Customise your Microsoft Teams notifications, now you have more than one option!

microsoft teams

If the sharp sound of a Microsoft Teams notification has ever interrupted your focus, you’re certainly not the only one.

Good news: Microsoft has released an update that could bring a bit of calm to your workday. With this latest update, you now have the ability to customise your notification sounds in Teams. This new feature is designed to help you maintain concentration and better prioritise your tasks.

Instead of the standard “ping” that might disrupt your workflow, you can choose a gentler chime or a discreet whoosh. While this might seem like a minor adjustment, it can significantly enhance how you manage your day. By assigning different sounds to various notifications, you can easily distinguish between urgent alerts and routine messages, helping you prioritise more effectively and minimise unnecessary interruptions.

For business owners, this update offers more than just a new feature – it’s a productivity booster. Allowing your team to personalise their notification sounds means they can tailor their workspace to suit their individual preferences. For example, you could assign a distinctive sound for high-priority messages from key contacts, ensuring they stand out, while routine notifications can be set to a softer tone that doesn’t break concentration.

This ability to prioritise is crucial in a fast-paced work environment where managing attention and time is essential. It helps ensure that vital messages aren’t overlooked amidst the everyday influx of communication, enabling team members to respond quickly to important issues without being constantly disrupted by non-urgent notifications.

The advantages of this update for businesses are clear. Firstly, it fosters a more focused and efficient working environment. When employees are not frequently interrupted by generic notification sounds, they can maintain their focus for longer periods, which can lead to increased productivity.

Additionally, the option to mute notifications during meetings or periods of intense concentration ensures that important discussions and deep work sessions remain undisturbed. This is especially useful in today’s hybrid work settings, where distractions can come from various sources.

While the ability to customise notification sounds is a standout feature, Microsoft Teams offers a wide array of other benefits that make it an essential tool for businesses. It integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 applications, providing a centralised platform for all your business operations.

Whether you’re collaborating on documents, scheduling meetings, or managing projects, Teams consolidates everything into one place, offering a comprehensive set of tools designed to enhance teamwork and efficiency.

If you haven’t yet explored Microsoft Teams, now is the perfect time. Discover how it can help you optimise your workflows and communication.

We’re here to assist you in customising Microsoft Teams to perfectly fit your business needs. Get in touch today.

Extreme time saving hack with Windows 11 File Explorer.

Windows 11 File Explorer

Microsoft is developing an update that will enable Windows 11 File Explorer to directly access files on your Android phone, making file transfers smoother and quicker than ever before.

Why is this such a significant advancement, and how can it enhance productivity for you and your team?

Picture this: you’re in a meeting and need to swiftly retrieve a document or photo from your phone. Normally, you’d have to email it to yourself or use a cloud service. This can be laborious and inconvenient.

With the forthcoming Windows 11 update, you’ll be able to access your Android phone’s files directly through File Explorer. No more juggling multiple steps, just swift, easy access to what you need.

This feature isn’t just about added convenience; it’s a substantial productivity enhancer. By simplifying the process of transferring files between your phone and computer, you can save time. When you’re occupied, every minute matters, and fewer interruptions lead to a more seamless workflow.

Microsoft is developing an update that will enable Windows 11 File Explorer to directly access files on your Android phone, making file transfers smoother and quicker than ever before.

Why is this such a significant advancement, and how can it enhance productivity for you and your team?

Picture this: you’re in a meeting and need to swiftly retrieve a document or photo from your phone. Normally, you’d have to email it to yourself or use a cloud service. This can be laborious and inconvenient.

With the forthcoming Windows 11 update, you’ll be able to access your Android phone’s files directly through File Explorer. No more juggling multiple steps, just swift, easy access to what you need.

This feature isn’t just about added convenience; it’s a substantial productivity enhancer. By simplifying the process of transferring files between your phone and computer, you can save time. When you’re occupied, every minute matters, and fewer interruptions lead to a more seamless workflow.

Your team will also reap the benefits of this update. This can result in improved collaboration and quicker decision-making.

