What Your Boss Can TRACK About YOU with Microsoft Teams

Introduction

This tutorial explores what information your boss can track about your work hours using Microsoft Teams. With the increase in remote work, understanding the tracking capabilities of Teams can help you navigate your work environment and manage your productivity.

Chapter 1: Teams Admin Center

To begin, access the Teams Admin Center where your administrator can view various reports on app usage, device usage, and overall team activity.

Steps to Access the Teams Admin Center

1. Log into the Microsoft 365 admin center.
2. Navigate to Show All.
3. Select Teams Admin Center.

Key Reports Available

• Apps Usage: Displays the usage of various apps within Teams over the last 30 days.
• Device Usage: Shows the types of devices (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android) used to access Teams.
• Teams Usage: Provides insights into messages, replies, meetings, and reactions within different Teams.

Chapter 2: Teams Usage Reports

The Teams usage report provides detailed insights into team activities and individual user behavior.

Analyzing Teams Usage

1. Go to the Usage Reports section.
2. Run the Teams Usage report.
3. Review metrics such as:
   • Number of messages posted
   • Replies and urgent messages
   • Meetings organized

User Activity Insights

• Click on a specific Team to view its members.
• Select a member to view:
  • Meeting participation
  • Call history with duration and participants

Chapter 3: Teams User Activity

The Teams user activity report allows for a deeper dive into individual contributions.

Accessing User Activity Reports

1. Run the Teams User Activity report.
2. Review the metrics by user, including:
   • Total channel messages sent
   • One-on-one calls and audio/video time
   • Last activity date

Chapter 4: Microsoft 365 Admin Center Productivity Report

This section covers the broader productivity insights available at the organizational level.

Viewing Productivity Scores

• Navigate back to the Microsoft 365 admin center.
• Access the Productivity Score section.
• Understand that scores are provided only at the organizational level, not individual users.

Microsoft Apps Usage Reports

• Review reports that show overall usage of Microsoft 365 services.
• Check user-specific last activity in services like:
  • Email (Outlook)
  • OneDrive
  • SharePoint

Chapter 5: Assign Objectives Instead of Tracking Time

Instead of micromanaging employees' working hours, consider assigning tasks and objectives.

Practical Tips

• Use Microsoft Planner to assign and manage tasks effectively.
• Focus on outcomes rather than hours worked to foster a more productive and trusting work environment.

Conclusion

Understanding the tracking capabilities of Microsoft Teams can help you better manage your work life. By familiarizing yourself with the Teams Admin Center and its reporting features, you can enhance your productivity while also ensuring that your contributions are recognized. For further learning, explore tools like Microsoft Planner to optimize task management in your team.