Let’s be honest, most teams are only scratching the surface of what Microsoft 365 can do. You’ve got Word, Excel, maybe a few Teams calls here and there. However, there’s a lot more under the surface that can make your workday smoother, faster, and more productive.
At PCS, we help businesses stop wasting time with half-used tech tools and start using Microsoft 365 to its full potential. Because when your tools work harder, you don’t have to.
Here are five underrated Microsoft 365 features your team should be using.
1. Microsoft Planner – Your Digital Project Boss
Sticky notes are cute… until they start falling off your monitor.
Planner is Microsoft’s built-in project management tool that helps your team stay on top of tasks without needing a third-party app. Create boards, assign tasks, track progress, and integrate directly into Teams or Outlook.
It’s like a to-do list got a promotion.
Why it matters: Clear accountability. No more “who’s doing what?” or “when was that due again?”
2. OneNote – Your Team’s Brain on Paper (But Better)
If your meeting notes live in a dozen different docs (or worse, someone’s memory), it’s time for OneNote.
This digital notebook allows your team to capture ideas, clip web content, sketch out diagrams, and stay organized all in one searchable space. It even supports handwriting and audio notes.
Pro tip: Create shared notebooks for departments or projects. Everyone’s on the same page—literally.
3. Microsoft Lists – Better Than Spreadsheets for Tracking Anything
Excel is great for calculations. But for tracking inventory, onboarding steps, or customer feedback? Use Microsoft Lists.
This little-known gem helps you build simple, customizable lists that can include status indicators, drop-down menus, deadlines, and more. It also integrates seamlessly into Teams and SharePoint.
Think of it as a smarter, easier-to-use database without the scary setup.
4. Office Lens – Turn Your Phone Into a Document Scanner
You’re in a meeting and someone hands you a paper document. Instead of typing it all out, open the Office Lens app on your phone, snap a pic, and let it convert the image into a searchable PDF, Word doc, or PowerPoint file.
It auto-crops, enhances images, and uploads directly to OneDrive or OneNote.
Why your team should care: It makes old-school paperwork digital (and useful).
5. FindTime – Scheduling Meetings Without the Back-and-Forth
Few things kill momentum like trying to schedule a meeting with five busy people. That’s where FindTime comes in.
It shows everyone’s availability and lets them vote on the best time. Once there’s consensus, it auto-books the meeting in everyone’s calendars.
No more “Does Thursday at 2 work for you?” emails. FindTime handles it.
Why it’s gold: It saves hours of wasted email chains and frustration.
Stop Underusing the Tools You’re Already Paying For
Your Microsoft 365 subscription includes all these features, and more. The problem isn’t the tech. It’s that most businesses don’t know how to make the most of it.
At PCS, we help you unlock the full value of your Microsoft 365 suite, so your team spends less time toggling between apps and more time getting work done.
Want to see what else you’re missing?
Start with a Free network assessment because smarter IT isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing less, with better tools.