The Microsoft Teams desktop app is getting a new update that will give users the ability to set their status to Out of Office. The Microsoft 365 Roadmap entry suggests a possible release in December, with the feature currently being categorized as being under development.
Unlike Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams currently doesn’t let users change their presence status to “Out of Office” within the desktop app. They need to resort to different workarounds, such as using Outlook to set their Teams status to appear Out of Office.
Now, Microsoft is expanding its selection of status choices to include a new Out of Office option, making it easier to let others know that they are not available. Once set, the app will automatically reflect it in the user’s profile picture during this time. Moreover, the status message will be visible to all Teams users who try to reach out via chat, and Teams will automatically update the Outlook calendar and automatic replies accordingly.
The option might seem a small tweak, but it could prove a life-saver for users hoping to escape the storm of alerts during short breaks or vacations. It should make it easier for them to step away from their desk without any worries. In case you missed it, Microsoft has also rolled out a Status duration feature that makes it possible for users to set their status for a custom period.
