11 Best Employee Engagement Software Tools 2025 (Updated)

Why are so many employees disengaged at work?

It’s not just about pay. It’s not about office perks. And let’s be honest—a pizza party won’t fix burnout, low morale, or quiet quitting.

I spoke with nine HR managers, and they all shared the same struggle: traditional engagement tactics aren’t working anymore. Employees don’t just want rewards; they want to feel valued, heard, and connected to meaningful work. When they don’t, productivity drops, turnover rises, and businesses suffer.

That’s why more companies are turning to employee engagement software—tools designed to improve communication, recognize achievements, and create a workplace where employees actually want to stay and grow.

After testing multiple platforms and gathering expert insights, I’ve put together a list of the top employee engagement tools—personally recommended by HR managers—that can help you build a stronger, more motivated team. We will talk about the best tools, their key features, and how to pick the right tool for you.

But before we get started, here’s a sneak peek into top employee engagement software:

What Is Employee Engagement Software? Definition and Benefits

Employee engagement software is a tool designed to keep your team motivated, connected, and productive. It helps businesses go beyond basic HR functions by improving workplace culture, boosting morale, and fostering seamless communication.

But why does it matter? Because engaged employees work harder, stay longer, and contribute more to a company’s success.

Here are some key benefits of using employee engagement software:

• Boosts Productivity – When employees feel valued, they’re more motivated to perform at their best.
• Reduces Turnover – Engaged employees are less likely to leave, saving your company time and hiring costs.
• Enhances Communication – These tools make it easier for teams to share feedback, collaborate, and stay connected.
• Encourages Recognition – Employees thrive when their hard work is acknowledged, leading to a more positive work environment.
• Improves Employee Well-Being – A happy workplace means less burnout, better job satisfaction, and higher engagement levels.

Simply put—employee engagement software helps you build a stronger, happier workforce. And when your employees win, your business wins, too.

Top Employee Engagement Software

From what I’ve learned, leveraging the right tools can make all the difference in keeping employees engaged and motivated.

Below are some of the best tools that can help achieve this.

1. PeopleGoal

Best for Boosting Employee Performance & Improving Engagement

I’ve been using PeopleGoal for a while now, and I keep recommending it to colleagues because it has completely transformed how I manage performance reviews and employee engagement. The level of customization it offers is unlike anything I’ve seen in other employee engagement platforms.

I started with the free trial, testing out goal-tracking and feedback workflows, and it didn’t take long to realize how powerful this tool is. As my team grew, I upgraded to the paid plan, and it’s proving to be one of the best investments I’ve made. Now, I can easily streamline performance reviews, set clear goals, and track progress—all in one place.

PeopleGoal integrates seamlessly with Slack and Microsoft Teams, making feedback and performance tracking a natural part of daily work. While the customization options can feel overwhelming at first, once I got the hang of it, I saw how much control it’s giving me over employee engagement.

What You’ll Like:

• Fully customizable workflows for performance reviews, feedback, and goal-setting
• 360-degree feedback ensuring well-rounded evaluations
• Supports OKRs and SMART goals for better alignment and tracking
• Seamless integrations with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and other collaboration tools
• Automated reports makes performance trend tracking effortless
• Real-time goal tracking and automated feedback loops
• App engine allowing customization or use of pre-built templates

What You Might Not Like:

• No on-premise or offline version available
• No dark mode option

Pricing:

Free 7-day trial available. Paid plans start at $4 per user per month.

2. Achievers

Best for Unbiased Employee Recognition

I first came across Achievers when I was looking for a better way to make employee recognition more meaningful. A friend swore by it, saying it helped their company build a culture where appreciation happens naturally, not just during scheduled reviews. After giving it a try, I saw firsthand how its AI-driven, real-time recognition makes it easy to celebrate achievements instantly.

At first, I used it primarily for peer-to-peer recognition, but soon, my team started leveraging its points-based rewards system and engagement analytics. The seamless integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams meant recognition became a natural part of daily conversations rather than an afterthought. The insights it provides have also been helpful in measuring how recognition impacts engagement and retention.

