check before: 2025-04-15
Product:
Microsoft Viva Connections, Microsoft Viva Engage, Teams
Platform:
Android, iOS, Mac, mobile, Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant
Status:
Launched
Change type:
Admin impact, New feature, Updated message, User impact
Links:
Details:
Summary:
Microsoft Teams is enhancing the default experience for frontline workers by making it easier to connect with their organization and introducing more intuitive app names. Changes include renaming the Connections app to 'Home' and adding the Engage app to default pinned apps. Rollout begins mid-April 2025 and completes by late May 2025.
Details:
Updated May 12, 2025: We have updated the timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Note: If you are not using frontline worker functionality you can ignore this message.
We are enhancing the default experience for frontline workers by making it easier to connect with their organization and introducing more intuitive app names. These updates include adding the Engage experience into the Tailored Frontline App experience.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 481280.
[When this will happen:]
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-April 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025 (previously late April).
Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Targeted Release
Created:
2025-03-20
updated:
2025-05-12
Task Type
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Docu to Check
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MS How does it affect me
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MS Preperations
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MS Urgency
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MS workload name
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linked item details
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Pictures
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summary for non-techies**
Microsoft Teams is renaming the Connections app to 'Home' and adding the Engage app to the default pinned apps list to enhance the user experience for frontline workers, with changes rolling out between mid-April and late May 2025, though they may not apply to organizations not using frontline functionalities or with custom app setups.
Direct effects for Operations**
User Confusion
Renaming the Connections app to 'Home' may lead to confusion among frontline workers who are accustomed to the previous name, potentially impacting their ability to navigate the app effectively.
- roles: Frontline Workers, IT Support Staff
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/frontline/pin-teams-apps-based-on-license?view=o365-worldwide#scenarios, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=481280
Training and Documentation Needs
The changes in app names and functionalities will require updates to training materials and documentation, which may not be ready by the rollout date, leading to a gap in user knowledge.
- roles: Training Coordinators, Frontline Workers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/customize-apps, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/teams-app-setup-policies
Increased Support Requests
The introduction of new app names and features without adequate preparation may lead to an increase in support requests from users facing difficulties, straining IT resources.
- roles: IT Support Staff, Frontline Workers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/frontline/pin-teams-apps-based-on-license?view=o365-worldwide#scenarios, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=481280
Configutation Options**
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Opportunities**
Improved User Training and Documentation
With the introduction of the new default experience for frontline workers, there is an opportunity to enhance user training and documentation to ensure frontline workers understand the new app names and functionalities. This can lead to better adoption and utilization of the tools provided.
- next-steps: Develop a training program that includes tutorials and FAQs specifically addressing the changes in the Teams app experience. Schedule training sessions and create user guides to distribute across the organization.
- roles: Training Coordinators, IT Support, Frontline Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/frontline/pin-teams-apps-based-on-license?view=o365-worldwide#scenarios, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/customize-apps
Customization of App Experience
Organizations can create custom app setup policies to tailor the Teams experience for frontline workers, allowing them to prioritize the apps that are most relevant to their roles. This customization can improve efficiency and user satisfaction.
- next-steps: Assess the specific needs of frontline workers in your organization and develop custom app setup policies that reflect these needs. Implement and communicate these changes to the users.
- roles: IT Administrators, Frontline Managers, User Experience Designers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/teams-app-setup-policies, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=481280
Feedback Mechanism for Continuous Improvement
Establishing a feedback mechanism for frontline workers to share their experiences with the new Teams app setup can provide valuable insights for ongoing improvements. This could lead to iterative enhancements based on user needs.
- next-steps: Create a feedback survey or a forum where frontline workers can share their thoughts on the new app experience. Regularly review this feedback and make adjustments to training and app policies as necessary.
- roles: HR Managers, IT Support, Frontline Managers
- references: https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/frontline/pin-teams-apps-based-on-license?view=o365-worldwide#scenarios, https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/customize-apps
Potentional Risks**
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IT Security**
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explanation for non-techies**
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change history
| Date | Property | old | new |
| 2025-05-12 | MC MessageTagNames | New feature, User impact, Admin impact | Updated message, New feature, User impact, Admin impact |
| 2025-05-12 | MC Summary | Microsoft Teams is enhancing the default experience for frontline workers by making it easier to connect with their organization and introducing more intuitive app names. Changes include renaming the Connections app to 'Home' and adding the Engage app to default pinned apps. Rollout begins mid-April 2025 and completes by late April 2025. | Microsoft Teams is enhancing the default experience for frontline workers by making it easier to connect with their organization and introducing more intuitive app names. Changes include renaming the Connections app to 'Home' and adding the Engage app to default pinned apps. Rollout begins mid-April 2025 and completes by late May 2025. |
| 2025-05-12 | MC Last Updated | 03/20/2025 00:06:42 | 2025-05-12T14:55:53Z |
| 2025-05-12 | MC Messages | Note: If you are not using frontline worker functionality you can ignore this message.
We are enhancing the default experience for frontline workers by making it easier to connect with their organization and introducing more intuitive app names. These updates include adding the Engage experience into the Tailored Frontline App experience. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 481280. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-April 2025 and expect to complete by late April 2025. | Updated May 12, 2025: We have updated the timeline below. Thank you for your patience.
Note: If you are not using frontline worker functionality you can ignore this message. We are enhancing the default experience for frontline workers by making it easier to connect with their organization and introducing more intuitive app names. These updates include adding the Engage experience into the Tailored Frontline App experience. This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 481280. [When this will happen:] General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out mid-April 2025 and expect to complete by late May 2025 (previously late April). |
| 2025-05-12 | MC Title | Microsoft Teams: Enhancing the default experience for frontline workers | (Updated) Microsoft Teams: Enhancing the default experience for frontline workers |
| 2025-05-12 | MC End Time | 06/09/2025 09:00:00 | 2025-07-07T09:00:00Z |
Last updated 4 weeks ago
