Communities in Viva Engage are collaborative spaces within Microsoft Viva Engage (formerly Yammer) where employees can connect, share ideas, and engage in discussions around shared interests, topics, or business goals. Communities serve as hubs for knowledge sharing, create a sense of belonging and enhance communication across an organisation.
Benefits for Connecting Disparate Workforces and Engaging Frontline Workers
In today’s hybrid and remote work environment, organisations often struggle to keep employees connected, particularly when teams are distributed across different locations or time zones. Viva Engage Communities bridge this gap by providing a platform where all employees, including frontline workers, can stay informed, share insights, and participate in company culture.
For frontline workers who may not have regular access to traditional communication tools, Communities offer a way to stay connected with the broader organisation, contributing to discussions, accessing important updates, and feeling valued as part of the company. This not only improves engagement but also ensures that all employees are aligned with the organisation’s goals and values.
Examples of Communities
- Leadership Updates: A community dedicated to sharing updates from company leadership, where employees can ask questions and provide feedback.
- Innovation and Ideas: A space where employees can share new ideas, propose innovations, and collaborate on creative solutions.
- Wellness and Support: A community focused on employee wellbeing, offering resources, tips, and peer support on health and wellness topics.
- Project Teams: Specific project-based communities where members can collaborate on tasks, share progress, and manage project-related communications.
- Social and Interest Groups: Communities based on shared interests, such as book clubs, fitness groups, or hobby-based discussions, building personal connections among employees.
Best Practice Tips
- Define Clear Objectives: Establish the purpose and goals for each community to make sure it serves a meaningful role. Whether it’s for knowledge sharing, project collaboration, or employee engagement, clarity is key.
- Encourage Participation: Promote active participation by regularly posting content, asking questions, and encouraging employees to share their thoughts. Recognition of contributions can further motivate engagement.
- Moderate Effectively: Appoint community managers or moderators to guide discussions, ensure that content remains relevant, and create a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
- Integrate with Company Culture: Align communities with the organisation’s values and culture, making them a natural extension of how your company communicates and collaborates.
- Regularly Evaluate and Adapt: Periodically review the effectiveness of each community. Are they meeting their objectives? Are employees engaged? Use feedback to make necessary adjustments.
Communities in Viva Engage can help organisations create vibrant, connected spaces that empower employees, enhance collaboration, and build a stronger, more inclusive workplace culture.
