

This could say something like, “Working on XYZ task away from my computer” so that people know you’re working and where you are at. Users will see this when they view your contact card and you can even have it selected to show up when they message you. Second, consider setting a custom status message in Teams. This can keep your presence as “available” when you’re logged in and also has the added benefit of making sure you’re accessible when you’re not on your computer. If your job takes you away from your computer, then you’re not able to respond to chats or calls at that moment, so your presence reflects that by not being “available.” This is the purpose of Teams, but it sounds like your organization is viewing it a bit differently, so here are some workarounds I have for you. The purpose of the presence status is not to tell people “you’re working,” it’s to let people know you’d be able to take and respond to communications. If you’re actively using Teams, in a call or meeting, your presence is not going to change to “Away.” You don’t have to wiggle your mouse. Hi Terri, we’re sorry you’re so frustrated with Microsoft Teams, but hopefully a better understanding of how Teams works will help. Whether you’re looking to use Microsoft Teams as an online collaboration service or an enterprise-grade voice service with Microsoft Audio Conferencing (previously PSTN Conferencing), Microsoft Calling Plan (previously PSTN Calling), Microsoft Phone System (previously Cloud PBX) capabilities, PEI’s Microsoft Gold Communications Partnership makes us a recognized leader in delivering Microsoft Unified Communications solutions like Microsoft Teams (formerly Skype for Business Online). We understand each organization’s Unified Communications journey is unique, and we deliver value by working with you to understand your business objectives and mapping out your technology to enhance these goals. PEI has been a Microsoft Gold Partner since 2005, and our engineers hold multiple Gold Microsoft Communications Certifications. Microsoft Teams will change your status.The command bar will let you know it’s completing your command.Type in your desired status: “available” “busy” “away” or “dnd” for do not disturb.Type a backslash to indicate to Teams you’re giving it a command.Silences all notifications, so no calls or messages from other users will come through Indicates you’re at your desk but busy working and wouldn’t like to be disturbed Indicates you’re at your desk and available for contact by chat or call
