Latest news with #MicrosoftTeams
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Microsoft laid me off twice in 6 months. Here's how I'm moving forward and why I'd still return.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Patrick Lyons, a 29-year-old ex-Microsoft employee, based in Austin. It's been edited for length and clarity. After five years at Microsoft, the last three of which I was a product manager for Microsoft Teams, I felt fulfilled and completely secure in my job. I learned new things every day, pushed boundaries, and collaborated with brilliant minds. I saw how people needed me and called upon me at work for my expertise, and it brought me a real sense of purpose. I had also been running three side businesses outside of work for several years, namely an online fitness coaching company. This allowed me to pursue my fitness passion while having bidirectional income streams. I had no plans for anything to change. Then, in October 2024, I woke up to an early call from my VP letting me know that my role had been permanently eliminated due to business restructuring. I was shocked, but my next thought was, " How can I get rehired?" During my unemployment, I enjoyed my hobbies The next day, I started looking at Microsoft's internal job portal, which I'd only have access to for two more weeks. I didn't have any success in that period, so I started applying to jobs at other companies while keeping an eye on Microsoft openings. Despite the stress about my sudden layoff, I was financially stable because of my businesses and a generous severance. I spent the next few months applying to jobs and pouring my time into hobbies like improv comedy, fitness, and movies. It was one of the best times of my life. I started having such a good time away from work that a big part of me started questioning if I shouldn't go back to corporate at all and just fully commit to my fitness businesses. I kept finding myself coming back to how much I missed Microsoft I missed the ritual of logging into Microsoft Teams, doing my job, and collaborating with the same great people. I loved feeling as though I was really contributing to something larger than myself. Microsoft's work culture is unbeatable. The idea of a growth mindset was tangible in our daily work, and our expectation was not to be a "know-it-all" but a "learn-it-all." I was surrounded by brilliant minds who wanted to help me become just as brilliant, not put me down for making mistakes or questioning the status quo. A few months into unemployment, a former mentor of mine at Microsoft forwarded my résumé to a hiring manager, and I got rehired at Microsoft as a program manager for Azure, a cloud computing platform. I got rehired and laid off in two months When I returned to Microsoft, I treated my job the same as before, but I doubled down on my communication to make sure I was always on the same page with my team and superiors. It might sound counterintuitive, but I felt even more job security this second time around, because Microsoft had invested a massive amount of money into Azure. Two months later, I woke up to a nearly identical message inviting me to a meeting where I would be laid off again. It was so jarring. I've already started applying to jobs again, but to be honest, I would still go back to Microsoft if I had the chance. Even though Microsoft can be political at times, as there is a clear hierarchical structure in which you often have to cater to leaders' preferences, I feel as though I've learned how to navigate it. I can't always just "do" things; I need to consistently present and seek out buy-ins from various leaders. My advice for people going through layoffs I've stayed so level-headed while navigating two layoffs because I have diverse income streams. My businesses allow me to completely support myself and remain in a comfortable financial position. However, I'm still choosing to seek out full-time employment because of health insurance and my desire for multiple streams of income. I don't think it's possible to be lay-off proof, but you can limit the ability of a layoff to cause harm to your life. If you have something outside of work that you're passionate about that you can realistically monetize, do it.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Newsweek
Hysterics as Remote Workers Share How They Keep 'Active' Status on WFH
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A viral TikTok video that pokes fun at the remote workforce has prompted viewers to share how they keep their "active" status' alive on Microsoft Teams while working from home. The video has racked up more than 1.2 million views and 174,000 likes since it was posted on June 13 by @bakingandbooks. The short clip captures the everyday ritual of many remote workers of checking in on a computer while working from home. Viewers were able to see the video's creator walk into a room, glance at her laptop screen and walk out, accompanied by the overlaid text: "How I walk into my office to check that I'm still active on Teams." In the comments, viewers described their own efforts to simulate busyness while working remote, joking about mouse jigglers and perfectly timed keyboard taps. Others noted the behavior as a symptom of a broader anxiety that has come to define the remote work experience—one tied closely to the visibility of one's status online. "Honestly, most managers are aware of these tricks," Radvile Sliogeryte, a talent acquisition specialist, told Newsweek. "But good managers care more about what you actually accomplish than whether you are at your laptop all day." That perspective may be welcomed by those whose habits mirror what is parodied in the viral TikTok video. As one viewer commented: "And you wonder why companies are going back to the office." For