8 Best Employee Goal-Setting Software Solutions in 2025

Setting goals is easy. Sticking to them? Not so much. I’ve been there, juggling spreadsheets and endless check-ins, trying to keep my team on track. It wasn’t sustainable. That’s when I turned to goal setting software, and honestly, I haven’t looked back since.

The right employee goal setting software makes everything smoother. No more scattered updates or forgotten tasks—just clear, structured goals with real-time tracking and progress insights. Whether you’re setting OKRs, managing performance reviews, or just trying to keep big projects moving forward, these tools take the guesswork out of goal management.

Over the years, I’ve tested a bunch of such tools to see what actually works. Some are great for structured planning, while others help with ongoing feedback and alignment. If you’re looking for the best goal setting software to keep your team’s goals on track, I’ve got you covered.

Let’s get started.

Here’s a sneak peek into the best goal tracking software.

Key Features to Consider in Goal Management Software

If you’re looking for an employee goal setting software that actually drives results, here’s what to prioritize:

1. 360-Degree Feedback

A good employee goal setting software should include 360-degree feedback to give employees a complete view of their performance. This ensures a manager doesn’t just measure the goal’s progress but incorporates insights from peers, subordinates, and leadership.

2. OKR (Objectives and Key Results) Support

Many companies rely on OKRs to align individual and team goals with business objectives. A good tool should provide an OKR framework for setting measurable goals, tracking key results, and adjusting based on performance insights.

3. Custom Apps & Workflows

Every team operates differently, so customization matters. Some of the best employee goal setting software allows users to create custom workflows, templates, and automation to tailor the platform to their needs.

4. Real-Time Progress Tracking & Reports

Without real-time tracking, goals can easily become an afterthought. The right goal tracking software provides visual dashboards, automated reports, and real-time insights so teams can monitor progress and make data-driven decisions.

5. Seamless Integrations

Your employee goal setting software should connect with the tools you already use, whether it’s Slack, Microsoft Teams, or other HR & project management platforms. Integrations help ensure goal tracking happens naturally within daily workflows.

6. Role-Based Access & Permissions

Not every goal or report should be visible to everyone. A good goal management software allows for role-based access, ensuring that employees, managers, and executives see only what’s relevant to them.

7. Automation & Smart Reminders

Manually updating goal progress is time-consuming. A goal setting software should include automation for status updates, deadline reminders, and notifications when milestones are met or missed.

By focusing on these features, you’ll find a tool that not only simplifies goal-setting but also ensures continuous alignment and accountability across your team.

Top Goal Setting Software Options in 2025

To help you find the best goal-setting software, I’ve carefully researched and reviewed the top options available this year. This list is based on real user feedback, must-have features, ease of use, customer support quality, and overall value for money.

Whether you’re looking for a simple tool to track individual goals or a robust platform for company-wide performance management, you’ll find a solution that fits your needs here.

Let’s get started.

1. PeopleGoal

Best for Boosting Employee Performance & Improving Engagement

I’ve recommended PeopleGoal more times than I can count because it takes the stress out of goal setting and performance tracking. I’ve been using it for quite some time now, and it’s hands down the best for setting objectives, managing performance reviews, and employee engagement. Whether you’re setting clear goals, tracking progress, or gathering Feedback, PeopleGoal makes everything smooth and seamless.

I started with the free trial to test it out and was immediately impressed by how easy it was to set up workflows. The automation features saved me so much time, especially when my team grew and manual tracking became a hassle. Upgrading to the paid plan was an easy decision because it made goal tracking more structured and efficient.

Whether it’s setting OKRs, running performance reviews, or providing real-time Feedback, this employee goal setting software keeps everything organized.

The only downside? It may feel overwhelming initially because of its extensive customization options, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a game-changer.

What You’ll Like:

• Highly customizable workflows for performance reviews, feedback, and goal-setting.
• 360-degree feedback ensures well-rounded evaluations.
• Supports OKRs and SMART goals for better alignment and tracking.
• Integrates with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and other collaboration tools.
• Automated reports make tracking performance trends effortless.
• Real-time goal tracking and automated feedback loops.
• App engine that allows you to customize your app or use pre-existing templates.

What You Might Not Like:

• No on-premise or downloadable version is available.
• No dark mode is available.

Pricing:

FREE 7-day trial. Paid starts at $4/user/month.

2. ClickUp

Best for Performance Management With Onboarding Solutions

ClickUp is a feature-rich goal setting software that enables teams to create, track, and manage goals efficiently. Its customizable workflows and automation tools help break down objectives into clear, actionable steps while providing real-time progress updates.