While Achievers is a great tool for unbiased recognition, it does have a few drawbacks. The customization options for recognition workflows are somewhat limited, and some reward catalog options may not be available in all regions, which can be a challenge for global teams.

What You’ll Like:

• AI-powered recognition that ensures fairness and reduces bias
• Points-based rewards system with customizable redemption options
• Seamless integrations with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and HR tools

What You Might Not Like:

• Limited customization for recognition workflows
• Some reward catalog options aren’t available in all regions

Pricing:

Custom pricing.

3. Bonusly

Best for Peer-to-Peer Recognition

A friend of mine started using Bonusly when their company wanted a more engaging way to encourage peer-to-peer recognition. They found that traditional recognition programs often felt top-down and impersonal, but Bonusly changed that by allowing employees to appreciate each other in a fun and interactive way. The points-based system made recognition more tangible, as employees could redeem their rewards for gift cards, experiences, or even charity donations.

One thing that really stood out to them was how automated the process is. Bonusly’s system encourages frequent recognition by setting up recurring allowances so employees don’t forget to acknowledge great work. It also integrates with workplace tools, making it easy to send and receive recognition in real-time. The reporting features helped their leadership team measure engagement and identify top contributors across departments.

That said, Bonusly does have a few downsides. While it’s great for frequent, informal recognition, it’s not as robust for structured performance management or in-depth feedback. Also, depending on company size, some teams may find the cost a bit high compared to alternatives.

What You’ll Like:

• Engaging peer-to-peer recognition with a points-based reward system
• Seamless integration with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and HR tools
• Analytics to track engagement and recognition trends

What You Might Not Like:

• Not designed for structured performance management or formal feedback
• Pricing may be high for larger teams

Pricing:

Plans start at $2 per user per month, billed annually

4. Workday

Best for Unified Finance Solutions

I gave Workday a try when I needed a unified solution for both HR and finance, and it quickly became clear why so many enterprises rely on it. Instead of juggling multiple platforms, Workday allowed me to manage payroll, benefits, talent acquisition, and financial planning all in one place. The real-time analytics were especially useful, helping me track workforce performance and business expenses with AI-driven insights.

While Workday is powerful, it does have a steep learning curve, and onboarding takes some time. Plus, its pricing can be a challenge for smaller businesses. But for large companies needing an integrated system, it’s hard to beat.

What You’ll Like:

• Unified platform for HR, payroll, and finance
• AI-powered analytics for workforce and financial planning
• Automation that reduces manual administrative tasks

What You Might Not Like:

• The steep learning curve for new users
• Pricing may be high for small to mid-sized businesses

Pricing:

Custom pricing.

5. Lattice

Best for HRIS in Large Enterprises

Lattice is a comprehensive HR platform designed to help businesses manage performance, employee engagement, and career development in one place. Its goal-setting framework allows organizations to align individual and team objectives with company-wide priorities. The platform also offers customizable performance reviews and continuous feedback, making it easier to track progress and support employee growth. Additionally, Lattice provides advanced people analytics, helping HR teams measure engagement and make data-driven decisions.

While Lattice is feature-rich, it can be complex to set up and may require time to fully customize. Its pricing structure also makes it better suited for larger enterprises rather than small businesses.

What you’ll like:

• Comprehensive performance management with goal tracking
• Customizable feedback and review cycles
• Advanced analytics for employee sentiment and engagement

What you might not like:

• Can be complex to set up and customize
• Pricing may not be ideal for small businesses

Pricing:

Starts at $11 per seat per month.

6. 15Five

Best for Enterprise Performance Reviews System

15Five is a performance management platform designed to help businesses streamline performance reviews, goal tracking, and employee feedback. It focuses on continuous performance improvement through weekly check-ins, one-on-one meeting tools, and engagement surveys. The platform also includes features like OKR tracking and competency assessments, making it easier for managers to align individual and team performance with company objectives.

One of its standout features is its emphasis on employee development, offering coaching tools and career growth frameworks. However, while 15Five excels in structured performance management, some users may find it lacks deeper customization options. Additionally, the pricing can be high for smaller businesses.

