MC1124563 – Microsoft 365: New map-based desk booking experience in Microsoft Places (archived)

Outlook logo

check before: 2025-08-01

Product:

Entra, Microsoft 365 Apps, Microsoft 365 suite, Outlook, Teams, Teams Premium

Platform:

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

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, User impact, Admin impact

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Places introduces a new map-based desk booking experience for Teams Premium users, unifying desk reservations across apps with interactive floor maps, colleague seating visibility, partial/multi-day bookings, delegation, and admin check-in controls. Rollout begins mid-August 2025, enhancing hybrid work flexibility without requiring admin action.

Details:
Introduction
We're introducing a new map-based desk booking experience in Microsoft Places that replaces the existing reservation flows in the Places app and calendar across desktop and mobile. This update enhances usability, supports both individually configured and pooled desks, and introduces new capabilities to improve workplace flexibility and collaboration.
This message is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap IDs 488802, 488803, 488804, 488805 and 488809.
When this will happen
General Availability (Worldwide): We will begin rolling out in mid-August 2025 and expect to complete by end of September 2025.

Change Category:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Scope:
XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Release Phase:
General Availability

Created:
2025-07-30

updated:
2025-07-30

Task Type

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

Docu to Check

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

MS How does it affect me

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**

User Experience Disruption
Users may face confusion and frustration due to the new interface and functionalities, leading to potential delays in desk booking and collaboration.
   - roles: End Users, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=488802, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=488803

Increased Support Requests
The introduction of new features without prior training may lead to an increase in support tickets as users struggle to adapt to the changes.
   - roles: IT Support Staff, Help Desk Agents
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=488804, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=488805

Data Privacy Concerns
Users may be unaware of how their desk reservation data is shared, leading to potential privacy issues and non-compliance with GDPR.
   - roles: Compliance Officers, Data Protection Officers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=488806, https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=488809

Configutation Options**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Opportunities**

Enhanced Collaboration through Desk Proximity Visibility
The new map-based desk booking allows users to see where colleagues are sitting, fostering spontaneous collaboration and improving team dynamics. This feature can enhance communication and teamwork, particularly in hybrid work environments.
   - next-steps: Promote the use of the desk booking feature through internal communications and training sessions to help employees understand the benefits of booking desks near their colleagues.
   - roles: Team Leaders, Project Managers, HR Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=488809

Improved Space Utilization with Check-In Controls
The admin-configurable check-in requirements ensure that desks are not left unoccupied, optimizing the use of office space. This can lead to better resource management and reduce costs associated with unused workspaces.
   - next-steps: Implement a pilot program to test the check-in feature, gather feedback from users, and adjust policies based on the results before a full rollout.
   - roles: Facilities Managers, IT Administrators, Office Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=488804

Flexible Booking Options for Diverse Work Needs
The ability to book desks for partial days or multiple days accommodates different work patterns, catering to the diverse needs of employees. This flexibility can enhance employee satisfaction and productivity.
   - next-steps: Analyze employee booking patterns and preferences to optimize desk configurations and communicate the new booking options to staff to encourage usage.
   - roles: Operations Managers, Team Leaders, Employee Experience Managers
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?filters=&searchterms=488803

Potentional Risks**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Data Protection**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

IT Security**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

Hypothetical Work Council Statement**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

DPIA Draft**

XXXXXXX ... paid membership only

explanation for non-techies**

XXXXXXX ... free basic plan only

** AI generated content. This information must be reviewed before use.

a free basic plan is required to see more details. Sign up here


A cloudsocut.one plan is required to see all the changed details. If you are already a customer, choose login.
If you are new to cloudscout.one please choose a plan.



Last updated 2 days ago ago

Leave a Reply

Share to MS Teams

Login to your account

Welcome Back, We Missed You!