When it comes to M365, one of the most common questions we hear from leaders is: “We’re paying for Microsoft 365 – but what are we actually getting back?”

It’s the right question to ask. Many organisations invest heavily in Microsoft 365 yet still rely on additional tools to run the business. However, in most cases, the challenge isn’t the technology but how the value is being measured.

Too often, success is judged by how many licences are in use or how frequently apps are opened. The issue is that only tells you what’s switched on and not whether it’s improving performance, reducing cost or lowering risk.

Here’s how to understand the return on investment when it comes to Microsoft 365.

1. Time saved: the fastest return

Time is the most immediate and credible measure of value. Leaders don’t need perfect data they need sensible estimates that show scale.

However, it can be harder to track time savings retrospectively. When trying to gauge time-savings after implementation, look for signs such as:

  • Less internal email due to clearer use of Teams
  • Faster document creation through shared templates and Copilot
  • Reduced time spent searching for information because files are structured properly

Example:
If 100 people save just 10 minutes a day, that’s more than 400 hours a month redirected to productive work.

2. Process efficiency: faster work, fewer errors

Microsoft 365 includes automation capabilities that many organisations already own but underuse. When manual steps are removed, value shows up quickly.

Track improvements like:

  • Approvals moving from email chains to automated workflows
  • Data captured once, rather than re-entered multiple times
  • Requests and onboarding processes that no longer rely on follow-ups

The result is shorter cycle times, fewer mistakes and less pressure on IT and operations teams.

Example:
Reducing a process from three days to three hours is a clear commercial gain.

3. Tool consolidation: removing hidden cost

There’s a plethora of tools included within Microsoft 365, yet many IT teams aren’t always aware of what it truly covers. Because of this, it’s common for organisations to pay twice for the same capability.

Typical overlap appears in:

  • File storage
  • Internal communication
  • Task or project tracking
  • Workflow tools

Retiring even one duplicate platform can release budget to improve adoption and drive more value from existing investment.

4. Risk reduction: value you only notice when it’s missing

Security rarely gets attention until something goes wrong, yet the financial and reputational impact of a single incident can be severe.

Microsoft 365 contributes to risk reduction through:

  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Secure data storage (find out how and where Microsoft stores data here)
  • Data protection and sensitivity controls
  • Secure access for remote and mobile work

You won’t see headlines for breaches that didn’t happen, but preventing one can justify years of investment. Want to gain confidence in your security posture beyond Microsoft 365 with visibility across cloud and on-prem systems, board-level reports and clear actions to raise your maturity? Arc Threat Lens delivers it.

Discover Threat Lens here

Unsure where to start? Talk to us.

Microsoft 365 delivers value when it’s treated as a business platform, not just a set of tools. Measuring success doesn’t require complex reporting – it requires clarity on what matters.

Focus on time saved, processes improved, costs removed, and risks reduced. When Microsoft 365 is aligned to how work actually gets done, the return becomes clear, both commercially and operationally.

Last year we acquired Perspicuity, a leading Microsoft 365 partner who specialise in SharePoint, automation, and Microsoft’s generative AI tool, Copilot. With this acquisition, Arc is now both an IT Managed Service provider and a Microsoft Modern Work specialist, able to deliver projects that support the way your employees work every day. Want to hear how our M365 experts can deliver benefits for your business? Get in touch here.