Microsoft announces three new features in Microsoft Teams targeting Firstline Workers

Microsoft today announced three new features targeting Firstline Workers who work in service- or task-oriented roles across several industries including retail, hospitality and more.

First, Microsoft is announcing a new customizable mobile Teams experience to meet the needs of Firstline Workers. Location sharing, smart camera, the ability to record and share audio messages are some of the new features that are being added starting today. IT admins can now give each employee role-based access to the primary Teams features they need. For example, they can restrict calling features for some set of users insider the company. Admins can do this with the new Firstline Worker configuration policy template.

Second, for tasks related to Firstline Workforce such as shift scheduling, payroll, benefits and attendance, enterprises use workforce management systems. Microsoft is now working on a set of new APIs that enable enterprises to integrate their existing workforce management systems with Teams.

The first API is the Graph API for Shifts, the schedule management tool in Teams. With Shifts now available in Teams for all customers, the new API makes integration between Shifts and enterprise scheduling systems possible, enabling seamless access to workforce management systems for managers and employees, right from Teams.

The Graph API for Shifts will be available this quarter in preview.

Third, with the new Praise tool, managers and employees can recognize coworkers, right in the Teams app. The praise can be seen by other employees and this feature will be rolled out this quarter.

Source: Microsoft