Colored dots in Microsoft Teams show a user’s availability: green for available, yellow for away, and red for busy/do not disturb. These color indicators make it easier for teammates to know when to reach out. Using them effectively can help manage time and communication.
Contents
Understanding the Colored Dots
Decoding the colored dots in Microsoft Teams allows teammates to understand the availability of each other, promoting better communication. These colors represent specific statuses, quickly indicating how active and accessible a user is in the app.
Here’s a quick guide of each color and the situations they represent:
- Green: A green dot signifies that a user is available and online. It tells colleagues they can ask for help or collaborate in real time. For instance, a team member working on a project could answer questions or offer guidance.
- Red: A red dot represents a “busy” or “do not disturb” status. It tells others not to interrupt, helping them stay focused and work efficiently. This is useful for time-sensitive tasks or online Microsoft Teams meetings.
- Yellow: This color shows the user is idle or isn’t using the app right now, but may return soon. It helps avoid interruptions, so you can contact them when they’re active again. In some cases, this might mean they are on lunch break or attending a meeting not scheduled within Microsoft Teams.
- Gray: “Appear offline” means showing that you’re not using Teams and won’t reply until you’re back. You’ll still get notifications for messages. You can use this when you want to hide your online status or appear invisible.
Customizing Your Status Message in Microsoft Teams
Customizing your status message in Microsoft Teams lets others know if you’re away or want to share a message with them. Alongside the colored dots that show basic presence, custom messages offer more details.
1. Click your profile picture, this is located at the top of the Microsoft Teams window.
2. To view options, click “Set status message.”
3. Write the message you want others to view. If you want your status visible when people message or @mention you, choose “Show when people message me.”
4. Pick how long you want the message to show before it clears by selecting a duration from the “Clear status message after” dropdown.
Set Microsoft Teams Status Duration
If you’re looking to personalize your status, for instance, if you want an uninterrupted hour, Microsoft Teams allows you to specify when your colleagues will see your availability.
Here’s how:
1. Click your profile
2. Select the status that you wish to set
3. Then, click duration
4. Under “Status”, pick the status you want to display in the future.
In the “Reset status after” section, choose the duration for which you’d like the chosen status to remain active.
5. Alternatively, if the suggested times don’t fit, choose “Custom” under “Reset status after,” and enter the date and time yourself. Then, click “Done.”
Conclusion
The colored dots in Microsoft Teams are essential because they provide a quick way to communicate our availability and status to colleagues in Microsoft Teams. These dots convey essential information about your current situation without requiring lengthy explanations. By using colored dots, status messages, and setting duration, we create a dynamic work environment that boosts active collaboration and productivity.