From a technical perspective, this feature is designed to be intuitive. There’s no need for complex setups or third-party applications. It will be integrated right into the Windows 11 operating system, so once the update is available, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips. It allows everyone on your team to utilise the new functionality without requiring training or support.

Of course, we must address another crucial aspect: security.

Microsoft is renowned for its robust security measures, and this new feature is no exception. Your data will be protected throughout the transfer process, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure.

Sounds promising, doesn’t it?

Windows 11 File Explorer will be a favourite among your employees. This can result in improved collaboration and quicker decision-making.

From a technical perspective, this feature is designed to be intuitive. There’s no need for complex setups or third-party applications. It will be integrated right into the Windows 11 operating system, so once the update is available, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips. It allows everyone on your team to utilise the new functionality without requiring training or support.

Of course, we must address another crucial aspect: security.

Microsoft is renowned for its robust security measures, and this new feature is no exception. Your data will be protected throughout the transfer process, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure.

Sounds promising, doesn’t it?

We can help optimise your business in the meantime. Get in touch today.

The importance of reporting cyber crime within your business. [+Free cyber attack recovery guide]

reporting cyber crime

Getting your team comfortable with reporting cyber crime is crucial for your business, but it may not have been on your radar before.

You might assume that with all the security technology in place, you’re well-protected. However, your employees are your first line of defence, indispensable in identifying and reporting security threats.

Consider this scenario: One of your employees receives a suspicious email that seems to come from a trusted supplier. It’s a classic phishing attempt—where a cyber criminal masquerades as someone else to steal your data.

If the employee ignores it or assumes someone else will handle it, that seemingly innocuous email could lead to a significant data breach, costing your company dearly.

The reality is, fewer than 10% of employees are reporting cyber crime or phishing emails to their security teams. That’s alarmingly low. Why? Here are a few reasons:

  • They might not understand its importance.
  • They fear repercussions if they’re wrong.
  • They believe it’s someone else’s responsibility.

Moreover, if they’ve been reprimanded for security mistakes in the past, they’re even less likely to speak up.

A major reason employees don’t report security issues is simply a lack of understanding. They might not recognise a security threat or grasp why reporting it is essential. This is where education plays a vital role, but it must be engaging and jargon-free.

Think of cyber security training as an interactive and engaging experience. Use real-life examples and scenarios to illustrate how a minor issue can escalate into a major problem if not reported.

Simulate phishing attacks and show the potential consequences.

Make it clear that everyone has a crucial role in safeguarding the company. When employees realise their actions can prevent a disaster, they’ll be more inclined to report anything suspicious.

Ensure your reporting process is simple and straightforward.

Even if your employees are keen on reporting cyber crime, a complicated reporting process can deter them. Consider easy-access buttons or quick links on your company’s intranet.

Ensure everyone knows how to report an issue.

Regular reminders and clear instructions can make a significant difference. When someone does report something, provide immediate feedback. A simple thank you or acknowledgment can reinforce their behaviour and show them their efforts are valued.

It’s all about fostering a culture where reporting cyber crime is viewed positively.

If employees fear judgment or punishment, they’ll stay silent. Leaders in your company need to set the tone by openly discussing their own experiences with reporting issues. When senior management talks openly about security, it encourages everyone else to do the same.

Consider appointing security champions within different departments.

These individuals can support their peers and make the reporting process less daunting. Keep security a regular topic of conversation to ensure it remains at the forefront of everyone’s minds.

Celebrate the learning opportunities that arise from reported incidents.

Share success stories where reporting helped avoid a disaster. This not only educates but also motivates your team to remain vigilant and speak up.

By making it easy and rewarding for your employees to report security issues, you’re not just protecting your business; you’re also fostering a more engaged and proactive workforce.

Encourage open communication, continuous learning, and avoid shaming anyone for their mistakes. The faster issues are reported, the easier and cheaper they are to resolve, keeping your business secure and thriving.

This is something we regularly assist businesses with. If we can help you too, get in touch.