Benefits of Microsoft 365: 7 Features You Didn't Know About Office 365

Wondering if Microsoft 365 (formerly called Office 365) is worth it for you or your business? You're in the right place. This platform has been a staple of life for many enterprises. The benefits of Microsoft 365 vary depending on what you're working on. 

But why choose Microsoft 365, you ask? Beyond the basics of email and document creation, there's a world of features within this tool that many users are completely unaware of. That's why, in this blog, we'll uncover seven cool things you might not know that you can do using the platform.

1. Talk to your docs

Did you know you can use your voice to dictate emails and documents across Microsoft 365 apps? Yes, voice activation isn't just for asking your phone questions. Open Word, Outlook, or PowerPoint, click on the microphone icon and start speaking. It's perfect for brainstorming sessions or when you’re on the go.

2. Work while on a Skype call

Multitasking during meetings just got easier. One of the benefits of Microsoft 365 is that it lets you work on documents right within a Skype call. Share your screen and dive into documents together, making real-time collaboration a breeze. Say goodbye to switching back and forth between apps.

3. Collaborate in the same document

Why choose Microsoft 365? Well, on this platform, you can forget about sending document versions back and forth. With Microsoft 365, everyone can jump into the same document, spreadsheet, or presentation and work together in real time. Changes are saved automatically, and you can even see who’s doing what.

4. Find your 'focus' in Word

Distracted by all the bells and whistles in Word? Enter Focus Mode. It hides all the ribbons and toolbars, letting you concentrate on your writing. Perfect for when you need to block out distractions and get down to business.

5. Use @mentions to grab attention

Need someone’s input on a document? Use one of the underrated benefits of Microsoft 365, which is the @mention feature. Just type @, followed by their name, and they’ll get a notification. It makes collaborating and getting feedback a snap, ensuring no comment goes unnoticed.

6. Make your emails stand out

Tired of your emails getting lost in the shuffle? With Microsoft 365, you can use rich formatting in Outlook to add bullet points, change fonts, and even insert tables directly into your emails. Make your messages pop and increase the chances they get read.

7. Dive into analytics with Excel

Why choose Microsoft 365 for your team? Excel has a powerful feature called Ideas that many users overlook and can be helpful for your team. It uses AI to analyze your data and provide suggestions for better ways to visualize it.

Just click on a data range and then on the Ideas button. The platform will do the rest, helping you make sense of complex data at a glance.

Benefits of Microsoft 365 apps to your business needs

With Microsoft 365, you're not just getting tools; you're unlocking a suite designed to supercharge your business operations. Let's explain some of the best benefits of Microsoft 365. 

Boost your team's productivity

Imagine having the ability to work from anywhere, at any time. That's one of the best benefits of Microsoft 365. With apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint available on the cloud, your team can access, edit, and share documents no matter where they are. This means projects keep moving forward, even when everyone's at home. 

Work more efficiently 

Why choose Microsoft 365? Gone are the days of emailing documents back and forth and losing track of the latest version. With its real-time collaboration features in apps like OneDrive and SharePoint, you can allow your team to work on documents simultaneously. Plus, with Microsoft Teams, you can chat, video call, and share files all in one place. It's teamwork made easy.

Keep your data secure with the formerly called Office 365

In today's digital age, security is a top priority. Microsoft 365 understands this, offering advanced security features that protect your business from cyber threats. With apps like Microsoft Defender and Azure Information Protection, your data is encrypted and safeguarded against unauthorized access, ensuring peace of mind.

Make smarter decisions with data

Data is gold, but only if you know how to mine it. Some of the best benefits of Microsoft 365 start with Excel. You can use it to visualize data trends, perform complex calculations, and gain insights that inform better business decisions. 

Streamline your email management

Overflowing inboxes can be overwhelming. Outlook's intelligent email management system helps you stay on top of your emails by sorting them into focused and other categories. With features like email scheduling and the ability to share calendars, you can organize your day efficiently and never miss a beat.

Automate routine tasks

Do more with less by automating routine tasks. Power Automate, a gem within Microsoft 365, allows you to create workflows that automate repetitive tasks across several apps and services. Whether it's sending reminders for upcoming deadlines or collecting data, automation frees up your time so you can focus on what matters.