What you’ll like:

• Structured performance reviews with goal-tracking
• Employee engagement tools, including check-ins and one-on-one meeting templates
• Coaching and career development features

What you might not like:

• Limited customization for certain workflows
• Higher pricing may not be ideal for smaller teams

Pricing:

Starts at $4 per user per month, billed annually

7. BambooHR

Best for Comprehensive HRIS With Payroll Solutions

BambooHR is an all-in-one HR software designed to simplify employee management, payroll, and performance tracking for growing businesses. It offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to handle hiring, onboarding, time tracking, and benefits administration all in one place. The platform also includes built-in payroll processing, ensuring seamless salary management and compliance with tax regulations.

BambooHR’s reporting and analytics tools provide valuable insights into workforce trends, helping HR teams make data-driven decisions. However, while it covers many HR functions, its customization options are somewhat limited, and it may not be the best fit for large enterprises with complex HR needs.

What you’ll like:

• Intuitive and user-friendly interface for managing HR tasks
• Integrated payroll and benefits administration
• Strong reporting and analytics for workforce insights

What you might not like:

• Limited customization options for specific workflows
• May not be ideal for large enterprises with complex HR needs

Pricing:

Starts at $6 per employee per month

8. SurveyMonkey

Best for Online Surveys and Forms

I used SurveyMonkey for a while when I needed a straightforward way to collect employee feedback and measure engagement. Setting up surveys was quick and hassle-free, thanks to its pre-built templates and intuitive interface. The AI-powered analytics made it easy to spot trends and understand responses without spending hours sifting through data. Whether it was a short pulse survey or a detailed engagement questionnaire, SurveyMonkey handled it smoothly.

However, while it’s a great tool for gathering insights, it doesn’t offer performance management or recognition features, so it’s not a complete employee engagement solution. Also, some of the more advanced reporting tools are locked behind higher-tier plans.

What you’ll like

• Simple and customizable survey builder
• AI-powered insights for better data analysis
• Integrates with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and other workplace tools

What you might not like

• Doesn’t include performance management or recognition features
• Advanced reporting requires a higher-tier plan

Pricing:

Starts at $30 per user per month, billed annually

9. WorkTango

Best for Surveys and Insights

WorkTango is an employee engagement platform that helps businesses collect and analyze employee feedback through surveys and advanced reporting tools. It offers customizable survey templates that make it easy to measure engagement, track sentiment, and gather insights into workplace culture. Its AI-driven analytics provide real-time data, helping HR teams make informed decisions to improve employee experience. Additionally, WorkTango includes recognition and rewards features, allowing organizations to foster a culture of appreciation.

While WorkTango excels in surveys and insights, new users may need time to navigate its advanced reporting tools. Additionally, some organizations may find the platform’s pricing on the higher side.

What you’ll like

• AI-powered analytics for real-time employee insights
• Customizable surveys with pre-built templates
• Built-in recognition and rewards to boost engagement

What you might not like

• Advanced reporting tools may take time to master
• Pricing may not be ideal for smaller businesses

Pricing:

Custom Pricing

10. Bonterra

Best for Nonprofit and Social Impact Organizations

Bonterra is an employee engagement platform designed specifically for nonprofits and social impact-driven organizations. It helps teams streamline volunteer management, track engagement metrics, and facilitate corporate giving programs. With its robust analytics and reporting tools, organizations can measure their impact and improve participation in workplace philanthropy initiatives. Bonterra also offers tools for peer-to-peer recognition, making it easier to foster a mission-driven culture within organizations.

While Bonterra is highly effective for nonprofit engagement, it may not be the best fit for traditional corporate environments that require performance management or goal-setting features. Additionally, its interface can take some time to navigate for new users.

What you’ll like:

• Designed for nonprofits and mission-driven organizations
• Strong analytics for tracking engagement and impact
• Built-in tools for corporate giving and volunteer management

What you might not like:

• Not ideal for traditional corporate HR needs
• It has a learning curve for new users

Pricing:

Custom pricing.

11. Culture Amp

Best for Building organizational culture

A friend of mine started using Culture Amp to improve their company’s culture and employee engagement, and they had great things to say about it. They found it really useful for running surveys and collecting feedback, but what really stood out was how practical and easy-to-apply the insights were. Instead of just presenting numbers, the platform actually helped them take meaningful action.