some, the performative check-ins are part of an ongoing attempt to appear constantly present, despite the realities of at-home work life. "Let's be real, nobody works non-stop for eight hours, even in an office setting," Sliogeryte said. "Short breaks to stretch, walk, or just look out a window are healthy and actually help with productivity. "Both managers and employees should see these pauses as a necessary part of doing good work, not something to hide." Licensed workplace mental health expert Christina Muller told Newsweek that the expectation to be "always on" gained traction during the early days of the pandemic, when remote work first became the norm. "With the rise of remote work during COVID, many employees felt an expectation to be 'always on' to show, or even prove, they were being productive," Muller said. "Inactivity could be perceived as inefficiency, but the irony is that you can be cruising LinkedIn or looking up a recipe while your green light stays active on Teams, even though you are not actually working." That discrepancy has contributed to a rise in burnout, she said, adding that leaders can help by encouraging microbreaks throughout the day to stretch or grab a cup of tea or coffee. "Research shows that our brains need breaks to fully process and integrate information," she said. "Without them, we often see what look like careless mistakes, reduced creativity, and lower-quality work." As amusing as the video may be, many workers are caught between wanting to preserve autonomy and fearing that any moment of offline status could be interpreted as disengagement. Several viewers took to the comments to share how they navigate appearing online while working from home, without having any actual tasks to accomplish that would keep them online. "Buy a mouse mover on Amazon," one viewer said. "Checking I'm still in my fake call with myself that's been going on for the last 4 hours," another added. "Tip for everyone: open up your Teams chat with yourself, select the chatbox as if you were going to type, put an item on the space it from going offline," a third viewer shared. "You're welcome." Another viewer shared a different sentiment: "I've straight up set my status to permanently offline." "Teams is the biggest corporate bootlicker," another added. "People naturally do not want to feel micromanaged," Muller said. "When leaders build in a little more autonomy, employees are less likely to feel the need to game the system." For Sliogeryte, the issue goes beyond work tools and screen time. "If you feel constant guilt about stepping away and feel like you have to 'pretend,' those are signs of fear," she said. "And you might want to reconsider whether the job or company culture is the right fit for you." Newsweek reached out to @bakingandbooks for more information via TikTok. A stock image of a woman wearing headphones and drinking tea while looking at a laptop on a dining table. A stock image of a woman wearing headphones and drinking tea while looking at a laptop on a dining table. Getty Images Have you had a workplace dilemma? Let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Cloud-based tools reshape how South Africa's businesses communicate
The digital communications landscape in South Africa and globally continues to shift, with cloud-based telephony tools increasingly replacing legacy PBX systems. This is according to Braintree, a local Microsoft solutions partner, which says tools such as Microsoft Teams Calling and Operator Connect are becoming core to how businesses collaborate and manage voice services. Doug Morrison, VP of modern workplace at Braintree, says companies are moving away from hardware-dependent systems toward software-based platforms that integrate voice, chat and video services under a single interface. 'Digital-first has become the default,' he says. 'It's not just about replacing phones; it's about embedding communication into business workflows.' Braintree cites IDC figures showing that unified communications as a service (UCaaS) accounted for 89% of global market revenue, with Microsoft leading the market at 44.7% share. These platforms allow companies to manage voice calling without traditional infrastructure, routing calls directly into Microsoft Teams through certified telecom partners. Braintree refers to the Forrester Total Economic Impact report, which found that small and medium businesses using Microsoft Teams Calling saw up to 45% total cost of ownership savings over three years, with enterprise customers reporting 17% savings. Both categories reported positive returns on investment. Beyond cost, Braintree says organisations are adopting cloud communications for greater flexibility and scalability. Operator Connect, Microsoft's voice integration service, enables organisations to provision and manage phone systems directly in the Teams admin centre, removing the need for on-site PBX equipment. Security has also become a key consideration. Cloud-based systems allow for encrypted communication, remote patch management, and access controls. Braintree notes that this is especially relevant for businesses with hybrid or remote workforces. Mobility is another driver. Employees can make and receive calls from any internet-connected device, which Braintree says reduces the need for fixed desk phones and enables flexible work policies. It adds that AI features now available in cloud systems can support compliance, call transcription, and workflow automation. Looking ahead, Braintree expects greater convergence between telephony, collaboration tools, and emerging technologies like AI and omnichannel messaging platforms. 'As tools become smarter and more integrated, communication is shifting from something you do separately to something embedded in how work gets done,' Morrison says.
