Google Calendar Introduces New Feature for Hybrid Office Schedules

As the post-pandemic world finds its feet, the hybrid office model is gaining momentum. One of the challenges faced by employees in this model is to coordinate with coworkers who might not be in the office at the same time. Google stepped in to address this issue with a new feature in its Google Calendar. The feature allows users to specify the times they will be in the office or working from home, thus aiding in better communication and avoiding potential misunderstandings.

In the past, Google Calendar enabled users to indicate whether they were working from home or the office on specific days. But the new update enhances this feature by allowing users to note the exact times they'll be at each location. For example, you can mark your schedule to show that you'll be working from home on a Wednesday morning but will be at the office by the afternoon. This feature is particularly useful for those who split their time between home and office.

Once this feature is released to your organization, it will be on by default unless the workplace admin chooses to disable it. The controls can be accessed from the Google Calendar's Settings menu. The location options include "Office," "Home," "Unspecified," or "Somewhere else." To add a location, select "Working Location" as an event type within your calendar and then pick a location from the available options.

Just as with other Google Calendar events, the location setting can be set to reoccur daily, weekly, or monthly, catering to those with a predictable hybrid schedule. The feature will be available to Google Workspace Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Standard, Education Plus, the Teaching and Learning Upgrade, and Nonprofits. Rapid Release domains will have immediate access to this feature, while those on scheduled release may have to wait longer, with a rollout starting on July 14, 2023.

In conclusion, this new feature from Google Calendar is poised to alleviate one of the challenges of the hybrid office model. By allowing users to specify their exact location and timings, it fosters better coordination and communication among co-workers. As the world continues to adapt to new ways of working, tech giants like Google are playing a pivotal role in making the transition smoother with such innovative solutions.