After the pandemic, the buzzword "hybrid office" became increasingly popular. It is in reference to the idea of many employees working in the office part of the work week and working from home the other days.
There was a survey of employees with remote-capable jobs. The survey found that as of February of 2022, 42% of them were working a hybrid schedule. And 39% were working from home full-time.
The global pandemic brought on this hybrid office transition in full force. It forced companies to operate with teams that could no longer safely come to the office. During this time, employers and employees experienced the benefits of hybrid work firsthand.
There were many benefits to this new hybrid schedule, including boosted morale, more flexibility, and reduced cost to renting office spaces.
One benefit surprised many employers that feared remote work would tank productivity. It actually increased in many circumstances.
63% of high-growth companies use a “productivity anywhere” hybrid work approach.
In order for hybrid teams to be productive, they need to stay connected. No matter where they work, choosing the right communication and technology platforms will allow workers to stay in touch.
One of the leaders in this space has been Microsoft. The company plans to add several exciting updates this year. These will provide more tools for companies to strengthen their hybrid team strategies.
Here are some of the ways you can use Microsoft 365 to optimize a productive hybrid office. Note that some of these features are already out, and others should be released later this year.
Microsoft Teams & Its Expanded Features
Microsoft Teams is much more than a team messaging app. The application combines the best features of virtual video meetings and messaging channels. It puts them all onto one platform that works best for an office environment.
MS Teams has come a long way in the last five years. And the company continues to add more features to enable hybrid offices. Some of the recent feature updates include:
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
New Meeting Options for RSVP in Outlook
One of the challenges, when everyone isn’t working in the same place, is how to know when to “clock in” and “clock out.” As well as how to let colleagues know when you'll be in the office or working from home.
Outlook is getting an update. It will allow users to RSVP to meetings. This can let team members know whether they are attending virtually or in person, you can also attach virtual meeting links as needed.
Creating Positive Virtual Meeting Landscapes
One thing that can distract from the purpose of a meeting is someone’s background at home. Positioning of the camera can also be problematic. One person might have their face taking up 80% of the video screen. Another may only take up 20% because they’re sitting farther away from their PC’s camera.
A new Surface Hub 2S Smart Camera will allow for better face framing. This will affect when people are meeting virtually in Microsoft Teams. Features include adjusting the room view so people’s faces will be clearer. As well as having more consistent sizing.
The video display will also automatically adjust as people join or leave a physical room.
Screen Sharing in Meeting: How to Keep Everyone's Attention
People often share a screen in a video call and present a PowerPoint presentation. It can be difficult to keep everyone as engaged as when you’re presenting in person.
For example, in person, you can maintain eye contact. You can walk around a room or reference individuals sitting nearby. While presenting virtually, you lack those advantages.
There's a new upcoming feature for Teams called Cameo. It will allow you to seamlessly integrate PowerPoint with MS teams. You can decide exactly how you want your video feed to appear in relation to your presentation.
Another addition is Recording Studio. This new feature for PowerPoint allows you to record professional-looking on-demand videos. You can do it right inside the app.
Improving Your Presentation Skills
Microsoft has poured a lot of AI capabilities into Microsoft 365 over the last several years. One that will soon help you deliver better virtual presentations is Speaker Coach.
This is a private and personalized coach. It can help you hone your presentation skills. This improves your switch to the differences between presenting online versus in person.
Some of the feedback it can provide include:
Use of repetitive language
Use of filler words (Ummm)
Speaking pace
Pausing for input
Intonation
Speaker overlaps
And more
Ask Us About Improving Your Hybrid Office Capabilities with Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 has many helpful features, but they may be difficult to manage on your own. Ask us for help implementing these features and any other needs for your new hybrid office.
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