Microsoft Teams Phone
Microsoft Teams Phone refers to the capability of making and receiving calls in Microsoft Teams, moving the functionality of your desk phone onto your computer.
Teams users can already make video and audio calls to each other, but the Teams Phone component allows you to make and receive calls to and from landlines and mobile phones.
By migrating the functionality of your desk phone to Teams Phone, UQ will have a complete telephony solution so you can stay connected using your laptop, tablet, mobile or desk phone from anywhere.
In 2022, a group of staff from different UQ departments trialled Teams Phone and was able to demonstrate it was fit for purpose.
6. Testimonials
Alex Jackson, Manager, HR Client Partnering, HR Professional Services
First thoughts on Teams Phone
“We have clients all over the place, and having to remember a mobile phone? Hate it. Always forget it. But my laptop is always with me, and with Teams Phone I can answer a call anywhere and can call out from anywhere. It’s smooth, easy to use, and I can get rid of my headset which is a win.”
Thoughts regarding the onboarding experience
“It’s pretty intuitive. My entire team has on-boarded to Teams Phone and no one has expressed any difficulty or confusion with the process.”
Best feature of Teams Phone
“Being able to make a call through your laptop in all honesty. A lot of my colleagues have to use their personal mobile phones for business calls, and they worry about claiming their phone as a tax deduction or their personal number being accidentally communicated. But with Teams Phone that isn’t a concern. The fact that it is with you is a big benefit.”
How has Teams Phone changed the way you work
“I’m more flexible and more responsive with my communications. I can be wherever and it’s like I’m sitting at my desk working like normal.”
Advice for people considering Teams Phone?
“Just do it! Honestly, just do it. Who needs handsets these days?”
Glynnis Richardson, Change Lead - Microsoft Mod Collaboration, ITS
First thoughts on Teams Phone
“I quite like it because it means that I don’t feel tied to my desk if I want to make a call. Sometimes I would feel stressed out about being away from the desk phone, so I like the flexibility and convenience that I can still call, and receive, landlines and mobile phones through my computer.”
Thoughts regarding the onboarding experience
“I found it reasonably simple. I didn’t realise you needed to be at your desk to complete the onboarding – which is really, really important – but once that was sorted, I found the onboarding team quite reassuring. And if something does go wrong, or you are unsure at any point throughout the process, you can always call them for help.”
Best feature of Teams Phone
“I like that I can go in and have a look at the history of my calls. Quickly and clearly, I can see the difference between who has called or who has left me a message. I really can’t do that on a desk phone, other than manually checking my messages! Having that quick reference is quite good.
How has Teams Phone changed the way you work
“I feel sometimes that traditional forms of telecommunication are not always the best way to engage with our clients, so I like how Teams Phone has allowed me to adapt and change my work practices.”
Phil Carter, Finance Manager, Finance Client Partnering
First thoughts on Teams Phone
“Overall I haven’t had a problem. All communications come through Teams and if it doesn’t, it defaults to my phone, so I get it either way, no matter if I’m in or out of the office. I think that’s the beauty of it.”
Thoughts regarding the onboarding experience
“I thought the basic set up was really good. From how you first register your interest, to the IT team helping to onboard me. It all worked seamlessly.”
Best feature of Teams Phone
“Teams is now one spot in which I can do everything communication wise – I’m no longer tied to my desk. I can use it for calls, videos, and meetings. It’s the all in one spot aspect.”
Advice for people considering Teams Phone
“Just go for it! All your communication is in one spot, you’re getting rid of old technology, and if you are hesitant, after a week, it’ll be like nothing happened because it’s so easy to use.”
Renee Patta, Senior Manager, HR Client Service
First thoughts on Teams Phone
“Seamless. It’s been a really good tool for my team because it means we are not tied to a handset. Having a desk phone meant diverting the handset to your mobile when you were out of the office and remembering to turn that off when you were back. So the flexibility of Teams Phone has been a great service for us.”
Best feature of Teams Phone
“I like that when I’m on an existing Teams call or meeting, any incoming calls are automatically rejected and sent straight to my message bank, and then I’m notified by email about the missed call. I really like that functionality.”
How has Teams Phone changed the way you work
“It means we are more mobile and agile. You don’t have to stress about remembering to divert your phone because everything is connected through Teams. When I work remotely, no matter what device I am using, if I’m signed into Teams I'll be able to get all my calls.”
Advice for people considering Teams Phone?
“I would say just do it! Handsets are such an outdated technology. Honestly, you will have no regrets!”