CORONA PROOF YOUR BUSINESS
The value of a remote workforce with Microsoft Teams
If it comes to it, could you even consider having your entire workforce work from home? You may have to, as working from home could be an extra precaution against contracting COVID-19. But Microsoft Teams can empower your team to chat, collaborate and stay productive.
And for a limited time, you can get the collaborative and office efficiency platform Teams for FREE!
STAY PRODUCTIVE WHILE WORKING REMOTELY
Teams across the globe are moving to remote work. Microsoft aims to keep teams connected while they work apart by making Microsoft Teams available to as many people as possible. Teams allows you to chat, meet, call, and collaborate all in one place.
Take Your Communication to the Next Level with Microsoft Teams
“Microsoft Teams was released during the year 2017 and is a central communications hub for business. It allows users to easily communicate, share files, have meetings, make calls and collaborate much faster and more effectively. MS Teams is an Office 365 product and with today’s focus on remote working, people need to know their virtual conversations are kept private and secure. And, at Microsoft, privacy and security are never an afterthought.”
What is Microsoft Teams?
Microsoft Teams is a cloud-based collaboration tool allowing both office-based and remote staff to collaborate with individuals or groups of employees within online workspaces using the Microsoft Teams application. As a Cloud-based tool, this means it can be accessed anywhere using practically any device. Adding users to your organisation as your business grows is simple and efficient.
The Microsoft Teams application integrates easily with Microsoft Office 365. By combining chat, meetings, calendars, files, emails, notes, and attachments, this allows businesses to allow access or share anything while keeping the desired control and privacy. The integration includes Microsoft tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneDrive, and OneNote.
Benefits of Microsoft Teams
Bring your team together with Microsoft Teams.
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An easy application to use
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Seamlessly syncs to all devices
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Gives you an advantage over competitors
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Easily move and upgrade to a digital workspace within an hour
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Bring your staff together to increase productivity and efficiency
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Create groups and communicate with various partners, customers, and suppliers
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Automatic backups with Microsoft Teams
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Save costs associated with fixed-line telephony: Find Out More About Teams Voice.
“The companies that aren’t using tech and communication tools will soon be required to adopt these new systems – or fall behind. And all within a rather short time frame too. We’ll be growing from the small percentage already using these tools to nearly most of the world having the immediate need to implement them in order to survive as a business” – Blackfox April 2020
TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE REMOTE WORK
Getting started
Set up your workspace
Find a space in your home where you can concentrate. If you're somewhere with background distractions, use background blur in Microsoft Teams to keep teammates focused.
Communicate, communicate, communicate
Your rhythm with online work from home might look different than it does in the office. For example, you may be balancing work and childcare at the same time. Communicate your schedule to your coworkers so that they know when to reach out to you.
Maintain healthy boundaries
Without the normal workday signals, like a commute, it can be harder to unplug. Make sure to take breaks, stay hydrated, and give yourself opportunities to “clock out” from remote work at the end of the day.
Running meetings
Embrace online meetings
Make sure all meetings include an online “join” option so that team members can join from wherever they are working. Turn video on so your team can interact face to face and feel more connected.
Be mindful and
inclusive
A crowded conference call can make it difficult for people to share their opinions. Pause frequently to allow time for questions and remind attendees that they can use the chat window to share their thoughts.
Record your meetings
When you start a meeting, hit “record.” Team members who aren’t able to join can watch later or search the automatically generated transcript for important information. That way, people can easily review anything they missed or need to be repeated.
Staying connected
Make up for missing hallway talk
The quick chat at the water cooler is what many people miss the most when working remotely. Instead, be deliberate about and connecting with your coworkers. Think about chat messages as your virtual watercooler and set yourself a reminder to check in
Bring the team together
Working remotely can feel a bit isolating. It’s important to create opportunities for the whole team to virtually get together, whether it’s large brainstorms with the Microsoft Whiteboard app or daily check-ins over a virtual coffee.
Have fun
Use Teams to encourage fun activities and challenges to maintain morale. Holding a photo contest or praising employees for creative ideas are great ways to help the team stay positive, engaged and energized.
Chat
Communicate through threaded and persistent chat with additional features:
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Rich text capable
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Chat, call, and meet across devices, including mobile
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@mention someone to ensure they see your mention
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Keep interactions engaging with memes and animated Gifs
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File sharing in chat
Collaborate
Streamline collaboration and improve teamwork:
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Search for content, files, and people
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Track project chats, notes, files, and meetings in one place
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Office 365 apps are built-in Teams for easy access to SharePoint, OneNote, Power BI, Planner, and more
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Communicate directly by @mentioning and tagging team members
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Co-author in real time using connected Office and other apps
Meetings
Supports both private and channel meetings in more productive, real-time meetings with:
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High definition audio, web and video conferencing
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Presentation and application sharing
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Cloud recording of meetings with transcription and translation
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Share content and use intelligent features like background blur and scheduling assistance from mobile
