Transforming Hybrid Work with Microsoft Places: The AI-Powered Work Management Solution!

The hybrid work model has become the norm for many organisations, bringing new challenges around desk bookings, meeting room management, and optimising collaboration. Microsoft has recognised these pain points and introduced Microsoft Places—an AI-powered service designed to revolutionise workplace coordination, modernise experiences, and optimise spaces. This tool promises to streamline operations, reduce admin burdens, and make hybrid work more productive than ever.

What is Microsoft Places?

Microsoft Places integrates seamlessly with Outlook, Teams, and your calendars. It’s a game-changer for anyone balancing remote work, office days, client visits, and travel. By leveraging AI and Copilot capabilities, Microsoft Places enables:

• Automated meeting scheduling, saving time on back-and-forth communications.
• Intelligent recommendations for in-person collaboration opportunities.
• Insights into workspace utilisation and location-based availability.

With these features, Microsoft Places transforms the mundane into meaningful, letting you focus on what truly matters.

Coordinate: Work Smarter, Together

One of the standout features of Microsoft Places is its ability to coordinate schedules and align team members for optimal outcomes. Imagine this:

You and your colleague, David, happen to be in the same city next week. Instead of missed opportunities, Copilot suggests a meeting slot while you’re both there. It’s simple, efficient, and enables real collaboration—not just virtual catch-ups.

Places also helps manage work locations effortlessly. You can set your availability—whether remote, on-site, or travelling—and let the AI handle the rest. This ensures everyone knows where you’ll be, improving team alignment and productivity.

Modernise: Building Connections with Intelligent Technology

Hybrid work requires more than just logistics; it needs meaningful connections. Microsoft Places helps by:

• Adding Teams Rooms and Devices to create immersive, collaborative spaces.
• Leveraging AI to enhance workplace experiences, making hybrid work seamless for all.

For instance, if you’re double-booked, Places can prioritise critical meetings while keeping you updated on the others. Recap features ensure you never miss important details, even if you can’t attend every call.

Optimise: Maximising ROI from Your Workspace

Beyond collaboration, Microsoft Places offers insights to optimise space utilisation and reduce costs. By understanding how spaces are used, organisations can make informed decisions to:

• Streamline desk and room bookings.
• Reallocate underutilised resources.
• Increase overall workplace efficiency.

This isn’t just about saving money—it’s about creating a workplace that truly works for everyone.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Organisations are already seeing the benefits:

• “BT is excited to explore how Microsoft Places could help our colleagues and partners ‘connect for good’ in our hybrid world.” – Nick Caton, Commercial Director, Property and Facilities Services
• “[Microsoft] Places transforms spaces into meaningful places, optimising work, fostering connections, and enhancing the workplace experience.” – Dan Floris, CBRE Occupancy Management Product Lead
• “[Microsoft] Places provides significant value and insight when I plan and decide whether to work from the office or remote.” – Jesper Skovgaard, Head of Unified Communications & Collaboration, GN Store Nord A/S