The platform’s collaboration features, such as comments and task assignments, ensure everyone stays on the same page. The built-in reporting tools also make it easy to evaluate goal progress and adjust plans as needed.

However, its pricing structure is complicated, with different features available at various levels. Determining which plan is right for your business can be difficult, and you may end up paying for features you don’t need.

What You’ll Like:

• Highly customizable workflows for goal tracking and performance management.
• Simple and intuitive interface
• Comprehensive reporting features for tracking goal progress.

What You Might Not Like:

• The extensive features may be excessive for small teams that only require basic task management.
• The complex pricing structure can make it hard to choose the right plan.

Pricing:

Starts at $7/person/month.

3. Effy AI

Best for AI-Powered 360-Degree Feedback

A friend who manages a growing team recently tried Effy AI, and they’ve found it to be an excellent tool for making goal setting software more effective with AI-powered insights. It helps teams create structured goals, gather Feedback on progress, and adjust strategies based on real-time recommendations.

What they liked most was the ability to collect anonymous feedback on goal progress, which encouraged open and honest discussions. Effy AI’s automation also reduces the time spent analyzing feedback, making it easier to refine team objectives. And since it’s one of the more affordable options, it’s a great pick for small teams that need a cost-effective solution.

That said, Effy AI doesn’t have built-in goal tracking software, so teams will need another tool to monitor progress. Additionally, AI-generated summaries may require manual review for complete accuracy.

What You’ll Like:

• AI-powered insights help teams refine goals effectively.
• The anonymous feedback feature encourages open discussions.
• An affordable solution for teams looking to improve goal-setting.

What You Might Not Like:

• No built-in tracking for long-term goal progress.
• The game-like features may not appeal to everyone

Pricing:

Starts at $2.5/person/month

4. ThriveSparrow

Best for Automated Peer Recognition

If you’re looking for a tool that combines goal setting with team recognition, ThriveSparrow is a game-changer. It automates the peer recognition process, helping teams stay engaged and motivated without needing to track every accomplishment manually. When a team member hits a goal or achieves something noteworthy, ThriveSparrow automatically sends out recognition notifications, making it easy to keep morale high.

I’ve seen it work wonders for teams that thrive on recognition. It encourages peer-to-peer appreciation, which helps boost engagement and morale across the board. Plus, it integrates smoothly with the tools you’re already using, making incorporating recognition into your everyday workflows simple.

That said, ThriveSparrow focuses heavily on recognition, so if you’re looking for a platform that includes deeper goal management or performance review features, this might not be your one-stop solution. It’s more of a complement to your existing tools rather than a complete performance management suite.

What You’ll Like:

• Automated peer recognition that celebrates team achievements.
• Seamless integration with existing work tools for smooth goal tracking.
• Encourages a positive and engaging workplace culture.

What You Might Not Like:

• Limited advanced features for comprehensive goal management.
• It is not suitable for in-depth performance tracking.

Pricing:

Starts at $3/employee/month, billed annually

5. Strides

Best for Setting Daily Routine

Strides is a fantastic software for keeping goals on track, and it simplifies the process of creating and tracking goals. I’ve used it for everything from personal development to team goals, and it’s perfect for setting clear, measurable objectives. What I like most about Strides is how easily you can break down big goals into daily or weekly tasks, which keeps progress manageable and quantifiable.

Its visual progress tracking is a great motivator, showing exactly where you stand in achieving your goals. Plus, the app allows you to create habits and routines, helping you build consistency over time. It’s easy to stay on track, thanks to the streak system, which encourages you to keep going.

However, Strides might feel a bit too simple if you need something for more complex goal management or team collaboration. It’s not built for managing larger projects or tracking group objectives.

What You’ll Like:

• It helps you track goals and build daily routines.
• Visual progress charts and streaks for motivation.
• Simple setup and easy-to-use interface.

What You Might Not Like:

• Limited features for managing group or team goals.
• Lacks advanced integrations with other platforms.

Pricing:

Custom pricing

6. Habitica

Best for Habit Tracking

Habitica is a fun and engaging goal setting software that turns your goal tracking into a game. If you’re someone who enjoys a little competition to stay motivated, this platform is a great way to manage personal goals and build habits. It uses RPG-style mechanics, where you earn rewards and level up as you achieve goals, making habit building more enjoyable and rewarding.

