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Microsoft Viva

Microsoft Viva alternative: Speakap vs. Microsoft Viva

Whether you're exploring options for enhancing communication and engagement within your organization, or seeking a platform tailored to the needs of frontline workers, this comparison will help you make an informed decision.

Speakap: #1 alternative to Microsoft Viva

Speakap is the award-winning employee experience platform intentionally built to improve internal communications and engagement with your frontline workforce. Whether your goals are seamless employee communication or improving employee satisfaction and productivity, Speakap ensures that your corporate news travels from headquarters to the production floor easily and efficiently via one social intranet.

Pros:

  • Easy integration with HR systems: With Speakap, there are two ways to create your own employee hub: with built-in features like Task Management, and API marketplace to integrate all your employee tools.
  • Simple setup and adoption: No complex IT involvement or desktop dependence.
  • Intuitive interface: Designed for mobile-first users, Speakap is simple and easy to use, even for those with limited tech experience.
  • Multiple communication channels: Cater to diverse communication preferences.
  • Organized information flow: Hierarchy ensures clarity and simplifies navigation.
  • Engaging features: Polls, quizzes, and recognition boost morale and participation.
  • Actionable insights: Track sentiment, engagement, and key performance indicators.
  • Seamless onboarding: No need for complex Azure setup, Speakap is quick and easy to deploy for non-desk workers.
  • Employee Journeys: Create and  implement easy-to-follow workflows for onboarding, training, and informing employees on latest safety and compliance updates. With the AI integration, effortlessly generate engaging, step-by-step employee journeys.
  • Efficient Task Management. From the small stuff to the big picture, an employee task management system helps you organize work so teams know what to do, why it matters, and how to get it done.
  • Easy-to-use Knowledge Base. Equip your employees with essential content personalized to their roles and deliver precise updates on their personal timelines, categorized by team, department, or location.
  • Intuitive interface: Designed for mobile-first users, Speakap is simple and easy to use, even for those with limited tech experience.
  • Improved communication: Bridge the communication gap between frontline and desk workers with real-time updates, polls, and surveys.
  • Enhanced engagement: Boost employee morale and recognition with gamification, rewards, and personalized content.
  • Cost-effective: Speakap offers transparent pricing and affordable plans to fit your budget.

Cons:

  • Size considerations: For smaller organizations with fewer than 100 employees, cost considerations and resource availability may impact the suitability of Speakap.

Microsoft Viva

Microsoft Viva is an employee experience platform designed to boost connection, well-being, knowledge, and growth within an organization. It integrates with Microsoft Teams and leverages artificial intelligence to offer features like personalized learning recommendations and insights into employee well-being. By bringing communication, knowledge, and learning tools together, Viva aims to empower employees and improve overall business performance.

Pros:

  • Features like personalized learning paths and well-being insights can empower employees and potentially increase satisfaction.
  • Integration with existing Microsoft tools might improve collaboration and access to information.

Cons:

  • Viva primarily caters to desk workers, potentially neglecting the needs of non-desk workers who are crucial to many businesses. 
  • Viva's integration with Microsoft Teams prioritizes desktop accessibility, potentially hindering mobile-first communication for teams who rely on their smartphones. 
  • Setting up and managing Viva might require complex configurations and IT expertise, creating a barrier for smaller businesses or those lacking dedicated IT resources. 
  • Viva primarily focuses on very basic communication and information sharing. 
  • Depending on your specific needs, Microsoft Viva's pricing structure might not be the most affordable option.

