Yammer – The Social Network for Businesses
Yammer is an internal social network designed specifically for companies to improve internal communication and collaboration. It was founded in 2008 and has been part of Microsoft since 2012. Today, Yammer is part of Microsoft 365 and integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft services like Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook.
The basic principle of Yammer is similar to well-known social networks like Facebook or LinkedIn – but with a focus on the workplace. Employees can share posts, ask questions, upload files, participate in surveys, or engage in discussions. Posts can be made publicly visible to the entire company or take place in closed groups, such as those focused on departments or projects.
Yammer promotes knowledge sharing and transparency within companies. Information that would otherwise be lost in emails is openly shared in Yammer and remains accessible for others. This strengthens corporate culture and the sense of community – especially in larger organizations or distributed teams.
Another advantage is its ease of use: The user interface is intuitive and resembles social networks, which keeps the barrier to entry low. Additionally, Yammer supports mobile apps, allowing employees to stay active on the go.
Typical use cases for Yammer include company-wide announcements, idea exchanges, feedback rounds, internal communities, or communication between management and staff. With integration into Microsoft 365, Yammer becomes a part of the digital workplace.
Overall, Yammer is a valuable tool for making communication more open, transparent, and collaborative. It brings together people who would otherwise rarely speak with each other – and helps companies share knowledge, break down silos, and work more productively together.