Microsoft Viva + AI: The Future of Employee Experience

The world of work is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. According to the Microsoft Work Trend Index 2024, 75% of knowledge workers are already using artificial intelligence in their daily tasks. Facing this revolution, Swiss companies are seeking solutions to support their employees. This is precisely where Microsoft Viva comes in: the employee experience platform that puts people at the heart of digital transformation. With over 66 million monthly active users worldwide according to Microsoft Ignite 2024, this suite of tools is redefining employee engagement standards. But how does it actually work? And what benefits can you expect?

Table of Contents

1. What is Microsoft Viva? Understanding the Employee Experience Platform
2. Artificial Intelligence at the Heart of Microsoft Viva: The Role of Copilot
3. Improving Workplace Wellbeing with Viva Insights
4. Viva Learning: Continuous Training in Everyday Work
5. Hybrid Work and Engagement: Viva Engage and Connections
6. Deploying Microsoft Viva: Practical Tips

What is Microsoft Viva? Understanding the Employee Experience Platform

Before diving into the advanced features, it’s worth understanding what makes Microsoft Viva unique in the employee experience platform (EXP) market.

A platform born from modern work challenges

Launched in February 2021, Microsoft Viva addresses a concerning reality. Employees spend an average of 7 weeks per year searching for information or recreating existing content. This massive waste of time prompted Microsoft to create a unified platform.

The suite is built around four fundamental pillars. The first focuses on connection and sense of belonging. The second centres on insight, meaning data to improve work. The third targets growth through continuous learning. Finally, the fourth addresses alignment with the company’s mission. Unlike fragmented solutions on the market, Viva integrates natively with Microsoft Teams and SharePoint Online. Employees no longer need to juggle between different applications.

Microsoft Viva modules: an overview

The Viva suite comprises several complementary modules. Each one addresses a specific aspect of the employee experience.

Viva Connections centralises access to the company intranet directly within Teams. Meanwhile, Viva Insights analyses work habits to provide personalised recommendations. Additionally, Viva Learning transforms continuous training by integrating content from LinkedIn Learning, Coursera and Skillsoft into the daily workflow.

On the communication side, Viva Engage (formerly Yammer) enables the creation of thematic communities. In parallel, Viva Glint measures engagement through regular surveys. Viva Pulse provides managers with quick feedback tools. Lastly, Viva Amplify simplifies multichannel communication.

Artificial Intelligence at the Heart of Microsoft Viva: The Role of Copilot

The integration of generative AI into Microsoft Viva marks a decisive turning point. Copilot, Microsoft’s intelligent assistant, is now embedded in every module.

Copilot: the game-changing assistant

The figures from the Work Trend Index 2024 speak for themselves. AI power users save over 30 minutes per day. Even more striking, 90% of them say AI makes their workload more manageable. Within Viva, this power translates into very practical features.

Copilot in Viva Goals simplifies OKR objective setting. The AI generates suggestions from existing documents such as business plans. Meanwhile, Copilot in Viva Engage helps leaders write inspiring posts. It also analyses employee sentiment. For its part, Copilot in Viva Learning offers training paths tailored to each employee’s profile.

The major innovation, however, remains the Copilot Dashboard in Viva Insights. Available since late 2024, it can be accessed without an additional Viva licence for Microsoft 365 Copilot customers. This dashboard measures AI adoption and compares impact between users and non-users. A valuable tool for demonstrating return on investment.

Preparing your teams for the AI era

A worrying paradox emerges from the Work Trend Index. On one hand, 66% of leaders wouldn’t hire someone without AI skills. On the other, only 39% of employees have received dedicated training. Microsoft addresses this challenge with Copilot Academy, a learning path integrated into Viva Learning.

This academy offers content created by Microsoft experts. The courses range from prompt basics to advanced usage. An essential resource for SMEs and large Swiss companies alike.

Improving Workplace Wellbeing with Viva Insights

Employee wellbeing is no longer just a perk. It has become a strategic lever for performance. Viva Insights places this concern at the heart of the employee experience.

