Buyers Guide: Choosing the Right Meta Workplace Replacement

As Meta Workplace phases out, organisations are faced with the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for their internal communication and collaboration needs.

This guide will help you navigate the selection process, offering insights into key factors to consider, timing for implementation, and what to look for in a new platform.

Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, this guide aims to simplify your decision-making process.

What to Look for in a Meta Workplace Replacement

1. User Experience and Accessibility

   • Ease of Use: The platform should be user-friendly and intuitive, ensuring all employees, regardless of technical proficiency, can navigate it effectively.

   • Mobile Accessibility: With many employees working remotely or on the go, a platform with strong mobile capabilities is crucial.

2. Feature Set

   • Communication Tools: Look for platforms that offer diverse communication tools, such as instant messaging, video conferencing, and forums.

   • Collaboration Features: Essential features include file sharing, document collaboration, and task management.

   • Customization: The ability to customise the platform to fit your organisation's specific needs is a significant advantage.

   • Analytics and Reporting: Insights into user engagement and communication effectiveness can help refine internal strategies.

3. Integration Capabilities

   • Compatibility: The platform should integrate seamlessly with existing tools like email, CRM systems, and other enterprise software.

   • APIs and Plugins: The availability of APIs and plugins can enhance functionality and streamline workflows.

4. Security and Compliance

   • Data Protection: Make sure the platform adheres to the highest standards of data protection and encryption.

   • Regulatory Compliance: Check if the platform complies with relevant regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA.

5. Support and Service

   • Customer Support: Look for 24/7 customer support options, including live chat, email, and phone support.

   • Training and Onboarding: The availability of training resources and onboarding support can ease the transition.

6. Scalability and Flexibility

   • Growth Potential: The platform should be able to scale with your organisation, accommodating future growth and evolving needs.

   • Flexible Pricing Plans: Consider the cost structure and whether it aligns with your budget and projected usage.

When to Look for a Replacement

The timing of your transition to a new platform is crucial for a smooth changeover. Here are some scenarios where considering a replacement becomes necessary:

1. Impending Shutdown of Meta Workplace: With the final termination date set for June 1, 2026, organisations need to plan for migration well in advance.

2. Expansion or Organisational Changes: Significant changes in company size or structure may require more robust or flexible communication tools.

3. Current Platform Limitations: If your current system lacks essential features or fails to integrate well with other tools, it's time to explore alternatives.

4. Security Concerns: Increasing concerns over data security and compliance should prompt a reevaluation of your current platform's capabilities.

Key Considerations for Selecting a Platform

1. Company Size and Industry Needs

   • Small businesses may prioritise ease of use and cost, while larger enterprises may focus on customisation and scalability.

   • Industry-specific needs, such as HIPAA compliance in healthcare, should be a key consideration.

2. User Feedback and Case Studies

   • Reviewing user feedback and case studies can provide valuable insights into the platform's performance and suitability for your needs.

3. Cost vs. Value

   • Assess the total cost of ownership, including subscription fees, training, and potential need for additional hardware or software.

   • Consider the value offered by the platform in terms of features, support, and overall enhancement of communication and collaboration.

4. Trial Periods and Demos

   • Take advantage of trial periods or demos to test the platform's features and usability before making a commitment.

Popular Alternatives to Meta Workplace

• Ocasta Engage: Focused on frontline communication and microlearning, offering a distraction-free environment for essential updates and training. Used by Virgin Media O2, Tesco Mobile, Next and Burgrtory, with customers achieving 98% engagement rates and 94% of all comms being read.

• It’s the best platform for large corporate businesses that find their business-critical communications getting lost in workplace's social noise.

“We’ve never had performance like this with any of our platforms.”

— Jody Myers - Head of Core Operations. Virgin Media O2

See more reviews of Ocasta Engage on G2.

• Yoobic: Strong in task management and mobile learning, ideal for industries like retail and hospitality.

• Unily: A customisable digital workplace platform that caters to complex organisational needs.

• FirstUp: Known for targeted communication and robust analytics.

• Jive: Community-driven with strong integration capabilities.

Conclusion

Choosing the right replacement for Meta Workplace involves a careful evaluation of your organisation's unique needs and goals. By considering factors like user experience, feature set, integration capabilities, and support, you can select a platform that enhances your internal communications and supports your overall business strategy.