Microsoft Viva Engage: A Comprehensive Guide to the Social Media Platform

Microsoft's Viva Engage, once known as Yammer, is a powerful social media platform that connects associates across a wide range of industries. Operating within a private and secure space, Viva Engage has been integral to our company's operations for nearly three years. With over half a million associates and numerous locations, Viva Engage has revolutionized the way information is disseminated and shared within the organization.

Accessing Viva Engage

Access to Viva Engage can be obtained in two primary ways: through a company-provided PC or via a mobile app compatible with iOS and Android devices. Utilizing the same credentials as other company programs, new hires are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the platform during orientation.

Upon initial login, users are greeted with a brief tutorial that guides them through selecting communities relevant to their interests and roles. These communities, structured by district, region, division, and job positions, ensure that information is tailored to specific needs.

Navigating Viva Engage

Users can browse and engage with posts across various communities. Key features include:

Engagement: Add comments or reactions using emojis to participate in discussions. Notifications: Users can choose how and when they are notified of new posts or comments, or disable notifications altogether. Home Feed: Personalized with posts the user has interacted with, the home feed tracks engagement and provides a personalized feed experience.

Viva Engage is more than just a social media platform; it serves as a vast database for company information, including SOPs, company communications, how-to videos, and organizational charts. This comprehensive resource ensures that associates can quickly find the information they need, fostering a more informed and efficient workforce.

Unique Features of Viva Engage

Transparency and Accountability: Unlike other social media platforms, Viva Engage is transparent with user identities. Associates can quickly find and contact any other employee within the organization, promoting a culture of direct communication and accountability.

A notable example of Viva Engage's impact occurred when a user posted a critical comment about a colleague's post. The next morning, the poster received a call from a senior leader demanding an apology. Despite the initial apprehension, the conversation led to a mutual agreement and respect, highlighting the platform's ability to promote open and respectful dialogue.

Current Challenges and Future Prospects

While Viva Engage has proven to be a valuable tool, it faces some challenges:

Usage Disparities: Only a small percentage of field-based associates use Viva Engage, primarily due to the demands of their roles and the lack of dedicated time for engagement. Purpose Straying: The platform has started to veer away from its initial purpose, becoming more of a tool for salaried managers to share uplifted narratives and recentralized forms of communication.

Despite these challenges, the platform remains a vital tool for communication and engagement. The company's emphasis on fiscal responsibility fosters a dynamic environment where leaders and associates can collaborate more effectively.

Conclusion

Despite the current challenges, Viva Engage continues to be a valuable asset to our organization. It fosters a supportive and engaging work environment, aligning with the company's mission of fiscal responsibility.

As Mahatma Gandhi wisely stated, 'Be the change you wish to see in the world.' Through Viva Engage, our organization is making significant strides in creating a positive and supportive environment for all associates.