While many employees were already hybrid or remote before the pandemic, there are plenty of organizations that made the jump due to the implications of Covid-19.
Businesses continue to grapple with what’s best for everyone, however, it’s important to look at the lessons the last few years have taught us, in terms of the benefits of remote work. Productivity has always been a popular point of discussion. A 2024 Quantum Workplace survey showed that fully remote workers have a 78% engagement rate, while in-office employees have the least high engagement levels (72%).
Why does remote work foster productivity? People who work remotely experience fewer workplace distractions, have more time to spend with family, more chances to exercise and a better work-life balance.
The Microsoft 365 stack helps remote workers from all over be more productive with helpful tools. Let’s be honest, not everything warrants a trip to the office and old habits become outdated. Here are the instances we think can be perfectly replaced by a Microsoft 365 application for a positive and productive remote work experience.
Top 5 Microsoft 365 Apps for a More Productive Workforce
1. Internal Meetings
If you’re someone who often leads internal meetings, then you already started the slow clap for Microsoft Teams. Meetings on Teams are simplified and elevated. Not only were we limited to three meeting rooms in our pre-pandemic office, but the hassle of arriving early just to set up the conference room display is almost completely eliminated. It’s as easy as a meeting invitation and you’re empowered with a room, whiteboard, notes that can be accessed by all participants, chat and more. Unless there is a major team building factor that can’t be replaced virtually—don’t ask me to come into the office for an internal meeting (please).
2. Basic Training
While there’s plenty of training that can be enhanced with hands-on experiences, a lot of basic training modules consist of reading, quizzes and watching training videos. Even if trainings need to be led, so much content can be delivered remotely via Microsoft Teams or Microsoft Stream, so employers can make the most out of in-person training sessions.
3. Whiteboard
I’ve never understood the value of a whiteboard. Sure, they’re great in an educational environment. I, however, am a millennial with terrible handwriting and avoid them. If you’re someone who really values a whiteboard as a planning tool, etc. Microsoft has you covered with this Microsoft Teams feature. Save your gas money, buy a stylus and thank me later.
4. Analog Kanbans
I honestly don’t want to know how much company money I’ve spent on sticky notes for my Kanban, however I’ve always found value in using them. To the future! Microsoft Planner allows you to create Kanban boards using content-rich tasks with features including files, checklists and labels. Collaborate in Planner and Microsoft Teams and check visual status charts—all in the Microsoft cloud.
5. Handwritten Notes on Paper
Whether you’re working remotely or not, one easy switch is Microsoft OneNote. Taking notes in a regular notepad can actually be a security risk. What do you do with them? If the answer is type them up and destroy the notebook … let me save you a step. Get organized in notebooks you can divide into sections and pages. With easy navigation and search, you’ll always find your notes right where you left them. Empowered productivity is essential to a newly mobile business.
Move Your Business to the Cloud with Microsoft 365 Apps
Utilize these helpful resources to strengthen your remote or hybrid workforce. We’re here to answer your questions and support your needs every step of the way with our Cloud-Based Services.
