Microsoft Outlook 365 is much more than just an email application

It’s a comprehensive tool that assists in organizing and managing various aspects of professional life, especially for non-profit professionals who often work remotely. This robust platform offers a range of features that facilitate effective communication, collaboration, and scheduling, which are essential for remote work environments.

Features of Outlook 365 Other Than Email

1. Calendar: Manage appointments, meetings, and events.
2. Contacts: Store and manage contact details.
3. Tasks: Keep track of tasks and to-do lists.
4. Notes: Create and organize notes.
5. Journals: Track email activities and interactions.
6. Groups: Collaborate with team members.
7. OneDrive Integration: Access and share files stored in the cloud.
8. Teams Integration: Conduct video conferences and chats.

Scheduling Features in Outlook 365

Scheduling Assistant

The Scheduling Assistant in Outlook 365 is a tool designed to help find the best time for a meeting by comparing the availability of attendees. It displays a free/busy grid that shows when attendees are available, busy, or out of office.

How to Use:

1. Create a new meeting request in Outlook.
2. Add the attendees in the ‘To’ field.
3. Click on the ‘Scheduling Assistant’ tab.
4. View attendee availability and select a suitable time.
5. Finalize and send the meeting invitation.
6. Scheduling Poll

The Scheduling Poll is a feature that allows you to send a poll to attendees with multiple time options for a meeting. Attendees can vote on the time that works best for them, making it easier to schedule meetings, especially with large groups.

How to Use:

1. In a new email or calendar event, click on the ‘Poll’ button.
2. Add multiple date and time options for the meeting.
3. Send the poll to the attendees.
4. Once the responses are in, view the results and schedule the meeting accordingly.

Outlook Client vs. Outlook Web Version

Outlook Client

• Advantages: Offers full functionality, more features, and advanced customization.
• Disadvantages: Requires installation and is not as accessible from different devices.

Outlook Web Version

• Advantages: Easily accessible from any web browser, lighter and faster.
• Disadvantages: May not have all the advanced features available in the desktop client.

Importance for Non-Profit Professionals Working Remotely

1. Accessibility: As remote workers often use different devices and locations, the accessibility of Outlook 365 through both the client and web versions is vital.
2. Collaboration: Features like calendar sharing, meeting scheduling, and group tasks help in collaborating effectively despite physical distances.
3. Organization: The ability to manage emails, appointments, tasks, and contacts in one place is crucial for remote workers who need to stay organized and efficient.
4. Time Management: Scheduling features like the Scheduling Assistant and Polls help in efficiently managing time, which is critical for non-profit professionals who often juggle multiple responsibilities.

Conclusion

Microsoft Outlook 365, with its vast array of features, serves as a powerful tool for non-profit professionals working remotely. By leveraging its scheduling capabilities, collaboration tools, and organizational features, these professionals can maintain productivity, efficiency, and effective communication, regardless of their location. This makes Outlook 365 an indispensable asset in the modern remote working environment.