Have you considered how employee engagement software can improve employee retention and boost business success? We’ve got the answers plus info on the best software.
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Access NowHaving the right employee engagement software is crucial for business success. It saves time and resources, enables organizations to make data-driven decisions, boosts engagement, and ultimately improves retention - all the while impacting positively on the company’s bottom line.
According to Gallup, U.S. engagement hit an 11-year low in the first quarter of 2024, with only 30% of employees actively engaged. In an article titled U.S. Engagement Hits 11-Year Low, Jim Harter, Gallup’s Chief Scientist of Workplace Management and Wellbeing reveals that 4.8 million fewer U.S. employees were engaged in early 2024. This reflects a growing trend that appears to be worsening.
“Employee engagement trends are significant because they link to many important performance outcomes crucial to organizational leaders such as productivity, employee retention, customer service, safety incidents, quality of work and profitability.”
Jim Harter
Now, imagine a workforce where employees feel valued, motivated, and genuinely connected to their work. Employee engagement software has the power to make this happen. And it’s there for you to use.
Essentially, employee engagement software is a digital toolbox filled with features designed to boost employee satisfaction, foster a positive company culture, and ultimately, drive business success. But, there are different types of software designed to meet different needs. Company size, needs, and budget, along with the varied features offered will all help you to choose the best employee engagement software for your organization.
We have explored the options currently available and have created a list of our top 20 employee engagement tools. But first, we’re going to talk about employee engagement software in general. Then we’ll provide guidance on what to consider before choosing software.
Another vital aspect is personalized engagement. So, we’re going to delve into this area too and show you why it is such an important factor in 2025.
Employee engagement software is a digital tool designed to improve and track the level of satisfaction, motivation, and overall commitment employees feel towards their work and company. It acts like a virtual toolbox filled with all sorts of valuable features that the best employee engagement software offers.
But why would you use this kind of software? In its 2024 Employee Engagement Strategies Checklist, Gallup highlights the fact that 44% of employees worldwide are stressed. Furthermore, when they are stressed they are less likely to be engaged with their work and the company they work for. But it’s not easy. Gallup’s research shows that managers are more likely to be disengaged and burned out than their teams. In other words, they too are stressed.
The key is employee engagement. The optimizer is employee engagement software. But you need to be able to measure employee engagement and identify why some employees aren’t engaged.
“80% of employees who say they have received meaningful feedback in the past week are fully engaged — regardless of how many days they worked in the office.”
Gallup
Here’s what employee engagement software can do to help your organization:
Employee engagement software facilitates personalized communication allowing you to tailor messages to individual needs and preferences. Imagine sending targeted messages through preferred channels like an app or email with content that resonates with the recipient, like video snippets or employee names. It’s much more likely to grab the attention of employees — and with the right software, it’s super-easy.
Move beyond generic points and badges. The best employee engagement software empowers you to offer diverse rewards, celebrate achievements big and small with timely recognition, and leverage the power of social recognition to boost team spirit.
When you use a well-designed employee engagement platform, the software provides features for two-way communication. This allows employees to give and receive feedback safely and constructively. Performance management tools help set goals, track progress, and provide ongoing coaching. Additionally, employee engagement software can integrate with development resources like microlearning modules, empowering employees to grow and reach their full potential.
The best employee engagement software allows you to conduct regular pulse surveys to gather real-time feedback on employee experience, morale, and potential roadblocks.
As Gallup’s 2024 Employee Engagement Strategies Checklist states, by analyzing this data, you can identify areas for improvement and tailor your engagement strategies accordingly. But the important thing is to act on the data.
“An engagement survey is the starting point, not the ending point, of motivating employees. You must act on the results you gather, or you could cause more harm than good.”
Gallup
The best employee engagement software is user-friendly, accessible on any device (which means it needs to be mobile-friendly), and visually appealing to keep employees interacting with the platform.
Knowing how to select the best employee engagement software depends on your company's unique characteristics. Key factors to consider range from the size of the company and its budget to the features required to do the job.
Don't hesitate to leverage free trials and demos to explore different platforms before making a decision. The right employee engagement software can be a game-changer, transforming your company culture and driving success. But you need to get the right software to meet the needs of your organization.
Smaller companies may benefit from a more focused solution with core features like recognition and communication. Larger organizations may require a comprehensive suite with advanced functionalities. But there are no hard and fast rules or guidelines.
Some industries have specific compliance requirements or communication demands. Because of this, a retail chain might prioritize mobile-first communication, while a healthcare organization might need features that comply with HIPAA regulations.
Identify the functionalities of employee engagement software that are most crucial to your engagement strategy. Do you prioritize personalized communication, robust survey options, or advanced performance management tools? It’s vital to identify your priorities before selecting software.
