The hunt for the best Meta Workplace alternatives is on. After years of trying to compete in the evolving world of enterprise social intranets, Meta announced the shutdown of Meta Workplace on May 14th, 2024.

Though the company plans on maintaining the platform until 2025 (before moving it to read-only mode), most companies will need to start migrating early. The quicker you download your data, choose the best new platform, and transition your users, the less disruption you’ll face.

So, how do you choose the best alternative? What are some of the top options available, and what are the steps you can take to keep your company aligned during this transitional period?

Why is Meta Discontinuing Workplace?

Meta Workplace (otherwise known as Workplace from Meta) was originally introduced by the social media and metaverse giant in 2016. At the time, the concept of a social-media-style intranet for employee communication, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing was revolutionary.

Unlike competing platforms (such as Slack and Microsoft Teams), Meta Workplace gave organizations an enterprise-focused version of their favorite social media platform (Facebook). Customers loved the intuitive and familiar interface. In fact, by 2021, the platform had earned more than 7 million paid subscribers.

Unfortunately, as the world of work has evolved, other platforms have forged ahead, focusing on exciting concepts like immersive video conferencing and artificial intelligence. Gradually, Workplace began falling behind the competition as the tech giant focused its attention on the metaverse, extended reality, and separate AI tools.

Now, Meta has officially decided to discontinue the service, as it believes its efforts are better spent elsewhere (e.g., on the development of the Quest product line).

Meta will support the platform until August 31st, 2025, and will reduce its pricing for the service by 50% starting in September 2024. From September 2025 until May of the following year, the service will only be available as a free “read-only” platform.

Meta Workplace Alternatives: Meta’s Top Pick

Notably, Meta hasn’t completely abandoned its enterprise collaboration customers with the decision to sunset Workplace. When announcing the shutdown, the company shared that it had appointed “Workvivo” by Zoom as its preferred successor. Launched in 2017, just after Workplace from Meta, Workvivo is a similar employee engagement platform acquired by Zoom in 2023.

It operates as part of the Zoom product portfolio alongside Zoom’s own “Workplace” offering. If you’re looking for Meta Workplace alternatives that offer a simple migration experience, Workvivo might be the ideal choice. Meta and Zoom will collaborate to migrate companies in the months ahead, offering access to useful tools and data transition services.

Plus, Workvivo does share some similarities with Workplace from Meta. It’s also a social intranet, giving employees a place to securely share files and collaborate. However, unlike Workplace, Workvivo isn’t just a recycled version of the Facebook platform.

You’ll have access to features that are specially made to boost productivity, such as powerful analytics and reporting tools to track engagement, and exceptional security controls. Key features of Workvivo by Zoom include:

  • Internal communication campaigns
  • Comprehensive communication tools
  • Digital signage, live streaming, and podcasting
  • Employee newsletters
  • Engagement analytics and reporting
  • Social feeds, video clips, and hybrid events
  • Employee recognition and rewards
  • Integrations with various business tools
  • Extensive security and access controls
  • Surveying for the voice of the employee insights

Plus, you can always combine Workvivo with Zoom Workplace to access more AI-powered features and unique productivity tools.

Meta Workplace Alternatives: Top Picks

Workvivo might be Meta’s top pick for Workplace customers, but there are plenty of other Meta Workplace alternatives out there that offer similar features. Many solutions also offer their own data migration tools, which should make the transition process a little simpler.

In a moment, I’ll share some top picks for leading Meta Workplace alternatives. However, before we dive in, it’s worth remembering that Workplace is a social intranet solution. That’s not exactly the same as a “collaboration platform.” However, you can often combine the two (as is the case with Microsoft Teams and Viva Engage/ SharePoint, and Zoom WorkVivo and Workplace).

For this list, I’m focusing primarily on platforms that are most similar to Meta Workplace in terms of features, functionality, and design. But it’s worth figuring out exactly what you need before you begin your own migration.

1. The Microsoft Ecosystem: Viva, SharePoint and Teams

Microsoft Viva Engage is Microsoft’s version of Workplace from Meta. If you’re already using Microsoft 365 apps, like Word and Outlook, or you’re using Microsoft Teams for AI-powered collaboration, this is likely to be the top pick for you.

Viva Engage natively integrates with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint (for file sharing), and various other powerful Microsoft apps. You can use it to securely share knowledge, engage employees with announcements and rewards, and gain insights into team workflows.

