Effective October 9, 2024, Microsoft announced the general availability of the working time feature in Microsoft Teams for frontline workers. This feature allows administrators to limit access to Microsoft Teams when workers are off shift. The working time feature can be combined with quiet time policies to suppress notifications while off shift.
What is the working time feature in Microsoft Teams?
Working time is a feature that allows admins to limit access to Microsoft Teams for shift workers on Android and iOS mobile devices. These controls are designed for bring-your-own-device (BYOD) or company-owned dedicated device scenarios for frontline workers.
With this feature, you can block access to Teams or show a warning message when frontline workers who are off shift open Teams. Consider enabling working time for your frontline workforce if:
- You’re concerned about frontline workers asking for pay outside of working hours if they access work apps.
- Local laws and regulations require you to restrict access to work apps when employees are off shift.
How does the working time feature in Microsoft Teams work?
When a frontline worker clocks in to their shift and opens Teams, the app checks whether the worker is on or off shift.
- If the worker is on shift, they can access Teams.
- If the worker is off shift when Teams is open, the worker sees a block or warning screen.
- If you configured a block screen, the worker can’t access Teams until they clock in to their shift.
- If you configured a warning screen, the worker can dismiss it and choose whether to use Teams at their discretion.
- If a worker is using Teams while clocking out, the worker sees a block or warning screen for the app after they clock out.
What are quiet time policies in Teams?
Microsoft recommends combining the working time feature with quiet time policies to suppress notifications while off shift.
The global quiet time settings allow to create policies to schedule quiet time for end users. These settings automatically mute Microsoft Outlook email and Teams notifications on iOS/iPadOS and Android platforms. These policies can be used to limit end user notifications received after work hours. There are different quiet time policy types available which can be configured in the Microsoft Intune admin center.
Licensing
The Microsoft Teams working time feature is available to organizations using Microsoft 365 for frontline workers. It requires configuration through Microsoft Intune and integration with workforce management systems. Contact us to find the best solution for your needs.
More information
This article explains in detail how to limit access to Microsoft Teams when frontline workers are off shift: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/frontline/flw-working-time.
This documentation shows how to set up quiet time policies for Microsoft Teams in detail: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/mem/intune/apps/apps-quiet-time-policies.
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