Collaboration platform aids staff productivity and collaboration when working from home
Elly Yates-Roberts |
CompanyNet has created a list of its top tips to help organisations and employees use Microsoft Teams while working from home. For many, this may be the first time working in this way on a full-time basis, so these tips aim to help them acclimatise to their new surroundings at this challenging time.
Share your status
Under normal circumstances, colleagues can easily check to see if you are available by glancing at your desk. Sharing your status on Microsoft Teams does the same thing, as colleagues can easily see if you are busy or available.
Create ‘focus time’
The status feature of Teams can also be used to help you improve time management. By dedicating periods of ‘focus time’ in your calendar, your status will show as busy so that you can get your head down without distraction from colleagues.
Pin important channels
If you use Microsoft Teams effectively, you are likely involved in many Teams and many Channels within those Teams. To ensure you can find important information about ongoing projects, you can pin channels to the top of the list.
Communicate via shorter messages
The chat feature of Teams has been optimised for an instant messaging format, rather than longer, more formal email-type conversations. Using shorter messages removes any unnecessary content and gets the point across more effectively.
Use of Teams video chats
Video calls are an ideal way of communicating with colleagues when working from home as you can see and hear each other during meetings in the same way that you would were you in a traditional workplace environment. Other members of staff can see your facial expressions which aids communication and ensures the flow of conversation.