere with Hybrid Work!”
To keep hybrid teams productive, it’s important to give them the right technology so they can stay connected no matter where they are.
Microsoft is making it easier for hybrid teams to work together. This year, they’re rolling out new updates to help businesses collaborate more smoothly.
Microsoft 365 has tools to help your hybrid office work better. Here are some features and updates that can make your workday more efficient.
1. Discover the Enhanced Features of Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is an app that combines video meetings and instant messaging, helping teams stay connected and secure in one place.
In the last five years, Microsoft Teams has added many features to support hybrid offices. Some of the latest updates are:
The ability to do webinar registration
Presenter modes that provide a more professional virtual presence
Increased security through features like smart links and smart attachments
A full business VoIP phone system add-on
The addition of a “metaverse” component called Mesh for Teams
2. Exciting Meeting RSVP Options Now Available on Outlook
When you work remotely, it can be tough to track your hours and let coworkers know where you’re working. Here are some tips to help you manage your schedule and share your location.
With the newest Outlook update, you can RSVP to meetings and let your team know if you’ll join in person or online. This makes it easier for hybrid teams to coordinate.
3. Engage your team with better meeting framing
A messy background or a poorly placed camera can distract from your meeting. Whether someone’s face fills the screen or is hard to see, these issues can get in the way. Use these tips to keep your virtual meetings focused and professional.
The Surface Hub 2S Smart Camera can make your virtual meetings better. It helps keep faces in view and images clear during Microsoft Teams calls. The camera adjusts automatically so faces stay visible and distractions are minimized. It also changes the display when people enter or leave the room.
4. Take charge of your video with PowerPoint presentations.
It can be tough to keep people interested during a video call, especially when you’re sharing your screen or giving a PowerPoint presentation. Virtual meetings often feel less engaging than meeting in person.
When you meet in person, it’s easy to make eye contact and get your point across. In virtual meetings, this is harder, and facial cues can be missed if video feeds are small.
Cameo is a new feature in Teams that lets you integrate PowerPoint with Microsoft Teams and customize how your video feed appears during your presentation. This tool can help you impress and engage your audience.
The Recording Studio feature in PowerPoint lets you create on-demand videos right in the app. It helps you make professional-looking videos for your presentations.
5. Enhance Your Presentation Skills with Expert Help
Speaker Coach is a new AI feature in Microsoft 365 that helps you improve your virtual presentations. Microsoft has invested in AI to help you build your delivery skills and connect better with your audience.
Speaker Coach works like a private coach to help you get better at presenting, whether you’re online or in person. It can also help you make smoother transitions.
Discover valuable feedback such as:
Use of repetitive language
Use of filler words (Ummm)
Speaking pace
Pausing for input
Intonation
Speaker overlaps
And more
Want to see how Microsoft 365 can help your hybrid office? Contact us to learn more.
Get the most out of Microsoft 365 with expert help. We can help your business grow and reach its goals. Contact us today to find out how Microsoft 365 can support your success.
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