Microsoft has recently launched several updates in Teams and SharePoint aimed at simplifying and improving daily collaboration, both for smaller groups and larger organizations. Many of these new features are now available in public preview and can already be tested by users.
Threaded Conversations and Improved Overview in Teams
One of the most significant updates is the introduction of threaded conversations in Teams channels. With threads, it becomes easier to follow specific discussions without losing the overall view. Users can choose which threads they want to follow and receive all important updates in one place. It is also quick to leave a thread when it’s no longer relevant. This makes it easier to manage large amounts of information and to stay focused on what’s relevant for each project or workgroup.
Threaded conversations combine the immediacy of chat with the structure and clarity that channels offer. For project teams, this means that documents, discussions, and updates can be organized more clearly, which also facilitates collaboration when multiple people or AI agents contribute to the work.
Smoother Interactions and Personalized Workflows
Teams has also received expanded capabilities with emoji reactions. It is now possible to use multiple emojis on the same message, creating new ways to show appreciation or quickly provide feedback. Additionally, emojis can be used to trigger workflows—for example, a ❗ symbol can initiate a support ticket directly from a chat. This can streamline recurring tasks and reduce manual work.
It has also become easier to tailor Teams to individual needs, with the ability to create custom keyboard shortcuts and use more advanced slash commands to carry out common tasks more quickly. For users who frequently work in SharePoint, the Teams updates make it easier to unify communication, document management, and automation within the same interface.
SharePoint and Teams – Closer Than Ever
Several of the improvements in Teams also affect how SharePoint is used in daily work. By linking channels and threads to specific projects and document libraries in SharePoint, it becomes easier to find the right information and keep everyone updated. The integrations between Teams and SharePoint provide better support for collaboration, especially when multiple teams or external parties are involved.
Summary
Microsoft continues to develop Teams and SharePoint with a focus on reducing unnecessary interruptions, simplifying communication, and creating more efficient workflows. Threaded conversations, expanded emoji features, and smoother automation are examples of functions that are now available for testing. For those who want to read more about Teams’ new features and how they can impact your workday, more information can be found via Microsoft’s official blog.
Read more at the link above to access details and see how these changes can be used in your organization.
