Jan 15, 2017 12:39 PM EST By Noi Ramirez, UniversityHerald Reporter

Microsoft will be adding access to its StaffHub staff-management application, reportedly, to several of its Office 365 business plans.

What is Microsoft StaffHub and who is it for?

Microsoft StaffHub is designed for workers around the world mainly for those in the service-related industries who typically do not have their own office, desk, or computer. The problem makes it hard for workers to access and share information that is vital during day-to-day operation, according to Microsoft.

Workers with this kind of dilemma have to rely on manual processes and outdated systems such as creation and printing of schedules on paper, crammed bulletin boards, phone calls, and text messages during a shift schedule. Accordingly, Microsoft says Microsoft StaffHub will be available worldwide as a new application for its Office 365.

Microsoft StaffHub was first made available as a public preview last September initially for managers to keep track of operations for their team of deskless workers. The app allows employees to access and interact with the information laid in by their respective managers on the fly through their iOS and Android devices. The application can also be accessed through a web version of the said app.

Beginning Jan. 12, 2017, Microsoft StaffHub will be available for Office 365 customers with K1, E1, E3, or E5 plans. Managers can sign in at staffhub.ms, employees, on the other hand, can download the free app on their devices. Team members and managers, however, need to have an office 365 account, ZDNet reported.

Microsoft StaffHub Features

Microsoft StaffHub is designed to let managers create schedules for employees as well as distribute company resources through a simple interface. Employees, aside from keeping up with their scheduled tasks can use the service to swap shifts and even chat with one another.

Bryan Goode, general manager for Office 365 stated in an interview that Microsoft worked closely with customers for Microsoft StaffHub. He said they decided to release on the platforms initially, but may eventually expand to other platforms in the future.

Microsoft StaffHub is reportedly built on top of Office 365 Groups. The transition for administrators who are versed in using SharePoint should have no difficulties in handling StaffHub in a similar fashion. Managers, however, can interact with the app using a much-simplified console.

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