Viva Connections

What is Microsoft Viva Connections?

What is Microsoft Viva Connections?

Microsoft Viva Connections is a component of the broader Microsoft Viva suite, a platform designed to enhance employee experience. Viva Connections acts as a digital front door, providing employees with a unified, personalised destination to access internal communications, resources, and workplace tools directly within Microsoft Teams.

Essentially, Viva Connections integrates intranet-like functionality into Microsoft Teams, enabling organisations to share news, updates, policies, and other important information seamlessly. It ensures employees, whether working remotely, in the office, or on the go, stay informed and connected to the organisation’s culture and goals.

Key Features of Microsoft Viva Connections

1. Personalised Dashboard
   Viva Connections offers a customisable dashboard where employees can access critical information and tools. Whether it’s HR resources, payroll systems, or productivity apps, everything is easily accessible in one place.
2. Curated News Feed
   The platform includes an intuitive news feed tailored to individual employees, ensuring they receive relevant updates and announcements from across the organisation.
3. Company Branding
   Organisations can customise Viva Connections with their branding to make the experience feel like an extension of their culture and identity.
4. Integration with SharePoint
   Viva Connections is built on SharePoint, enabling seamless integration with existing intranet solutions. This means businesses can leverage their current SharePoint environment to power Viva Connections.
5. Mobile Accessibility
   Viva Connections is optimised for mobile devices, allowing employees to stay connected and informed, regardless of where they work.
6. Community Engagement
   Viva Connections enables employees to engage with communities, participate in discussions, and interact with leadership, fostering a sense of belonging.

How Does Microsoft Viva Connections Work?

Viva Connections integrates directly with Microsoft Teams, making it easily accessible within the app employees already use for communication and collaboration.

Here’s how it works:

1. Setup and Configuration
   IT administrators can configure Viva Connections using SharePoint to create a branded and personalised experience tailored to the organisation’s needs.
2. Custom Dashboard
   Organisations can design a dashboard that includes actionable cards, shortcuts to resources, and links to key systems like time tracking, expense reporting, and benefits portals.
3. Targeted News and Content
   With Viva Connections, organisations can push targeted news and content to specific groups or employees, ensuring everyone receives information relevant to their role or department.
4. Integration with Viva Insights and Other Tools
   Viva Connections integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Viva modules, such as Viva Insights and Viva Learning, as well as third-party applications, creating a comprehensive employee experience platform.

Use Cases for Microsoft Viva Connections

1. Improved Internal Communication
   Viva Connections streamlines internal communication by providing employees with a centralised platform for news, updates, and leadership messages.
2. Employee Onboarding
   New hires can use Viva Connections to quickly access onboarding materials, company policies, and training resources, enabling a smoother integration into the workplace.
3. Fostering Company Culture
   Viva Connections allows organisations to promote their values, share employee success stories, and encourage participation in company-wide initiatives.
4. Remote Workforce Engagement
   For remote or hybrid teams, Viva Connections ensures employees stay informed and connected, reducing feelings of isolation and disengagement.

Benefits of Microsoft Viva Connections

1. Enhanced Employee Engagement
   By centralising resources and fostering transparency, Viva Connections helps employees feel more engaged and aligned with the organisation’s mission.
2. Increased Productivity
   Employees spend less time searching for tools, information, or updates, allowing them to focus on their work.
3. Streamlined Communication
   Leaders can communicate directly with employees through targeted news and updates, ensuring alignment across teams and departments.
4. Stronger Sense of Community
   Viva Connections fosters collaboration, recognition, and interaction, building a stronger sense of belonging among employees.
5. Flexibility and Accessibility
   With mobile support and integration into Microsoft Teams, Viva Connections is designed to meet the needs of modern, flexible workplaces.

Getting Started with Microsoft Viva Connections

To implement Viva Connections, organisations need to meet a few prerequisites, including:

• A SharePoint Online licence, as Viva Connections relies on SharePoint for content and site management.
• Microsoft Teams, where Viva Connections is accessed.
• Administrative setup to design and customise the Viva Connections experience.

Once these requirements are met, organisations can configure Viva Connections to deliver a tailored and impactful employee experience.

Conclusion

Microsoft Viva Connections is a game-changing tool for organisations aiming to enhance internal communication, improve employee engagement, and foster a connected workplace culture. By integrating seamlessly with Microsoft Teams and SharePoint, Viva Connections ensures employees have quick access to everything they need, from resources and tools to important updates.

Talk to us about SharePoint and Microsoft Teams. For more information about how we can help you with your business IT needs, call us on 0333 444 3455 or email us at sales@cnltd.co.uk.

Read More

• Microsoft Viva Connections official site