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Business
- Boston Globe
No one likes meetings. They're sending their AI note takers instead.
'I want to talk to people,' said Sellers, who runs a content agency for entrepreneurs out of Birmingham, Alabama. 'I don't want to talk to a bunch of note takers,' he said — before adding that he has occasionally himself sent an AI note taker to meetings in his place. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Experiences like Sellers's are becoming more common as AI tools gain momentum in white-collar workplaces, offering time-saving shortcuts but also new workplace etiquette conundrums. Advertisement The pandemic Zoom boom forged new expectations around meetings that can feel onerous by the fifth — or even second — video call of the day. Now workplace social protocols are being upended all over again by AI tools that promise to make it easier to tune out while in a meeting or offer the temptation of skipping calls without penalties altogether. It's not unusual for people to join video calls with their camera off and microphone muted, but such lurkers can at least be called upon to speak. Advertisement Major workplace tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet offer note-taking features that can record, transcribe and use AI to summarize meetings a person is invited to but doesn't attend. A profusion of smaller companies, such as offers apps that workers can use to send AI meeting agents to capture calls in a similar way. OpenAI's ChatGPT recently added a record mode that can function as a meeting note taker. (The Washington Post has a content partnership with OpenAI.) Participants can't send their note takers to present to a meeting on their behalf — yet. Zoom CEO Eric Yuan has said the company wants to allow users to create 'digital twins,' or AI assistants, that can eventually attend meetings for people and take action in their place. 'Nothing will be forgotten' Sending an AI bot to experience things in your absence could be the next logical step after social media and smartphones created the expectation that anything that can be recorded, will be. 'We're moving into a world where nothing will be forgotten,' Allie K. Miller, CEO of Open Machine, which helps companies and executives deploy AI, said in a phone interview last week. Always-on recording is changing human behavior, she said, from college parties to corporate boardrooms. She recalled recently chatting informally with a tech professional backstage at an AI event and being stunned when he revealed he had recorded the conversation. 'I felt completely violated,' Miller later recounted in a post on X. 'Not because I said anything wrong, but because I didn't choose to share it.' Miller makes a habit of turning off her AI note taker for the last five minutes of every meeting, because she believes their presence can stifle discussion. At this point, participants' shoulders drop, people get more open and 'the real questions come out,' she said. Advertisement She advises people to remember that there's no medium — on or offline - that means you're safe from being recorded. And if someone skipped a meeting and sent an AI note taker instead, consider that the person may later read or hear anything you say in their absence. A Washington Post reporter found herself in a video call short on humans when she logged on for a Zoom interview for this article and only an AI note taker showed up. Joshua Weaver, a lawyer who had posted on X about consent issues raised by AI note takers, didn't show for the 30-minute meeting booked via his online calendar — but his AI representative provided by AI start-up Fathom did. The reporter spoke to the silent bot, saying, 'I waited for nine minutes, and now I'm going to go.' Weaver, who's also the director of innovation for the Texas state bar, didn't see the transcript of the one-sided meeting but days later responded to the reporter's email. On a phone call, without AI note takers present, Weaver said that the tools can 'increase your exposure to potential civil or criminal liability' under state and federal wiretapping, data privacy and security laws. At a recent conference he organized for which attendees signed nondisclosure agreements, someone recorded using Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses anyway. 'If somebody really wants to record, there's no way you'll really know at this point,' Weaver said. Most states require just one party to consent to recording a phone call or other conversation, meaning AI note takers can be used without approval by other people present. California, Florida, Pennsylvania and some other states require all parties to a conversation to agree to be recorded. Advertisement When note takers are being used in a virtual meeting, participants generally will be actively informed by a notification within the meeting app or able to see note takers listed among the attendees. Meeting hosts typically can enable or disable certain features or kick out note takers when they show up as separate participants, but other attendees may not be able to control when note takers are used. And some note takers listen in to the audio on a person's computer without joining calls, making them invisible to other people in a meeting. 