They also liked the coaching and learning tools for managers, making it easier to support employees and encourage growth. Plus, the performance management features helped ensure that individual and company goals stayed aligned.

That said, they mentioned that the reporting tools can feel a bit overwhelming at first, and the pricing might be a stretch for smaller businesses.

What you’ll like

• Surveys that provide actionable insights
• Coaching and development tools for managers
• Performance management features that align teams

What you might not like

• Reporting tools may take time to get used to
• Pricing may not be the best fit for small businesses

Pricing:

Starts at $4,500 per year

Employee Engagement Best Practices

Improving employee engagement isn’t about quick fixes or one-time perks—it’s about creating a workplace where employees feel valued, heard, and motivated every day. The right strategies help build a strong company culture, boost productivity, and reduce turnover. Here are some of the best practices to follow:

Foster Open Communication

Encourage a culture where employees feel comfortable sharing feedback, ideas, and concerns. Regular one-on-one meetings, anonymous surveys, and open forums can help create transparency and trust.

Recognize and Reward Contributions

Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to stay engaged. Implement a structured recognition program that includes peer-to-peer recognition, incentives, and public appreciation for achievements.

Set Clear Goals and Expectations

Employees perform best when they understand what’s expected of them. Use goal-setting frameworks like OKRs or SMART goals to provide clear direction and ensure alignment with company objectives.

Conduct Regular Employee Surveys

Surveys help measure employee satisfaction, identify engagement gaps, and uncover workplace issues before they escalate. Use pulse surveys, annual engagement surveys, and exit interviews to collect actionable insights and improve workplace culture.

BONUS:

Here is a step-by-step guide on How to Run an Employee Engagement Survey:

1. Install the employee engagement survey app template

2. Customize the employee engagement survey app template (optional)

3. Set employee engagement survey responses to anonymous

4. Set the employee engagement survey app permissions

5. Launch your employee engagement survey!

Watch the following video on how to set up engagement surveys with PeopleGoal.

Provide Growth and Development Opportunities

Engaged employees want to learn and grow. Offer mentorship programs, skills training, and career development plans to keep employees motivated and invested in their roles.

Promote Work-Life Balance

Burnout leads to disengagement. Encourage employees to take breaks, use their vacation time, and maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. Flexible schedules and remote work options can also help.

Use Employee Feedback to Drive Change

Collecting feedback is only effective if you act on it. Regularly review survey results and engagement data to identify areas for improvement and implement changes that reflect employees’ needs.

Leverage the Right Technology

A strong employee engagement platform can streamline communication, recognition, feedback, and goal tracking. Investing in the right software ensures that engagement efforts are structured, measurable, and scalable.

By implementing these best practices, companies can create a more engaged workforce, leading to higher productivity, better retention, and a positive workplace culture.

Key Features to Consider in Employee Engagement Platform

Not all employee engagement platforms are created equal. Some offer a wide range of features, while others focus on specific areas. To choose the right one for your business, consider these key features:

1. Real-Time Employee Feedback

Engagement starts with listening. A strong employee engagement tool should allow employees to share feedback through pulse surveys, feedback forms, and anonymous reporting. This helps you track morale and address concerns before they escalate.

2. Recognition & Rewards System

Employees perform better when their efforts are acknowledged. Look for a platform that enables peer-to-peer recognition, leaderboards, and reward systems like points-based incentives or bonuses. A culture of appreciation fosters motivation and loyalty.

3. Seamless Communication Tools

An effective engagement platform should enhance internal communication. Features like instant messaging, discussion boards, and company-wide announcements ensure employees stay informed and connected, whether they work in the office or remotely.

4. Engagement Analytics & Reports

Understanding engagement trends is essential for making informed decisions. A good employee engagement app provides insights into participation levels, sentiment analysis, and overall workplace engagement, helping you identify areas for improvement.

5. Integration with Other Tools

The best platforms seamlessly integrate with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and HR management systems. This makes implementation smoother and ensures employees can access engagement features without switching between multiple platforms.

