Microsoft’s new workplace monitoring tool
Microsoft has introduced a new Benchmarks feature for its Copilot Dashboard in Viva Insights that enables employers to track and compare how employees are using AI tools. This development represents a significant expansion of workplace productivity monitoring capabilities, allowing direct comparison of individual AI usage patterns against colleagues and external organizations.
How Copilot Benchmarks works
The new feature, currently rolling out to private preview customers, collects data on AI adoption rates across multiple dimensions. According to the official Microsoft announcement, Benchmarks tracks active user percentages, application-specific adoption rates, and user retention metrics. The system then creates comparative visualizations that help employers identify usage patterns and adoption gaps.
Internal and external comparison capabilities
Microsoft’s benchmarking tool operates on two levels: internally within organizations and externally against similar companies. Internally, managers can compare departments or individual employees, while external comparisons provide context against industry peers. This dual approach, as demonstrated in Microsoft’s product demonstration video, gives employers comprehensive insights into how their organization’s AI adoption stacks up against competitors.
Privacy implications and data handling
While the feature raises legitimate privacy concerns, Microsoft has implemented certain safeguards. The company states that external comparisons use aggregated, anonymized data rather than individual employee information. However, the system does collect detailed usage patterns from company PC devices running Copilot, creating a comprehensive picture of how employees interact with AI tools throughout their workday.
Rollout timeline and availability
The Benchmarks feature began its initial rollout to private preview customers through the Microsoft Copilot Dashboard in Viva Insights. Microsoft anticipates completing the full rollout to all customers later this month, making this comparative AI tracking capability widely available across organizations using Microsoft’s productivity ecosystem.
