If you’ve returned post-pandemic to a hybrid office, then you’ve likely had to ask yourself at least once if a coworker you need to meet with will be in the office at the same time you are. Now Google is tackling that problem with a new Google Calendar feature that allows you to specify the times you’ll be in the office or at home.
While Google already allowed users to note whether they were working from the office or at home on specific days within Google Calendar, the new update takes things a step further by allowing users to note specific times they’ll be at each location.
For instance, you might mark your calendar to say you’re working from home this Wednesday morning, but you’ll be in the office after lunch. The idea is to help employees who might split their time some days between both home and work to communicate their schedule with coworkers and avoid misconnections.
(Credit: Google)Once your organization gets the release, locations will be on by default, so unless your workplace admin decides to disable it you should ultimately have access.
You’ll access the controls from Google Calendar’s Settings menu. Available location options include specifying you’re in the “Office,” “Home,” “Unspecified,” or “Somewhere else.” To add a location you’ll select “Working Location” as an event type within your calendar, then choose a location from the available options.
Much like other Google Calendar events, you can also set your location setting to reoccur daily, weekly, or monthly if you have a predictable hybrid schedule.
The feature will ultimately 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 the feature now, while those on scheduled release will see an extended rollout of potentially longer than 15 days starting on July 14, 2023.
