Highlights:

  • Workplace is a business communications software that debuted in 2015 with the name Facebook at Work. It has several features similar to Slack.
  • The decision to terminate the service may have been influenced by the fact that Workplace’s installed base growth slowed down after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meta to discontinue Workplace, the business version of Facebook that will compete with Slack till early 2026.

Meta Platforms Inc. informed users about the move in the official email that was recently made public. The company’s spokesperson confirmed the decision post report, stating, “We are discontinuing Workplace from Meta so we can focus on building AI and metaverse technologies that we believe will fundamentally reshape the way we work.”

Workplace is a business communications software that debuted in 2015 with the name Facebook at Work. It has several features similar to Slack. An intuitive UI based on Facebook is one of its primary differentiators. Users can contribute comments, create topic-specific groups, and browse posts from colleagues in a centralized feed.

Furthermore, the Workplace offers more sophisticated functions. Through more than 80 connections, users can access data from Salesforce, Google Drive, and other well-known software-as-a-service providers. Software programs known as Workplace Bots can automate common technical support questions.

According to the platform’s Meta website, there are seven million paying customers. The decision to terminate the service may have been influenced by the fact that Workplace’s installed base growth slowed down after the COVID-19 pandemic. Investors reportedly approached Meta at one point about spinning out the platform for a price higher than USD one billion, but the offer was not fulfilled.

The business intends to phase out Workplace over time. A 50% reduction in the platform’s subscription tiers will take effect on September 1. One year from now, Meta plans to stop charging users for Workplace and remove the option to add new content. The platform is scheduled to go down on May 31, 2026, after which it will be available in read-only mode.

Users can export their Workplace data using the tool Download Your Information, which was developed by Meta. Administrators can utilize an application programming interface to obtain the content of workers’ Workplace accounts in large quantities. Meta will continue to provide support services to assist users in leaving the platform.

Zoom Video Communications Inc. is the sole migration partner the company designated as preferred. Meta will offer tools and services to assist clients in moving their Workplace settings to Workvivo, an employee communications platform that Zoom purchased last year. Workvivo is an interface that allows businesses to conduct employee surveys, build internal knowledge bases, and communicate business updates to their workforce.