Harness Microsoft 365 Copilot for digital success with Microsoft 365 Managed Services

The reality of Microsoft 365 Copilot for Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 Copilot is one of the most talked-about productivity tools in recent years. With a GPT-powered (AI assistant, it offers businesses the chance to revolutionise how they work. But while the potential is huge, Copilot is still evolving, and best practices for implementation are still taking shape.

For some organisations, expectations may not yet match reality. According to Gartner, only 3% of companies feel that Microsoft 365 Copilot is delivering significant value so far. Additionally, 40% of businesses have delayed implementation by at least three months due to concerns over security and return on investment.

So, what’s the best way to ensure Microsoft Copilot delivers on its promise? Let’s explore the key barriers to adoption, including security risks, governance, and change management.

Tackling security risks with Microsoft 365 Copilot

One of the biggest challenges with Copilot is the potential for security vulnerabilities. If not properly managed, data-sharing can be too open-ended, creating risks of sensitive information exposure.

For example, by default, Microsoft 365 Copilot may access and retrieve confidential data without the correct safeguards in place. Without clear access controls, businesses could face compliance breaches and unauthorised data leaks.

How to reduce security risks:

• Set up strict access controls to determine who can use Microsoft 365 Copilot and what data it can access
• Carry out regular audits of governance policies to prevent accidental data leaks
• Work with a managed service provider to create a robust security framework for Microsoft 365 Copilot

The impact of poor information management

The success of Microsoft 365 Copilot depends on the quality of data within Microsoft 365. If data is disorganised, duplicated, or out-of-date, Copilot’s responses can be inaccurate or unhelpful resulting in low adoption.

• 76% of businesses with poor information management report that Microsoft 365 Copilot engagement dropped quickly
• 83% of businesses say their employees struggled to integrate Microsoft 365 Copilot into their daily routines due to unstructured data

How to improve information management:

• Clean up existing data and put clear data management processes in place before deploying Microsoft 365 Copilot
• Introduce structured content governance to eliminate duplicate or redundant data
• Partner with managed services experts to optimise your Microsoft 365 environment for Copilot

Rethinking governance for AI-powered tools

The introduction of Microsoft 365 Copilot is pushing organisations to rethink their governance approach. With AI-generated content becoming part of everyday workflows, IT leaders need to ensure compliance and security standards are met.

A key concern is whether AI-generated content could create compliance risks. Without a structured governance framework, businesses may find it difficult to maintain regulatory control and prevent AI misuse.

How to strengthen governance:

• Set up AI monitoring policies to track Microsoft 365 Copilot usage and its impact
• Develop clear guidelines for AI-generated content to meet regulatory requirements

Training and change management – the key to adoption

For Microsoft 365 Copilot to be truly effective, employees need more than just basic training. They need ongoing education and hands-on guidance to integrate AI effectively into their daily work. 

• 87% of businesses say that employees need continuous support and training to get the most from Microsoft 365 Copilot
• 73% of organisations found that Microsoft 365 Copilot required more change management effort than they had expected

Best practices for training and adoption:

• Provide interactive training with real-world use cases
• Offer ongoing coaching and reinforcement to boost user confidence
• Implement a structured change management programme for seamless adoption
• Run a Prompt-a-Thon to get people engaged in Microsoft 365 Copilot 

The role of a managed services provider in Microsoft 365 Copilot adoption

While Copilot presents exciting opportunities, it also comes with challenges that require dedicated expertise, time, and resources. To maximise value and overcome adoption hurdles, many organisations are turning to a trusted managed services provider.

Why choose Claranet?

By partnering with Claranet, businesses gain:

• 24/7 expert support for Microsoft 365 and Microsoft 365 Copilot
• Proactive security management to minimise risks and ensure compliance
• Comprehensive governance frameworks to keep AI-generated content under control
• Tailored training programmes to boost Microsoft 365 Copilot adoption
• Advanced monitoring & reporting to track Microsoft 365 Copilot performance and optimise usage

As a Microsoft Solutions Partner, Claranet has deep expertise in infrastructure (Microsoft Azure, AWS, Google Cloud, Private Cloud and Hybrid), data & AI, digital transformation, security, and modern work. With years of experience in deploying AI-powered workplace solutions, we help businesses unlock the full potential of Microsoft 365 Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Future-proofing your business with Microsoft 365 Copilot

The rise of GenAI tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot marks a transformative shift in how employees access and interact with data. But to realise the full benefits, businesses must invest in careful planning, governance, and continuous optimisation.

Microsoft 365 Microsoft 365 Copilot isn’t just a tool, it’s a journey. With expert guidance from an MSP, organisations can successfully embed Microsoft 365 Copilot into their digital workplace strategy and achieve long-term success.

Ready to transform the way you work?

Claranet’s Microsoft 365 Managed Services are designed to help businesses maximise the full potential of Microsoft 365 Copilot. With our expert support, we help businesses navigate adoption challenges, strengthen security, and build AI-ready governance frameworks.

Get in touch today to start transforming how your business operates with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft 365 Copilot. Or find out more about our Copilot Workshops to help you unlock the full potential of AI for your business.