Unveiling the Hidden Gems: Top 10 Lesser-Known Features of Microsoft Teams
Tista SenGupta
Billing Administrator at PwC | Expertise in Financial Operations & Process Optimization | Microsoft Certified Power Platform App Maker | Certified Train the Trainer | 500+ Newsletter Subscribers
Microsoft Teams has become a cornerstone for remote collaboration, revolutionizing the way teams communicate and work together. While many users are familiar with its fundamental features, there are some hidden gems that can significantly enhance productivity and user experience. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 lesser-known features of Microsoft Teams that might just change the way you collaborate.
1. Meeting Options for Enhanced Control:
Microsoft Teams offers a range of meeting options that allow users to customize their virtual gatherings. By accessing the meeting options, organizers can control who can bypass the lobby, who can present, and even restrict attendees from unmuting themselves. These settings provide a more tailored and secure meeting experience.
Read more: Use meeting controls in Microsoft Teams
2. Together Mode for a Unique Virtual Environment:
Move beyond the standard grid view during meetings with Together Mode. This feature uses AI to place participants in a shared virtual space, making it feel like everyone is sitting in the same room. It not only adds a touch of fun but can also foster a sense of togetherness during virtual meetings.
Read more: How to get the most from Together mode
?3. Background Effects and Filters:
Spice up your virtual meetings with a variety of background effects and filters. Teams allows users to blur their background or choose from a selection of pre-set and custom backgrounds. This feature not only adds a professional touch but also helps maintain privacy by concealing your physical surroundings.
4. Power Automate Integration for Workflow Automation:
Integrating Microsoft Teams with Power Automate (formerly known as Flow) opens up a world of possibilities for workflow automation. Users can create custom automated workflows that trigger based on specific events in Teams, streamlining repetitive tasks and boosting overall efficiency.
??5. Apps and Connectors for Third-Party Integrations:
Teams supports a wide array of third-party app integrations and connectors, allowing users to bring external tools directly into the Teams interface. From project management tools to file-sharing platforms, explore the Teams app store to find and integrate the apps that best suit your team's needs.
Read more: Access your apps in Microsoft Teams
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6. Priority Access for Urgent Messages:
Ensure your critical messages get the attention they deserve with Priority Access. By marking a message as urgent, users can send notifications every two minutes for up to 20 minutes, ensuring the recipient is promptly informed, even if they're not actively using Teams at that moment.
7. Whiteboard Collaboration for Visual Brainstorming:
Unleash your team's creativity with the Whiteboard feature. Collaborate in real-time on a digital canvas, whether it's for brainstorming sessions, project planning, or diagramming. The Whiteboard in Teams enables teams to work together visually, no matter where they are located.
Read more: Use Whiteboard in a Teams meeting
8. Live Captions for Inclusive Communication:
Enhance accessibility and inclusivity during meetings with live captions. Teams can transcribe spoken words into on-screen text, making it easier for participants with hearing impairments to follow along. This feature contributes to fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment.
?9. Immersive Reader for Enhanced Reading Experience:
The Immersive Reader in Teams goes beyond basic text-to-speech functionality. It offers features like adjusting text size, font, and spacing, as well as highlighting syllables and parts of speech. This can be especially beneficial for users who may have reading difficulties or simply prefer a customized reading experience.
Read more: Use Immersive Reader in Microsoft Teams
10. Customizable Tabs for Tailored Collaboration:
Take advantage of Teams' customizable tabs within channels to streamline collaboration. Add tabs for specific files, apps, or websites relevant to your team's projects. This ensures that all the necessary information and tools are easily accessible within the Teams interface.
Read more: Build tabs for Teams
Microsoft Teams is more than just a communication platform; it's a versatile collaboration hub with a wealth of features waiting to be explored. By delving into these lesser-known features, users can unlock new levels of productivity, collaboration, and innovation within their teams. So, go ahead and discover the hidden gems that Microsoft Teams has to offer!