When to use Groups, Teams, and Yammer

Posted on Wednesday April 26, 2023

In the digital age, businesses and organizations have a variety of collaboration tools at their disposal. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which tool is best suited for specific tasks and goals. Three commonly used tools in the Microsoft ecosystem are Groups, Teams, and Yammer. While all three offer collaboration and communication features, they each have unique strengths and use cases. In this article, we will explore the differences between Groups, Teams, and Yammer, and help you determine when to use each tool for optimal collaboration and communication within your organization.

Microsoft 365 Groups

With Microsoft 365 Groups, team members can easily communicate, share files, and manage tasks in one centralized location. Groups is a great option for businesses because it offers a user-friendly platform for virtual collaboration, which is especially important in today's remote work environment. Users can even incorporate third-party apps such as Trello, Twitter, and Mailchimp into Groups for streamlined notifications. This means less time spent searching for information and more time spent getting work done.

For companies that rely heavily on email communication, Groups can be a game-changer. It's particularly useful for departments such as HR and sales that frequently exchange correspondence with external parties. However, one thing to keep in mind is that with one inbox for all your notifications, email overload can become an issue if you're not careful.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams, at its core, is a messaging app that can be used to facilitate real-time communication among team members. It also includes features for video conferencing, document sharing, and task management, all of which can help teams work together more efficiently. Additionally, thanks to Teams’ integration with Microsoft 365 apps, you can stay focused on projects without leaving the platform.

Unlike Groups, Teams is designed for advanced collaboration, which is perfect for tasks that require immediate feedback and projects with tight deadlines.

Yammer

Yammer is a professional social media app that integrates with Microsoft 365 tools. It can serve as a virtual bulletin board for your organization, facilitating smooth and open communication.

With features borrowed from popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Yammer keeps things fresh and modern. Additionally, users can follow and comment on popular posts in their feeds, making it easy to stay up to date and engaged with the company's news and happenings. Best of all, Yammer works seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 tools such as Outlook and OneDrive, making it an essential communication tool for any organization.

Since all three of these platforms belong to the Microsoft 365 environment, you can use them together to ensure your team achieves maximum efficiency and productivity. To ensure you get the most out of Groups, Teams, and/or Yammer, get in touch with our IT experts today. We'll work closely with you to help you get the right tools for your business needs.