Sharon Weaver, Founder and CEO of Smarter Consulting, is passionate about using M365 to revolutionize workplace dynamics. She discusses how the pandemic sped up the adoption of M365, enhancing productivity and flexibility. Sharon highlights the importance of good information architecture and tools like Viva Insights for better work habits. The conversation also touches on fostering diversity in tech and the need for intentional approaches to team wellbeing in today's hybrid work culture. Upcoming empowerment retreats for women in tech are featured as a key initiative.
Migrating to M365 enhances workplace efficiency by fostering remote work capabilities and proactive technology adoption during the pandemic.
Diversity and inclusion in tech are vital for innovation, as they provide varied perspectives that enhance problem-solving and project success.
Deep dives
Fostering Diversity in Tech
Sharon Weaver, founder of Smarter Consulting, emphasizes the critical need for diversity and inclusion within the technology sector. Her consulting firm seeks to provide opportunities for underserved individuals, particularly women and minorities, allowing them to acquire technical skills that enhance their existing industry experience. By fostering a more diverse workforce, businesses can create environments that promote innovation and reflect a broader range of perspectives, ultimately leading to better problem-solving and success in technology projects. Through her efforts, Weaver aims to reshape the tech landscape for future generations.
The Essential Role of Modernization in Workplaces
Modernizing the workplace involves embracing new technologies and processes that improve efficiency and convenience. The conversation highlights the transition to cloud-based solutions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which served as a catalyst for remote work adoption and increased reliance on platforms like Office 365 and SharePoint Online. An example shared points to a client who successfully migrated to these tools just before the pandemic, allowing them to continue operations smoothly while transitioning to remote work. This illustrates the importance of proactive technology adoption in preparing organizations for future challenges.
The Importance of Effective Information Architecture
Effective information architecture is paramount when transitioning to modern platforms like Teams and SharePoint. Weaver notes that proper planning before migration can prevent the transfer of obsolete or unnecessary data, which can lead to disorganization and inefficiencies. A significant portion of migrated content often becomes irrelevant, and the goal should be to keep only what is needed, improving storage management and reducing clutter. By architecting information correctly, organizations can ensure that employees access the right resources quickly, making collaboration and productivity seamless.
Balancing Remote Work and In-Person Collaboration
The shift to remote work has raised questions about the necessity of physical office spaces and the nature of collaboration. While virtual tools have enabled effective communication and collaboration, there remains a human need for in-person interactions that foster relationships and creativity. It has become essential to find a balance, where companies can support remote work while also enabling opportunities for face-to-face meetings that enhance brainstorming and team bonding. This hybrid approach encourages flexibility and adapts to the evolving needs of the workforce.
Can M365 help modernize your workplace? Richard chats with Sharon Weaver about her work helping companies migrate into M365 and how it helps provide more options to workers. Sharon talks about how the pandemic accelerated the process and the challenge of finding a new normal today. The conversation also dives into good information architecture for helping with productivity and using tools like Viva Insights to understand more about how you work - and your coworkers!