In this blog, I will provide some insights and discuss why an organisation should be looking to implement Microsoft Viva.
BACKGROUND
In recent years, the world has witnessed a significant shift in the way organisations conduct their day-to-day operations. The rise of remote work and the need for virtual collaboration has led to the adoption of new technologies and tools that enable employees to work effectively from anywhere.
One such technology is Microsoft Viva, a platform designed to enhance employee engagement and wellbeing, streamline workflows, and improve overall organisational efficiency.
In this short blog, I will begin to explore some of the reasons why an organisation should be looking to implement Microsoft Viva.
WHAT IS MICROSOFT VIVA?
In short, Microsoft Viva is an employee experience platform that brings together various Microsoft 365 tools and services in a single, integrated platform.
The platform is designed to provide employees with a personalised, intuitive, and seamless experience that enhances their productivity, wellbeing, and engagement.
Microsoft Viva comprises six primary modules (or apps), namely:
Viva Connections – this app provides a personalised employee experience by bringing together various communication and collaboration tools, such as Yammer (now Viva Engage), Teams, and SharePoint, in a single, easy-to-access dashboard.
Viva Engage (formerly Yammer) – this app brings people together across the organisation to connect with leaders, coworkers, and communities. It can also help people crowdsource answers and ideas, share their work and experience, and find belonging at work. Viva Engage integrates these experiences into Microsoft Teams and introduces new features including storyline and stories.
Viva Insights – this app provides employees with insights into their work patterns, communication habits, and overall wellbeing. It also provides managers with data-driven insights into their team’s productivity, engagement, and wellbeing. Additionally, this data can be ‘anonymised’ for sensitivity reasons.
Viva Topics – this app uses AI to automatically organise content and information across various Microsoft 365 tools and services, making it easier for employees to find and access relevant information. Topics also flags the people associated with a Topic.
Viva Learning – this app provides employees with a personalised learning experience by bringing together various learning resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Learn, and third-party training providers, in a single, integrated platform.
WHY SHOULD AN ORGANISATION IMPLEMENT MICROSOFT VIVA?
Enhanced Employee Engagement
Employee engagement is a critical factor in organisational success. Engaged employees are more productive, innovative, and committed to their work. This link shows stats to support this: https://www.gallup.com/workplace/285674/improve-employee-engagement-workplace.aspx
Microsoft Viva’s Viva Connections module provides a personalised and engaging employee experience by bringing together various communication and collaboration tools in a single, easy-to-access dashboard.
This helps employees stay connected with their colleagues, teams, and the organisation, regardless of their location.
Improved Employee Wellbeing
Employee wellbeing is essential for organisational success. A healthy and happy workforce is more productive, creative, and committed to their work. Microsoft Viva’s Viva Insights module provides employees with insights into their work patterns, communication habits, and overall wellbeing.
This helps employees identify potential areas of improvement and take proactive measures to improve their wellbeing.
Streamlined Workflows
In today’s fast-paced business environment, streamlined workflows are essential for organisational success. Microsoft Viva’s Viva Topics module uses AI to automatically organise content and information across various Microsoft 365 tools and services.
This makes it easier for employees to find and access relevant information, reducing the time and effort required to complete tasks.
Personalised Learning
In today’s knowledge-driven economy, continuous learning and development are essential for employee growth and organisational success. Microsoft Viva’s Viva Learning module provides employees with a personalised learning experience by bringing together various learning resources in a single, integrated platform. Studies have been shown to indicate the increased likelihood of an employee staying with their organisation if they’re offered better learning opportunities.
This helps employees acquire new skills and knowledge and stay up to date with new or enhanced subject material.
HOW SHOULD YOU IMPLEMENT MICROSOFT VIVA?
A basic plan for employers to implement Microsoft Viva is provided below:
Evaluate the organisation’s needs
Before implementing Viva, employers should evaluate their organisation’s needs and determine how Viva can help to address those needs. It’s really important here include stakeholders from across the business. Evaluating the needs in Viva is much more complex and involved than in a more infrastructure-based technical implementation. HR, Comms, Learning, Knowledge Managers, possible Legal and Compliance should all be involved.
Choose a Viva plan
Microsoft offers four Viva plans, including Viva Connexions, Viva Learning, Viva Insights, and Viva Topics. Employers should choose the plan or plans that best suit their organisation’s needs.
Configure Viva
Once a Viva plan has been chosen, employers can configure Viva to meet their organisation’s specific requirements. This may involve setting up learning content, configuring Insights dashboards, and customising Connexions content.
Communicate the benefits of Viva
Employers should communicate the benefits of Viva to employees and encourage them to use the platform to enhance their work experiences. Then, implement a strategy to ensure continued adoption. This can be done by a combination of planned activities (i.e., ongoing comms strategy) and utilising usage stats to understand user behaviours and continuous improvement so it stays relevant.
IN CONCLUSION
Microsoft Viva is a powerful platform that has the potential to transform the work environment by providing employees with personalised and engaging experiences across learning, well-being, insights, and communication. By implementing Viva, employers can improve employee engagement, productivity, and satisfaction, and create a more positive and supportive work environment.
NEXT STEPS
If you would like Insentra to help you with any of these topics through your nominated Partner, please contact us.
For more insights on Microsoft 365, SharePoint Online, Viva and more head over to the Insentra blog.
