Posted: 20th August 2025
We know that running a small business can sometimes feel like you’re juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. Time is short, budgets are tight, and every minute wasted on admin is a minute you’re not serving customers or growing your business. That’s where Microsoft 365 comes in handy for your business.
Packed with tools designed to save time, boost collaboration, and make your day-to-day run just that little bit smoother, Microsoft 365 is more than just Word, Excel, and Outlook. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or leading a growing SME team, here are 5 Microsoft 365 productivity features that could make your life that bit easier.
1. Microsoft Teams for small business collaboration
Forget endless email chains and missed phone calls. Microsoft Teams is like your digital HQ. You can chat, share files, jump on video calls, and collaborate in real-time, all in one place.
Why it’s great for SMEs:
✔️ No need for multiple apps; it’s all in Teams.
✔️ Host client meetings without paying for separate video platforms.
✔️ Share and co-edit documents instantly with your team.
2. Secure file storage with OneDrive for small business
Ever emailed yourself a file ‘just in case’? With OneDrive, you’ll never need to do that again. OneDrive automatically saves your files to the cloud for you to access them anywhere, any time and on any device.
Why it’s great for SMEs:
✔️ Automatic backups mean you won’t lose important documents.
✔️ Share links instead of bulky attachments.
✔️ Control who sees what with secure sharing options.
3. Stay on top of your inbox with Outlook for small business
We all know the feeling: inbox overload. Outlook’s Focused Inbox cuts through the chaos by automatically separating important emails from the noise.
Why it’s great for SMEs:
✔️ Stay on top of client messages without sifting through newsletters and ‘FYIs’.
✔️ Schedule emails to go out at the perfect time.
✔️ Integrates perfectly with Teams and your calendar.
4. Microsoft Planner for small business project management
Post-it notes and whiteboards are great… until you’re working remotely. Microsoft Planner makes task management simple, visual, and shareable.
Why it’s great for SMEs:
✔️ Create task boards for projects, assign team members, and set deadlines.
✔️ See progress at a glance without chasing people for updates.
✔️ Integrates with Teams for seamless collaboration.
(Yes, it’s like Trello, but already included in your Microsoft 365 subscription!)
5. Automate repetitive tasks with Power Automate for SMEs
If you’ve ever thought, ‘There must be a faster way to do this,’ there probably is, and Power Automate can help. This tool allows you to automate repetitive tasks like sending reminders, moving files, or collecting form responses.
Why it’s great for SMEs:
✔️ Automate invoicing, approvals, and notifications.
✔️ Save hours every week on repetitive admin.
✔️ Connect with hundreds of other apps and services.
(It’s like an extra pair of hands without a salary to pay)
Jupiter IT - we’re more than IT support
Small businesses don’t have the luxury of wasted time or clunky systems. Microsoft 365 packs in powerful features that streamline your day-to-day, keep your team connected, and give you back precious hours.
If you want to explore ways to get more from your tech, we’re here to help. We don’t just support your IT; we help you use it to its full potential to help grow your business.
