AI Enhances Flexible Work with Microsoft Places: A New Connected Workplace App

Microsoft Places is an app designed to reimagine flexible work by making it easier to coordinate in-office time and connect with coworkers. It allows users to set and share their proposed location schedules, view coworkers' plans, and book necessary spaces like rooms and desks within the office. The app integrates with Outlook and Microsoft Teams to facilitate these functions within the user's normal workflow. Additionally, Places will integrate with Microsoft Copilot in the second half of 2024 to further streamline coordination by suggesting optimal days to be in the office and assisting with schedule adjustments and space bookings.

The Places location plan feature in Microsoft Places allows you to set and share your proposed location schedule with coworkers while also viewing their plans. This helps in coordinating when and where to come into the office. Team guidance is another feature where managers communicate which days their team should be in the office and the priorities for each in-office day, giving employees a purpose for team days. These features are accessible within the Places app and can be integrated into your regular workflow through Outlook Calendar.

Microsoft Places introduces new features to enhance in-office connections:

• Expanded presence: This feature across Microsoft 365 apps lets you see which coworkers are nearby, facilitating impromptu conversations or meetings.

• Teams group chats: Within group chats, participants can see each other's locations and use the @nearby command to notify those around them about activities or meeting room changes.

These features aim to make the most of being in the office by enabling more spontaneous and meaningful interactions among coworkers.

Microsoft Places provides IT Admins and Real Estate and Facilities (RE&F) professionals with tools to manage and optimize workplace effectiveness. By combining intent and actual occupancy patterns, Places offers insights into space availability and usage. Integrated check-in functionality for conference rooms and desk pools helps manage bookable spaces more efficiently. Microsoft Teams Rooms Pro Management also contributes utilization data. In the second half of 2024, Copilot will provide additional intelligence for space management, such as consolidating floors on low occupancy days or adjusting services to meet actual needs.