Enforcing Comment Requirements for Teams Approval Requests

A Solution for Approval Requests in Teams

The blog post by Chris Hoard [MVP], focuses on the author's experience navigating the dynamic Teams ecosystem, and a useful feature called enforcing comments for approval requests. This feature adds a layer of accountability, transparency, and context, thus overcoming 'blind approvals' which the author is not fond of. Despite the thrill of big breakthroughs and new functionalities in Teams, the author finds joy in the 'little vital things' that enhance user experience.

The author also sheds light on his professional engagement, mentioning his involvement in various projects and his interest in exploring more in the Azure plan, Power Automate, Compliance, Azure AD and Identity sectors. Amidst all these, a consistent concept that stands out is his conviction about giving and receiving clear context.

In spite of certain challenges, he believes in the power of self-adjustment and correction over time. Whether it’s the avalanche of exciting opportunities out there or finding the right focus, the author verifies that adaptation is key.

Approvals Feature in Microsoft Workplace Communication Tool

Hoard thus guides users on how to enable comments for each approval request. Beginning with logging into the Microsoft platform, to selecting 'Admin' from the app launcher and navigating to the Teams Apps and Manage Apps options in the Teams Admin Centre. The blog guides the viewer through the entire process to enforce the comments requirement for approval requests.

Want to learn more? Discover additional insights here.

After enforcing comments, the blog explains how to test its functionality. Creating and sending an approval request to oneself, and ensuring comments are provided before it is approved or rejected. A practical guide serving practical functions.

Frequently Asked Questions on Enforcing Comments for Approval Requests

• The feature is an 'all or nothing' setting, applied to all approvals in the organization, not configurable per user.


• This setting cannot be applied via PowerShell, it’s a Teams Admin Centre only functionality.


• There could be friction as it demands more than a one-click approval, but it supports transparency and context.


• Whether this feature can be added like a policy in the future remains unknown, however, one can look for updates on the Microsoft Feedback portal.


• This feature is suitable for use with Power Automate, considering the enforcement is done within the app itself.

The Importance of Contextual Communication

In the world of corporate communication, the necessity for clear, unambiguous communication cannot be overstated. Tools like the approval feature in Teams, which enforces comments, ensure greater transparency and eliminate guesswork. It’s the small, vital functions like these that go a long way in refining the communications landscape, enabling effective project management and overall business operations.

Read the full article How to enforce comments for Approval Requests in Teams

Learn about How to enforce comments for Approval Requests in Teams

Learning about enforcing comments for approval requests in Microsoft's collaboration tool, more widely known as Teams, brings forth the sophistication of this application's functionality. Technologies such as Teams, Microsoft 365 and Power Automate have acted as pillars in globally managing work operations, especially amidst the drastic shift to remote working. This brief guide will share insights on why requiring comments for approval requests is essential, how to set it up, and address some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Firstly, picture blindly approving tasks without comprehending their context - doesn't make for effective project management, does it? This is where enforcing comments in the approval process comes into play. The comments furnish context, ensuring informed decision-making and transparency in the approval process.

• Getting Started:

Activating required comments for approval requests is straightforward. Begin by signing in to Microsoft 365 at https://login.microsoftonline.com and selecting Admin from the app launcher. In the Microsoft 365 Admin Centre, select "Show All" on the left navigation bar, followed by "Teams."

• Setting It Up:

In the Team Admin Centre, choose Team Apps and then Manage Apps. Locate and select "Approvals." Proceed to the Setting tab and activate Comments Required, followed by clicking Submit. Once saved, a green bar at the top will confirm that comments are now compulsory in the approval process.

• Testing:

You would want to ensure the setup is working. For this, turn to the Team Client and select "Approvals" after selecting More Options from the left App Rail. Create a basic approval request and send it to yourself in this test phase. It’s important to note that an approval or rejection can only occur once a comment has been added.

• FAQs:

The setting applies to the entire organization and cannot be customized for specific users. It cannot be enabled via PowerShell and is only configurable in the Team Admin Centre.

The enforcement of comments may shift approvals from being one-click to requiring additional steps. However, it promotes transparency, context, and thoughtful decision-making in the process.

The ability to apply this as a policy in the future is uncertain. You may visit Microsoft Feedback (https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com) for any updates or to provide input.

Lastly, the comment enforcement also works in Approval Actions in cloud flows in Power Automate.

In conclusion, requiring comments in approval requests is not just a technical feature—it is an aspect that enhances the organization of tasks, promotes informed decision-making, adds transparency, and ultimately fosters a culture of clarity and comprehensive communication.

More links on about How to enforce comments for Approval Requests in Teams

Teams Real Simple with Pictures: Enforce comments for ...

Apr 29, 2022 — Let's go. This blog will cover. How to enforce comments for approval requests; Testing this has worked; FAQ. Prerequisites. Teams Licence ( ...

Respond to an approval in Microsoft Teams

Dec 15, 2022 — Approve or reject a request in Teams · Go to the chat or channel in which you were sent the approval. You should see a card with the approval.

Allow comments in approval or rejection email

Apr 25, 2022 — If you are using the Approval action in the flow then the option to comment comes up after you click either Approve or Reject in the email.

Keywords

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