Meta to Shut Down Workplace, its Enterprise Communications Business

Last Updated on May 15, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced the closure of Workplace, its enterprise communication platform. The platform will become read-only in September 2025 and will be completely decommissioned by May 2026. Workplace customers are being advised to migrate to Workvivo, an enterprise communication platform owned by Zoom.

The closure of Workplace will have an impact on employees, although the exact number affected is not yet clear. This decision is part of Meta’s shift in focus towards AI and metaverse technologies. Workplace was originally developed as a business-focused version of Facebook, with the goal of improving communication among teams and organizations.

Despite its initial promise, Workplace faced tough competition from platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams, ultimately leading to its closure. The platform’s shutdown marks the end of a ten-year run and comes after a period of strategic uncertainty for the division. Workplace was intended to showcase Facebook’s range of offerings beyond just advertising revenue.

The decision to close Workplace reflects Meta’s changing priorities and increased focus on AI technologies. Customers have been informed of the closure through a memo outlining timelines and recommendations for transitioning to Workvivo. This move signifies a significant shift in Meta’s business strategy and highlights the ever-evolving nature of the tech industry.