Business leaders globally have different opinions and expectations about the return to office of their employees after the pandemic. Some argue that in-person work enhances collaboration and innovation, and prefer employees to return to the office at least a few days a week. Others acknowledge that employees have different needs and preferences, and they offer more flexibility and choice for remote or hybrid work.
Some business leaders face resistance or resignation from their employees who prefer to work remotely for various reasons, such as safety, convenience, balance, and autonomy. Business leaders need to listen to their employees and design appropriate and fair policies that support their well-being and productivity.
Some facts as per Microsoft's Work Trends Index -
Employees who have thriving relationships with their immediate team members report better well-being than those with poor relationships (76% versus 57%)
They also report higher productivity (50% versus 36%) and are less likely to change employers in the year ahead (61% versus 39%)
55% of hybrid employees and 50% of remote employees feel lonelier at work than before going hybrid or remote
Microsoft has announced a few Mesh features in the recent Microsoft Build to make meeting and virtual interactions more engaging.
Before jumping to the announcements, let's revisit what is Microsoft Mesh.
What is Microsoft Mesh?
Microsoft Mesh is a platform that enables people to have a sense of co-presence and shared context with others, regardless of their physical location. With Microsoft Mesh, people can interact with each other in 2D or 3D environments, using avatars, holograms, or mixed-reality devices. They can also access and manipulate shared content and data in real time, using natural gestures and voice commands.
Microsoft Mesh is integrated with Microsoft 365 products, such as Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and more. This means that people can use Microsoft Mesh to enhance their existing workflows and processes, without having to switch between different apps or devices.
As per Microsoft's Work Trends Index
52% of employees are open to using digital immersive spaces in the metaverse for meetings or team activities
47% of employees are open to representing themselves as an avatar in meetings
Important Announcements at Microsoft Build 2023
Avatars to enliven Microsoft Teams meetings: This feature does not tie back to Mesh directly, however, avatars in Microsoft Teams are a feature that allows users to use customizable avatars and reactions in Teams meetings, instead of turning on their video. Avatars can help users express themselves, show their presence, and connect with others in a more natural and engaging way. Avatars can be chosen to fit a specific meeting and can be changed anytime. Users can also use animated emoji reactions that their avatars will mimic with their bodies.
Immersive spaces for Teams: Personally I was waiting for this feature for a long time. Earlier Frame allowed to add an immersive space directly in the teams channel so members can join the space without leaving Teams application. Now Microsoft is bringing this feature to allow users to move from 2D to 3D spaces, and have more in-person connections without talking over anyone else in the meeting. Customized immersive space will allow multiple concurrent conversations without disturbing the essence of the meeting. It will get more engaging if accessed through a VR headset.
How are customers using Microsoft Mesh?
Microsoft Mesh is already being used by some of the leading organizations in different industries and domains. Here are some examples of how they are using Mesh to empower their modern workplace:
Accenture: Accenture is using Microsoft Mesh to create a virtual innovation hub that connects its employees across the globe. The hub, called the Nth Floor, allows them to collaborate on projects, share ideas, and learn from each other in an immersive environment. They can also use Avatars for Teams to express themselves in Teams meetings with customizable avatars and reactions.
Takeda: Takeda is using Microsoft Mesh to create a mixed-reality solution that helps its employees collaborate and innovate together irrespective of their location thus bridging the gap of office and remote workers. The solution allows them to share and work on 3D models in a shared virtual space.
These are just some examples of how customers are using Microsoft Mesh to transform their modern workplace. There are many more possibilities and opportunities for creating immersive experiences that help people connect, collaborate, and create across distance and time.
Microsoft Mesh is a powerful new tool that can help remote workers build relationships. By providing a shared virtual space where employees can interact with each other in a more natural way, Mesh can help to bridge the gap between those who are working from home and those who are working in the office. This can lead to increased collaboration, innovation, and productivity.
Please share your comments and thoughts on Microsoft Mesh.
References:
https://hbr.org/2022/09/to-get-people-back-in-the-office-make-it-social
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2023/01/01/the-great-mismatch-employers-firmer-on-return-to-office-policies-in-2023/?sh=1c72a96ebe1f
https://www.windowscentral.com/mesh-microsoft-teams-metaverse
https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/microsoft-teams-blog/microsoft-mesh-transforming-how-people-come-together-in-the/ba-p/3824898
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