What I love about Habitica is how easy it is to set daily, weekly, or long-term goals. You can break down your habits into manageable tasks, and the system keeps you motivated by showing your progress and rewarding you with points and in-game items. It’s a perfect fit for anyone who needs a little extra push to stick to new habits.

However, Habitica is geared mainly toward personal goals and doesn’t offer much in terms of team collaboration or project management features. If you’re looking for something more structured for professional goal setting, you might need another tool alongside it.

What You’ll Like:

• Turns goal setting into a fun, game-like experience.
• Allows you to create detailed tasks, habits, and goals with specific attributes and challenges.
• A lot of core features are available in the free version.

What You Might Not Like:

• It is not designed to manage team goals or professional objectives.
• Lacks advanced features for more structured goal management.

Pricing:

Starts at $4.99 per month

7. GoalsOnTrack

Best for Creating Action Plans

If you’re someone who loves things that are more structured and needs a tool to help turn big goals into detailed action plans, GoalsOnTrack is perfect. It enables you to break down your goals into manageable tasks, set deadlines, and track your progress every step of the way. Whether you’re working on personal development or managing team projects, it makes goal setting feel organized and less overwhelming.

I like how you can set clear objectives and break them into bite-sized tasks. This keeps everything on track and prevents things from slipping through the cracks. Plus, the system keeps you accountable by showing you exactly where you stand.

That said, if you prefer a more laid-back approach to goal setting, GoalsOnTrack might feel too structured for casual goals.

What You’ll Like:

• It helps break big goals into easy-to-manage tasks.
• Tracks progress with deadlines and clear milestones.
• Keeps you accountable with easy-to-follow action plans.

What You Might Not Like:

• It can feel too structured and complicated for those with more straightforward goals.
• It requires time to fully set up detailed plans.

Pricing:

Starts at $68 Per year

8. Lattice

Best for HRIS in Large Enterprises

If you’re managing a large team and need an all-in-one performance review tool, Lattice is a solid choice. It connects goal tracking, performance reviews, and employee engagement surveys into one platform, making aligning personal growth with business goals easy.

The detailed analytics it provides are perfect for HR teams looking to improve performance management, and the 360-degree feedback system ensures transparency across all levels. However, Lattice isn’t the cheapest option, so it might be more suited to larger teams or enterprises with bigger budgets.

That said, Lattice is an excellent choice for companies that need structured HR processes and a comprehensive, data-driven approach to performance management.

What You’ll Like:

• Structured goal tracking and performance reviews.
• 360-degree Feedback to foster transparency.
• Engagement surveys to measure employee satisfaction.

What You Might Not Like:

• Higher cost compared to similar tools.
• It takes time to learn all the features.

Pricing:
Starts at $11 per seat per month.

The Importance of Goal Tracking & Setting Apps

I used to think setting goals was enough. Write them down, check in every now and then, and everything falls into place. But in reality, most goals get lost in the shuffle without a system to track progress. That’s where goal tracking software comes in. It keeps everyone focused, accountable, and moving in the right direction.

With employee goal setting software, you’re not just setting objectives but creating a roadmap for success. These apps help break big goals into manageable steps, provide real-time updates, and even send reminders when things slip off track. Plus, they make aligning individual goals with company-wide priorities easier, ensuring everyone is working toward the same vision.

The best part? Goal management software fosters transparency. No more guessing who’s on track and who’s struggling. Leaders can step in with support at the right time, and employees can take ownership of their progress. Whether it’s for personal development, team projects, or company-wide initiatives, these tools turn goal-setting into an ongoing, results-driven process.

Using the right goal planning software is a no-brainer if you want goals that don’t just sit in a document but actually get achieved.

Evaluation Criteria

I didn’t just pick these tools at random but used a structured approach to make sure each one is actually worth considering.

Here’s what I looked at:

• Real User Feedback: We checked ratings and reviews from actual users on trusted platforms to see what people love (and what they don’t).
• Must-Have Features: A good engagement tool needs to do more than just exist. We looked at key features like goal tracking, feedback options, and recognition programs to make sure they bring real value.
• Ease of Use: If a tool is confusing or clunky, no one will use it. We focused on platforms that are simple to navigate, with clean designs and intuitive interfaces.
• Customer Support: Good support makes all the difference. We considered how responsive and helpful each company is when users need assistance.
• Bang for Your Buck: It’s not just about price—it’s about whether the tool is actually worth it. We compared costs to features to see if they provide real value.
• Hands-On Experience & Expert Opinions: Beyond the specs, we factored in real-world use and expert insights to highlight the best options.

By using these criteria, we’ve put together a list of tools that aren’t just popular—they actually help teams build a stronger, more engaged workplace.

