AI-powered ‘Microsoft Places’ to improve flexible work collaboration
WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — Microsoft recently unveiled its ‘Microsoft Places‘ app to streamline office coordination and foster meaningful connections among colleagues in the flexible work era.
Microsoft Places integrates seamlessly with familiar tools like Outlook and Microsoft Teams, making it easier to coordinate and connect without disrupting the regular flow of work.
Employees can set and share their location schedules, view colleagues’ plans, and easily update their own schedules via the Outlook Calendar. A standout feature is the peek card, which shows coworkers’ planned attendance and provides quick access to space booking.
Microsoft Corporate Vice President Jared Spataro said,”AI innovation is already improving how you work; improving where you work is the next opportunity.”
AI isn't just changing how you work—it's changing where you work. With Microsoft Places, you can easily plan office days, connect with coworkers, and optimize your space. Now in public preview: https://t.co/yO9Zk6DbUo #AI pic.twitter.com/iRES9OiceJ
— Microsoft Teams (@MicrosoftTeams) May 13, 2024
Optimizing workplace effectiveness
Microsoft Places also offers valuable tools for IT admins and Real Estate and Facilities (RE&F) professionals. By analyzing intent and actual occupancy patterns, administrators can optimize space utilization.
Features like integrated check-in functionality and automatic release of unused rooms or desks provide accurate utilization data, helping organizations manage their spaces more efficiently.
Starting in the second half of 2024, Copilot will enhance this process by providing intelligent suggestions for space management.
These insights will help administrators make informed decisions, such as consolidating floors on low-occupancy days or adjusting food services to reduce waste. This data-driven approach can impact an organization’s operating budget and sustainability goals.
Employee disengagement most notable among remote workers
U.S. workforce engagement has declined to its lowest point in over a decade, with 4.8 million fewer employees feeling engaged in their roles as of early 2024, according to a Gallup study.
The analytics firm found that only 30% of U.S. workers were “highly engaged” in the first quarter of 2024.
The decline has been most notable among remote, hybrid, and younger workers, especially those under 35 and from Generation Z. This group has reported a six-point decrease in feeling connected to their company’s culture and mission.
Overall, the U.S. now has a ratio of 1.8 engaged employees for every one actively disengaged, a slip from the previous year’s ratio of 2.1-to-1.
Microsoft Places represents a significant step forward in addressing these challenges. By combining AI innovation with user-friendly features, it promises to enhance coordination, foster connections, and optimize workplace effectiveness, ensuring that flexible work truly works for everyone.
