Is Microsoft 365 Copilot really a game-changer?

A year ago, the buzz around Microsoft 365 Copilot was unmistakable. Promised as an AI-powered personal assistant, it was set to revolutionise how we work, offering seamless integration across Microsoft apps and services. Fast forward to today, and many organisations are nearly a year into their journey with Copilot. So, has it lived up to the hype? Let's take a closer look.

Reflecting on nearly a year with Copilot: moving beyond the hype

When Microsoft 365 Copilot launched on November 1st, 2023, many of us were intrigued by the idea of an AI sidekick that could handle the mundane tasks bogging us down—emails, documents, meetings, and more. And for a $30 monthly premium, it promised to be more than just a shiny new tool. Now that we've had nearly a year to integrate and explore its features, we can see the full picture. Copilot has indeed been a game-changer, but not just for the reasons we initially thought. It's not about the novelty of having AI in the workplace; it's about the tangible benefits it has brought and the lessons we've learned along the way.

What has Copilot done for us lately?

• Email management and beyond: That initial promise of easing email anxiety has held up. Copilot's ability to draft responses and prioritise urgent messages has saved countless hours and helped many of us manage our inboxes more effectively. But its capabilities extend far beyond just handling emails.
• Document and report automation: Remember when we talked about Copilot summarising documents and kickstarting new projects? Those features have proven invaluable for teams across various departments. From drafting complex reports to generating ideas for new initiatives, Copilot has provided a head start we didn't know we needed. The AI doesn't just summarise—it understands context, making it a trusted assistant for more strategic tasks.
• Enhanced meeting productivity: Walking into meetings fully prepared and leaving with a clear understanding of the next steps has become the norm for many using Copilot. Its real-time highlights and automated meeting notes have transformed how we engage in and recall discussions, making meetings more productive and actionable.
• Data analysis made accessible: While data analysis used to be a task for specialists, Copilot has democratised access to data insights. You don't have to be an Excel guru anymore; Copilot simplifies data crunching and visualisation, and explains the process, making data-driven decision-making a reality for everyone.
• Work-life balance reimagined: One of Copilot's most unexpected yet welcome benefits has been its impact on work-life balance. Taking over repetitive tasks has allowed professionals to focus on what truly matters, be it essential projects or personal time. The value here isn't just in getting more done—it's in enhancing the quality of our work and personal lives.

A game-changer for businesses: lessons learned

After almost 12 months with Copilot, businesses have discovered new ways to leverage it to stay competitive. It's not just about integrating with CRM systems like Dynamics and Salesforce anymore; it's about reshaping workflows across all departments:

1. Sales and Marketing: Sales teams have found Copilot a powerful ally, automating routine tasks and allowing more time for strategic thinking and relationship building. Marketing have benefited from its ability to draft communications and campaigns, freeing creative energy for more impactful work that can't be automated.
2. Human Resources: HR departments are now automating initial screenings of job applications, enabling a more streamlined hiring process. But beyond automation, Copilot has helped create a more data-driven approach to HR, using insights to improve recruitment and employee engagement strategies.
3. Enhanced security and compliance: The concerns about data security and compliance have been addressed robustly. Copilot's admin controls ensure businesses can trust their data with the platform, meeting all necessary security and compliance standards. It's not just about functionality—it's about having confidence in the tools you're using.

What's next for M365 Copilot?

As we look ahead, it's clear that the journey with Microsoft 365 Copilot is far from over. With continuous updates and new features, it's evolving into an even more powerful tool. However, the key to making the most of Copilot is not just in using its features, but in understanding how it can be tailored to fit your organisation's unique needs.

Beyond the hype: is your organisation ready for the next level?

Now we've seen what Copilot can do, it's time to ask: are you leveraging it to its full potential? Many organisations have already taken significant steps forward with Copilot, but the journey of optimisation never truly ends. In our 'Beyond the hype' series we'll dive deeper into how to maximise your investment in Microsoft 365 Copilot. We'll share best practices, advanced features, and insights from businesses that have successfully integrated Copilot into their workflows.

Your bespoke M365 Copilot Workshop

If you've adopted Copilot and are looking to better optimise it for your business needs, our Copilot Workshop can help you get the most out of the tool. Designed to evaluate your organisation's current use of Copilot, identify areas for improvement, and provide tailored recommendations to ensure you're getting the most out of the tool. Discover how to optimise your Microsoft 365 Copilot solution with a bespoke Copilot Workshop.