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Watch out, Microsoft Outlook could soon give away when you're sneakily working from home (www.techradar.com)

submitted 2 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

80 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Sneaking in a work from home day could soon be a bit trickier thanks to a new update coming to Microsoft Outlook.

The email provider is rolling out a new feature that will allow users to spot which of their co-workers or colleagues is currently in the office, and therefore possibly free for a quick meeting or able to reply to a message.

The update will use the Work Hours and Location information stored within Outlook to offer up this information, meaning there may be some awkward conversations if your colleagues believe you to be in the office.

In its entry in the Microsoft 365 roadmap, the company notes that the feature will be "always on", meaning there may be no getting around what it represents as your office presence.

(page 2) 31 comments

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago

So they are using the information they have in Azure/Entra about where you login from and presenting it to other users through Outlook/Teams?

Seems fine as long as they don't include your exact address.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 months ago

Imagine having so few people at the office that the only way people know you're working remotely is your Outlook status

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago (3 children)

Oh boy, this sounds like it could get interesting! On one hand, it's great that Outlook is trying to make our work lives more transparent and efficient. Scheduling meetings has always been a bit of a juggling act, so knowing who's actually in the office could help a lot.

But yeah, I get the concern about privacy and the potential for some awkward moments. I think it's gonna be important for companies to use this feature responsibly and to have open conversations about expectations. Maybe this will even push more workplaces to formally recognize the value of flexible working arrangements instead of needing the classic "sneak" day at home.

On the bright side, at least we're not back in the days of buggy webcams and battling over the last working ethernet cable, right?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago

Not sure if sarcasm or apologist

[–] [email protected] -1 points 2 months ago

This reads like a LinkedIn comment honestly

[–] [email protected] -2 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Scheduling meetings is easy. Don't do it. Send an email.

"But what about when..." No. Email over meetings. You're not special, your job isn't special, your company isn't special, your perceived needs aren't special. Send an email. If that isn't enough, send another email. If you get the urge to "give them a quick call", firmly grasp your phone and hurtle it out the highest window or rooftop you have access to. Then send another email.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 months ago

You sound like you're really fun and easy to work with.

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