Microsoft Unveils Viva: A New Employee Experience Platform

Today, Microsoft has introduced Viva, a novel “employee experience platform.” Essentially, this represents Microsoft’s reimagining of the intranet systems commonly utilized by larger organizations. The platform incorporates typical functionalities, such as access to internal communications, built upon integrations with SharePoint, Yammer, and other Microsoft applications.

Key Features and Integrations

Beyond standard communication tools, Viva provides access to team analytics. It also integrates with LinkedIn Learning and various other training content providers, including companies like SAP SuccessFactors. Furthermore, Microsoft includes Viva Topics, designed to facilitate knowledge sharing throughout a company.

Many employees find that their companies invest significantly in internal communications and intranet solutions, yet these resources are often overlooked in favor of completing core work tasks. However, Microsoft contends that this dynamic is evolving.

With remote work becoming increasingly prevalent, even after the pandemic subsides, maintaining employee engagement and access to essential tools is paramount. Even a partial shift to remote or hybrid work models necessitates ensuring all employees feel connected and supported.

Image Credits: Microsoft

The Impact of Remote Work

“We have participated in the largest at-scale remote work experiment the world has seen, and it has had a dramatic impact on the employee experience,” stated Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella in a pre-recorded address. “As the world recovers, there is no going back. Flexibility in when, where, and how we work will be key.”

Nadella posits that all organizations will require a unified employee experience platform. This platform should support employees throughout their entire journey, from onboarding to collaboration and continuous learning. Companies are currently facing challenges in preserving internal culture and fostering community among remote workers, and Viva is intended to address these issues.

Powered by Microsoft 365

As expected, Viva is built upon the foundation of Microsoft 365 and its associated tools. It also integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, the company’s primary collaboration platform, and Yammer, the employee communication tool acquired in 2012.

Components of Viva

Viva comprises several key components:

• Viva Connections: Provides access to company news, policies, benefits, and internal communities (powered by Yammer).
• Viva Learning: Facilitates access to learning resources.
• Viva Topics: Enables company-wide knowledge sharing.

These features are largely standard offerings in contemporary intranet systems, whether provided by startups or established vendors like Jive.

Viva Insights and Employee Well-being

Viva Insights stands out as a unique element, particularly considering Microsoft’s previous concerns regarding its Productivity Score. This feature aims to provide managers with insights into potential burnout risks within their teams (excluding individual team member data). The goal is to encourage practices like disabling notifications or prioritizing daily tasks.

It also intends to assist company leaders in “addressing complex challenges and responding to change by shedding light on organizational work patterns and trends.”

Reflecting current priorities, the announcement emphasizes employee well-being. For many, this translates to fewer meetings, increased focus time, and disabling notifications outside of work hours. While technical tools can support these changes, fostering a supportive company culture and effective management are crucial.

“As the world of work changes, the next horizon of innovation will come from a focus on creativity, engagement and well-being so organizations can build cultures of resilience and ingenuity,” explained Jared Spataro, corporate vice president, Microsoft 365. “Our vision is to deliver a platform for the employee experience that helps organizations create a thriving culture with engaged employees and inspiring leaders.”