Microsoft’s recent announcement about the Viva Goals retirement by December 2025 has left many organizations evaluating alternatives. According to Gartner, 72% of companies are actively looking for a new way to manage goals and alignment.
Whether you’re in operations or strategy, this change affects how you plan, track, and measure impact. The silver lining? 89% of early movers avoid productivity dips by switching to the right tools in time.
Why Is Microsoft Viva Goals Discontinued ?
Microsoft’s 2023 decision to retire Viva Goals stems from its strategy to prioritize core products like Teams and Azure.
The Microsoft Viva Goals discontinued move mirrors a wider industry shift: McKinsey predicts 68% of niche SaaS tools will consolidate by 2026 as companies favor integrated platforms over standalone apps.
Microsoft is also doubling down on AI-driven workplace analytics, sidelining specialized tools like Viva Goals.
A Deloitte study underscores this trend, noting that businesses using fragmented tools face “integration fatigue,” with 73% of teams struggling to align OKRs across apps.
Viva Goals’ retirement reflects Microsoft’s pivot toward unified solutions that blend productivity, analytics, and AI—leaving room for agile alternatives to fill the OKR gap.
Viva Goals End of Life: Key Dates and Migration Tips
The Viva Goals end of life phase is structured to ensure a smooth transition. Below is an example timeline outlining key phases:
- Q2 2025: Announcement and initiation of support reduction
- Q3 2025: Final phase for OKR data migration and training on new platforms
- December 2025: Official retirement date; end of technical support and updates
Migration Tips:
- Audit Your Data: Begin by documenting all active OKRs and associated performance metrics.
- Develop a Transition Plan: Outline migration steps and involve key stakeholders early.
- Test New Platforms: Pilot the new OKR system with a small team to work out any integration issues.
- Schedule Training Sessions: Ensure all users are familiar with the new tool well before the final switch.
Exploring Alternatives to Viva Goals
With Viva Goals winding down, it’s essential to evaluate Best OKR software that not only replace it—but also enhance alignment and execution.
Look for tools that:
- Offer integrations with tools like Teams, Slack, or Jira
- Combine goal-setting with performance tracking or feedback loops
- Use AI or analytics to make goal planning more efficient
Worxmate, among other options, is one such platform tailored for organizations making this shift. It supports AI-driven OKR suggestions, built-in performance insights, and smooth integration with collaboration tools.
How Worxmate Solves Post-Viva Goals Challenges
Worxmate isn’t just another OKR tool—it’s a Viva Goals replacement built for the future:
- AI-Powered OKRs: Auto-generates KPIs from historical data.
- Seamless Integration: Syncs with Teams, Slack, and Jira.
- PMS Features: Combines OKRs with 360° feedback and skill gap analysis.
How to Transition from Viva Goals to a New OKR Platform
With Microsoft retiring Viva Goals, many teams are now looking for a smooth way to shift their OKR systems without disrupting ongoing work. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you through the migration process:
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Preparation
- Take Stock of Existing OKRs: Start by exporting and backing up all your current OKR data from Viva Goals.
- Get Everyone on the Same Page: Meet with department heads to align on timelines, priorities, and what success looks like after the move.
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Set Up for Migration
- Explore New Tools: Shortlist a few OKR platforms and book OKR demos to see which one fits your workflow best. If you’re considering Worxmate, their team can walk you through the features and integrations.
- Map Your Data: Work with your chosen platform’s support team to map your existing OKRs, custom fields, and processes to the new system.
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Start Implementing
- Begin with a Pilot: Start small. Roll out the new platform to a limited team, gather feedback, and tweak the setup if needed.
- Gradual Rollout: Once everything looks good, expand to the rest of the teams. Be sure to phase out Viva Goals accounts step-by-step to avoid confusion.
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Enable Your Team
- Training Sessions: Schedule walkthroughs, webinars, or quick how-to videos so everyone feels confident using the new tool.
- Track Progress: Use built-in dashboards (like those offered in tools such as Worxmate) to monitor how adoption is going and identify any hiccups early.
Conclusion
The Viva Goals retirement marks a pivotal moment for organizations that rely on OKR management. With Microsoft Viva Goals reaching its end of life and being discontinued, it’s critical to adopt a robust alternative to maintain strategic alignment and performance.
Worxmate stands out as the #1 alternative—offering comprehensive OKR tracking, seamless integrations, and a user-friendly platform designed for success in 2025 and beyond.
Migrate before December 2025 and get 20% off ! Try Worxmate today and transform your strategic planning for sustained growth.
