Running a small or mid-sized business (SMB) is already a juggling act, and effective communication shouldn’t be one of the balls at risk of dropping. Microsoft gets it, which is why they’re rolling out updates to Teams that aim to make collaboration easier and more intuitive.
Let’s talk about these new features—@mention view, favorites, and additional filters—and how they can simplify your workday.
New Microsoft Teams Features
Tackling the “I Can’t Find It” Problem
Ever spent too much time scrolling through Teams, trying to find that one message you were tagged in days ago? Frustrating, right? That’s where the new @mention view comes in. This feature pulls every message where you’ve been mentioned into one tidy list. No more hunting through endless channels or chats—you’ll know exactly what needs your attention and can tackle it without losing momentum.
Favorites: Your VIP Lounge for Teams
Think of the new favorites section as your VIP lounge in Microsoft Teams. Here, you can pin your most important chats and channels so they’re all in one easy-to-reach spot. Whether it’s a project thread, your team’s daily stand-up chat, or a key client conversation, you can stop wasting time searching and start focusing on what matters most.
Want more customization? Microsoft is also introducing custom sections, allowing you to group conversations and channels based on projects, clients, or whatever suits your workflow. It’s like creating your personal filing system—but for your digital workspace.
Filters and Controls: Because Time Is Money
The new filters and controls are like having a superpowered inbox. You can sort by “Unread,” “Chat,” “Channels,” and even “Muted” conversations, letting you zero in on the messages that actually matter. These tools are a lifesaver for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of notifications.
Imagine being able to scan only the unread messages from your top clients while ignoring non-urgent chatter in other channels. It’s that kind of efficiency that makes a real difference to your productivity.
Why These New Teams Features Matter
Here’s the thing: Communication breakdowns are productivity killers, especially for SMBs with limited resources. These updates make Teams more intuitive and user-friendly, ensuring you can spend less time managing conversations and more time growing your business.
- @mention view ensures you never miss an important message.
- Favorites and custom sections keep critical chats at your fingertips.
- Filters and controls cut through the noise so you can focus on priorities.
Better organization and faster access to information mean fewer distractions and smoother workflows.
When Can You Expect These Changes?
Microsoft plans to roll out these features in public preview by November 2024. Whether you’re on desktop, iOS, or Android, you’ll soon have these tools at your disposal. Threaded conversations are also in the pipeline, with testing set to begin later this year and full availability by mid-2025.
Final Thoughts
For SMB owners, time and efficiency are critical. These updates to Microsoft Teams are designed to make your day-to-day communication smoother, less chaotic, and more productive. So, as you strategize for 2024 and beyond, consider how these tools can help your team stay connected and focused.
Ready to streamline your communication? Keep an eye out for the updates—they’ll be worth the wait.