'There's a loss of meaning' Liz Henderson, a business strategy adviser in the United Kingdom, worries that AI note takers have become so common that workers rarely pay attention to the apps or their risks to privacy. She was recently on a Microsoft Teams call that she hadn't noticed was being recorded. Two days later, the transcript was briefly displayed at an all-hands company meeting to demonstrate how AI can transcribe and summarize meetings. Henderson was shocked to see her name and words displayed to hundreds of her colleagues. 'I was like: 'Oh my god, what have I done? What have I said in that meeting that's now being shown to everybody?'' she said in an interview. She later contacted the recording's owner, who agreed to make the transcript private. Henderson is still concerned about how companies will handle AI note takers' recordings and especially whether those in Europe will comply with the E.U. data protection law. It gives people a degree of control over their personal data, including the right to ask for it to be deleted. Advertisement Neal Shah, CEO of elder care company CareYaya, loves AI note takers and uses them frequently but said he is concerned that he's accumulating a mountain of transcripts hard to glean insights from. 'When there's an overwhelming abundance of information, there's a loss of meaning,' Shah said. Others wonder if an abundance of note takers in a meeting indicates a lack of effort by those sending a bot in their stead. Kip Glazer, principal of Mountain View High School in Silicon Valley, said that suspicion reminds her of teachers complaining that too many students used AI to cheat on their latest homework. Sometimes this is feedback that the assignment may need revamping to be more engaging, she said. Meeting organizers faced with a wall of note takers, Glazer said, might ask themselves: Does this require a meeting, or is this an email or a memo? When Glazer wants robust human participation, she tells attendees: 'We're going to make a very important decision — I need everyone's voice to be there.'
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
The Future of Business Coaching: Trends to Watch for in 2025
As we enter 2025, the business coaching landscape is being reshaped by technological advancements. Virtual coaching platforms are no longer optional—they are becoming the norm. Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and AI-powered apps enable coaches to connect with clients across the globe. Artificial intelligence is playing a larger role in performance tracking, behavior analysis, and personalized feedback. AI bots can help identify patterns in a coachee's performance data, making the coaching process more data-informed and efficient. Coaches who adopt these tools can offer more relevant and impactful sessions, tailored to individual needs. In today's competitive landscape, having the right guidance can make all the difference for business growth. A skilled mentor brings clarity, strategy, and accountability, helping entrepreneurs make informed decisions and overcome challenges with confidence. Whether you're scaling a startup or refining an established venture, expert insight can unlock new opportunities. Working with a business coach San Francisco Bay Area professionals trust ensures you gain personalized support tailored to your industry and goals. With the right coach by your side, you'll foster innovation, boost performance, and create a sustainable path toward long-term success. In today's competitive landscape, having a clear and effective marketing strategy is essential for growth. Many entrepreneurs struggle to attract and retain customers without expert direction. That's where a small business marketing consultant comes in—offering tailored strategies to help businesses identify their target audience, refine branding, and boost visibility both online and offline. With personalized insights and data-driven planning, consultants empower business owners to make confident marketing decisions that lead to measurable results. Investing in professional support can make all the difference between stagnation and success, helping your business stand out in a crowded marketplace. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all coaching. In 2025, business coaching is increasingly about specialization and personalization. Coaches are carving out niches—focusing on industries like tech startups, healthcare, or sustainability—and tailoring their services accordingly. With access to client data and performance metrics, coaches can now offer more personalized strategies that align with specific business models and goals. This trend reflects a broader move toward hyper-personalized services in all areas of professional development. Clients are looking for coaches who understand their unique challenges and provide actionable guidance rather than generic advice. The hybrid model, combining online and in-person sessions, is gaining traction in 2025. While virtual coaching offers convenience and flexibility, in-person interactions are still valued for building deeper relationships and trust. The hybrid approach allows for a more balanced experience. Coaches might conduct regular video