Follow a Meeting" Feature in Microsoft Outlook

Posted on:  12/03/2024

Introduction to "Follow a Meeting"

Microsoft Outlook has introduced an exciting new feature called "Follow a Meeting." This innovative addition provides a solution for those times when you can't attend a meeting but still want to stay in the loop. Instead of simply declining or marking yourself as tentative, you now have the option to "follow" the meeting, ensuring you receive important updates and information.

How "Follow a Meeting" Works

When you receive a meeting invitation, you'll notice a new option alongside the familiar "Accept" and "Decline" buttons. Here's how it works:

• Select "Follow a Meeting" instead of "Tentative" when you can't attend
• The meeting organizer is notified that you're following the meeting
• When the meeting starts, the organizer is prompted to record it
• You gain access to any meeting recordings, recaps, and notes

YouTube Video - Follow a Meeting

Compatibility and Availability

It's important to note that this feature is currently available on:

• The new Outlook desktop application
• Outlook on the web (browser-based version)

Unfortunately, the "Follow a Meeting" feature is not supported in the classic Outlook desktop application. As Microsoft continues to roll out updates, it's worth keeping an eye on future compatibility expansions.

Live Demonstration of "Follow a Meeting"

Let's walk through a real-world example of how to use this new feature:

1. Open your Outlook web account
2. Locate a meeting invitation in your inbox
3. Instead of the traditional "Accept," "Decline," or "Tentative" options, you'll see a new "Follow" button
4. Hover over the "Follow" button to see a tooltip explaining its function
5. Click "Follow" to activate the feature for this meeting

After following a meeting, you can check your calendar to see it marked as "Following." This visual indicator helps you keep track of which meetings you're monitoring remotely.

Benefits for Organizers and Attendees

The "Follow a Meeting" feature offers advantages for both meeting organizers and participants:

For Organizers:

• Increased awareness of who is interested in the meeting content
• Prompted to record the meeting, ensuring important information is captured
• Can easily share meeting outcomes with followers

For Attendees:

• Stay informed about meetings you can't physically attend
• Access to recordings, recaps, and notes without disrupting your schedule
• Demonstrate engagement and interest in topics even when unable to participate live

Tips for Using "Follow a Meeting"

To make the most of this new feature, consider these tips:

• Use "Follow a Meeting" when you're interested in the content but can't attend due to scheduling conflicts
• If you're an organizer, make it a habit to record meetings when followers are present
• As a follower, proactively reach out to the organizer for any additional context or information you might need
• Combine this feature with other Outlook tools like calendar management and task lists to stay organized

FAQ

Q: Can I still mark myself as "Tentative" for a meeting?

A: Yes, the "Tentative" option is still available. Click the three dots next to the response options to find it.

Q: Will the organizer be forced to record the meeting if I follow it?

A: No, the organizer is prompted to record the meeting but is not obligated to do so.

Q: Can I follow a meeting after it has been scheduled?

A: Yes, you can change your response to "Follow" at any time before the meeting starts.

Q: Will following a meeting block that time on my calendar?

A: No, following a meeting keeps your calendar free for that time slot while still allowing you to stay informed.

Q: How do I access the meeting materials after following a meeting?

A: The organizer will typically share recordings, recaps, and notes through Outlook or your organization's preferred collaboration tools.

As teams Add Your Name Pronunciation and adopt new features like "Follow a Meeting," Outlook continues to evolve as a powerful tool for modern workplace collaboration. By staying up-to-date with these innovations, you can enhance your productivity and ensure you're always in the loop, even when your schedule doesn't allow for full participation.

LinkedIn Post on Follow a Meeting

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chris-menard_new-outlook-feature-follow-a-meeting-activity-7270139514927423488-sPHo?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Categories

• Blog » Microsoft » Microsoft Outlook » Intermediate