Microsoft 365 is like the Swiss Army knife of productivity tools.
Most teams use it for Word, Excel, and email—but that’s just scratching the surface.
Tucked inside the apps you already use are powerful, lesser-known features that can streamline your workflow, help your team stay focused, and save everyone time.
And the best part? They’re built right in.
Let’s walk through 5 hidden gems in Microsoft 365 that your office will actually use—no new logins, no extra software, just real wins for busy teams.
Delay Your Emails with Outlook’s Send Later Feature
What it is:
Schedule an email to send at a specific date and time—so you can write it now and forget about it.
Why it matters:
No more sending emails at odd hours. Great for early birds, night owls, and people trying to respect work-life boundaries.
How to use it (Outlook Desktop):
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Compose your email.
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Click the dropdown next to Send > Send Later
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Choose your desired date and time.
View and Paste Clipboard History
What it is:
Windows 11 lets you copy multiple things and choose from a clipboard history—no more re-copying the same stuff.
Why it matters:
Perfect for switching between apps, reusing phrases, or compiling content.
How to use it:
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Hit Windows Key + V
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Turn it on if prompted.
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See a list of your recent copy actions.
Built-In Pomodoro Timer (via Clock App)
What it is:
Use Focus Sessions inside the Windows Clock app to work in short, productive bursts—built on the Pomodoro method.
Why it matters:
Improves focus and reduces burnout. Perfect for managing tasks that require deep concentration.
How to use it:
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Open Clock app on Windows.
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Click Focus Sessions
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Set a timer (25 minutes is standard), link Spotify or To Do, and get to work.
Microsoft Teams Status Message Automation
What it is:
Set a custom status message in Teams that includes @mentions or task reminders—and schedule it to clear automatically.
Why it matters:
Let coworkers know what you’re working on or when you’ll be back—without forgetting to clear it later.
How to use it:
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Click your profile picture in Teams.
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Select Set status message
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Add your message, choose when it clears.
Dictation in Word and Outlook
What it is:
Speak your thoughts and let Microsoft 365 transcribe them directly into Word documents or Outlook emails.
Why it matters:
Great for brainstorming, long replies, or multitasking when typing isn’t convenient.
How to use it:
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Open Word or Outlook.
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Click the Dictate button (microphone icon) on the toolbar.
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Start speaking.
Wrap-Up:
These aren’t just shiny features to impress your IT person—they’re practical, built-in tools that help real people get more done with less hassle.
If your team is already using Microsoft 365, these hacks are sitting right there waiting to make your day easier. All it takes is knowing where to look.
Need help getting your team up to speed with tools like these?
