In today’s fast-paced work environment, productivity is key. And with more and more teams working remotely, it’s important to have the right tools to help streamline communication and collaboration. One such tool is Microsoft Teams, which offers a range of features to help teams stay connected and work together effectively.

While Teams can be a great tool on its own, there are some tips and tricks that can help you maximize your productivity even further. In this blog post, we’ll explore some keyboard shortcuts and other tips that can help you get the most out of Microsoft Teams.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can be a great way to save time and increase productivity. Rather than having to navigate menus and click on various options, you can simply press a few keys to quickly perform a task. Here are some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Teams:

Show/hide command bar: Ctrl + Shift + F

The command bar in Teams is where you can access various features such as calling, sharing your screen, and more. Pressing Ctrl + Shift + F will show or hide the command bar, which can help you free up more screen real estate and reduce distractions.

Search: Ctrl + E

When you need to find something quickly in Teams, the search bar can be your best friend. Pressing Ctrl + E will take you straight to the search bar, where you can type in keywords to find what you’re looking for.

Open settings: Ctrl + comma (,)

Teams has a lot of settings that you can customize to suit your needs. Pressing Ctrl + comma (,) will take you straight to the settings menu, where you can make changes to your notifications, audio and video settings, and more.

Open chat: Ctrl + 3

If you need to quickly open a chat with someone, pressing Ctrl + 3 will take you straight to your chat list. From there, you can select the person you want to chat with and start typing.

Create a new chat: Ctrl + N

If you need to start a new chat with someone, pressing Ctrl + N will bring up a new chat window. From there, you can search for the person you want to chat with and start typing.

Start a call: Ctrl + Shift + C

If you need to start a call with someone, pressing Ctrl + Shift + C will bring up the call menu. From there, you can select the person you want to call and start the call.

Open calendar: Ctrl + 4

Teams has a built-in calendar feature that can help you keep track of your schedule. Pressing Ctrl + 4 will take you straight to your calendar, where you can view your appointments and schedule new meetings.

Create a new meeting: Ctrl + Shift + N

If you need to schedule a new meeting, pressing Ctrl + Shift + N will bring up the new meeting window. From there, you can set the date and time, invite attendees, and add any necessary details.

Reply to a message: Ctrl + R

When you receive a message in Teams, you can quickly reply to it by pressing Ctrl + R. This will open up the reply box, where you can type your response.

Other Tips

In addition to keyboard shortcuts, there are a few other tips and tricks that can help you maximize your productivity with Microsoft Teams:

1) Use the “@” command to quickly mention someone

When you need to mention someone in a chat or channel, you can use the “@” command to quickly tag them. Simply type “@” followed by their name or initials, and Teams will suggest a list of people to choose from. This can be a great way to get someone’s attention quickly without having to type out their full name.

2) Pin important chats and channels

If you have a lot of chats and channels in Teams, it can be easy to lose track of important ones. To keep them at the top of your list, you can pin them. Simply right-click on the chat or channel and select “Pin” from the menu. This will move it to the top of your list, making it easier to find.

3) Use the “/” command to access commands

Teams has a range of commands that you can use to perform various tasks, such as setting your status, creating a new team, and more. To access these commands, simply type “/” followed by the command name. Teams will suggest a list of commands to choose from, making it easy to quickly perform a task.

4) Customize your notifications

Teams can send you notifications for various events, such as new messages or upcoming meetings. To customize your notifications, go to Settings > Notifications. From there, you can choose which events you want to be notified about and how you want to be notified.

5) Use the built-in apps and integrations

Teams has a range of built-in apps and integrations that can help you streamline your workflow. For example, you can integrate with Microsoft Office apps, such as Word and Excel, to easily collaborate on documents with your team. You can also use apps such as Trello and Asana to manage your tasks and projects.

6) Use the mobile app to stay connected on-the-go

If you’re on-the-go or working remotely, the Teams mobile app can be a great way to stay connected with your team. You can use the app to send messages, make calls, and join meetings from anywhere. Plus, the app has its own set of keyboard shortcuts that can help you navigate it quickly and easily.

7) Use the “Shift” key to access more options

In many cases, holding down the “Shift” key in Teams will give you access to more options. For example, if you hover over a message, holding down “Shift” will reveal options to reply, forward, or copy the message.

In conclusion, Microsoft Teams can be a powerful tool for communication and collaboration, and by using keyboard shortcuts and other tips, you can maximize your productivity with it. By using these tips and tricks, you can save time and reduce distractions, allowing you to focus on the important tasks at hand. So why not give them a try and see how much more productive you can be?