Starting in December 2025, Microsoft Teams is set to introduce a new feature that will automatically update your work location when you connect to your organization’s office Wi-Fi. This means that as soon as you log onto the office network, Teams will reflect your specific building as your current work location. For example, if you’re at the office, Teams will indicate that you’re physically in the building, while those working remotely or not connected to the office network will appear as “away.” The feature is designed to reduce confusion about workers’ whereabouts and enhance productivity by allowing colleagues and managers to easily locate each other within the office without the need for manual check-ins or guesswork.
This update aims to streamline workplace coordination, making it easier for employees to know when their coworkers are available and where to find them. Whether you’re scheduling a quick meeting or collaborating on a project, having this real-time visibility can improve communication and efficiency.
However, while the feature sounds useful, it also raises privacy concerns, particularly among employees who prefer to work discreetly from quieter office spots or those who need flexibility in their work environment. The idea of being constantly tracked could make some workers uncomfortable, especially if they want to focus in a specific area of the office or work remotely without being monitored. In such cases, employees may feel like their movements are being overly scrutinized, potentially affecting morale and autonomy.
The feature is still in development, with a targeted release date of December 2025, and it will be available globally to Teams users on Windows and Mac platforms. As with any new workplace monitoring tool, it’s likely that many companies will need to navigate the balance between enhancing productivity and maintaining employee privacy. Some may choose to give employees the option to opt out or provide more control over how their location is shared with the team.
As the rollout approaches, organizations and their employees will need to understand how this new feature works and whether it aligns with their workplace culture and expectations around privacy. While it promises to enhance operational efficiency, it could also raise some important questions about transparency and trust in the workplace.