The workplace is no longer just about getting tasks done; it’s about feeling connected, supported, and engaged every single day—even if you’re not physically in the office. Enter Microsoft Viva Engage, a social networking app designed specifically for businesses that runs seamlessly within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.
But what exactly is Viva Engage, and why has it captured the excitement of M365 admins, leaders, and users alike? If you’re curious about how this tool could strengthen collaboration, boost engagement, and create a sense of belonging in your organization, you’re in the right place.
This post explores what Viva Engage does, its key features, and the benefits it offers for your workplace. Download our Ultimate Viva Engage Guide to learn more about best practices and use cases.
Think of Viva Engage as Facebook or LinkedIn—but strictly for your company. It’s a space where employees across all locations and roles can connect with teammates, leaders, and communities. Whether you’re an M365 admin, IT leader, or Teams user, Viva Engage offers opportunities to build and strengthen workplace relationships.
Here’s how organizations use Viva Engage to foster a culture of collaboration and community:
Sound familiar? That’s because Viva Engage is the evolution of Yammer, reimagined to meet the demands of today’s hybrid workforce. Learn more about Viva Engage vs Yammer.
Microsoft Viva Engage is packed with powerful features that make it more than just a social networking platform. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
Viva Engage is built for connection. Employees can join or create communities to engage with colleagues who share their interests or work in a similar domain. Whether it’s a product design group or an informal “coffee chat” club, these spaces make virtual workplaces feel just a little more human.
Ever wanted to add a personal touch to how you communicate at work? Viva Engage's Storylines allow users to post updates, similar to a LinkedIn timeline. Stories bring a visual element, allowing employees to upload short videos or photos that highlight wins, share announcements, or spotlight team culture.
If you’re already working within Microsoft 365 tools like Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint, Viva Engage feels like a natural extension. You don’t need to jump between multiple apps; instead, it fits neatly into your digital workspace.
Viva Engage not only fosters peer-to-peer communication but also bridges the gap between employees and leadership. Leaders can interact directly through Q&A sessions, share inspiring messages, or get real-time feedback from their workforce.
This feature transforms ordinary intranet sites into hubs of interactivity. Employees can post questions, offer feedback, and exchange ideas, creating a living, breathing digital community rather than a static information space.
CLM ensures that content shared within Viva Engage remains up-to-date and relevant. This feature is especially valuable for organizations that manage compliance or have high content governance needs.
Stay connected on the go with Viva Engage’s mobile-friendly interface. All features are accessible whether you’re at your desk or on your phone.
Read our article to learn more about the top applications and use cases for Viva Engage.
The value of Viva Engage goes beyond its features. Here’s how this tool can benefit your organization:
An engaged workforce is a productive workforce, and Viva Engage makes it easy for employees to meaningfully connect. The platform helps them share their voice, celebrate their successes, and feel valued beyond their job roles.
By breaking down silos, Viva Engage encourages knowledge sharing and cross-department collaboration. Whether it’s a quick question or an ongoing project discussion, it ensures people get the answers and connections they need to succeed.
Leadership teams have a powerful tool to initiate conversations, provide transparency, and foster trust companywide. Viva Engage enables direct lines of communication between decision-makers and team members, driving unity and alignment.
With the rise of hybrid and remote work, fostering a sense of workplace community has become more challenging. Viva Engage helps bridge that gap, ensuring employees feel part of something bigger, no matter where they’re located.
Since it’s a Microsoft product, Viva Engage offers enterprise-grade security while scaling to meet the needs of even the largest global organizations. Plus, its seamless integration with tools like Teams and SharePoint simplifies adoption across multiple teams and departments.
Self-service community creation also empowers users to build grassroots engagement—no IT bottlenecks required.
Viva Engage works hand-in-hand with Viva Connections, another key module in the Microsoft Viva suite. While Viva Connections is your digital front door for company updates and news, Viva Engage enables two-way conversation and real-time interaction.
Think of Viva Connections as attending a lecture—and Viva Engage as attending a workshop.
If you’re already a Microsoft Teams user (and chances are, you are), Viva Engage works as an extension of the platform you know and love. Here’s the difference between the two:
Together, they deliver a fully rounded digital workplace where productivity and engagement go hand in hand. Discover the full comparison and breakdown: Viva Engage vs Microsoft Teams
For M365 admins, Viva Engage isn’t just “another tool” to manage– it’s a crucial element in driving employee satisfaction and engagement. Its integration with other Microsoft tools ensures minimal disruption to workflows while offering maximum value for your organization.
If you’re looking to implement a platform that brings your workforce together, this is it.
Microsoft Viva Engage isn’t just a platform; it’s a way to transform how your employees communicate, collaborate, and connect. Whether you’re striving for higher engagement, better teamwork, or a more inclusive company culture, Viva Engage delivers.
Whether you’re just starting your Microsoft Viva journey or looking to unlock more value from Microsoft 365, Viva Engage is a smart next step.
Download our Ultimate Viva Engage Guide to learn how to bring Viva Engage to life in your organization.