Meta has officially announced that Workplace is being retired. From September 2025, it will move to read-only. By 1st June 2026, it’s gone for good along with all your data.
For organizations that have used it to share updates, build community and bring people together, this is more than a technical change, it’s a communication gap in the making.
But it’s also an opportunity.
What Workplace got right (and why it’s being retired)
Workplace found its niche by bringing familiar social tools – posts, groups, comments – into the professional sphere. It made announcements feel more human. It gave people a voice. It let everyone from head office to frontline staff connect in real time.
So, why the shutdown?
Meta’s official line is that it’s refocusing on AI and the metaverse. Internal tools like Workplace no longer fit the plan. But the truth is, digital workplaces have moved on. Businesses want more than chat and noise. They need clarity, personalization and more importantly, measurable results.
What to look for in a Workplace alternative
If you’re losing Workplace, you’re not just looking for another feed. You’re looking for a place where:
- Essential updates are seen – and acknowledged
- Every employee gets a tailored view of what matters to them
- Apps, tools and comms come together in one easy experience
- You’re not starting from scratch every time the tech giants pivot
It’s not about copying what Workplace did. It’s about building something better: a place where comms, tools and updates live side-by-side. A place that can flex to fit different roles, departments and languages. A place people choose to visit.
That’s where Ichicraft Boards comes in.
Why Ichicraft Boards is a smart Meta Workplace alternative
Ichicraft Boards turns your existing Microsoft 365 and SharePoint environment into a personalized digital workplace. No extra platforms. No messy integrations. Just the right information, in the right place, at the right time.
It works with the tech you’re probably already using, so there’s no need to rip and replace. You can enhance your internal communications, without rebuilding your digital workplace from scratch.
Here’s how it helps you move beyond Workplace:
Targeted communication – Send must-read updates that employees can’t miss or ignore
Widgets that work – Combine news, documents, countdowns, calendars, tasks and more
Employee ownership – Let people personalize their own board, without losing control of key messages
Multilingual & accessible – Reach your whole workforce, wherever they are
Secure & future-proof – Built to work within Microsoft 365, so you’re not reliant on a single provider’s roadmap
How to plan your Workplace exit (without the panic)
The move away from Workplace doesn’t have to feel like a scramble. With the right steps in place, you can turn this transition into a chance to upgrade your internal communications for good.
Here’s how to get started:
- Audit your current setup: Look at how you’ve been using Workplace. What worked well? What fell flat? Understanding what your people value most will help you shape your next solution.
- Map your must-haves: List the features you can’t live without, whether that’s announcement tracking, social-style commenting or mobile access. Then consider what else you’d like to improve: personalization, integration, accessibility?
- Choose a platform that grows with you: The best solutions don’t just tick today’s boxes. They adapt as your teams, tech stack, and strategy evolve. Look for tools that offer flexibility – not just familiarity.
- Communicate early and often: Change management is half the job. Start letting your teams know what’s coming, why it’s changing, as well as how the new setup will make their work easier.
FAQs
When is Meta Workplace shutting down?
Meta Workplace will switch to read-only in September 2025 and be fully retired by June 2026. Organizations relying on it should begin planning alternatives now to avoid communication gaps and employee disruption.
Why is Meta retiring Workplace?
Meta is retiring Workplace to focus on AI and the metaverse. Businesses also now expect more than chat feeds—they want personalized, measurable digital workspaces that integrate tools, deliver clarity, and scale with their needs.
What should I look for in a Meta Workplace alternative?
The best alternatives offer must-read announcements, personalized dashboards, multilingual support, app integrations, and scalability. A future-proof solution ensures your internal communications and digital workplace evolve without being tied to a single provider’s roadmap.
Is Ichicraft Boards a good alternative to Meta Workplace?
Yes. Ichicraft Boards transforms Microsoft 365 and SharePoint into a personalized digital workspace. It delivers targeted updates, widgets for news, tasks, and documents, plus multilingual support—without requiring new platforms or complex integrations.
How do I prepare my organization to move away from Workplace?
Audit your current setup, define must-have features, and select a flexible replacement platform. Communicate changes early so employees understand the benefits and stay supported throughout the transition. This avoids panic and ensures a smooth shift.
What makes Ichicraft Boards future-proof?
Ichicraft Boards is built within Microsoft 365, so it grows with your business instead of being tied to a single vendor. It ensures flexibility, long-term resilience, and a connected, personalized digital workplace for every employee.
Get ready before read-only
September 2025 might seem a while off, but the best digital workplaces don’t appear overnight.
We’ll help you build a workspace that fits your people, your culture, and your comms goals, all without the noise.
With Ichicraft Boards, you’re not just replacing Workplace. You’re creating a space that’s tailored, calm and genuinely useful – your digital happy place.
And yes, it’s a dashboard so good, you might actually use it.
Want to see what a Meta Workplace alternative can really look like?
