LinkedIn: Social Media Excitement from the Softies
March 10, 2021
Microsoft is reportedly embracing the gig work mentality via LinkedIn, which it purchased in 2016. What could go wrong? Social Barrel tells us, “LinkedIn to Rival Fiverr and Upwork with Marketplaces.” The pandemic has greatly increased demand for independent workers, and it sounds like Microsoft refuses to cede the increased freelance-connection business to Upwork and Fiverr. Writer Ola Ric reveals:
“If true, the Microsoft-owned professional network service is all set to rival Fiverr and Upwork. Without a doubt, LinkedIn stands a big chance of rivaling Fiverr and Upwork considering its massive user base said to be around 740 million. The service is called Marketplaces according to The Information, and is already being developed. Apparently LinkedIn wants to explore a market, though small, but with potential for growth.”
Of course, many besides the self-employed are working remotely now, and many predict the trend will continue after the pandemic is in our rear view. This new reality means many new challenges for HR, and several employee management applications are being used to cope. Microsoft is also moving into this territory with its Viva platform, we learn from “The Arrival of ‘Enterprise Social’” at India’s BusinessWorld. Reporter Pradeep Kar elaborates:
“The opportunity is so big that Microsoft’s Chief Executive Satya Nadella went public, saying that the COVID-19 crisis would result in employee management applications that would outlast the pandemic. His company has quickly unveiled a new category of technology solutions called employee experience platforms (EXP) with Viva that ‘provides a single-entry point for employee engagement and internal communications.’ Microsoft calls Viva a gateway to the digital workplace. It includes human resource functions like payroll, tools to track employee performance, career development initiatives, etc. We know these employee engagement applications are not just good-to-have. They are critical. They allow organizations to keep employees connected, binding them to company goals and culture, improving productivity and loyalty.”
Microsoft’s Viva is not the only option, Par informs us. He lists Darwinbox, ADP Workforce Now, ZohoPeople, and PeopleStrong as just a few of the many alternatives.
We note Microsoft continues to explore its options as new things come along, a practice that has kept it in business since 1975. We wonder, though: Could this timing be a way to distract from the company’s part in the SolarWinds fiasco?
Cynthia Murrell, March 10, 2021
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