Pointers to Make the Most of Your Microsoft 365 Apps

Let’s face it: the workplace has changed. Hybrid teams, remote collaboration, and a constant flow of digital information have completely transformed how we work. Microsoft 365 is a powerful suite of tools designed to help teams stay connected, organized, and secure across platforms and devices.

At improvingit, we’ve helped countless businesses unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365. Whether you’re using classic tools like Word and Excel or exploring modern features like Teams and Power Automate, there are smarter ways to get more done with less effort. Ready to boost your productivity? Here are some tips for making the most of Microsoft 365.

The Power of Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 is more than just a bundle of office tools; it’s a complete ecosystem for communication, productivity, and security. Here are some of the standout apps:

• Teams – A central hub for meetings, chats, and file sharing

• OneDrive – Secure cloud storage for accessing your files anywhere

• Word & Excel, and All the Rest – Real-time document collaboration anywhere on any connected device.

• Power Apps & Power Automate – Create custom workflows and automate tasks, including business applications without learning to code

• Planner & Forms – Manage tasks and gather feedback efficiently

With built-in features like multi-factor authentication and data encryption, Microsoft 365 helps your team stay productive without compromising security.

10 Practical Tips to Get the Most Out of Microsoft 365

1. Use Microsoft Teams to Enhance Collaboration

Think of Teams as your digital workspace. Create channels for each department or project, hold meetings, share updates, and store all relevant files in one place. Pro tip: integrate SharePoint for even more robust document management.

2. Customize Your Environment

First impressions matter. Personalizing your SharePoint sites or Teams channels with your company’s branding and workflow not only looks professional but also makes navigation more intuitive. The more aligned your digital tools are with your processes, the more efficient your team becomes.

3. Automate Repetitive Tasks

Why do something manually when it can be automated? With Power Automate, you can set up workflows that handle routine tasks like email follow-ups or data entry, saving time and reducing the risk of errors.

4. Secure Your Data Like an Expert

Data security is no longer optional. Microsoft 365 includes tools like Azure Information Protection and Advanced Threat Protection to help keep your information safe. At improvingit, we help businesses configure these features to meet their specific security needs, without requiring a full IT department.

5. Stay Up-to-Date with Training

Microsoft 365 is constantly evolving. Regular training, whether through Microsoft Learn or live sessions, keeps your team ahead of the curve. The more confident employees are in using the tools, the more productive they’ll be.

6. Partner with Experts

Sometimes, you need a guide to make the most of what you’ve got. Our consultants at improvingit are Microsoft Certified Professionals who can help optimize your setup, troubleshoot problems, and recommend best practices tailored to your business.

7. Master Time and Email Management

Drowning in emails? Features like Focused Inbox and Quick Steps in Outlook help prioritize what matters most. Don’t forget to use shared calendars and task lists to keep your team aligned and on schedule.

8. Leverage Cross-Device Access

Microsoft 365 works seamlessly across PCS, Macs, tablets, and smartphones. Ensure your team is equipped to work from anywhere, so productivity never has to pause. No matter where work happens.

9. Use Planner to Stay on Top of Projects

Microsoft Planner is ideal for visual thinkers. It lets you assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress, all in one simple dashboard. Think of it as your digital sticky note board, only better organized and shared with your team.

10. Use Microsoft Forms to Gather Feedback

Need to create a survey or quiz in minutes? Microsoft Forms makes data collection easy and fast. Whether you're gathering customer feedback or conducting internal assessments, Forms takes the guesswork out of the process.

Infact we've even done a series of webinars on getting the most out of your Microsoft 365 Subscription! https://www.improvingit.ca/learn-how-to-do-stuff

Take the Next Step with Microsoft 365

At improvingit, we believe that technology should empower your goals, not hold you back. By using Microsoft 365 strategically, you can streamline operations, strengthen collaboration, and build a more secure workplace.

Let our certified experts help you unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365. We offer personalized consulting and support to tailor the platform to your specific needs.

Ready to improve the way you work? Visit us online: www.improvingit.ca.