What is Viva Engage? M365 New Employee Experience Tool

The digital landscape is ever-evolving, and in the world of employee engagement and collaboration, a new player has emerged: Viva Engage. If you've been around the Microsoft 365 suite of tools, you might have stumbled upon mentions of this platform and wondered, "What is Viva Engage?" Well, you're in the right place.

Viva Engage at a Glance

In simple terms, it is part of the Microsoft Viva suite designed to enhance the employee experience. It was formerly known as Yammer Communities. It isn't just another app in Teams or a bolted-on solution but a deeply integrated feature set aiming to make Microsoft Teams a more holistic workplace.

Read our article to learn more about the top applications and use cases for Viva Engage.

More than Just Another Social Media Platform

It might be tempting to label Viva Engage as another social media platform, but that would be an understatement. While elements of it might remind users of familiar mobile apps and platforms, its primary purpose transcends social interaction. It's an arena where employees can share knowledge, stay connected, and engage in meaningful collaboration.

We cannot understate the employees' ability to easily spin up Viva Engage communities. Employee engagement happens seamlessly and organically when they are able to leverage these tools without restrictions. Read our article about the benefits of self-service creation of Viva Engage communities.

Bridging with Viva Connections

One could argue that Viva Engage works hand in hand with Viva Connections, another crucial component of the Viva suite. While Viva Connections ensures employees stay updated with company news and updates, Viva Engage fosters more profound connections. Think of it as the difference between listening to a lecture and participating in a workshop.

Engage for Portals: A Community App Experience

One of the striking features of Viva Engage is "Engage for Portals." Rather than a simple chat or discussion feature, it’s more of a community app experience. Employees can ask questions, share insights, and collaborate on projects, making it an excellent tool for promoting employee engagement.

Microsoft Viva Engage: An Extension of Microsoft Teams

What is Viva Engage's relationship with Microsoft Teams? It's a symbiotic one. Viva Engage seamlessly integrates with Teams, allowing users to access its features without juggling multiple applications. The harmonious blend ensures that employees not only stay connected but also have approved content at their fingertips.

We've put together a comprehensive article that covers the differences between Viva Engage and Microsoft Teams and when it makes sense to use one over the other.

Unlocking Potential with CLM Content

An often overlooked but vital aspect of Viva Engage is its ability to handle CLM content. This means that content lifecycle management is at the forefront, ensuring that employees have access to up-to-date, relevant, and approved content, enhancing the overall employee experience.

Not to Be Confused with Veeva Engage

Although pronounced "Veeva Engage" it's worth pointing out a common misconception. "What is Veeva Engage?" you might ask. It's essential to note that Veeva Engage is a different platform, catering primarily to life sciences industries, focusing on content management and digital engagement.

Microsoft Viva Engage – The Next Step in Employee Engagement

In a world where remote work and digital collaboration have become the norm, tools like Viva Engage are not just nice to have; they're essential. It encapsulates the best features of mobile apps, social media platforms, and traditional collaboration tools under one umbrella. Integrating with Microsoft 365 and specifically with Microsoft Teams ensures that employees don't just communicate – they engage.

Viva Engage is more than just a tool; it's a step forward in redefining how employees interact, share knowledge, and contribute to their organizations. If you're already a part of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, diving into the world of Microsoft Viva Engage might just be the next logical step in enhancing your organization's digital experience.