Software costs vary significantly. Consider your budget and prioritize features that align with your needs. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
Mass personalization is a vital key to unlocking the true potential of employee engagement software. It allows you to tailor your approach to each individual, creating a more meaningful and impactful experience.
In its State of the Sector 2023/24 report, Gallagher emphasizes the importance of personalization highlighting it as the second most important trend for employee relationships, after generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI).
So, what can mass personalization achieve?
Generic communication and recognition fall flat. Personalized messages and rewards resonate with individual needs and preferences, leading to higher engagement. Employee engagement software can enable mass personalization.
Feeling valued and recognized for their unique contributions strengthens employee morale and fosters a sense of belonging. Once again, personalization can make a huge difference.
Personalized feedback and development opportunities help employees grow and reach their full potential. The best employee engagement software can make this happen.
When employees feel engaged and valued, they're more likely to be productive and invested in their work.
By embracing mass personalization, you can unlock the true power of employee engagement software and create a thriving, high-performing workforce.
Now, we are going to go into more detail about what solutions are available in the marketplace, and how each one personalizes employee engagement and experience.
Cerkl Broadcast positions itself as an employee communication and engagement suite that unifies existing communication channels like newsletters, email, Microsoft SharePoint and Teams, and their mobile apps. It functions on the principles of mass personalized messaging through an omnichannel, including instant messaging. Incorporating behavioral data into communications significantly increases the effectiveness and relevance of internal messaging.
Cerkl Broadcast takes a unique approach to employee communication, focusing on personalization to drive engagement.
Cerkl Broadcast's focus on mass personalization can significantly impact employee engagement. It delivers personalization in messaging through its hyper-personalized employee NewsDigest newsletters. In addition, users can improve their messaging in various ways.
Cerkl Broadcast can be a good fit for companies that:
Cerkl Broadcast offers a unique solution in the employee engagement landscape. Its focus on mass personalization can be a powerful tool for boosting engagement, information flow, and overall employee experience. However, it's important to consider its limitations in areas like performance management or gamification and ensure it integrates well with your existing HR tech stack.
Bonusly is a peer-to-peer recognition and rewards platform designed to celebrate achievements, foster a positive work environment, and boost employee engagement.
Bonusly offers some personalization features within its recognition system. These include:
Bonusly can be a valuable addition for companies that:
Bonusly offers a compelling solution for peer-to-peer recognition and rewards. While it incorporates some personalization features in messaging, additional functionalities could further enhance the impact. Consider Bonusly as part of a broader employee engagement strategy alongside tools that address performance management, surveys, and communication needs.
Achievers is a comprehensive employee experience platform that encompasses recognition, rewards, performance management, and social connection.
Achievers can be a valuable asset for companies that:
Achievers offers a powerful platform for employee engagement, with mass personalization playing a central role in its functionalities. While some aspects might require a learning curve, the ability to customize recognition, feedback, and communication experiences can significantly enhance employee engagement and overall company culture.
Vantage Circle is a global employee engagement platform offering a suite of tools designed to recognize, reward, and develop the potential and engagement of employees.
Vantage Circle offers some personalization options, but there's room for improvement. They include:
Vantage Circle can be a good fit for companies that:
Vantage Circle provides a versatile platform for employee engagement. While its mass personalization features might be more basic, it offers a good foundation for recognition, rewards, and communication. Consider Vantage Circle if you value a global platform with core engagement features, but explore additional tools if in-depth personalization for feedback or communication is a top priority.
Empuls is a comprehensive employee engagement platform designed to elevate employee satisfaction and productivity at every touchpoint.
Empuls emphasizes personalized communication across various functionalities:
Empuls can be a valuable asset for companies that:
Empuls offers a powerful platform for employee experience management, with mass personalization at its core. While the comprehensive features might necessitate some initial learning, the potential to create highly personalized and engaging experiences for employees can significantly enhance engagement, communication, and overall company culture.
Lattice positions itself as a people management platform designed to streamline performance management, goals, and development for a modern workforce. We’re going to explore its strengths and weaknesses, with a specific focus on how it incorporates mass personalization into the platform’s functionalities.
While mass personalization isn't the core focus of Lattice, it incorporates some features to tailor the experience. These include:
Lattice can be a valuable asset for companies that:
Lattice excels in performance management and development, and has some features for personalization in feedback and goal setting. Consider Lattice if a modern performance management approach is a priority. But explore other platforms for comprehensive employee engagement features like recognition, rewards, and broader communication functionalities.
Qualtrics isn't your typical employee engagement platform. Rather, it is a powerful tool that acts as an employee engagement detective, uncovering insights to improve your workforce experience.
