Outlook will tell you who is in the office

Sneaking in a work from home day could soon be a bit trickier thanks to a new update coming to Microsoft Outlook.

The email provider is rolling out a new feature that will allow users to spot which of their co-workers or colleagues is currently in the office, and therefore possibly free for a quick meeting or able to reply to a message.

The update will use the Work Hours and Location information stored within Outlook to offer up this information, meaning there may be some awkward conversations if your colleagues believe you to be in the office.

In its entry in the Microsoft 365 roadmap, the company notes that the feature will be “always on”, meaning there may be no getting around what it represents as your office presence.

  • @BallsandBayonetsEnglish
    -2•3 months ago

    Scheduling meetings is easy. Don’t do it. Send an email.

    “But what about when…” No. Email over meetings. You’re not special, your job isn’t special, your company isn’t special, your perceived needs aren’t special. Send an email. If that isn’t enough, send another email. If you get the urge to “give them a quick call”, firmly grasp your phone and hurtle it out the highest window or rooftop you have access to. Then send another email.