MC1122162 – Support for different modes for desks (archived)

Product:

Microsoft 365 Apps

Platform:

Android, iOS, Mac, Online, Web, Windows Desktop, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, Admin impact

Links:

488805

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Places will support four desk modes—Unavailable, Assigned, Reservable, and Drop-in—allowing admins to better manage desk availability. Rollout begins mid-August 2025. Admins should review and update desk configurations, documentation, and communicate changes using PowerShell or the new Places Management portal.

Details:
What and Why
We're introducing support for multiple desk modes in Microsoft Places to give administrators greater flexibility in how desks are configured and managed. This update enables organizations to tailor desk availability to meet evolving workplace needs, especially in hybrid work environments. The new modes support more dynamic and responsive space management aligned with user presence and reservation preferences.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 488805
Rollout Schedule
General Availability (Worldwide): Rollout will begin in mid-August 2025 and is expected to complete by end-of-August 2025.
Impact on Your Organization
Who is affected: Microsoft Places administrators managing desk configurations.
What will happen:
New configuration options will be available for desks in Microsoft Places.
Administrators can assign desks to one of four modes:
Unavailable: Desk is not available for booking (default for individual desks).
Assigned: Desk is reserved for a specific user.
Reservable: Desk can be reserved in advance, subject to availability and policies.
Drop-in: Desk can only be reserved in person when the user is physically present.
Desk modes can be configured via PowerShell or the new Places Management portal.
No changes will be made to existing desk configurations unless updated by an admin.
Action Required/Recommendations
Review current desk configurations and determine if updates are needed to align with the new desk modes.
Update internal documentation and training materials to reflect the new configuration options.
Communicate this change to helpdesk and facilities management teams.
Configure desk modes using:
PowerShell
New Places Management web app (available at rollout)
Compliance considerations
No compliance considerations identified, review as appropriate for your organization.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-07-26

updated:
2025-07-26

Task Type

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Preperations

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS Urgency

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS workload name

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

linked item details

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

summary for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Direct effects for Operations**

Desk Configuration Changes
Without proper preparation, administrators may misconfigure desk modes leading to unavailability of desks for users, causing frustration and inefficiencies in desk management.
   - roles: Microsoft Places Administrators, Facilities Management Teams
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=488805

User Experience Disruption
Users may face difficulties in finding available desks or may be unable to reserve desks as expected, leading to a negative impact on productivity and workplace satisfaction.
   - roles: End Users, Helpdesk Support Teams
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=488805

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

Microsoft is introducing new desk modes in Microsoft Places to help organizations manage their workspace more effectively. Think of these desk modes like different types of parking spaces in a parking lot, each serving a unique purpose based on user needs.

First, there's the "Unavailable" mode, similar to a reserved parking spot that is blocked off and cannot be used by anyone. This is the default setting for individual desks, ensuring they are not available for booking unless specified otherwise.

Next is the "Assigned" mode, which is like having a personalized parking spot with your name on it. This desk is reserved for a specific user, ensuring they have a dedicated space whenever they need it.

The "Reservable" mode is akin to a parking space that you can book in advance. Just like reserving a spot before you arrive at a busy event, this desk can be booked ahead of time, subject to availability and organizational policies.

Lastly, the "Drop-in" mode functions like a first-come, first-served parking spot. You can only claim it when you're physically present, making it ideal for spontaneous visits or when you find yourself in the office unexpectedly.

These new modes provide flexibility and adaptability, especially in hybrid work environments where desk usage can vary greatly. Administrators can manage these configurations using PowerShell or the new Places Management portal, allowing them to tailor desk availability to suit their organization's needs. This change does not affect existing desk setups unless an admin decides to update them, ensuring a smooth transition to the new system.