Qualtrics offers some features to personalize the survey experience and data analysis. This allows you to gather more relevant feedback and tailor engagement initiatives based on the specific needs of different employee groups. However, it's important to acknowledge that the level of personalization is limited compared to platforms specifically designed for employee engagement.
Qualtrics is a valuable asset for companies that:
Qualtrics serves as a powerful microscope for examining employee engagement. It provides valuable data to identify areas for improvement and measure the effectiveness of implemented initiatives. However, if you are looking for a platform with built-in features for direct engagement activities like recognition or communication, Qualtrics might not be the sole solution.
15Five is a performance management platform that fosters continuous conversations, improves engagement, and ultimately drives better results.
While not its sole focus, 15Five offers features for personalization:
15Five can be a valuable asset for companies that:
15Five offers a comprehensive platform for performance management with a focus on continuous conversations. While the level of mass personalization might not be as extensive as some dedicated recognition platforms, it allows for tailoring goal setting, check-ins, and feedback to individual needs. Consider 15Five if you want to foster a culture of open communication, ongoing feedback, and some level of personalization in performance management.
Leapsome positions itself as a comprehensive HR platform designed to empower your people and cultivate a thriving work culture.
Leapsome integrates personalization features across its functionalities:
Leapsome can be a valuable asset for companies that:
Leapsome offers a powerful solution for organizations seeking a one-stop shop for people enablement. With its focus on personalization, Leapsome can empower employees, foster a culture of continuous learning and development, and ultimately drive higher engagement. However, consider the potential learning curve and the need to balance personalization with administrative ease before implementing Leapsome.
Sociabble is a platform that empowers organizations to improve internal communication, employee advocacy, and engagement.
Sociabble offers personalization through content delivery and targeting features:
Sociabble can be a valuable asset for companies that:
Sociabble offers a platform specifically designed for internal communication and employee advocacy. While the level of personalization for employee-generated content might be limited, its ability to segment audiences and deliver targeted content can significantly enhance communication effectiveness and employee engagement.
Motivosity offers a powerful platform for employee recognition and rewards, with mass personalization at its core. While it might not encompass comprehensive performance management features, its ability to create personalized and meaningful recognition experiences can significantly enhance employee engagement and overall company culture.
Consider Motivosity for its powerful, personalized recognition platform that boosts engagement and culture, even if it lacks full performance management features.
WorkTango offers a powerful platform for employee recognition and engagement, with a strong focus on mass personalization. Though lacking comprehensive performance tools, personalized recognition fosters deeper engagement and a stronger culture.
Consider WorkTango if a strong recognition program with personalization capabilities is a priority, but explore additional platforms if performance management features are also crucial for your needs.
HiBob offers a user-friendly and comprehensive HR platform with some built-in personalization features. However, for companies seeking in-depth features in specific areas like recognition or analytics, HiBob might not be the best solution for your needs.
Consider HiBob if a user-friendly platform with a balance between core HR functions and some level of personalization aligns with your needs.
Workleap Officevibe offers a comprehensive platform with a focus on personalization to address both employee development and engagement needs. While personalization for onboarding experiences might be limited, its ability to tailor development plans and recognition can significantly enhance the employee journey.
Consider Workleap Officevibe if you want a platform that integrates talent development with features to boost engagement and foster a culture of personalized growth.
ThriveSparrow offers a user-friendly platform for communication, recognition, and fostering a positive work environment. While information about mass personalization features is limited, it might offer some level of personalization for content curation, notifications, and recognition messages.
Consider ThriveSparrow if communication, social interaction, and basic recognition are your main priorities.
ClearCompany offers a powerful platform for talent management with a focus on data-driven personalization. While a learning curve might be involved, ClearCompany can empower organizations to build a high-performing workforce by providing personalized learning and development opportunities, setting clear goals, and offering targeted feedback.
Consider ClearCompany if a comprehensive talent management solution with data-driven personalization capabilities aligns with your needs.
Quantum Workplace's recognition software provides a personal touch through features like photo and GIF support. However, the extent of personalization across their entire platform remains unclear. If extensive personalization is a top priority, rather consider platforms known for this strength.
Trakstar offers a comprehensive talent management suite with the potential for personalization through features like learning management system (LMS) integration and data-driven insights. However, the level of built-in personalization is seemingly limited compared to dedicated platforms. Carefully evaluate the functionalities, level of integration required, and potential customization burden before making a decision.
Beekeeper offers a mobile-first platform for communication and content management within a frontline workforce. While information about personalization features is limited, the platform has the potential for content targeting and user experience customization. If clear communication and content delivery are your top priorities, Beekeeper might be a good fit. However, if extensive personalization is crucial, consider platforms known for this strength and reach out to Beekeeper for clarification on their personalization capabilities.
