Microsoft Teams now has Facebook, but not like you think

About 10 years ago, have you got Facebook used to be what you’d say whenever made a passing acquaintance with any and every random person you met. You were simply letting them know that you wanted to connect over Facebook. Fast Forward to today and it looks like Microsoft Teams has taken that question of whether you’ve got Facebook to a whole other level. Let’s take a look.

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Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has announced Microsoft Viva Engage, which is a new app built inside Microsoft Teams that is designed to “help organizations build community, spark engagement with leadership, harness knowledge and answers, and build personal networks.” That last one is interesting, Viva Engage looks like a new social network. In fact, it looks exactly like Facebook.

The problem Microsoft is trying to solve here relates to the new remote and hybrid working context we find ourselves living in. Microsoft claims that is now harder to make lasting and meaningful connections with colleagues and teammates, which is where Viva Engage comes in. Microsoft says:

“In a world of hybrid work, Viva Engage gives leaders new tools to shape culture and align their workforce by unlocking communication and engagement opportunities for everyone. And for employees, it provides new ways to build a sense of community, strengthen relationships with coworkers, share their work and perspective, and find answers to their questions.”

Viva Engage has been designed to help companies build a sense of purpose and belonging in their employees and works like an office Facebook. As you can see above too, the visual similarities between Viva Engage and Facebook are striking.

Microsoft says that come late August the Communities tab in Teams will change to Viva Engage. This means you could start seeing it pop up on Microsoft Teams in your work as early as this Autumn.

While you are waiting for the rollout of Viva Engage be sure to stay vigilant whenever you are opening files you have received from unknown sources as fake Microsoft Word documents that are filled with malware have been doing the rounds.

Image via: Microsoft