Microsoft software embraces hybrid work

Hybrid workplace. © Microsoft.

Microsoft was among the first companies to warn the work world that the pandemic would forever upend our work habits. Today, it announced changes to Microsoft Teams, Outlook, PowerPoint and even Surface hardware in an attempt to maximize hybrid work teams’ productivity when part of the staff is working remotely. Outlook, for example, now more clearly shows whether coworkers will be attending a meeting virtually. And starting Q2, people invited to a meeting will be able to reply specifying whether they will join online or in person, thanks to a new RSVP feature in Outlook.

Microsoft’s own research data gathered from over 30,000 respondents in companies around the world has informed these product updates. “We are seeing from our data that over 50 percent of people are more likely to prioritize health and wellbeing over work than before the pandemic,” says Nicole Herskowitz, vice president of Microsoft Teams. Microsoft’s data also shows that 18 percent of workers quit their job last year and many of them claim that work-life balance, flexible work hours and wellbeing factor more importantly than salary. It’s now up to companies to make their workspaces attractive and to embrace more flexible work policies. “Leaders need to make sure the office is worth the commute,” adds Herskowitz.

⇨ The Verge, Tom Warren, “Microsoft updates Outlook, Teams, and PowerPoint to be hybrid work ready.”

2022-03-16