Let's compare Speakap with  

Microsoft Viva

to see which platform might be a better fit for your organization

Feature
Speakap
Microsoft Viva
Comparison Summary
Designed for Deskless Employees
✅ Purpose-built for frontline and non-desk teams
⚠️ Not designed specifically for frontline; built for hybrid/knowledge workers
Speakap is optimized for non-desk UX and simplicity, Viva better for Microsoft ecosystem users
All-in-One Employee Experience Platform
✅ Comms, engagement, onboarding, microlearning, analytics
⚠️ Modular platform with different EX pillars (Viva Connections, Learning, Topics, Engage)
Speakap is integrated by design, Viva requires complex setup via separate apps
HQ-to-Frontline Communication
✅ Structured top-down, bottom-up, peer-to-peer
⚠️ Possible via Viva Engage & Yammer integration, not core focus
Speakap better suited for dynamic frontline comms and local-global content flows
Content-Rich Messaging & Posts
✅ Posts with tagging, media, polls, reactions, attachments
✅ Content via Viva Engage and SharePoint integration
Viva better for editorial content, Speakap stronger for engagement-centric content and direct delivery
Private & Group Messaging
✅ Built-in secure 1:1 and group messaging
⚠️ Messaging handled via Microsoft Teams (external integration)
Speakap has native messaging, Viva relies on Teams and IT stack configuration
News & Announcements
✅ Targeted posts, scheduling, read tracking
✅ SharePoint News, Viva Connections feeds
Viva is strong for structured intranet delivery, Speakap better for agile communication delivery across org layers
Employee Engagement Tools
✅ Recognition, pulse surveys, engagement dashboards
✅ Viva Engage social features + Viva Insights for wellbeing
Viva offers engagement + wellbeing, Speakap integrates feedback and recognition directly into comms flows
Personalized Employee Experience
✅ Role/location-based delivery, white-label UX
✅ Personalization via Microsoft Graph and adaptive cards
Both personalized; Speakap is easier to configure and deploy for EX teams
Workforce Insights & Analytics
✅ Dashboards for comms, engagement, onboarding
✅ Viva Insights: behavioral analytics, productivity trends
Viva strong on behavioral analytics, Speakap more actionable for comms/EX teams
Onboarding & Training
✅ Structured onboarding journeys, microlearning, tracking
✅ Viva Learning integrates LinkedIn Learning, LMS
Viva relies on third-party content, Speakap supports native learning and training workflows

Admin & Operational Tools Comparison

Feature
Speakap
Microsoft Viva
Comparison Summary
Compliance & Microlearning
✅ Built-in learning & compliance tracking
⚠️ Compliance content via Viva Learning + LMS integration
Speakap more intuitive and direct for HR/admins
Task Management
✅ Lightweight task tracking per role/team
⚠️ Task handling via Microsoft Planner or Teams Tasks
Speakap includes tasks in native UX, Viva spreads functionality across apps
Knowledge Base & Searchability
✅ Foldered KB, multilingual search
✅ Viva Topics + SharePoint for knowledge discovery
Viva better for structured digital knowledge, Speakap better for everyday usability for deskless users
Advanced Search & Categorization
✅ Smart filters, tags, cross-module search
✅ Graph search, AI tagging, cross-app discovery
Viva wins on enterprise AI-driven search, Speakap simpler and practical for HR use
Mobile & Desktop Support
✅ Mobile-first platform + desktop access
✅ Mobile-ready via Viva Connections/Teams apps
Both offer cross-platform access; Speakap simpler for mobile-first rollout
Integration Capabilities
✅ HRIS, LMS, workforce platforms, open APIs
✅ Deep integration within Microsoft 365 ecosystem
Viva excels for M365 customers, Speakap more flexible across HR/EX stacks
Custom Branding & White-Labeling
✅ Fully white-labeled UX and internal brand experience
⚠️ Limited branding within M365 constraints
Speakap enables deeper internal branding and UI customization
Customer Support & Success
✅ Dedicated customer success team, onboarding playbooks
⚠️ IT-led onboarding via Microsoft partner network
Speakap offers more direct customer enablement for HR/Comms/Admin teams

Pricing comparison:

Microsoft Viva pricing comprises various modules with individual fees, potentially leading to higher overall costs and complex license management, especially for budget-conscious organizations. 

Speakap pricing & packages are subscription-based pricing models billed per user, per month (annually). Contact the Speakap team today to request a personalized quote tailored to your organization’s specific needs.