Sift excels at promoting transparency and facilitating connections within organizations. It offers a central location for employee information, powerful search functionalities, and customizable profiles. While information about advanced personalization features is limited, the platform has potential for future development in this area.
The best employee engagement software steps up to the challenge, offering a diverse arsenal of tools to transform satisfied employees into high performers. But with so many options vying for your attention, choosing the right one can feel — and often is — overwhelming.
Let's check some essential features that make up a powerful employee engagement software suite. This might help you make the right choice for your organization.
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all communication. Effective engagement hinges on personalization. Look for software that allows you to:
Recognition is a powerful motivator. The right software empowers you to:
Download our FREE Guide on How to Choose the Best Employee Comms Software
Staying in tune with employee sentiment is vital. Look for a platform that allows you to:
The software itself should be engaging! Choose a platform that is:
Employee engagement platforms are evolving incredibly rapidly. They are moving beyond basic communication tools to become strategic hubs for a truly connected and thriving workforce.
Here's a glimpse into what the future might hold.
Gen AI is poised to take personalization to the next level. Imagine software that suggests micro-learning modules based on individual skill gaps or delivers recognition tailored to an employee's preferred communication style. It’s already happening. For instance, AI can analyze vast amounts of data to create a truly individualized experience for each employee.
What’s particularly interesting is the growing link between AI and hyper-personalization. In its State of the Sector 2022/23 survey, Gallagher found that 55% of respondents believed hyper-personalization would be impactful, while only 40% ranked AI. But there has been a shift in focus, as the 2023/24 survey shows. Asked to rank the impact of technology over the next five years, 68% ranked AI as being highly or very highly important, and 48% ranked hyper-personalization this high. Other technologies aren’t seen by many to be important: gamification 22%, immersive technology and the Metaverse 16%, and augmented reality only 10%. This shows that AI and hyper-personalization together play an enormously beneficial role.
Employee engagement software will merge with broader employee experience (EX) platforms, offering a holistic view of the employee journey. Imagine a platform that integrates onboarding, performance management, well-being resources, and career development tools — all in one place. Stop imagining and take action to make it real.
Employee well-being will be a top priority. We know how important it is already. But soon, platforms will integrate with wearable devices and health apps, offering personalized recommendations for stress management, healthy habits, and mental health support.
Advanced analytics will predict potential engagement issues. Imagine the platform identifying an employee at risk of burnout and prompting a manager to intervene with personalized support or a lighter workload. When this happens, stress levels will decrease too.
Voice-activated interfaces and chatbots will revolutionize communication. Employees will be able to access information, complete tasks, and even submit feedback using voice commands or chatbots, making interaction with the platform even more seamless.
Software platforms will help companies connect employees to the organization's mission and purpose. Imagine features that showcase the company's social impact or allow employees to contribute to causes they care about, fostering a deeper sense of connection and meaning in their work.
While there are a lot of solutions available in the market, Cerkl Broadcast has emerged as one of the leaders in the field of internal communication and employee engagement. Some of the reasons for this include:
Unlike recognition and reward platforms, Cerkl Broadcast emphasizes personalized communication, a key differentiator in today's employee engagement landscape.
Broadcast lets you segment audiences and personalize messages based on demographics, roles, or performance. Imagine sending video snippets or including employee names for a more engaging touch. Don’t imagine it — do it with Broadcast.
Reach employees where they are with newsletter, email, mobile app, or integrations with their preferred communication tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams.
Personalized communication fosters a sense of connection and value, potentially leading to higher employee engagement.
Targeted messages ensure employees receive the most relevant information, improving knowledge sharing and overall communication effectiveness.
Cerkl Broadcast offers drag-and-drop email creation and real-time analytics, potentially saving time and resources compared to manual communication efforts.
Convinced? Want to know more? Either way, we’d like you to talk to us to find out how Cerkl Broadcast can help your employee engagement strategies.
We can also help you assess the effectiveness of your existing internal communications plan.
What is employee engagement software? Employee engagement software is a kind of digital toolbox that helps companies improve employee satisfaction, feedback, and overall workplace experience.
What is the most important capability of employee engagement software? The most important capability is likely the ability to collect and analyze data on employee sentiment, guiding data-driven decisions to boost engagement. At the same time, personalization is absolutely a crucial capability for employee engagement software. By tailoring the experience to individual needs and preferences, it can significantly boost employee engagement.
What is the best employee engagement tool? The ideal employee engagement tools depend on your company's specific needs and budget. Consider features and user reviews to find the best fit.
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