Microsoft & Google announce product updates for hybrid work!
As companies worldwide gear up for the return to the office, Google and Microsoft have released new features in response to the rise of the hybrid workplace.
Google announced new advancements to its Workspace productivity offering. This includes the rollout of spaces in Google Chat.
Spaces integrates with Workspace tools, like the Calendar, Drive and Docs, to provide a better way for people to engage in topic-based discussions, share knowledge and ideas, move projects forward and build communities.
It also helps users to see the full history, context and content of conversations, so everyone can follow along and jump in to contribute at any time.
Apart from this, Google also rolled out redesigned functions on Gmail that better connects to Google Workspace with the ability to “ring” another Google user with Google Meet.
Call teammates using #GoogleMeet directly from a 1:1 chat within the @gmail mobile app. Learn about this upcoming feature → https://t.co/jNmZuynTbJ #HowItsDone pic.twitter.com/IR1I32H4AY
— Google Workspace (@GoogleWorkspace) September 9, 2021
Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced a range of new product updates across products including Microsoft Teams, Viva and LinkedIn to further facilitate hybrid work.
Microsoft is updating the companion mode in Teams mobile to give in-room attendees quick access to engagement features like chat, live reactions, and Microsoft Whiteboard.
Microsoft Teams is getting more hybrid work improvements and Apple CarPlay support https://t.co/zcgJfl6mZg pic.twitter.com/u1Eg4sDe0K
— The Verge (@verge) September 9, 2021
Also later this month, Microsoft Viva will be released. It provides a single employee app for company communications, news and announcements — all in a personalized feed right in Teams.
Additionally, LinkedIn is adding new fields to job postings where organizations can now indicate whether the job is remote, hybrid, or on-site, helping job seekers find jobs that align with their preferences.
AMA! I am a marketing director, a new mom and a newbie remote worker!
Claire joined the Voodle team remotely in April of 2021 after moving across the country, from Portland, OR to Sarasota, FL during the pandemic. She had recently become a mom and her kid was under 1!
Read Claire's complete story here: Claire McEachern.
Claire says that there were multiple factors that made her opt for remote work. Being a new mom, the flexibility was simply too precious, but Covid-19 and moving across the country were also part of the reason. Read all about it here.
She says that coming back to work as a new mom and doing it remotely weren't the easiest transitions to make. Read how Claire tackled this with the help of her team here.
Claire also gives very specific advice to new remote workers depending on whether they are extroverts or introverts. Check it out here.
If you liked Claire's story and have anything to say, head over to this thread and drop a line.