Sneaking in a work from home day could soon be a bit trickier thanks to a new update coming to Microsoft Outlook.

The email provider is rolling out a new feature that will allow users to spot which of their co-workers or colleagues is currently in the office, and therefore possibly free for a quick meeting or able to reply to a message.

The update will use the Work Hours and Location information stored within Outlook to offer up this information, meaning there may be some awkward conversations if your colleagues believe you to be in the office.

In its entry in the Microsoft 365 roadmap, the company notes that the feature will be “always on”, meaning there may be no getting around what it represents as your office presence.

  • sunzu2
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    422 months ago

    I don’t pretend I am in the office when I am not. I don’t even bother with hiding yellow. I am avaliable during business ours to get things done.

    If there is nothing to get done. I am shoot shit with coworkers in the office or doing laundry at home. If you need me, ping me and I will magically appear to take care your needs.

    Nice system, barely needs any management but they keep trying to “contribute” 🤡

    • @stoly
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      22 months ago

      Exactly. Part of it is whether you’re doing assigned tasks. Part of it is being available for questions.