10 Microsoft 365 Features Every Business Should Be Using

Microsoft 365 for Business is a powerhouse suite of productivity tools, especially to streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and secure data. But with so many features, it’s easy to overlook some of the most valuable tools. Here’s a list of the top 10 Microsoft 365 features every business should be taking advantage of to optimize workflows, boost productivity, stay competitive and leverage the advantages of the cloud.

Microsoft Teams is the go-to collaboration tool, allowing teams to chat, video conference, and share files in real-time. For businesses, Teams consolidates communication, integrates with other Microsoft 365 tools, and allows for customized workspaces. With features like breakout rooms, screen sharing, and the ability to add third-party apps, it’s ideal for remote and hybrid teams.

OneDrive for Business offers cloud-based storage that lets employees access their files from anywhere, on any device. OneDrive for Business integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 apps, making it easy to save, and collaborate on documents securely. For businesses looking to protect sensitive information, OneDrive provides data encryption and secure file sharing options.

SharePoint enables businesses to create intranet sites, manage content, and streamline document storage. SharePoint enables teams to work on documents simultaneously and even allows your teams to be alerted when a file has been updated – Further speeding up and improving workflow between teams. This platform is perfect for businesses needing a robust document management and collaboration system that allows granular permissions on user data.

Power Automate (formerly Flow) allows businesses to automate routine tasks like data entry, file approvals, and email notifications. With hundreds of templates, Power Automate makes it easy to connect Microsoft 365 apps and create workflows that save time and reduce human error. It’s an invaluable tool for boosting efficiency across departments.

Microsoft Forms is a versatile tool for creating surveys, polls, and quizzes. It’s a great way for businesses to gather feedback from employees and customers, and it integrates well with Microsoft Teams and Excel for data analysis. Use it to gain insights, improve decision-making, and engage with your audience.

Outlook is the go to for email, but its integration with Microsoft Bookings takes scheduling to a new level. Microsoft Bookings allows clients and colleagues to book appointments with ease, reducing the need for back-and-forth communication. The tool syncs with Outlook, making it easy to manage schedules and streamline client interactions.

Microsoft Planner is a project management tool that allows teams to assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress using a visual board. Ideal for small projects, Planner is a straightforward way to keep everyone on the same page including the ability to integrate into Teams and Outlook and enhancing task visibility across apps.

Azure Active Directory or Entra ID is essential for businesses looking to secure data and manage user identities. Entra ID provides single sign-on, multi-factor authentication, and conditional access to keep unauthorized users out. For businesses handling sensitive data, Entra ID security features are indispensable for protecting against data breaches.

Power BI enables businesses to transform data into actionable insights. With data visualization capabilities, Power BI helps teams analyse performance, track KPIs, and make data-driven decisions. It connects to multiple data sources, including Microsoft 365 apps, to create detailed, interactive dashboards that update in real-time.

Microsoft To-Do is a simple yet effective task management app that integrates with Outlook and Teams. Employees can organise tasks, set reminders, and manage their to-do lists, helping them stay productive and focused on priorities. For businesses, it’s a handy tool to encourage personal accountability and time management.