There’s even the option to access Copilot in Viva for AI guidance on how to create more powerful content and empower workers. Key features include:

  • Premium community experiences and team sites
  • File, data, news, and resource sharing
  • Feedback surveys with actionable recommendations
  • AI-generated insights from Copilot
  • Strategic prioritization and goal alignment
  • Open conversations
  • Virtual townhalls

2. Simpplr

If you’re looking for Meta Workplace alternatives that prioritize the “intranet” experience, Simpplr is an excellent choice. It even ranked at the top of the 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for packaged solutions. Like Workplace, Simpplr makes it easy to create a hub of centralized content, news, resources, and information.

You can design news feeds for specific teams, allow employees to rate content, and provide access to a comprehensive, intuitive experience on every device. Companies can even use Simpplr to create a “virtual headquarters” and reward employees with badges and gamification elements.

Plus, unlike Meta’s Workplace solution, Simpplr includes its own AI-powered virtual assistant that can help you build workflows and improve team engagement. Key features include:

  • AI-powered virtual assistant
  • Employee sentiment and engagement analytics
  • Mobile and desktop apps
  • Employee recognition and rewards
  • Adaptive personalization for each employee
  • Integrations with a range of business tools
  • Exceptional security and access controls
  • Newsletters and surveys

3. Happeo

Happeo is another leading Meta Workplace alternative for companies interested in the “intranet” experience. It essentially serves as a virtual company hub where teams can share knowledge, create wikis, and organize files. The platform is very communication-centric, giving users the option to chat with colleagues, leave comments on posts, and more.

Plus, it integrates with many file-sharing tools, from Google Docs to Microsoft Office apps, Dropbox, and Slack. Like some of the other top Meta Workplace alternatives, this solution also has its own AI-powered solutions.

The “Search AI” feature, for instance, makes it easy to track down critical information in seconds, using nothing but natural language prompts. Key features of Happeo include:

  • Engagement and interaction analytics
  • AI-powered search functionality
  • Video, file, and rich media sharing
  • Integrations with leading business tools
  • Built-in security and access controls
  • Communities and hubs for specific teams
  • Pages, channels, and articles

4. Igloo Software

Primarily focused on connecting in-house and frontline workers, Igloo Software is a highly secure and customizable platform that combines project management, with intranet features. The intuitive solution integrates seamlessly with various business tools, such as Dropbox, Slack, and Salesforce.

It also provides exceptional tools for building Wikis, sharing company information, and tracking employee performance. Business leaders can create departmental and team hubs to collaborate on projects, design bespoke dashboards, and even assign tasks to specific employees.

There are some great analytical tools, too, offering insights into your most valuable content, engagement levels, and intranet health. Key features include:

  • Leaderboards and gamification tools
  • Customizable dashboards and project hubs
  • Project management and task assignment
  • Built-in security and advanced authentication
  • Polls and surveys
  • Analytical and reporting tools
  • In-depth Wikis and knowledge bases

5. Interact Technology

Interact is an enterprise-grade intranet and communication solution that shares most of Meta Workplace’s key features and offers a range of bonuses. The solution includes everything from a comprehensive content management hub to digital signage features, idea management tools, and the option to create your own company newsletter.

You can leverage “Interact AI” to scale content and knowledgebase creation, design your own people directory for easier staff management, and even create advocacy campaigns. Plus, you’ll have access to integrations for tools like Microsoft 365.

The powerful toolkit also allows employees to customize their experience, creating their own dashboards based on their unique workflows. Key features include:

  • Mobile intranet and extranet services
  • Onboarding and enrollment tools
  • Generative AI content creation
  • Analytics and engagement insights
  • Social advocacy tools
  • Multichannel broadcasts and communication
  • Idea and content management
  • Surveys and polls

6. Staffbase

Like most of the top Meta workplace alternatives available today, Staffbase actually has a few unique benefits over Meta’s platform. The platform is specially designed to help companies manage and empower distributed workers with “mission control” features, project management capabilities, and advanced analytics. It even boasts its own AI-powered companion for teams.

Another major benefit of Staffbase is that it comes with an employee email solution for more secure omnichannel communications. Plus, this solution integrates with a range of tools, such as Microsoft 365 productivity apps. You can create automated employee journeys, publish and share various types of content, and even create action plans.

There are also some great features for employee engagement, like onboarding features, milestone celebrations, and recognition broadcasting options. Key features include:

  • Communication tools (email, messaging, chat)
  • File and news sharing
  • Campaign coordination and project management
  • AI-powered virtual assistant
  • Alignment, sentiment, and engagement analytics
  • Microsoft 365 integrations
  • User management and access controls
  • Content planning
  • HR tools for onboarding and staff management

7. Jive Software

Jive Software advertises its solution as an employee engagement platform, similar to solutions like Microsoft Viva. It even has its own (similarly named) AI solution, Jive CoPilot, which helps users track down and create relevant content.

