Viva Engage vs Meta Workplace Replacement
As Meta prepares to sunset Workplace, many internal communication professionals are exploring alternatives to maintain robust and effective communication channels within their organisations. Viva Engage, a part of Microsoft's Viva suite, emerges as a notable contender. This platform integrates seamlessly with Microsoft's ecosystem, offering a comprehensive solution for employee engagement and communication. This article provides an in-depth comparison of Viva Engage and Meta Workplace, exploring their features, user experiences, and overall value, helping internal comms professionals make an informed decision.
Overview of Viva Engage
Viva Engage is part of Microsoft's Viva suite, designed to enhance employee experience through improved communication, learning, insights, and well-being. Building on the foundations of Yammer, Viva Engage provides a more integrated and enriched environment for workplace communication, leveraging the full capabilities of Microsoft's ecosystem, including Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook. The platform fosters community, conversation, and knowledge sharing within an organisation.
Feature comparison: Viva Engage vs Meta Workplace
Product/Service Features
Viva Engage offers a comprehensive suite of features, including community hubs, conversation threads, and integration with other Microsoft tools. These features are designed to create a unified communication environment that supports both formal and informal interactions. Meta Workplace, on the other hand, focuses on providing a social media-like experience with features such as groups, chat, and video calls. While both platforms aim to enhance workplace communication, Viva Engage's integration with Microsoft's suite offers a more cohesive experience.
User Experience
Viva Engage provides a seamless user experience by integrating with familiar Microsoft tools like Teams and SharePoint. This integration helps streamline workflows and ensures that employees can easily access and share information. The platform's design focuses on creating an inclusive environment where all employees, regardless of their role or location, can participate. Meta Workplace also offers an intuitive user interface, but its social media-style layout can sometimes overshadow work-related content, making it less ideal for formal communication needs.
For insights into enhancing user experience in internal communication platforms, check out our article on optimising user experience.
Performance and Reliability
Viva Engage benefits from Microsoft's robust infrastructure, offering reliable performance and uptime. Its integration with other Microsoft tools ensures that data is consistently available and secure. Meta Workplace also provides strong performance, particularly in its video conferencing capabilities, but its reliance on a social media-like framework can sometimes detract from its reliability as a core communication tool.
What people are saying about Viva Engage
Viva Engage is praised for its seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, which enhances productivity and communication. Users appreciate its ability to foster community and engagement across large organisations. However, some users have noted that the platform can be overwhelming for those not already familiar with Microsoft's suite of tools. Nonetheless, its comprehensive feature set and focus on employee experience make it a strong contender in the internal communications space.
Explore more user feedback and insights on platform selection here.
Value for Money
Viva Engage is often included as part of Microsoft's broader licensing packages, making it a cost-effective option for organisations already using Microsoft products. This bundled approach can provide significant value, offering a comprehensive suite of tools at a competitive price. Meta Workplace, while offering a different feature set, may come at a higher cost, especially for organisations not using other Meta products.
For a detailed comparison of costs and benefits of internal communication tools, visit our pricing guide.
Customer Support and Service
Microsoft provides extensive customer support for Viva Engage, including detailed documentation, a dedicated help centre, and various support channels like chat and phone support. The platform benefits from Microsoft's established customer service infrastructure, ensuring quick and effective assistance. Meta Workplace also offers a range of support options, but the level of support can vary depending on the subscription tier.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Viva Engage has received positive feedback for its integration capabilities and comprehensive feature set. Users highlight its ability to unify various communication tools under one platform, making it easier to manage and access information. Some testimonials also note the platform's impact on fostering a more inclusive and connected workplace culture. Meta Workplace, while praised for its user-friendly interface and social media-like features, sometimes faces criticism for its potential to distract from work-related communications.
Target Audience and Use Cases
Viva Engage is ideal for organisations deeply integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem, such as those using Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook. Its comprehensive features make it suitable for large enterprises and organisations seeking a unified platform for communication and collaboration. Meta Workplace, with its social media-style interface, may appeal more to tech-savvy organisations or those looking to replicate a social media environment within their corporate communications.
For more on choosing the right tool for your industry, explore our industry insights.
Pros and Cons
Viva Engage Pros and Cons
Pros:
Seamless integration with Microsoft tools
Comprehensive communication and collaboration features
Strong security and compliance standards
Cost-effective as part of Microsoft licensing packages
Cons:
Can be complex for users unfamiliar with Microsoft tools
Requires investment in Microsoft ecosystem
Meta Workplace Pros and Cons
Pros:
Familiar social media-style interface
Robust video and chat features
Integration with other Meta services
Cons:
Potential for content to be overshadowed by non-work-related posts
Higher cost for comprehensive features
Consider Ocasta Engage
While exploring alternatives like Viva Engage, it's also worth considering Ocasta Engage.
Ocasta Engage presents a unique approach focused on frontline knowledge and engagement. Ocasta Engage prioritises clarity and the effective delivery of critical updates and training, ensuring that essential information reaches employees without the distractions of a social media-style platform.
Ocasta Engage's standout features include:
Communicate Change: Ensures that important updates are delivered directly to the right employees.
There When Needed: A knowledge hub that offers on-demand access to essential resources.
Embed Understanding: Utilises microlearning to ensure employees thoroughly understand and retain important information.
It is used by large companies such as Virgin Media O2, Next, and Tesco Mobile, which achieve a 94% engagement rate and 98% of all comms being read consistently.
“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.
Discover more about Ocasta Engage's unique features on our internal communications page.
Final Verdict
Viva Engage and Meta Workplace both offer robust platforms for internal communication, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. Viva Engage's integration with Microsoft's suite makes it an excellent choice for organisations already invested in this ecosystem, offering a unified and secure communication platform. Meta Workplace, with its familiar and user-friendly social media-style interface, may appeal to organisations looking for a more informal communication tool. However, for those prioritising targeted and trusted communications, Ocasta Engage provides a distinctive alternative, emphasising clarity and reliability.
What to do next?
Choosing the right platform for your organisation depends on your specific needs and communication goals. Explore the features of Viva Engage and Meta Workplace, and consider whether Ocasta Engage's focused approach aligns with your team's requirements. Each platform offers unique benefits, and your choice should reflect the priorities and culture of your organisation. Make an informed decision to ensure that your internal communications are effective, engaging, and supportive of your business objectives.
