Getting the most out of Microsoft Teams
4 new features that improve efficiency and collaboration
Microsoft Teams is the application of choice for many business communication and organisation tasks. With the ever-evolving nature of application updates, new functionality is often added without users being aware. We’ve prepared four of our favourite new features to help improve efficiency and collaboration within your business and team.
1. QR codes for room panels – meeting room booking functionality
Booking and joining meetings is now a whole lot easier with the use of QR codes. Meeting rooms can be reserved through a quick scan of the QR code on the scheduling panel, booked using the Teams app on Android or iOS mobile phones.
To reserve the room:
- Scan the QR code using a mobile phone.
- In the Teams app on a mobile phone, select ‘Schedule a new meeting’ or ‘Reserve for existing meeting’. For new meetings, the room will be auto added as the location of the meeting.
- For existing meetings happening within 24 hours, users will be able to see whether the room is available or booked at those times and can reserve with one click.
Figure 1: Meeting booking QR code view | Release date: early August and is expected to be complete by early September.
2. Set work hours and location (office or remote)
With the modern state of the workplace, it is challenging to keep track of where and when people are available. Remote and hybrid users can make use of this new feature allowing users to set work hours and location. This highly anticipated addition allows users to communicate availability effectively, ensuring colleagues have a clear view of availability across locations, time zones and varying individual work schedules.
Figure 2: Set work hours and location view
In addition, users can set up their work hours and location via Outlook on the web, specifying when they’ll be remote or in the office. Working hours per day can also be defined, either as a block or in multiple work slots throughout a day. The location update in Outlook auto updates to Teams.
Figure 3: Outlook work hour and location view | Release date: June to August 2023.
3. Group chat message copy links
How often do you recall a chat from a prior meeting but find it difficult to locate it? This new functionality offers the ability to link previous messages in the chat. The link can be shared, allowing members of the chat to easily click and view a specific message.
This feature makes it simple to refer to past messages, very convenient for teams and individuals who are regularly conversing within the Teams app.
Release date: July to August 2023.
4. Compact chat list
Teams plays multiple roles, which can lead to an overwhelming and cluttered interface, making it difficult to focus on what matters. Recognising this challenge, Microsoft has developed a compact chat mode that streamlines the Teams chat interface. This new design will enable users to keep messages more private, view more chats in their chat list and navigate the chat list more easily. The new layout makes it easier to spot unread communications.
Simplified badging makes it easier for users to see new unread activities in Teams and to focus on the specific channels which require the most attention, such as those where the user is tagged or mentioned.
Users can access this feature addition by switching to compact mode. To do so, users must navigate to Settings and go to the “Chat density” section under the “General” tab. From there, users can select “Compact”.
Figure 4: Compact chat list | Release date: available now – update completed in June 2023.
Microsoft 365 is constantly evolving and improving. We understand that it can be difficult to stay on top of the updates. Think Technology can help you stay up to date and support your use of Microsoft to get the most out of your business.
At Think Technology, we know tech, but we talk business. We’re all about simplifying IT while and keeping you and your team secure. Get in touch.
