Blog

remote worker

How Microsoft Teams Is Boosting Remote Collaboration and Productivity

Remote working was becoming more commonplace in recent years, but the COVID-19 pandemic early this year triggered a mass exodus from workplaces and offices, leaving business owners trying to figure out how to function effectively and efficiently with remote teams. 

Technology has played a vital role in keeping the cogs turning, with companies all over the world utilizing software and applications to continue operations. One solution has been Microsoft Teams, which is a very effective way of boosting remote collaboration and productivity. 

What is Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams is an innovative software solution which enables individuals to collaborate wherever they are in the world. With Teams, you can work together seamlessly, even when you’re not in the same office or even operating in the same time zone. 

With this software, coworkers can access, view, share, and edit files in real-time. You can arrange group meetings and communicate quickly and efficiently using instant messages and video calls. Up to 10,000 users can meet securely, meaning that Teams offers solutions for almost every organization. 

The Challenges of Remote Working

There are several benefits to working from home for both employees and employers, but collaborating remotely is undoubtedly a challenge. Here are some of the most significant difficulties of managing remote teams:

  • Managing projects cohesively
  • Working together when employees are in different locations
  • Tracking and monitoring tasks and productivity
  • Working around different commitments and time zones
  • Building trust and cooperation within a team
  • Facilitating seamless communication and engagement

There are also additional challenges for employees working remotely, including:

  • Adjusting to new routines
  • Isolation
  • Maximizing productivity
  • Coping with distractions and new working environments
  • Struggling to switch off and disconnect at the end of the day

How Microsoft Teams Can Help

Microsoft Teams offers an array of benefits for businesses that work remotely. In effect, individuals can come together, adopting routines and practices that are similar to those used in the office environment. 

Virtual meetings, video calls and instant messaging provide swift, simple, hassle-free communications, and team members can provide real-time updates, feedback and progress reports to boost efficiency. 

Here are some of the key benefits of Microsoft Teams that businesses can enjoy:

Cost-efficient Solutions

2020 has been a difficult year for businesses all over the world, and for many, staying afloat during the pandemic is the primary goal. While focusing on costs and expenses, businesses are looking for affordable solutions. 

Microsoft Teams has different versions available to suit different budgets. It’s a cost-effective tool, which enables remote workers to stay in touch, work collaboratively, and access and share data without breaking the bank.

Remote Communication 

Communication is key when working together on projects across all sectors. With Microsoft Teams, individual employees, groups and entire staff teams can get together virtually to discuss ideas, catch up on recent updates or changes, create plans and strategies and analyze results. 

There are several features that enable small or large groups to interact with minimal hassle, including instant messaging, unlimited chat, and conference and video calls. Essentially, Teams gives you the opportunity to create a virtual office, bringing people together, even when they are miles apart. 

Integrated Tools

The beauty of Teams is that it is fully integrated with Microsoft 365, and works seamlessly with all the associated tools. For example, when conducting meetings or giving presentations, you can share your screen and files without disruptions or technical difficulties. This makes your workflow more manageable and convenient, boosting productivity.

Easy Scheduling

Microsoft Teams offers fantastic scheduling tools, which enable employees and teams to plan meetings and calls at times that suit all members. This is incredibly useful for remote teams, as well as companies that have switched from set office hours to more flexible core hours.

When scheduling, you can choose between private events, which are ideal for smaller, selective groups, or sessions that anyone can join. This is a great option for training workshops and brainstorming. 

With working from home set to be a feature of the future, it’s crucial for companies to adjust and adapt. Microsoft Teams is an effective solution for boosting productivity, facilitating communication and promoting collaboration. 

If you have questions about how to migrate to Microsoft 365 and Teams, we’re happy to help!

Envision Consulting

Envision Consulting

We started Envision Consulting for businesses that share our passion for building long- term and healthy relationships. While we might be technology experts, we’ve always known that trust, reliability and looking after a client’s best interest are paramount to succeeding in business. But in 2001 and to this day, there were few managed IT providers available that embodied our customer-centric values. There were countless support companies more interested in reacting to issues than paving the road forward for clients, making it far too difficult to build long-term relationships. We felt a strong pull to make something different, and we did.