How to Select the Most Suitable Goal Planning Software

Selecting the right employee goal setting software isn’t just about choosing a tool; it’s about picking a platform that will genuinely support your team and enhance productivity. The right software makes goal-setting easier, ensures alignment across teams, and helps everyone track their progress in real-time.

Here are some key factors to consider to ensure you pick the right tool:

Understand Your Team’s Needs

The first step is figuring out what you need from your goal-planning software. Are you looking for something to track personal goals, team goals, or both? Do you need detailed progress reports, or is a simple checklist enough? The software should be tailored to your specific needs, so ensure it offers the features that matter most to your team.

Ease of Use

The last thing you want is for your employee goal management software to be complicated to use. It should have a simple interface that makes setting, tracking, and updating goals easy. Look for software that is intuitive and doesn’t require a lot of training to get started. This ensures your team can adopt the tool quickly without getting bogged down in complicated setups.

Customization Options

Every team has different ways of setting and measuring success. A good goal planning tool should let you customize goal-setting templates to suit your needs. Whether it’s for SMART goals, OKRs, or another methodology, the ability to tailor the platform to your workflow is essential.

Tracking & Reporting

Make sure the tool includes tracking features that help you monitor progress. Look for software that allows you to monitor goals over time, track milestones, and generate reports to measure progress. This keeps everyone accountable and aligned, plus it helps managers and team members spot areas for improvement.

Integration with Other Tools

Your goal planning software should work smoothly with the tools you’re already using. Integration ensures a seamless workflow, whether it’s project management software, communication platforms, or performance review tools. This reduces the need for manual updates and keeps everything in one place.

Scalability

As your team or organization grows, you’ll need a tool that can scale with you. Choose a platform that can handle increasing complexity in goal setting and tracking without slowing down or becoming too difficult to manage. Scalability ensures that you won’t outgrow the tool as your business expands.

Pricing and Support

Finally, consider the pricing of the software. While you want to ensure it’s affordable, also pay attention to what you’re getting for your investment. Look for software that offers good value, strong customer support, and trial periods so you can test it out before committing.

By focusing on these key factors, you’ll be able to choose the best goal setting software that fits your team’s needs and sets them up for success.

Achieve More With the Right Goal Planning Software

Goal setting should feel empowering, not like a chore. But before I started using PeopleGoal, it often felt like I was just trying to keep up—constantly updating spreadsheets, chasing progress reports, and struggling to stay on top of everything.

What I love about PeopleGoal is how it simplifies the entire process. The real-time tracking means I always know where things stand without having to dig for updates. Automation takes care of reminders and follow-ups, so I don’t have to worry about things slipping through the cracks. And because it integrates seamlessly with the tools I already use, everything just flows together effortlessly.

Now, instead of spending time managing goals, I actually focus on achieving them. If you’re tired of goal setting feeling like just another task, PeopleGoal makes it easy, effective, and—dare I say—actually enjoyable.

At the end of the day, the right goal setting software helps you stay focused, motivated, and aligned with what matters most. No matter the size of your team, it’s the tool that can make your goal setting more effective and impactful.

Learn More About Goal-Setting Software:

What is goal-setting software?

Goal setting software is designed to help individuals and teams set, track, and achieve their objectives. It allows users to define clear goals, break them into manageable tasks, monitor progress, and stay aligned with larger business or personal targets. It often includes features like progress tracking, reminders, and Feedback.

What is the SMART tool for goal-setting?

The SMART tool for goal-setting is a framework that helps create clear and achievable goals. It stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. PeopleGoal uses the SMART framework to help users set structured goals, track progress, and ensure they are aligned with both personal and business objectives, increasing goal success.

What is the SMART goal-setting method?

The SMART goal-setting method is a framework that helps create clear and actionable goals. As informed above, it stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This approach ensures that goals are well-defined, realistic, and set within a specific timeframe, making them easier to track and achieve.

What are the benefits of using goal-setting software?

Goal setting software helps streamline the goal-setting process, providing clarity and structure. It improves accountability, tracks progress in real-time, and ensures alignment with business or personal objectives. It also boosts motivation, offers actionable insights, and makes managing and adjusting goals as needed easier, leading to higher success rates.

How often should I review my goals?

Reviewing your goals regularly, at least once a month or quarterly, is ideal. This allows you to assess progress, make adjustments, and stay aligned with your objectives. For ongoing goals, weekly check-ins can help keep things on track, ensuring you’re always moving forward and addressing any challenges promptly.