Microsoft Viva has announced a set of new updates to its Goal Setting, Objectives, and Key Results (OKR) management solution in an effort to help more users increase clarity around purpose, productivity, and motivation.
Among the changes are improved integration with other company products, such as Microsoft Teams and Planner, to better integrate Viva goals into your daily workflow, and more integration with Dynamics 365 that enables automatic updates from applications including Sales, Field Service, and Human Resources.
New insights are also enabled for system administrators to track company-wide metrics, and Power BI collaboration now enables users to use data-driven graphics within the environment.
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Microsoft also created a joint plan with research firm Forrester to help workers stay motivated.
Among the key findings was the importance of clarity regarding goal setting, which enables workers to be more focused, have a greater sense of purpose, and provides a sense of accountability. The research also found a clear lack of emotion between workers and leaders, which can be eliminated through the use of Project management tools Like Microsoft Viva Goals.
A lack of consistency was also revealed, thanks in part to goals being seen as a one-off exercise. Employees reportedly reported inconsistent follow-ups and progress recordings, and a general lack of time spent discussing and adapting goals.
It is hoped that the new Viva Goals insights dashboard will make it easier for leaders to track progress, serve as a reminder to engage in regular discussion and adjust goals where appropriate.
All new features are available to try in Viva Goals as part of the wider Viva Suite package for £6.80 ($9.00) per user per month, or as a standalone Viva Goals package for £4.50 ($6.00) per month.
“In 2023, information, data, and hybrid teams will be spread across different geographies, systems, and technology stacks,” Vetri Vellore, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Viva Goals, wrote in a blog post. (Opens in a new tab) Announcing the launch.
“Unifying and contextualizing the information that matters most through a centralized digital OKR system like Microsoft Viva Goals that integrates with existing employee rhythms gives leaders and employees the visibility to be flexible and make decisions independently.”