6. Learning & Development Opportunities

Continuous growth is a key driver of engagement. A platform that includes training modules, skill-building courses, and career development tracking can help employees feel invested in their professional future.

7. Wellness & Work-Life Balance Features

Employee well-being directly impacts engagement and productivity. Some platforms offer mental health resources, wellness challenges, and flexible work arrangement tracking to support a healthier work environment.

The best employee engagement software does more than just collect feedback. It helps build a workplace culture where employees feel valued, connected, and motivated to perform at their best.

How to Choose the Best Employee Engagement Software

Choosing the right employee engagement software isn’t just about picking the most well-known option. It’s about finding a tool that meets your company’s unique needs and delivers real value.

Let me share some points that will help you make an informed decision:

1. Define Your Goals

Start by identifying what you want to achieve. Do you need better communication, real-time feedback, or a structured way to track performance? Knowing your goals will help you filter out tools that don’t align with your needs.

2. Prioritize Ease of Use

A tool is only valuable if people actually use it. Look for software with a simple interface and a smooth onboarding experience. Signing up for a free trial or requesting a demo is a great way to test its usability before committing.

3. Focus on Essential Features

Different tools offer different features, so focus on what truly matters. Must-have features include:

• Customizable Recognition Programs
• Real-Time Feedback Mechanisms
• Data Analytics and Reporting
• Seamless Integration with HRIS
• Performance Management
• Automated Notifications

Ensure Seamless Integration

Your engagement software should connect easily with tools your team already uses, such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or your HRIS platform. Check integration options before making a decision to avoid workflow disruptions.

Plan for Scalability

Your team may be small today, but what about in a few years? Choose software that scales with your business so you don’t have to switch platforms later. Look for flexible pricing and customizable features that accommodate future growth.

Leverage Analytics and Reporting

Data-driven insights help you understand engagement trends and make improvements. A platform with strong reporting features can help HR teams track employee sentiment and adjust strategies accordingly.

Consider Pricing and Hidden Costs

Pricing structures vary, and some platforms have hidden costs like setup fees or premium add-ons. Compare pricing plans carefully and use cost calculators to get a full picture of potential expenses.

Assess Customer Support Quality

Reliable customer support can make software implementation much smoother. Read reviews to see how responsive a provider is to ensure you choose software with strong assistance options.

By following these steps and using available resources, you’ll be able to select an employee engagement platform that enhances workplace culture and supports long-term success.

BONUS:

Here is a FREE checklist to help you choose the best employee engagement software for your team. DOWNLOAD NOW

Stronger Teams, Better Results

Investing in the right employee engagement software is not just about keeping employees happy. It is about creating a workplace where people feel valued, motivated, and connected. The right tool can improve communication, streamline feedback, and build a culture of recognition that drives real results.

But no two businesses are the same. What works well for one company might not be the best choice for another. This is why it is important to choose a platform that aligns with your goals, integrates with your existing tools, and is easy for your team to use.

At the core, employee engagement is not just about software. It is about creating an environment where employees feel heard, supported, and empowered to do their best work. The right platform helps make that happen.

That’s why PeopleGoal stands out. It’s flexible, easy to customize, and designed to fit the way your business works. With seamless integrations, powerful analytics, and intuitive tools for feedback and recognition, it helps turn engagement into action. If you’re looking for a solution that grows with you and truly enhances employee experience, PeopleGoal is a great choice.

Learn More About Goal-Setting Software

What are the benefits of employee engagement software?

Employee engagement software improves communication, boosts morale, and enhances productivity by providing tools for feedback, recognition, goal tracking, and surveys. It helps organizations create a positive work culture, reduce turnover, and make data-driven decisions to improve employee satisfaction and performance.

How does employee engagement software measure and track employee engagement?

Employee engagement software measures engagement using surveys, feedback tools, goal tracking, and performance analytics. It gathers data on employee sentiment, participation, and recognition trends, then provides reports and insights to help organizations improve workplace culture and address engagement challenges.

What are the 4 Es of employee engagement?

The 4 Es of employee engagement are:

• Enable: Provide them with the right tools
• Empower: Give them autonomy
• Energize: Focus on fostering a positive working environment
• Encourage: Motivate them through recognition