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 some 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 the top employee engagement software:

What Is Employee Engagement Software?

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? 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.

Key Features to Consider in an 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 tool 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.

11 Best Employee Engagement Software in 2025

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. Paid starts at $4/user/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

How I Selected These Tools / My Evaluation Criteria

Choosing the right employee engagement software is not something I take lightly. With dozens of platforms available and each claiming to be the best, I took a step back and focused on what actually works in real workplaces. I spoke with HR managers, tested the tools myself, and evaluated them using a clear set of criteria. 

Here’s exactly how I made my selections.

1. Firsthand Experience and Real Use Cases

Every tool on this list has either been personally tested by me or recommended directly by HR professionals who use them regularly. I did not rely on surface-level research. I explored how each tool works in practice, how easy it is to roll out across teams, and whether it delivers real results. This helped me see past the marketing and focus on actual value.

2. User Reviews and Community Feedback

I dug into user ratings and feedback from trusted review sites like G2, Capterra, and TrustRadius. These reviews reflect long-term use, not just first impressions. They gave me insights into platform reliability, user satisfaction, and any recurring issues that real teams face.

3. Core Features and Functional Depth

A good engagement tool needs to do more than just tick boxes. I looked for platforms that support performance tracking, feedback loops, recognition programs, surveys, and goal alignment. More importantly, I evaluated how well those features work together to create a better employee experience.

4. Ease of Use for Everyone

No matter how advanced a tool is, it needs to be user-friendly. I assessed each platform’s design, layout, and navigation. If it took more than a few clicks to find a key feature, or if the learning curve felt too steep for busy managers, I flagged it. The best tools are the ones that teams can adopt quickly without formal training.

5. Customer Support and Onboarding

Customer support often makes or breaks the long-term experience. I paid attention to how responsive the support teams were, what onboarding resources were available, and how well each platform helps users during setup, troubleshooting, and daily use. Tools that provided strong documentation, chat support, or dedicated success managers earned extra credit.

6. Value for the Price

I compared features, performance, and scalability against each platform’s pricing. A higher price tag was not a dealbreaker, but I expected it to come with advanced capabilities or exceptional service. Tools that offer a solid balance between affordability and functionality ranked higher, especially those with flexible plans or free trials.

Employee Engagement Best Practices That Actually Work

Over the years, I’ve seen what drives engagement—and what silently kills it. It’s rarely about free snacks or ping-pong tables. 

If you want real, lasting engagement, you need to focus on what actually matters to your people. 

Below are some best practices I trust, teach, and use with teams aiming to build meaningful, high-performance cultures.

1. Listen Deeply, Then Act Decisively

You can’t improve engagement without understanding what your employees are experiencing. That starts by listening—not just through annual surveys, but through regular check-ins, open conversations, and anonymous feedback channels. 

The most important part is to follow through. Share what you’ve heard, be transparent about what’s changing, and let people see their voices driving real outcomes.

 If feedback goes into a black hole, trust erodes fast.

2. Make Growth a Visible, Ongoing Process

One of the strongest predictors of engagement is career momentum. Your team needs to see a future; not just in title, but in employee skill development, opportunities, and mentorship. This means building clear paths, supporting lateral moves, and encouraging stretch assignments. 

Using tools like PeopleGoal, you can align goals with growth and track progress in a way that keeps people motivated and moving forward.

 When employees feel like they’re learning and evolving, they don’t look elsewhere.

3. Recognize Meaningful Work in Real Time

Recognition fuels motivation, and it doesn’t need to wait for review cycles. Celebrate contributions as they happen, whether it’s a major project win or a daily act of leadership. 

Recognition should be frequent, authentic, and woven into your culture. And it should go beyond top-down praise. Encourage peer-to-peer appreciation that builds mutual respect across the board.

People stay where they feel seen and valued.

4. Equip Managers to Lead, Not Just Supervise

Managers are your engagement frontline, and yet, many lack the tools or training to lead effectively. Invest in their development. Give them frameworks for coaching, feedback, and one-on-ones. 

Provide visibility into team sentiment and performance trends so they can respond proactively. A great employee engagement platform makes this simpler, but it also requires a mindset shift, from managing tasks to cultivating people. 

When managers grow, their teams grow with them.

5. Create Psychological Safety Through Communication and Inclusion

No one can be fully engaged if they’re afraid to speak up, ask questions, or show up as themselves. That’s why psychological safety is foundational. Be transparent. Share challenges openly. Ask for input and show that it’s welcomed, not penalized. 

And most importantly, create space for different perspectives and experiences to be heard.

When people feel safe, they contribute their best ideas and energy.

6. Tie Daily Work to a Bigger Purpose

People aren’t just looking for jobs, they’re looking for meaning. If your team doesn’t understand how their work contributes to the company’s goals, motivation will fade. 

As a leader, it’s your job to connect the dots. Align individual and team goals with broader outcomes. Online engagement platforms help visualize this alignment, making it easier for employees to see their impact in real time.

Purpose is one of the most powerful drivers of engagement, and one of the most overlooked.

7. Balance Performance with Well-Being

Engagement isn’t about pushing harder. It’s about creating the conditions where people want to give their best. That includes flexible schedules, mental health support, reasonable workloads, and a culture that respects boundaries. 

Encourage time off, normalize rest, and treat well-being as a business priority, not an optional perk.

High performance is only sustainable when well-being is part of the plan.

How to Use Employee Engagement Software

Using employee engagement software doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, once you understand the basics, you can launch meaningful engagement surveys in just a few clicks. 

I’ve helped several teams set this up, and with a platform like PeopleGoal, the process is fast, flexible, and completely code-free.

Here’s exactly how you can get started:

Step 1: Install a Ready-to-Use Survey Template

Start by choosing a pre-built employee engagement survey from the template store. 

 Once selected, install it into your chosen workspace. No need to start from scratch; everything you need is already built in.

Step 2: Customize the Survey to Fit Your Culture

Tailor the questions to reflect your company values and tone of voice. You can edit existing questions, add new ones, or even insert sliders and comment boxes. 

You can also reorder or group questions into sections for better flow. If you’re new to this, start simple and iterate later.

Step 3: Enable Anonymous Responses

To get honest, actionable feedback, make sure responses are set to anonymous. This encourages openness and protects privacy.

Enable webform settings that allow employees to fill out surveys without logging in, then share the secure link across your team.

Step 4: Set Permissions for Survey Access

Control who can create, view, or manage surveys. You can assign permissions to individuals or entire teams, so HR, leadership, or department heads can access results while general employees only see what they need.

Step 5: Launch and Share the Survey

Time to go live! 

You can start the survey manually for individuals, teams, or even your entire organization. Prefer automation? Schedule surveys to go out on a recurring basis with reminder notifications and auto-creation features.

Step 6: Track Results and Build Custom Reports

Once responses start coming in, dig into the data. Use built-in reporting tools to analyze trends, identify engagement gaps, and generate custom charts. 

You can also segment results by team, location, or department to get deeper insights into what’s working and what’s not.

Bonus Tip: Once your engagement surveys are live, don’t stop there. Keep the momentum going with pulse surveys, wellbeing check-ins, and one-on-one feedback tools. The more consistently you measure, the better decisions you’ll make for your people.

So you see, it’s that easy to use an employee engagement software, and get results that truly help employee development. 

Ready to Use Employee Engagement Software?

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.