MC1133511 – Emoji Reactions Workflows in Microsoft Teams (archived)

Product:

eDiscovery, Entra, Microsoft 365 Apps, Purview Data Loss Prevention, Purview Information Protection, Teams

Platform:

Online, US Instances, World tenant

Status:

Launched

Change type:

New feature, User impact

Links:

498578

Details:

Summary:
Microsoft Teams will enable triggering workflows via emoji reactions using the Workflows app, streamlining task automation. Available from late July 2025, this feature requires the Workflows app enabled and not blocked by DLP policies. Admins should review settings and raise user awareness to prepare.

Details:
We're introducing a new way to automate tasks in Microsoft Teams using emoji reactions. With the Workflows app, users can now trigger workflows by reacting to messages with emojis in chats or channels. This feature helps streamline collaboration, reduce manual follow-ups, and accelerate response times. For example, reacting with ❗️can escalate a support issue, while 👀 can route a message to the appropriate team.
This change is associated with Microsoft 365 Roadmap ID 498578
When this will happen
Public Preview (Worldwide): Late July 2025 - Early August 2025
General Availability (Worldwide): Early August 2025 - Mid August 2025
General Availability (GCC): Late October 2025 - Mid November 2025

Change Category:
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Scope:
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Release Phase:
General Availability, Preview

Created:
2025-08-12

updated:
2025-08-12

Public Preview Start Date

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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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summary for non-techies**

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Direct effects for Operations**

Workflow Automation Disruption
If the Workflows app is not enabled or DLP policies block the emoji reaction trigger, users will be unable to automate tasks, leading to increased manual follow-ups and slower response times.
   - roles: Team Members, Support Staff
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=498578

User Confusion and Frustration
Without proper user awareness and training, users may be confused about how to utilize the new emoji reaction feature, leading to frustration and decreased productivity.
   - roles: End Users, Team Leaders
   - references: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365/roadmap?rtc=1%26filters%3D&searchterms=498578

Configutation Options**

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Data Protection**

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explanation for non-techies**

Imagine you're at a busy restaurant, and instead of verbally communicating every little task, the staff uses a simple gesture or signal to indicate what needs to be done. For instance, a chef might ring a bell to signal that a dish is ready to be served, or a waiter might raise a hand to request assistance. This makes the workflow smoother and faster, reducing the need for constant verbal communication and allowing the team to focus on their tasks.

In a similar way, Microsoft Teams is introducing a feature where users can trigger workflows using emoji reactions. This means that when someone reacts to a message with a specific emoji, it can automatically start a predefined task or process. For example, if a team member reacts with a thumbs-up emoji, it could automatically send a message to the support team to escalate an issue. This feature is designed to make collaboration more efficient by reducing the need for manual follow-ups and speeding up response times.

To use this feature, the Workflows app in Teams must be enabled, and it should not be blocked by Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies. This is like ensuring that the restaurant's bell system is in place and not restricted by any rules that might prevent its use. Admins should check their settings to make sure everything is set up correctly and inform users about this new way to automate tasks.

Users can access this feature by opening the Workflows app in Teams and searching for emoji-related templates or creating custom workflows. It's important for admins to review their DLP policies to ensure that this feature can be used without any issues. This is akin to making sure that the restaurant's communication system is compatible with the staff's workflow and doesn't interfere with any existing policies.

Overall, this new feature in Microsoft Teams aims to streamline task automation, much like how a well-coordinated team in a restaurant uses simple signals to keep things running smoothly.