Remote work offers flexibility but often eliminates the casual office chatter that helps us understand our colleagues’ strengths. You might work with someone for months without knowing their full professional background or hidden talents. Microsoft is bridging this gap by bringing a powerful “Skills” feature directly into Microsoft Teams profile cards.
This update utilizes the extensive data capabilities of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. It aims to make identifying internal experts and understanding team capabilities easier than ever before.
Bringing Viva Capabilities Directly to Teams
The “Skills” feature is not entirely new to the Microsoft ecosystem. It was previously available within Microsoft Viva and Outlook profile cards. Microsoft is now expanding this functionality to the platform where employees spend most of their time. The company officially updated the Microsoft 365 Roadmap to include this integration for Teams on desktop and web platforms.
This highly anticipated feature is scheduled to begin rolling out to eligible users in March 2025.
Integrating this tool directly into Teams removes friction. Users previously had to switch apps or dig through Outlook to find specific details about a coworker’s expertise. Now that information will sit front and center during chats and meetings. The update allows users to view shared skills and inferred abilities without leaving their collaboration hub.
Microsoft Teams logo on computer screen with digital network background
How Microsoft Graph Identifies Employee Strengths
The technology behind this feature relies on the intelligence of Microsoft Graph and LinkedIn integration. The system analyzes a vast amount of data to suggest skills for a user’s profile. It looks at the work you do and the documents you produce.
Sources for these skill inferences include:
- LinkedIn Profiles: detailed work history and endorsed skills.
- Resume Data: information stored in internal HR systems.
- Content Signals: topics frequently discussed in emails or documents.
Users retain control over what appears on their profile. The AI suggests skills based on this data. The individual must then confirm or decline these suggestions before they become visible to others. This ensures the profile remains accurate and reflects how the employee wants to be represented professionally.
User Privacy and Administrative Controls
Microsoft has prioritized privacy with this rollout to address potential concerns about data tracking. The “Skills” feature is not a mandatory surveillance tool. It functions as an opt-in experience for the end user regarding specific skill displays.
Admins have full control over the feature availability within the organization.
IT administrators can manage the visibility of the Skills section through the Microsoft 365 admin center. They can disable the feature entirely if it does not align with company policy. Furthermore, users can choose to hide specific skills or opt out of the inference model entirely. This balance allows organizations to foster better connection while respecting individual boundaries.
Why This Update Matters for Hybrid Work
The primary goal of this update is to streamline delegation and collaboration in a dispersed workforce. Finding the right person for a specific task often involves sending mass emails or guessing based on job titles. This new visibility solves that problem.
Knowing who has a specific certification or skill set instantly speeds up project planning.
Imagine needing an Excel macro expert for a quick fix. Instead of asking around, you can check profile cards of available team members. This reduces the time spent searching for internal knowledge. It also helps employees showcase talents that might fall outside their primary job description. This visibility can lead to new opportunities and better resource allocation across departments.
A summary of the benefits includes:
| Benefit | Impact on Workflow |
|---|---|
| Faster Expert Discovery | Locate internal knowledge holders instantly. |
| Better Project Staffing | Assign tasks based on verified abilities. |
| Enhanced Networking | Connect with colleagues over shared professional interests. |
This update transforms the profile card from a static digital business card into a dynamic professional snapshot.
