Microsoft Teams Launches Features for Frontline Workers

The recent update of the Microsoft Teams Kit introduced five new features that were designed to make frontline workers’ user experience less stressful. The list of new features includes an improved management system for virtual appointments, a walkie-talkie mode, Microsoft Viva, lost device audio signal, and Reflexis Shifts Connector. More details are below. 

Less Stress

According to the latest Microsoft Work Trend Index, as many as 88% of frontline workers look towards the new opportunities created by technology. The company saw this stat as a call to action and came up with almost immediate improvements to the Microsoft Teams system. 

The company introduced a walkie-talkie app for Android and iOS to provide a secure PTT (push-to-talk) communication channel to frontline workers. The users of Zebra smartphones can now use the feature by pressing a special button. 

The virtual appointment feature now lets workers manage and request appointment approvals using PCF (Power Apps component framework) controls. The feature provides a clear view of appointment scheduling with real-time updates. 

The Microsoft Viva app is designed for simple access to a learning content database. It also includes sharing and tracking educational content to keep workers up to date with fresh learning content. 

Feature number 4, Reflexis Shift Connector, is now integrated into Reflexis Workforce Scheduler and enables seamless real-time management of shift requests. The sake of the feature is to make workers more autonomous and optimize shift scheduling. 

Finally, MS Teams will allow the IT dept to turn on an audio alarm on connected devices to help workers locate lost devices quicker. 

What do You Think? 

Are you satisfied with the update of MS Teams as a frontline worker? Is it a significant improvement or do more things need to be done? Tell us what you think and share this announcement with colleagues.