Stay ahead with continuous updates

One of the best things about Microsoft 365 is that it's always evolving. With continuous updates, you get access to the latest features and security enhancements without any additional cost. This means your business stays ahead of the curve, leveraging the latest tech to drive growth.

Get insights into your work habits

Ever wonder how you spend your workday? Among the benefits of Microsoft 365 is MyAnalytics, which provides personal insights into your work patterns. It suggests focus time to get more done and helps you balance collaboration with deep work, ensuring you can be productive.

Should you get Microsoft Office 365 with an MSP? 

Partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for Microsoft Office 365 is a smart move for your business. Why choose Microsoft 365 with an MSP? One of the best reasons is that MSPs provide expert setup, ongoing support, and customized solutions that fit exactly what your business needs. 

Imagine having someone who not only ensures your Microsoft 365 is always running smoothly but also helps you leverage its full potential to boost your productivity and security. That’s what an MSP does.

Partner with the best MSP here!

Speaking of reliable MSPs, let's talk about UDNI—the best team for this service. With over 20 years of experience, our company stands out because we're not just any MSP; we're a Microsoft Partner with Modern Workplace competencies. This means we have specialized knowledge in maximizing the benefits of Microsoft 365 for businesses like yours. 

Whether you’re in healthcare, education, or manufacturing, our team offers proactive monitoring, maintenance, and customized technology solutions designed to support your growth. So, if you’re looking to get the most out of Microsoft 365, UDNI is your go-to partner.

Contact us now at (814) 631-1700 or send an email to info@udni.com for more information. 

Frequently asked questions

What are the 365 benefits for businesses?

Why choose Microsoft 365? Using this platform, businesses can gain access to a range of features, including Microsoft Word and cloud-based services, which facilitate collaboration and increase productivity. 

The suite's cloud storage capabilities allow employees to access files from any location, provided they have an internet connection, making it easier to work remotely or on the go with a mobile device.

How does cloud storage in Microsoft 365 enhance data security?

Cloud storage in Microsoft 365 employs robust security measures, such as encryption and data loss prevention, to protect sensitive information. These features ensure that data stored in the Microsoft cloud is safe from advanced threats. The system's design allows for secure access to your files per user, ensuring that only authorized personnel can view or edit documents.

What makes Microsoft 365 benefits stand out for small businesses?

Microsoft 365 benefits stand out due to its comprehensive range of features and benefits that cater specifically to the needs of small businesses.

The key benefits of Microsoft 365 include advanced security, the ability to use Microsoft applications like Microsoft Word, and access to the Microsoft community hub. This suite is known as Office 365 in its previous iterations, but with Microsoft 365, businesses now have more tools and features at their disposal.

Can you explore the benefits of Microsoft 365 for remote work?

Exploring the benefits of Microsoft 365 for remote work reveals a suite designed to support organizations in maintaining productivity regardless of location.

The cloud-based platform ensures that team members can collaborate seamlessly using Microsoft 365 applications, access their files from anywhere with an internet connection, and stay connected. This flexibility is a significant advantage of Microsoft 365, making it an ideal choice for businesses.

What are the key benefits of integrating Microsoft 365 into your organization?

Integrating Microsoft 365 into your organization offers key benefits, such as a comprehensive productivity suite that helps increase productivity and streamline collaboration.

The suite's encryption and data loss prevention features ensure that your organization's data remains secure. Additionally, Microsoft 365 also provides robust security features, making it a secure choice for businesses of all sizes.

How does the Microsoft 365 plan cater to the needs of a mobile workforce?

The Microsoft 365 plan caters to the needs of a mobile workforce by offering cloud-based services that allow employees to use Microsoft tools such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel on any device with an internet connection.

This flexibility ensures that team members can work from anywhere, access their files on the go, and stay productive even when away from the office.

In what ways does Microsoft 365 offer a range of features to improve organizational efficiency?

Microsoft 365 offers a range of features designed to improve organizational efficiency, including a comprehensive suite of productivity tools and advanced threat protection.

These tools, part of the Microsoft cloud, enable businesses to automate tasks, securely collaborate on documents, and protect sensitive information. The suite's features and benefits make it an essential tool for businesses looking to enhance their operational efficiency and data security.