Workplace by Facebook is Shutting Down: What's Your Next Move?

Many of us woke up (or went to sleep) to the news that Workplace by Meta is calling it quits. Especially if your organization has been a loyal user of Workplace by Meta, this news might have left you wondering which employee communications platform to choose. Change may seem bitter but remember, it’s often the door to something even better.  

Understanding the Shutdown of Workplace by Facebook

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced the closure of Workplace, its enterprise communications platform. Despite initially aiming to compete in the business communication and productivity space, Meta has decided to shut down Workplace, marking the end of a ten-year journey for the product. 

The decision comes as Meta shifts its focus towards AI and metaverse technologies. Workplace users will be able to continue using the platform until August 31, 2025, after which it will become read-only until May 31, 2026, when access will be terminated.

The Announcement: Impact of Workplace by Facebook Shutdown

The shutdown will undoubtedly impact businesses that have woven Workplace into their communication fabric. Internal communication (internal comms) specialists face the task of finding a suitable replacement within the next two years. Let's break down the shutdown timeline:

• Business as usual (until August 31, 2025: You can continue using Workplace with full functionality for over a year. This allows ample time to research and choose a new platform.
• Limited functionality (September 1, 2025 - May 31, 2026): Posting new content will be disabled on this date. However, you'll still have access to your existing data for nine months. This window allows you to download and migrate important information to your new platform.
• Account termination (June 1, 2026): All Workplace accounts will be permanently deleted.

What Are People Saying About This?

We took a deep dive into what people are buzzing about on Reddit regarding the Workplace shutdown. Here's a breakdown of the online chatter:

Meta is Offering Transition Options, But There Are Other Paths to Consider

Meta is offering a discount on Workplace subscriptions from September 1, 2024, until the full shutdown in August 2025. They've also designated Zoom's Workvivo product as their "only preferred migration partner".

However, before considering Workvivo as an alternative to Workplace, there are a few things we think you should know. While Workvivo shares some similarities with Workplace, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:

• Compared to some collaboration platforms, Workvivo might lack the depth of features you need. For example, some users report a lack of robust project management tools or advanced file-sharing capabilities.
• There have been reports of inconsistencies between the Workvivo mobile app and desktop platform. This could lead to a clunky user experience for employees who primarily access the platform on their phones or tablets.
• Integrating Workvivo with other business tools you already use might be challenging. This could create data silos and disrupt existing workflows.
• Workvivo lacks a robust Knowledge Library feature like the one found in Workplace. This can make it difficult to store and access important information for employees.
• The chat functionality in Workvivo comes at an additional cost on top of the standard license, which can increase overall expenses.

It's not just us saying it:Source: reddit

Navigating the Transition: What's Next?

For organizations currently using Workplace, here are the steps to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Inform your team about the upcoming changes. Reassure them that Workplace will remain operational until the shutdown and that you're evaluating alternatives that promise even more benefits.
2. Take advantage of Workplace’s data download feature. This will be essential for migrating to a new platform without losing valuable information.
3. Evaluate the core functionalities you relied on in Workplace and identify additional requirements. While Meta has recommended Workvivo from Zoom, it's a great opportunity to explore other employee communication options that might better suit your needs, such as Speakap.

Finding the right platform to replace Workplace requires careful consideration of your specific needs. Here at Speakap, we understand the importance of seamless communication and a user-friendly interface. Speakap offers a compelling alternative to Workvivo, with several advantages:

• Focus on core communication: Speakap prioritizes clear and efficient communication, offering features like company-wide announcements, group chats, and one-on-one messaging.
• User experience is our priority: Our platform is designed with user experience in mind. Both the desktop and mobile app boast intuitive interfaces, ensuring a smooth transition for your employees.
• Scalability and customization: Speakap scales with your business, accommodating your growth without sacrificing functionality. Additionally, we offer customizable features to tailor the platform to your specific communication needs including robust compliance controls for hourly workers.

Speakap: Partnering for a Smooth Transition

We understand that transitioning to a new platform can be daunting. Speakap is here to help! We offer a dedicated customer success & support team and comprehensive onboarding resources to ensure a smooth and efficient migration process.

Think about it; the value in a great communication tool isn't just in the tool itself, but the way it integrates into your workflow, promotes team cooperation, and enhances productivity. The transition might seem daunting, but it’s also an exciting window of opportunity to reconfigure and upgrade your enterprise collaboration landscape. 

With Speakap, you can leverage the shutdown of Workplace as an opportunity to find a communication platform that empowers your employees and fosters a more connected work environment.

Schedule a demo today and see for yourself why Speakap is the future of business communication.