Hot Topic of the Week
The world’s most popular social network has just rolled out a new offering called Workplace, that allows companies to communicate, connect and collaborate. This platform is an office-communication tool intended to encourage group discussion amongst individuals in an organisation of any size, as well as secure communication between companies.
The tool has been used by over 1,000 companies for the past two years as a part of testing, however, the product was officially made public on 10 October 2016. The enterprise service is modelled after Facebook’s internal corporate network and is available on desktop and mobile. Workplace allows for cultural transformation with a focus on communication and collaboration.
“We’re going to grow Workplace like Instagram and Messenger” – Julien Codorniou, Director of Workplace
Although not the first of it’s kind, Workplace has the competitive advantage of users already being accustomed to the interface, whereas other business messaging software often requires additional training to use the platform. Familiar features such as News Feed, reactions, video and audio calling, direct messaging, live video, events, groups and translation options are included, while all advertising has been excluded (for now).
Unlike the free Facebook we all know, there is a monthly fee required for active Workplace users. While this is unusual for Facebook, pricing is competitive compared to other enterprise software on the market. A free three-month trial is available to try out the product, thereafter a $1, $2 or $3 cost will be incurred depending on how many employees are using the tool. Non-profit organisations and educational institutions may use Workplace for free.
How Is It Different From Facebook?
Rather than having friends as your audience, you create and join groups with your co-workers to be a part of relevant conversations. Workplace is a separate account associated with your company. Posts shared on your personal Facebook profile and Workplace account are kept completely separate, which means that you don’t even have to have a Facebook account to use the company tool. Employers are not able to monitor your personal Facebook profile, however, publicly posted content is viewable by anyone, including Workplace users.
With over 1 billion users, Facebook has undoubtedly changed the way we communicate. Constant innovation has made this social network the preferred platform for many individuals and has also become a powerful marketing tool. Although Workplace shows promise, there are numerous other cloud-based tools available. Time will tell if this is a worthwhile addition from Facebook Inc., or a failed attempt after a lengthy delay in the roll-out while competitors dominate this space.
What are your thoughts? Do you think a tool like Workplace is necessary? Are other offerings just as good, if not better? Do you believe Workplace will replace platforms such as WhatsApp Groups or Skype in a work setting?
For more information on the new Workplace, click here.
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References
- Facebook Launched Workplace for Enterprise Customers – The Economic Times
- Workplace by Facebook opens to sell enterprise social networking to the masses – Tech Crunch
- Facebook rolls out Work, a social network for your office – The Verge
- Facebook at Work Is a Latecomer but Brings a Big Name – Wall Street Journal
