Microsoft Unveils Viva Goals: New Product Features & Insights

Microsoft has just launched its newest feature, Viva Goals, a smart and modern goals-based system aiming to improve the archaic performance management process prevalent in most organizations. This is based on a system that was previously introduced by Ally.io, a notable tech company that Microsoft acquired in the past year. Markedly, this innovative software does more than simply reinventing the HR landscape; it addresses key considerations in regards to managing people, work, and projects, thus focusing on enhancing productivity rather than impeding it.

The system is designed to help simplify conversations about priorities, improve task management, and provide a feasible working framework for everybody. Additionally, it promotes efficiency and mitigates the redundancy often associated with standard business meetings and executive reviews. Ultimately, this makes for a bottom-up approach that empowers key individuals at all levels, from engineers and retail workers, to salespeople and managers, to effectively realise their roles and responsibilities.

The adoption of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) which was inspired by Intel and Google, becomes critical to achieving this fanfare. This concept has gained traction as it encourages individuals to define their objectives concretely, effect the necessary steps to reach their goals, and frequently discuss their progress. Tools like Viva Goals make this process seamless and easy.

However, there is a twist. The quality of conversations you have with others and the interactions you maintain with peers, managers, and subordinates are just as important, if not more significant. Viva Goals and similar tools recognize this, they integrate with Hubspot and Salesforce to allow employees to embed their work and facilitate "performance management" in the background.

The Changing Landscape of Performance Management

In retrospect, vendors like SuccessFactors might have developed performance management systems as top-down goal alignment platforms. These tools were burdensome to implement and use. However, advancements in technology spearheaded by Viva Goals and other platforms have turned these systems into operational performance systems also suitable for year-end reviews. They are not just designed for goals; they have metamorphosized into platforms for dialogues, projects, and targets that track goals, accomplishments, and performance gaps. Consequently, these softwares are now compatible with Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace, and other vital applications. As a result, employees can easily view, monitor, and update their goals from mainstream collaboration systems without creating additional work.

This new model surfaced during the Covid-19 pandemic, which necessitated flexibility and adaptability. Outmoded and time-wasting procedures such as performance management were eradicated, making room for a more modern, uncluttered system.

Microsoft's initiative is groundbreaking because it underscores the company's profound comprehension of the real issues in Employee Experience. Whether you're employing Microsoft, Betterworks, 15Five or another tool, the primary emphasis should be on making the workflow easy for everyone. If the present procedure (and tools) does not facilitate people excelling in their tasks, performance isn't being enhanced, it's being slowed down.

Microsoft's constant incursion into HR software is therefore commendable. Its latest move incorporating Glint into Viva Goals templates its trajectory for the future.

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The world of HR continues to revolutionize, ushering in the era of performance management. In a bid to enrich work performance, facilitate project management and streamline work processes, there has been a shift from the cascading goals model, which had its roots in the 2000s, toward a more Continuous Performance Management approach. The completion of this transformation gave rise to what is now known as "Performance Management in the Flow of Work".

This shift in the industry motivated Microsoft to offer their cutting-edge solution: Viva Goals. This innovative performance management tool utilizes the OKR-based system and is believed to be the next game-changer in the HR world.

As technology continues to advance, it is critical for HR professionals to stay updated about the latest tools and systems for effective performance management. For a deeper understanding of the topic, Microsoft offers training courses like "Implementing Microsoft Viva" and "Managing Tasks and Projects with Microsoft Viva". These courses can provide a comprehensive overview of how Viva Goals and other Microsoft tools can be utilized to better manage employee performance and increase productivity.

The software vendors and consultants need to understand the simple idea that Performance Management is not just an HR initiative. It's a strategic tool that focuses on managing people, their work and the projects they are working on. In the end, it boils down to this - whether it is helping people get their work done or is it getting in their way. This basic ideology is the fundamental guideline that directs the evolution of performance management tools and systems.

The concept of OKRs, or Objectives and Key Results, has fueled the modern fad of performance management. This method is all about clearly defining our objectives, measuring the steps to get there, and regularly discussing progress. It is explained in an easy-to-understand manner.

New-age software tools like Microsoft's Viva Goals, Betterworks, 15Five, Lattice, and Workboard are designed to facilitate this approach. On paper, these tools promote goal alignment, transparency, accountability, and growth, both professionally and personally. But it's critical that these tools don't become an added burden on the employees.

Today, thanks to Viva Goals and similar tools, we have operational performance systems that are also used for year-end reviews. These platforms have evolved significantly. They are more than just goal-focused systems. These new-age tools have evolved into platforms for facilitating conversations, managing projects and setting targets. We also have analytical capabilities to keep track of goals, achievements, and performance gaps. Moreover, these systems can easily integrate into daily use platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace, and other important applications.

This feature has made these platforms incredibly user-friendly. Employees can view, monitor, and update their goals right in their email or collaboration systems, eliminating the need for redundant paperwork.

The pandemic has taught us many things, one of them being the importance of easy-to-use, seamless performance management tools. Microsoft, eager to address this issue, has enhanced the Employee Experience by making performance management easy and accessible for all. Through continued efforts and inventive spirit, they continue to revolutionize the HR tech scene.

Finally, always remember, any tool or process should ideally help people get things done. A process that hinders productivity is far from effective performance management. Hence, Performance Management tools should aim to remove existing roadblocks and streamline workflows to achieve maximum efficiency.

More links on about Microsoft Releases Viva Goals

Viva Goals is now generally available!

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