Front line employees are optimistic about the opportunities that the use of new technology can create (Image: Microsoft/Post)
a Microsoft Two announcements this Wednesday. The first concerns the results of a Search Unprecedented performance of more than 9 thousand Workers Around the world, work in them frontline of their industries and stay away from home office. They are employees of the automotive, financial, energy, healthcare, hospitality, industrial, media, retail and communications sectors, from countries such as Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Second, the company revealed the changes made to the app. Microsoft Teams, based on the results of this survey (see below).
Companies must adopt a culture that prioritizes the well-being of frontline employees: this was one of the study’s main conclusions. Data shows that 76% of employees feel connected to their peers because they share the same level of stress – something that has only become stronger during the pandemic. But 60% of them do not feel connected to employees in leadership positions: they say companies can do more to prioritize communication between these two groups.
Other numbers raised by the report reinforce the importance of a stronger corporate culture: 62% of frontline employees believe leaders do not prioritize building a culture in the work environment. Additionally, 51% of these employees do not feel valued as employees.
“There is unprecedented pressure across the entire supply chain. Almost every company faces the same problem, which is the difficulty of balancing growth with employee well-being,” said Jared Spataro, Vice President of Modern Work at Microsoft. Press Conference.
The worst thing is that employees do not feel that the scenario will improve: 58% believe that the stress in the work environment will remain the same or get worse this year. For Microsoft, this reinforces the need to look at employee well-being across the entire production system. “We believe that companies will do better if they put these employees first,” he said.
staff retention
the Business Direction Index Report – Front Line It also showed that professionals are reconsidering whether or not they want to stay in their jobs. The three main reasons are: They want to make more money. They want to achieve a better balance between personal and professional life; They are not satisfied that they are not getting a salary increase. In Brazil, the answers were similar: they want to make more money, get better benefits and a better quality of life.
Employees were excited about the job opportunities offered by technology: 63% of workers chose this alternative. In addition, technology ranks third in the list of factors that help reduce stress in the workplace.
“I was positively surprised by the workers’ optimism about technology. I say this because there is always a lot of tension around the idea that automation can take away their jobs. In fact, workers have expressed themselves very positively about what technology can do for them,” Spataro says.
However, there is a technology gap that worries these employees: 46% of frontline workers feel pressure to adapt to new technologies, or else they will lose their jobs. And 55% said they have to learn new technologies quickly, without formal training or practical training.
What’s new in Teams
Based on the insights revealed in the survey, Microsoft has prepared a series of news related to the teams. According to the company, usage of the video conferencing and chatting platform increased by 400% between March 2020 and November 2021.
“We want to reach frontline workers wherever they are, with the devices they have now. Our goal is to help create a better experience by reducing the number of devices they have to carry and grouping them all into one screen,” says Emma Williams, Vice President of Modern Work Engineering. at Microsoft. Discover what’s new:
instant communication
Microsoft has announced that it is deepening its partnership with Zebra Technologies, which specializes in equipment such as barcode label printers. Teams Walkie Talkie will be available on many Zebra mobile devices, such as TC Series laptops.
The idea is that employees can use this functionality to easily communicate with each other (as well as with managers) by simply tapping the microphone on their screens. In practice, it acts as a kind of walkie talkie same. The app is also available on iOS mobile devices such as iPhone and iPad, as well as Android mobile devices.
Arranging shifts and appointments
Also new is the integration of the Reflexis Shifts for Teams link with the Reflexis Workforce Scheduler (RWS), which leads to real-time synchronization of employee work shift requests. This way, everyone will be able to access their schedules constantly and flexibly. In addition, it will be possible to have a view of virtual appointments (such as meetings, for example) in only one place, with real-time updates.
Improve process flows
Another system integrated with Teams is Approvals. This allows the collaborator to request approval of the request, reducing bureaucracy. Management and approval request will be integrated into the Power Apps line of business. The worker may also request details such as mandatory feedback to ensure that approvals and the processes that depend on them run smoothly.
Easy to locate the device
Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM) capabilities can make life easier for those who share devices in the workplace. In addition to using a GPS map to locate a misplaced device, the IT department can play an audio notification to assist employees. Additionally, when devices are shared in Azure Active Directory, employees can easily sign out of all applications with one click to free up the device for the next user.
Available workouts
Microsoft also announced the availability of Viva Learning, which allows employees to access, share, and track learning content directly from Microsoft Teams. This feature allows you to access training and learning from partner solutions such as SAP SuccessFactors, Cornerstone OnDemand, and Saba Cloud. In addition, there will be new partnerships with learning service providers such as EdCast and OpenSesame.
More independence
Microsoft Viva Connections technology will allow leaders to share messages, company updates, and reviews with employees. Viva Connections Workday will allow employees to create reminders on a smartwatch, also integrated with Teams.
On Viva Expressive, workers will be able to get instant and personalized assistance across 14 departments across the company (such as IT, HR, and payroll), with requests and pending issues accessible via dashboard cards.
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