Microsoft Teams has supported many businesses through the current pandemic so far and has been a great productivity tool to keep things running.
As we head into a second lockdown and follow the government advice to work from home where possible, we’re taking a closer look at just what Microsoft Teams has to offer businesses to support productivity long-term.
5 ways Microsoft Teams can support your business.
#1 It’s good to talk
One of the hardest parts of working from home can be isolation from colleagues. It’s surprising how much productivity comes from the chat and dynamics of having all your teammates in the same room.
Using Microsoft Teams’ chat function is a great way to ask quick questions and get quick replies. Much like texting, using a chat tool is far more efficient than sending an email and enables you to chat casually with entire teams or one-on-one.
Learn more about the difference between Microsoft Teams chat and Outlook >
#2 This calls for a meeting
Your team may be scattered around your region (or even the country!) but with Microsoft Teams you can still hold a productive and engaging meeting with VoIP or video conferencing.
Since the first UK lockdown earlier in the year, the Microsoft Teams video conferencing function has been significantly improved. Always an effective tool, the video conferencing function now allows you to see up to 49 participants, privatise your background and even superimpose all participants into the same room – it’s as cool as it sounds!
Learn more about the latest updated features in Microsoft Teams >
#3 Collaboration at its best
Even if your business is not moving to home working, Microsoft Teams gives you collaborative working tools that can dramatically improve productivity.
Instant conversation, file sharing and co-authored files mean you don’t have to rely on sluggish email chains to keep a project moving; you can integrate apps such as SharePoint, Planner and OneNote keeping everything in one workspace; and you can even integrate third-party tools you use daily.
Here are 5 Office 365 apps you can integrate into Microsoft Teams that you might not know about >
#4 Feel secure
Along with the pandemic has come a sea of cyber crime opportunists. In the last 12 months, almost half of all UK businesses have experienced a security breach or cyber attack of some form.
The great thing about Microsoft Teams is it has its own security and compliance. Any data stored or shared in Teams will meet GDPR requirements and any industry-specific regulations. It also has a multi-factor authentication function and allows you to grant secure and limited access for guests.
Learn more about how to maintain your cyber security whilst home working >
#5 Be prepared
Holding a meeting has never been easier when you plan using Microsoft Teams.
Firstly, you can sync Teams with Outlook calendars which means you can easily review everyone’s availability and save time on the back-and-forth of securing a date and time. Once your date is set, you can create your agenda within the meeting description to help keep your meeting on track.
Microsoft Teams is also great for delivering presentations remotely. You can access stored files in real-time for the most up to date information and share your screen for all to see. A recently added ‘raise hand’ feature is also great for participants to notify the speaker they have a question without interrupting the flow of the meeting.
Learn more about the updated video conferencing features of Microsoft Teams >
All-in-all, Microsoft Teams can make the difference between your business muddling through these unprecedented times, and powering through. If you’d like a free Microsoft Teams user guide, contact us here and we’ll be happy to send one over.
More Than IT Support – It’s IT Consultancy
Remember, at Jupiter IT we’re about more than just resolving your IT issues and installing new hardware; we’re here to guide, advise and train our clients to make sure you’re getting the most from your tech.
Pandemic or no pandemic, if you think your business could run more efficiently with the help of new tech, we’re here to help. Our team stay ahead of the game and are knowledgeable in the latest and most cost-effective solutions out there – one of them might just have your name on it. Get in touch >
