Facebook launches chat app designed to make you do more work

Workplace, which is similar to Slack, first came out a year ago

Facebook has launched a work-focused chat app that’s designed to help people be more productive.

The social network has just introduced desktop versions of Workplace Chat, which is available to Windows and MacOS users.

Previously, users could only access it on desktop via a browser, or on a mobile phone through the Android and iOS apps.

Facebook Workplace, which launched a year ago, is similar to Slack, in that it’s designed to help colleagues communicate and collaborate with a range of real-time messaging features.

“We envision Workplace as an employee's command center for everything that’s happening with their team, their company, and their industry,” said Julien Codorniou, the vice president of Workplace.

“With the desktop app, people can access the same great features of the mobile app directly from their desktop. Workplace Chat includes video chat with a coworker or group, screen sharing, and file sharing.

“It also includes features like message reactions, @mentions, and gifs that keep the conversation fun but focused.”

Facebook, which says that 30,000 organisations are now using Workplace, has also updated the program’s user interface, to “make it easier to connect and navigate”.

The company has also promised to introduce support for group video chat on desktop and on mobile in the coming weeks.