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Report: 'Facebook for Work' to Challenge LinkedIn, Yammer

 & Stephanie Mlot Contributor

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Facebook is reportedly trading the hoodie and flip-flops for a suit and tie with "Facebook for Work."

According to the Financial Times, the social network is secretly developing a new site aimed at office workers.

Set to compete with the likes of LinkedIn and Microsoft's Yammer, Facebook for Work would allow users to chat with colleagues, connect with professional contacts, and collaborate over documents, the FT's unnamed sources said.

With a familiar News Feed-based look, the new site would operate similarly to the popular social network, but with the express purpose of keeping personal and work lives separate.

According to the FT, Facebook employees often use the site in their daily routine, and the company previously discussed rolling it out to others. That process is reportedly now being tested ahead of an impending launch.

Facebook did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment.

It remains unclear, though, whether folks will ditch already-established services like LinkedIn, Google Drive, or Microsoft's Outlook or Yammer in favor of the ubiquitous Facebook.

Aside from contending with some companies' Facebook bans, the new site will have to clear another major hurdle: Can Facebook for Work ensure secure communication and confidential transactions?

The company last week launched a new "Privacy Basics" section, where users can find answers to the most commonly asked questions about how to control personal information on the network.

But Facebook will have to gain the trust of major organizations that require protected content.

Plenty of corporations already turn to Facebook for promotional purposes. But in January, Facebook will limit Page posts, making more room in your News Feed for updates from friends and family.

About Our Expert

Stephanie Mlot

Stephanie Mlot

Contributor

My Experience

  • B.A. in Journalism & Public Relations with minor in Communications Media from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
  • Reporter at The Frederick News-Post (2008-2012)
  • Reporter for PCMag and Geek.com (RIP) (2012-present)

My Areas of Expertise

  • Science & Space
  • Video Streaming Services
  • Social Media
  • Cars & Auto
  • Education

The Tech I Use

  • iPhone 12 Pro
  • MacBook Air (hooked up to a 23-inch Dell monitor)
  • Google Chrome
  • Google Drive
  • Soundcore Life P3 earbuds
  • Various Amazon Echo devices

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