Introduction
Microsoft Teams has introduced a feature that automatically detects and updates a user's work location when they connect to the corporate Wi-Fi network or plug into desk peripherals such as monitors or docking stations . This feature, known as workplace check-in, is designed to help hybrid teams coordinate in-person collaboration by reducing the need for manual location updates .
For employees, this means no more forgetting to update their location before heading to the office. For colleagues, it means a clearer view of who is available for in-person meetings. For IT administrators, it means configuring a new capability that bridges the physical and digital workplace.
What Is Workplace Check-In?
Workplace check-in is a feature that updates a user's actual work location based on real-world signals . It works alongside the planned work location (set in Outlook calendar) and the user's presence status.
When a user connects to a recognized corporate Wi-Fi network or plugs into a configured desk peripheral, Teams automatically updates their location to the mapped building (e.g., "Head Office" or "Factory Building"). The location is cleared at the end of the user's working hours .
What It Does
Updates work location to a specific building when users connect to company Wi-Fi or desk peripherals
Reduces the need for manual location updates
Helps colleagues coordinate in-person meetings
Clears location automatically at the end of working hours
What It Does NOT Do
Not a tracking tool – It cannot be used to monitor employee attendance or movement
No historical location data – Admins have no reporting or monitoring views
Does not force anything – Users can always manually set or clear their location
How It Works
When automatic work location detection is enabled and configured, Teams uses two types of signals to determine a user's location :
Wireless network connection – The user's device connects to a corporate Wi-Fi SSID. Teams uses the BSSID (MAC address of the access point) to map the connection to a specific building.
Desk peripheral connection – The user plugs into a monitor, docking station, or other peripheral that has been linked to a bookable desk.
User Experience
When a user with the feature enabled connects to the office Wi-Fi during their working hours:
Teams detects the network connection
The system checks if the SSID and BSSID match configured networks
The user's work location is updated to the mapped building name
Colleagues can see the updated location in the user's profile
Prerequisites for Administrators
Before enabling this feature, ensure your organization meets these requirements :
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Buildings configured | Create buildings, floors, and sections in Microsoft Places |
| Desk booking configured | Set up desk pools or individual desk accounts for peripheral detection |
| Admin roles | Must be a Teams Administrator + Exchange Administrator |
| Teams desktop client | Users need Windows or macOS desktop app (web and mobile not supported) |
Configuration Steps
Step 1: Configure Buildings and Hierarchy
To update location to specific building names (rather than just "In the office"), configure your building hierarchy in Microsoft Places :
Create buildings, floors, and sections in Microsoft Places
Ensure building visibility is enabled (
Set-PlacesSettings -EnableBuildings 'Default:true')
Step 2: Create and Assign the Work Location Detection Policy
Use Teams PowerShell cmdlets to enable the feature :
Create a new policy
New-CsTeamsWorkLocationDetectionPolicy -Identity "Work Location Detect" -EnableWorkLocationDetection $true
Assign to users (choose one)
# Assign globally (all users)Grant-CsTeamsWorkLocationDetectionPolicy -Global -PolicyName "Work Location Detect"# Assign to a groupGrant-CsTeamsWorkLocationDetectionPolicy -Group "All [email protected]" -PolicyName "Work Location Detect" -Rank 1# Assign to a specific userGrant-CsTeamsWorkLocationDetectionPolicy -Identity "[email protected]" -PolicyName "Work Location Detect"
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