The longevity of working from home during a global pandemic is proving to be quite strenuous on consumer's physical and mental wellbeing, but a number of new Microsoft Teams features are attempting to address the latter problem.
For one, the platform is bringing back the daily commute—well, in a modified sense. This feature will help consumers facilitate better work- and home-life transitions by creating the boundaries that physical commutes once provided. On the Microsoft blog, scheduling a "commute" for the beginning of a workday is described as "setting aside time to prepare for work, whether it’s going for a walk or planning tasks with a cup of coffee." For the end-of-the-day, on the other hand, users can customize prompts to reflect emotionally, celebrate their daily accomplishments, and even meditate with Headspace. The wellness company is a partner in this project.
Soothing WFH Features
The New Microsoft Teams Feature Helps Consumers with Health and Productivity
Trend Themes
1. Remote Work Wellness - The rise of remote work has created a need for innovative solutions that promote physical and mental wellbeing for individuals working from home.
2. Virtual Commute - The introduction of a virtual commute feature on platforms like Microsoft Teams provides a way for individuals to transition between work and home life, promoting better work-life balance and boundaries.
3. Collaborative Wellness Partnerships - Partnerships between technology companies like Microsoft and wellness companies like Headspace offer opportunities for collaboration in creating innovative solutions that support employee wellness in the remote work setting.
Industry Implications
1. Technology - The technology industry can explore creating new features and platforms that support wellness and work-life balance for remote workers.
2. Health and Wellness - The health and wellness industry can collaborate with technology companies to develop digital tools and content that promote mental and emotional wellbeing for individuals working remotely.
3. Communication and Collaboration - The communication and collaboration industry can incorporate features like virtual commute into their platforms to enhance the remote work experience and support the overall wellbeing of employees.