Speakap vs Microsoft Viva: Final Thoughts

Choosing the right platform for enhancing communication in the workplace and improving employee engagement depends on your specific organizational needs.

With its user-friendly interface, mobile-first approach, and engaging features, Speakap empowers your frontline workers to stay connected, feel valued, and contribute to the organization's success. Remember, a highly engaged workforce is a happier and more productive workforce, and Speakap is here to help.

What customers say about using Speakap

We've helped businesses just like yours make the shift to employee experience.
And we’ve got the 5-star reviews and detailed success stories to prove it.

We hadden nood aan een oplossing die betrouwbaar, overzichtelijk én meertalig was — en die werkte op de bouwplaatsen, niet enkel op kantoor.

Britt Goossens
Planning & HR Support bij Tifre

Van een mondelinge communicatiecascade en affiches in de werfketen gingen we naar Speakap voor alle updates, nieuws, events en nuttige rubrieken om iedereen app-to-date te houden. Al 52.000 sessies en 5.700 contactmomenten in de eerste 9 maanden!

Astrid Van Steenkiste
Communicatieverantwoordelijke bij Square Group

We wilden echt één digitale oplossing die ons hele personeelsbestand informeert, verbindt en betrekt, en zo een sterke cultuur creëert. En daarom hebben we voor Speakap gekozen.

Simone van de Kar
nternal Communication & Event Specialist bij Center Parcs

Collega’s in het magazijn waren moeilijk bereikbaar — vooral voor boodschappen vanuit het management. En hun mening verzamelen was al helemaal een uitdaging. Met Speakap hebben we de geschikte oplossing.

Soetkin Bockstal
Communicatiemanager bij Scania Parts Logistics

We merkten dat we onze chauffeurs niet altijd konden bereiken. De meesten zijn onderweg, dus een poster in de kantine werkt niet. Ook voor HR en communicatie was het een hele klus: telkens dezelfde boodschap in drie talen en via verschillende kanalen. Dat kostte echt veel tijd. We besparen nu makkelijk drie kwartier per post. En als je dat drie keer per week doet, dan tikt dat echt aan.

Ruben Beckers
ICT-manager bij Group-GTS

Voor mij blinkt Speakap uit in hoe toegankelijk het is. Als je weet hoe je Facebook moet gebruiken, wat bijna iedereen kan, kun je Speakap gebruiken. Omdat het zo makkelijk is vinden mijn team en ik het leuk om er actief op te zijn en spreken we onze collega's in andere locaties veel vaker.

Hans van der Ploeg
Team Leader Sales Support bij Van Geloven (Mora & meer)

De app is het digitale hart van de organisatie - een essentieel platform dat samenwerking, verbondenheid en werkgeluk versterkt — vandaag én in de toekomst.

Griet Destadstbader
Algemeen directrice bij wzc Aalmoezenier Cuypers

Speakap heeft ons geholpen om een cultuur van transparantie en samenwerking te creëren. Medewerkers voelen zich meer verbonden en krijgen nu alle nodige informatie op een toegankelijke en efficiënte manier.

Geert Polfliet
Voormalig directeur bij Conecto (nu Avida)

We wilden iets dat natuurlijk aanvoelde voor onze frontline teams. Makkelijk, mobiel, en écht nuttig. Geen extra top-down kanaal. Daarom kozen we voor Speakap.

Kathy van der Wijden
Communications Coordinator bij Shell

Speakap helpt ons om verbonden te blijven met onze medewerkers. Zij zijn degenen die in direct contact staan met de klanten en zij helpen ons te reageren op kansen die zich voordoen. Dit houdt ons wendbaar, wat natuurlijk essentieel is in Retail.

Sanne Oosterhoff
Group Operations Director bij Hans Anders (part of Nexeye)

We hebben meerdere platformen vergeleken in een pitchtraject. Ik kende Speakap al van eerdere werkgevers. Uiteindelijk kozen we opnieuw voor Speakap vanwege de functionaliteiten én de expertise van het team.

