As remote and hybrid work explodes, Microsoft Teams has become central to how many small businesses operate. As per experts in the field Priority Management, with so many capabilities packed into one platform, getting up to speed on Teams has become essential. This growing need for expertise is why Microsoft Teams training is gaining popularity among small companies.

The Shift Towards Flexible Work

The pandemic rapidly accelerated the transition to remote and hybrid work environments. Virtual collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams made it possible for small companies to stay productive and connected.

As the dust settles, many are finding that flexible, dispersed work actually suits them well. Workers enjoy the lack of commute and flexibility. Companies benefit from wider talent pools and reduced office costs.

This new normal means Microsoft Teams is here to stay as a core small business tool. But to maximize Teams, workers need to know how to use it effectively.

Getting Up to Speed on Microsoft Teams

Adoption of Microsoft Teams skyrocketed recently. Usage stats show the platform grew from 20 million daily active users in 2019 to 270 million in just three years. For many small companies, Microsoft Teams happened fast. Workers were suddenly expected to collaborate through Teams, often with minimal formal training.

While Teams has an intuitive interface, unlocking the platform’s full potential requires understanding features like:

  • Channels for organizing projects and topics
  • Tabs for quick access to files and tools
  • @mentions that grab someone’s attention
  • Private and group chat options
  • Screen sharing and co-authoring abilities
  • Integration with other Microsoft apps

Without proper training, workers use a fraction of Teams’ capabilities. Employees feel frustrated and leadership grows concerned about ROI. Dedicated training addresses these issues.

Why Microsoft Teams Training Matters

Consistent Microsoft Teams education allows small businesses to:

Increase Usage

By showing employees all the platform can do, training gets them using more features daily. This drives engagement and makes Teams a real productivity engine.

Reduce Frustration

Employees often get annoyed when an app doesn’t work as expected. Walking through how to properly use Teams alleviates frustration and improves user experience.

Streamline Onboarding

Training new hires on Microsoft Teams right away allows them to contribute faster. A consistent onboarding process is more efficient long term.

Improve Collaboration

With training, teams better grasp concepts like co-editing files in real time, integrating task lists, managing calendars and cross-team communication.

Enhance Security

Education around data and privacy settings, multi-factor authentication, retention policies and other security tools is essential for small businesses.

Maximize ROI

Training helps small companies recoup their investment by fully leveraging Microsoft Teams rather than using it as a basic chat platform.

Making Microsoft Teams Training Work

For small teams with limited resources, these tips help make Microsoft Teams learning initiatives more effective:

Start with Fundamentals

Focus initial training on core tools for messaging, meetings and file sharing. Establish a strong foundation before moving into advanced features.

Schedule Refresher Sessions

Follow up training lets teams revisit more complex functions like automation and app integration. Refreshers reinforce knowledge.

Combine Self-Paced & Live Training

DIY modules allow employees to learn at their own pace. Live virtual sessions let them ask questions and walk through nuanced use cases.

Involve Team Leaders

Equip managers and team leads to model effective Microsoft Teams use and support ongoing learning.

Make Training Ongoing

Technology evolves quickly. Continuing education ensures employees are up to date on new Team developments.

Tailor Content

Customize training to focus on functionality that’s most valuable for each team’s roles and workstreams.

Conclusion 

Microsoft Teams is transforming collaboration, communication and productivity for modern small businesses. But realizing the benefits requires an investment in employee training. With a thoughtful training plan tailored to small business needs, companies can unlock the full potential of Microsoft Teams.