Microsoft Teams will quickly start rolling out a brand new location-tracking characteristic that will come as dangerous information to those that like working from house.
Microsoft Teams will quickly use workplace Wi-Fi to trace staff’ location (Representational picture)
This replace, which can start rolling out in December 2025, has raised issues about the way in which hybrid employees are monitored by their organizations.
Microsoft’s description
“When customers connect with their group’s Wi-Fi, Teams will quickly be capable to routinely replace their work location to replicate the constructing they’re working from. This characteristic will likely be off by default,” reads the official description of the replace by Microsoft.
Microsoft stated that tenant admins will determine whether or not to allow it and require end-users to opt-in. The characteristic will likely be obtainable each on Windows and macOS,
Employees sad
Microsoft says it’s meant to clear up confusion about who’s working the place — however critics see it as one other surveillance instrument that helps organizations at the price of staff. For those that’ve constructed a rhythm of working from house, the brand new location-tracking replace could really feel extra like a digital leash.
Reactions on social media appeared to replicate this sentiment.
“So now even Microsoft Teams is popping into an attendance monitor. What’s subsequent — Teams asking for a health care provider’s notice once we take a time off?” wrote X person @sarvanhindustan.
X person Akash Soni additionally questioned the necessity for this characteristic, writing: “Micro administration at peak? All on-line work doesn’t want you to be in workplace, we are able to do it from house as an alternative of offering flexibility they’re micromanaging this can backfire?”
One particular person known as it an instance of “extra know-how, much less belief”.
(Also learn: CEO’s ‘particular warning’ to worker for taking WFH with out permission: ‘It isn’t our tradition’)