Davy Vandenreyt
Marketing Projectmanager bij A&M Groep

Speakap gaf ons niet alleen een communicatiemiddel, het bracht structuur. Ineens konden we elke winkel, elk team direct bereiken — zonder omwegen. Hier begint onze werkdag, hier landen de updates, hier vindt echte betrokkenheid plaats.

Monique Muller
Hoofd Interne Communicatie bij SPAR

We gebruiken de app voor alles: cijfers, productwijzigingen, personeelsinfo, en ook om successen te vieren. De app is niet alleen informatief, maar ook verbindend. We hebben écht meer contact tussen de vestigingen.

Patricia Vermeersch
HR Manager bij X³O Badkamers

Speakap has proven to be crucial for our business, to keep everyone informed and engaged, especially the construction workers.

Tara McKinney
Human Resources Director - Clarkson Construction

GEODIS Connect allows us to instantly inform our non-connected workers across the US.

Ashley Youngsma
Strategic Corporate Communications & Marketing Leader

We've seen outstanding engagement, with 90% of users active daily and 40% active monthly, far exceeding our expectations!

Simone Meesters
Communications Officer at Viggo

Investing in a communication platform like Speakap is absolutely worth it. It simplifies operations, connects your team, and creates a collaborative culture.

Breann Hall
Director, Retirement & Community Care at Fairview Parkwood Communities

Since the app AGM Connect was implemented, our internal communication has transformed. We have transitioned from traditional bulletin boards to a digital platform.

Cynthia Drumond
Senior Graphic Designer & Marketing Communications at AGM Container Controls

One of the biggest improvements we’ve seen is the speed at which we can relay important updates to our entire team. For instance, when we receive last-minute changes to event schedules or special guest requests, we can quickly notify the relevant teams through Speakap.

Janneke Veldhoen
Human Resource Manager at Hotel Okura Amsterdam

It used to take us a week to gather information from service stations, format it into newsletters, and distribute it. You can imagine how challenging it was to keep these newsletters up to date. Speakap has turned this around!

Fleur Donker
Project Manager at Shell

Since using Speakap, we have seen a 93% activation rate and a 53% boost in engagement. Speakap has transformed our internal communication for the better.

Delal Salah
Internal Communications Manager at Martha's Table

We absolutely love the product - it's so easy to use and has been a fantastic shift away from traditional communication channels.

Serina Donkin
Head of Communications and Engagement at Rank Group

The charm of what we created via Speakap lies in its ability to unite people throughout South Florida. Each team member can witness the celebrations, appreciations, and creations unique to every location.

Joelle Elias
Executive Director of Operations at Pura Vida Miami

The implementation of Speakap enables us to easily interact with our employees on a daily basis, and helps RCE being one strong employer brand for all of our concepts and locations.

Mariska Ramp
Marketing & Communication Coordinator at Restaurant Company Europe

Our goal was simple: connect with and recognize every worker, everywhere. Thanks to Speakap and Awardco, we’ve not only reached this goal but have also enhanced our app adoption.

Lance Semenko
CEO at Q&D Construction

We chose Speakap because it brings structure to how we want to communicate with each other and it bridges the communication gap between office, project and service staff.

Huib van Kuilenburg
BAM Bouw en Techniek

Speakap has changed the way we communicate for the better. It’s made everything so much clearer and brought everyone together in one place. Now, our team is more engaged, and everyone feels part of the bigger group.

Erik Groen
Process & Project Manager at Royal Den Hartogh Logistics

If you know how to use Facebook, which almost everyone does, you can use Speakap. It's this accessibility which makes it fun for me and my team to actively use and engage with the platform and with colleagues throughout our locations.

Hans van der Ploeg
Team Leader Sales Support at Van Geloven

The best alternative for complex and expensive communication platforms

From Captera

Invaluable team communication resource for anything imaginable!

Grom G-crowd

Super happy with the service and tools of Speakap! Amazing platform :)

From Google

We needed a platform that was easy to use, that could be tailored to our brand and matched our purpose. That's why we chose Speakap.

Jade Casey
Puttshack UK
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