check-ins while scheduling quarterly face-to-face sessions to evaluate long-term progress. This model is particularly popular among executive-level clients who prefer a mix of digital convenience and traditional engagement. Expect to see more coaching businesses offering hybrid packages tailored to different professional tiers and needs. Data analytics is becoming a cornerstone of business coaching. In 2025, coaches are using advanced analytics tools to measure progress, track KPIs, and refine coaching strategies. Platforms now offer dashboards that visualize a client's growth, showing metrics like productivity levels, goal achievement rates, and leadership effectiveness. This not only improves transparency but also holds both coach and client accountable. The ability to measure outcomes in real-time helps businesses justify their investment in coaching. It also enhances the coach's ability to adjust tactics and provide evidence-based recommendations. Another emerging trend in 2025 is the focus on emotional intelligence and soft skills. As automation and AI handle more technical tasks, the human element—empathy, communication, collaboration—is becoming increasingly valuable. Business coaches are shifting their focus from just hard business metrics to helping clients develop these essential interpersonal skills. Training in resilience, adaptability, and conflict resolution is becoming standard in coaching programs. This trend reflects a broader understanding that success in business is not only about strategy and execution but also about building strong, emotionally intelligent teams. Diversity and inclusion are no longer just corporate buzzwords—they are integral to coaching practices in 2025. Coaches are recognizing the importance of cultural competence and are undergoing training to better support diverse clients. Inclusive coaching ensures that individuals from all backgrounds feel seen, heard, and supported. This trend also includes efforts to democratize coaching by making it accessible to a wider audience, not just C-suite executives. Organizations are investing in coaching programs for mid-level managers and emerging leaders from underrepresented groups. This shift is helping create more equitable and inclusive workplace cultures. Gamification is entering the business coaching space in a big way. In 2025, coaches are leveraging game-based learning techniques to boost engagement and motivation. Clients can now complete interactive modules, earn badges, and track their progress through game-like platforms. This approach turns learning into an engaging experience rather than a passive one. It is particularly effective for younger professionals who are used to digital interaction. Gamification also makes it easier to measure progress and celebrate achievements, which helps sustain motivation over time. Sustainability is influencing more than just supply chains and product design—it's shaping business coaching as well. In 2025, purpose-driven coaching is on the rise. Clients are seeking guidance on how to align their businesses with social and environmental goals. Coaches are now helping leaders develop strategies that balance profitability with responsibility. This includes training in ethical leadership, sustainable business practices, and impact-driven decision-making. As ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards become central to business performance, coaching that supports these priorities is gaining momentum. Group coaching is becoming more popular as organizations look to scale leadership development while fostering collaboration. In 2025, group and peer coaching models are proving to be both cost-effective and impactful. These sessions allow individuals to learn from one another, share experiences, and develop collective problem-solving skills. Peer coaching, in particular, helps build trust and accountability among team members. Coaches act more as facilitators than instructors, guiding discussions and helping groups reflect and grow together. This model is especially effective in fostering a culture of continuous learning within organizations. As the business world continues to evolve, future-ready leadership is a key focus for coaches in 2025. This involves preparing leaders to thrive amid constant change, digital disruption, and global uncertainty. Coaches are emphasizing agile thinking, scenario planning, and lifelong learning as essential leadership traits. They are also incorporating insights from neuroscience and behavioral science to enhance leadership development. The goal is to create leaders who are not only competent in today's business environment but are also equipped to navigate the complexities of tomorrow. The business coaching industry is rapidly evolving to meet the changing needs of professionals and organizations. In 2025, technology, personalization, and purpose-driven practices are at the forefront of this transformation. Coaches who embrace these trends and adapt their strategies will be better positioned to deliver real value. Whether you're a coach or a client, understanding these shifts will help you stay ahead of the curve and make the most of coaching in the years to come. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
