What are the benefits of using Microsoft 365 for online collaboration?

Microsoft 365 is often associated with Office and its document creation tools, but it also offers a range of online collaboration tools. When combined with training, these tools can help organizations create more secure and collaborative work environments.

What is the difference between Microsoft Office and Office 365?

It's easy to get confused by the names Microsoft uses for its products! While you might still hear "Office 365", "Microsoft 365" is the broader term for their suite of apps and services. Think of it this way: Microsoft 365 includes everything in Office 365 (like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), plus the Windows 10 operating system and security features.

Instead of a one-time purchase like Office 2021, Microsoft 365 is a subscription that keeps your apps constantly updated. But it's much more than just online versions of Office apps. When combined with training and a solid implementation strategy, Microsoft 365 can significantly boost productivity, communication, and teamwork in your organization.

How does training on Microsoft 365 online collaboration tools improve team productivity and efficiency?

While Microsoft 365 offers a convenient way for organizations to access the latest productivity and collaboration tools without the hassle of managing infrastructure, simply subscribing to the service isn't enough. Many organizations fail to unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365 due to inadequate planning and training.

A 2019 study highlighted this issue, revealing that many organizations struggle to integrate Microsoft 365 with their existing systems and underutilize key features, particularly in areas like mobility and security. This often stems from a lack of awareness about the full capabilities of the tools and insufficient employee training.

Obstacles to successfully implementing Microsoft 365

Pre-migration protocols in a post-migration reality, the lack of Microsoft or Office 365 training and the lack of a framework for Microsoft 365 adoption and change management.

Through our work helping organizations implement Microsoft 365 and train their staff, we've observed three key hurdles that prevent companies from fully realizing its potential for boosting productivity, collaboration, and innovation:

1. Clinging to outdated practices:  Companies often struggle to adapt their workflows and processes after migrating to Microsoft 365, sticking with old habits that no longer fit the new environment.

   
   

2. Insufficient training:  Many organizations don't provide adequate training on Microsoft 365, leaving employees unsure how to effectively use its features and tools.

   
   

3. Lack of a structured approach:  Successful adoption requires a clear framework for managing the change, including a plan for rollout, training, and ongoing support.

Essentially, companies need to update their ways of working, invest in proper training, and have a solid plan in place to make the most of Microsoft 365.

Adhering to pre-migration procedures in a post-migration environment

The sudden shift to remote work led to a surge in Microsoft 365 adoption. Many organizations had to quickly subscribe and migrate from their existing tools with little time to plan or prepare. The focus was simply on getting employees set up to work from home, not on maximizing the potential of Microsoft 365.

However, this rushed transition created challenges. Teams and individuals were left to figure out the new tools on their own, often falling back on old habits instead of taking advantage of Microsoft 365's collaborative features. This resulted in inefficient workflows and missed opportunities to optimize for a hybrid or fully remote work environment.

Absence of Office 365 or Microsoft training

Many organizations mistakenly believe that Microsoft 365 is so intuitive that it requires no formal training. They prioritize ease of use when selecting software, but this often lead