Jive empowers companies to connect their teams in a central environment with content and knowledge-sharing tools and integrations for various applications. One of the best things about Jive is its approach to reporting and analytics.

Alongside insights into engagement and performance, you can also leverage the “PeopleGraph” feature for deeper insights into the relationships between teams. That’s ideal if you want to nurture an inclusive company culture. Key features include:

  • Generative AI assistant and AI search tools
  • PeopleGraph technology for relationship management
  • In-depth analytics and reports
  • Customizable notifications and alert
  • Content management, sharing, and conversations
  • Collaboration tools (chat and file sharing)
  • Extensive security and access controls
  • Jive Personas for custom AI

8. eXo Platform

If you’re hunting for one of the most flexible and customizable Meta Workplace alternatives, eXo is a great option. This open-source platform gives you complete control over building the ideal digital workspace for your team. You can leverage easy-to-use communication tools with chat, messaging, and conversation threads.

The base platform also includes access to tools for creating knowledge bases, news feeds, social-media-style tools, and more. Plus, you can link the platform with various other tools for employee productivity and engagement.

There are also various tools for customizing notifications, allowing users to build their own personalized experiences and employee recognition. Key features include:

  • Employee recognition and rewards
  • Completely customizable open-source platform
  • News feeds and knowledge bases
  • Collaboration tools (chat and file sharing)
  • Integrations with endless business apps
  • Employee productivity and engagement insights
  • Powerful security features
  • Video and audio conferencing

9. Blink

Another powerful solution in the employee intranet space, Blink has become a market leader in the engagement landscape. The flexible solution provides organizations with a central location to enable collaboration and communication, share content, and even manage employee benefits.

The employee app comes with an engaging newsfeed, one-on-one group chat options, employee recognition and gamification tools, and more. You can even create custom micro apps and leverage integrations with your favorite tools.

Plus, Blink makes it easy to gather employee feedback with surveys, track engagement with reports, and preserve security with single sign-on. Key features include:

  • In-depth analytics and reporting
  • Knowledge, file, and content sharing
  • Mobile-first interface design
  • Gamification and employee recognition
  • Customizable employee dashboards
  • Social media-style news feeds
  • AI-powered virtual assistant
  • Integrations with existing business tools

How to Choose the Best Meta Workplace Alternatives

The good news for any company relying on Meta’s social intranet solution for collaboration and knowledge sharing, is there are plenty of alternatives out there. Even if you don’t pick Meta’s recommended choice (Workvivo), you should have no problem finding a new digital work hub.

If you’re not sure where to get started, here are our top tips for success:

  • Analyze your current workflows: Look at how your teams currently collaborate, how you manage engagement and content, and align your staff. You may find that an intranet solution is the right option, or you may choose to combine an intranet with a collaboration platform.
  • Pick your key features: Identify the features that are most valuable to your team members. These could include social news feeds, AI-powered virtual assistants, knowledge-sharing tools, or even project management capabilities.
  • Remember security: Security and compliance should be a core consideration for any workplace app. Ensure that your solution offers enterprise-grade end-to-end encryption, as well as comprehensive access controls.
  • Consider your existing tools: Sometimes, the tools your employees already use can help guide you toward the right platform. If you’re using Microsoft 365 and Teams, for instance, you may select the Viva platform.
  • Prioritize integrations: Most of the top Meta Workplace alternatives will natively integrate with various business apps. Make sure the platform you use can work seamlessly with all of the resources your team members already rely on.

Keep in mind that it’s also a good idea to start your migration process early. Download your data from Meta Workplace in advance to ensure you don’t lose anything important. Some top alternative platforms may be able to help you with migrating that data into their technology.

Meta Workplace Alternatives: Making the Transition

Though the popularity of Meta’s Workplace platform has been diminishing for some time now, the sunsetting of the solution is likely to cause disruption for many organizations. If you’ve been relying on Meta to deliver the ultimate social intranet and employee engagement experience, now’s the time to act. Assess your options carefully, focusing on user experience and simplicity.

Avoid simply rushing from one app to another without thinking about the future. Assessing what your company needs now and what you may need in the future will help you make a better choice. Plus, remember you can check out a range of reviews and top solution lists here if you need help choosing the best collaboration platform.



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