Data-driven wellbeing

Professionals lose up to 2 hours per day due to interruptions. Viva Insights addresses this issue through personalised recommendations. The platform suggests focus time and provides overload alerts.

The system operates on three distinct levels. At the individual level, each employee receives private tips for work-life balance. At the managerial level, managers access aggregated and anonymised data. At the organisational level, leaders can visualise global trends. This enables them to identify burnout risks early.

Privacy: an absolute priority

This point is crucial for Swiss companies, which are particularly sensitive to data protection. Viva Insights guarantees complete anonymisation of individual information. Managers never see their team members’ personal data. Furthermore, emails marked “private” or “confidential” are excluded from analysis. This respectful approach reassures employees while delivering valuable insights.

Viva Learning: Continuous Training in Everyday Work

Training is no longer a one-off event. It becomes a continuous process integrated into daily work. Viva Learning perfectly embodies this modern vision.

Why invest in training?

The figures speak for themselves. According to the LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report, 94% of employees would stay longer at a company that invests in their development. Moreover, organisations with a strong learning culture achieve a 57% retention rate. This drops to 27% for those with a moderate culture.

Hybrid Work and Engagement: Viva Engage and Connections

Hybrid work has become the norm. According to the Phygital Workplace Barometer 2025, 80% of employees are in favour. But how do you maintain engagement when teams are dispersed?

Viva Connections: the central hub

Viva Connections transforms the traditional intranet into a modern experience. The tool is accessible directly from Teams. Employees find personalised news and essential resources there. The dashboard adapts to each user’s profile, ensuring relevant information reaches the right person.

Viva Engage: rebuilding social connections

Viva Engage addresses the major challenge of hybrid work: maintaining the informal connections that shape company culture. Thematic communities enable employees to share knowledge and interests. The Leadership Corner offers executives an authentic communication space.

According to an IWG study cited by Comarketing-News, 69% of hybrid workers say AI makes remote collaboration easier. Copilot integration in Viva Engage amplifies this effect. The AI suggests discussion topics and helps write engaging posts. It also summarises conversations for those who missed them.

Deploying Microsoft Viva: Practical Tips

Successful implementation of Microsoft Viva requires a structured approach. Here are the key recommendations for Swiss organisations.

Where to start?

There’s no need to deploy all modules at once. Best practice is to first identify your priority needs. A company facing high turnover should focus on Viva Learning and Viva Glint. An organisation undergoing digital transformation would prioritise Viva Insights. A geographically dispersed structure should start with Viva Connections and Viva Engage.

Microsoft recommends a phased approach. Ideally, start with a pilot involving a group of ambassadors. Deployment then extends gradually by department or site.

Good news for SMEs: several Viva features are included in Microsoft 365. Viva Connections, basic Viva Insights features and Viva Learning are accessible without an additional licence.

Conclusion

Microsoft Viva represents far more than a suite of tools. It’s a holistic vision of the employee experience in the age of artificial intelligence. By integrating communication, training, wellbeing and engagement into a unified platform, Viva helps organisations tackle the challenges of modern work.

The figures speak for themselves: 66 million active users and 30-minute daily gains for AI power users. The impact on talent retention is equally measurable. For companies still hesitating, the message is clear. The future of employee experience is being built today, and the tools to achieve it are already available.

FAQ

Is Microsoft Viva included in Microsoft 365?
Some features are included, notably Viva Connections and basic Viva Learning. Premium features, however, require an additional Viva licence.

Do you need Microsoft Teams to use Viva?
Teams is the main access point for most modules. Some features, however, remain accessible via web browser.

How does Viva Insights protect employee privacy?
Personal data is only visible to the individual concerned. Managers only access aggregated and anonymised data.

Is Microsoft Viva suitable for Swiss SMEs?
Absolutely. SMEs can start with features included in Microsoft 365, then move to premium modules as their needs evolve.

How long does it take to deploy Microsoft Viva?
A pilot project can be operational in 3 to 6 weeks. A full deployment typically takes between 3 and 6 months.