| Abdul Wasay
Fostering effective communication and collaboration is crucial in today's digital workplace. Microsoft Yammer, formerly Viva Engage, addresses this need by providing businesses with a secure and private social networking platform.
This comprehensive guide dives into Yammer, exploring its functionalities, benefits, and best practices to empower you to leverage its potential within your organization.
Fostering effective communication and collaboration is crucial in today's digital workplace. Microsoft Yammer, formerly Viva Engage, addresses this need by providing businesses with a secure and private social networking platform.
This comprehensive guide dives into Yammer, exploring its functionalities, benefits, and best practices to empower you to leverage its potential within your organization.
Understanding Yammer: A Private Social Network for Businesses
Imagine Facebook, but exclusively for your company. That's the essence of Yammer. It offers a familiar social media experience tailored for work-related communication. Employees can create profiles, share updates, participate in discussions, and collaborate on projects – all within a secure, company-controlled environment.
Key Takeaways:
- Yammer is a private social network for businesses, accessible only through authorized company email addresses.
- It fosters communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among employees.
Yammer Functionality: A Feature-Rich Platform
Yammer boasts a robust set of features designed to enhance communication and collaboration:
- Groups: Create and join groups centered around specific departments, projects, or interests, facilitating focused discussions and knowledge sharing.
- Feeds: Stay updated with company news, announcements, and discussions relevant to your work through personalized feeds.
- Polls and Surveys: Gauge employee sentiment and gather feedback through quick polls and surveys.
- File Sharing: Seamlessly share documents and collaborate on projects directly within Yammer.
- Live Events: Host live video events like town halls or Q&A sessions to connect with a broader audience.
- Integration: Yammer seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft 365 applications, such as Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, streamlining workflows.
Yammer Functionality at a Glance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Groups | Create focused communities for discussions and knowledge sharing. |
| Feeds | Stay informed with personalized updates and activities. |
| Polls and Surveys | Gather employee input and opinions. |
| File Sharing | Collaborate on documents directly within Yammer. |
| Live Events | Host interactive video sessions. |
| Integration | Streamline workflows with Microsoft 365 apps. |
Benefits of Yammer:
- Improved Communication: Yammer breaks down silos and fosters open communication across departments and hierarchical levels.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitate teamwork and knowledge sharing through group discussions and document collaboration.
- Increased Employee Engagement: Yammer creates a more engaging work environment by fostering a sense of community and belonging.
- Knowledge Sharing: Capture and share institutional knowledge within the organization.
- Faster Decision-Making: Streamline communication and decision-making processes through collaborative discussions.
Security Considerations:
Microsoft prioritizes data security within Yammer. Access is restricted to authorized users; administrators can control user permissions and data security settings.
Workplace vs. Yammer: Understanding the Difference
While Yammer offers some similar functionalities to public social media platforms, there are vital distinctions:
- Privacy: Yammer is private and secure, accessible only through company email addresses.
- Focus: Yammer is explicitly designed for work-related communication and collaboration.
- Security: Microsoft prioritizes data security within the Yammer platform.
Yammer Best Practices for Success
To maximize the benefits of Yammer, consider these best practices:
- Define Clear Guidelines: Establish content creation, group management, and appropriate use guidelines.
- Promote Active Participation: Encourage employee engagement by promoting Yammer and highlighting success stories.
- Empower Champions: Identify and empower Yammer champions within departments to promote its use and answer questions.
- Integrate with Workflows: Integrate Yammer with existing workflows to make communication and collaboration seamless.
Key Takeaways:
-
Yammer offers a secure and private social networking platform for businesses.
-
Its features enhance communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
-
By following best practices, organizations can leverage Yammer to empower their workforce.
FAQs about Yammer
Q: Is Yammer free to use?
A: Yammer availability depends on your Microsoft 365 subscription plan.
Q: Is Yammer secure?
A: Yes, Yammer prioritizes data security with access restrictions and user permission controls.
Q: How does Yammer differ from Microsoft Teams?
A: While both promote collaboration, Yammer focuses on broader communication and knowledge sharing, while Teams caters to real-time project-based collaboration.
Conclusion
Yammer empowers businesses to create a more connected and collaborative work environment. By leveraging its features and best practices, organizations can unlock Yammer's potential to drive communication, knowledge sharing, and, ultimately, business success.
