The Australian workforce is moving more comfortably into working remotely.

As a result, companies and leaders are searching for the best ways to keep teams in touch with each other. The one tool that a team can absolutely not go past is Microsoft Teams. Designed to keep leaders and employees connected, Teams makes it easy to make online calls, have online chats and engage in online meetings. Teams even makes it possible for teams to collaborate with file sharing through the Teams app. The best thing is that anyone familiar with Microsoft Windows and basic Windows techniques can learn to use Teams.

Teams and trust

Trust is vital with virtual teams to mitigate staff disengagement. One of the major concerns of leaders, heading into forced remote working, was the issue of trust. Many were unsure if they could trust staff to work and not get distracted by their home life. It is crucial to let go of your trust issues and let staff get on with it. However, Microsoft Teams can also help in eliminating any anxiety around trust issues. Through Teams, you can oversee the work being done, without looking over your employees’ shoulders. Likewise, Teams can help you to build trust through information sharing. What’s more, is individuals can see that the work is being allocated fairly among all team members.

Connecting teams with Teams

Nearly every article you read on remote working highlights the value of keeping team members connected. Virtual teams can feel disconnected when there’s a lack of communication. One way that can happen is when knowledge is not shared. As such, it is important to ensure you share knowledge with your staff and they with everyone else. Another type of connection that is also important is high-quality connections (HQCs). HQCs are regular, short, positive interactions, such as a 15-minute, weekly team WIP. HQCs can create positive energy in the moment, resulting in psychological safety. Microsoft teams can facilitate both HQC’s and knowledge sharing.

Performance standards

We all want results, and every leader wants a high-performing team. A key element of a high-performing team is all team members knowing why they are there and how their work contributes to the team and projects. Being clear on those two elements helps individuals and the team to understand why their work matters. Which enhances employee engagement. Working with Microsoft Teams can also build a high-performing team. Microsoft Teams means one less username, one less password, and an easy to use process for all staff to follow. Employees also have the flexibility to check-in on the desktop or a mobile device. And finally, Teams provides the right data to ensure your team is performing well. And if not, where they can improve.

Enhance your professional development and computer skills with courses at Odyssey Training. Odyssey Training delivers short courses for frontline staff and are dedicated to providing you with the skills you need to enhance your competitiveness. 

Discover how to use Microsoft Teams to keep in touch with team members. Our 3 hour short live online session will show you how to stay connected and communicate with colleagues.

If you would like to extend your knowledge of the Microsoft Office 365. Discover online tools and services provided as part of their Office 365 subscription with our 1 day course.