Employee performance management software makes it easy for business owners and managers to monitor and improve workers’ overall performance. In this article, we review the 6 best employee performance management software solutions for 2023.
Employee performance management software helps you monitor how well workers are performing and see when and where changes need to be made within your company.
The software provides a centralized platform to track employee performance, automate performance reviews, set employee goals, and provide feedback.
Using employee performance management software, you can increase transparency, improve communication, and boost productivity across your organization. Plus, by evaluating employees regularly, you can discover their strengths and weaknesses.
This can help you make changes before small problems become major issues. This also makes it simple to reward employees for positive performance and take action for consistently poor performance.
But which is the best software solution for you? Read on to learn about the 6 best employee performance management programs and the key features you should consider when choosing one.
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
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Best all-in-one employee performance management software
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Good for employee lifecycle tracking
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Good for small teams
What to Look For in a employee performance management software
When choosing employee performance management software, look for these key features:
- Employee recognition and rewards tools: Enable you to give praise where it’s due. For example, you can reward employees with digital tokens they can exchange for gift cards. Or, you can recognize an employee’s hard work through a personalized thank-you message delivered straight to their mobile device.
- Feedback tools: Enable you to send feedback directly to your employees. Simple feedback forms or a dedicated in-app feedback portal are both super useful features.
- Employee timeline: Provides a detailed map of each employee’s journey with your company. Each timeline enables you to track things like annual reviews or salary raises and to identify potential issues, like multiple poor-performance warnings.
- Document management tools: Help you store and manage all sensitive employee-related documents, saving time on paperwork and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Training and development tools: The best software will enable you to create training courses, build knowledge bases, and create and deploy quizzes. These help you evaluate employees’ knowledge and identify where more training is required. Connecteam, for example, lets you create highly customizable training courses and a custom knowledge base where you can add resources for employees.
- In-app chat: Speak directly with employees and notify them of any performance-related issues immediately. You can also use the in-app chat to commend good performance.
- Surveys and polls: Creating and deploying staff surveys and polls can help you identify any current or potential issues within your workplace.
- Real-time analytics and reporting: Clear, up-to-date information about how employees are performing can help you make more informed management decisions.
The 6 Best employee performance management softwares of 2023
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Connecteam — Best all-in-one employee performance management software
Connecteam is an all-in-one employee performance management tool that offers various onboarding, communications, and HR management features. It’s easy to set up and use and is available on the web and as a mobile and kiosk app.
There are loads of tools for employees and management alike. Let’s take a look at the standouts.
Customizable training tools to keep employees knowledgeable and skilled
Connecteam’s built-in training tools make it simple to create customizable courses and deliver regular training with ease. You can incorporate existing materials, including images, videos, documents, and more.
You can also create quizzes to test employee knowledge, which can be a handy tool during performance reviews to help you determine whether additional training or a skills refresher course is necessary.
Connecteam also enables you to add short guides and other documentation to a knowledge center. Employees can use these to ensure they’re following company procedures and performing to the required level.
Additionally, managers receive in-depth insights into how employees interact with training material and other documentation. You can use this to improve your courses and get the most out of training.
Best of all, employees can access training courses and materials right from the Connecteam mobile app. They can learn at their own pace from wherever they are.
In-app chat for 360-degree feedback
Regular feedback is one of the key performance management processes, and you can use it to help employees work more efficiently. Positive feedback helps you reinforce good behaviors, while negative feedback can give employees the chance to improve without the need for formal discipline.
Providing 360-degree feedback to employees is simpler than ever with Connecteam’s in-app chat. You can create team chats for different departments or message employees directly using secure one-on-one chats. This gives team members the chance to provide feedback to each other and their managers, complementing the feedback you provide.
Employee polls and surveys to gauge satisfaction
You can also use surveys and polls as part of the performance management process to understand what you can do to boost employee satisfaction. It’s much easier to boost employee engagement and performance if they’re working in a happy, productive environment.
Connecteam enables you to create custom surveys and polls, including live digital polls. Employees can fill out surveys and polls in real time from their mobile devices. Anonymous surveys are possible, and you can view real-time results as they come in.
Rewards and recognition tools to show your appreciation
Developing an employee rewards and recognition program is a great way to maintain a positive working environment and reinforce good performance.
Connecteam has a number of tools to help you create and implement your company’s rewards and recognition program. You can send recognition badges directly to employees, or post them in the company newsfeed for everyone to see. You can also add personal messages to badges.
Additionally, you can set up recognition programs for milestones or special achievements, like completing a major project.
You can also reward employees with digital tokens they can convert into gift cards.
Document management to save you time
Every manager who’s worked with paper document management systems knows how quickly they can become disorganized. Connecteam eliminates the need for physical filing by taking document management online.
Employees can upload documents, and you can request documentation from employees as required. Connecteam’s document management feature lets you securely store any submitted files, and the dashboard makes it easy to view them whenever needed. There’s also a visual interface that shows exactly what documents each employee has submitted and what (if anything) they’re missing.
A full employee timeline to track important milestones
The employee timeline allows you to visualize a worker’s journey from the moment they join your company. You can use it to track important events, including annual performance reviews and pay rises.
The timeline also contains information about past reviews, performance-related recognition or discipline, and training status. You can customize your timeline view and add relevant documents, such as skill certifications, to training events.
A built-in time clock, and much, much more
Connecteam is so much more than just a performance management solution. It offers everything from time management features to payroll integrations to event management tools.
Connecteam’s built-in employee time clock app enables employees to easily track their hours from anywhere. It’s GPS-enabled so you can verify employees’ locations, and it’s accurate to the second. Connecteam also offers a range of time off, overtime, and break management tools that help prevent employee burnout and keep your business compliant.
Connecteam also generates automatic timesheets for accurate payroll processing. It has direct integrations with payroll software solutions Gusto, QuickBooks Online, Paychex and Xero. Or, you can easily export timesheets for use in your payroll software of choice.
What’s more, Connecteam is super affordable. Our Small Business Plan is free for life for teams of up to 10 people. Paid plans start at just $29 per month for teams of up to 30 users, plus just $0.50 per month for each additional user.
Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Try Connecteam here!
Key Features
Pros
Very easy to set up and use
Provides clear insights into employees’ performance
Enables rewards for high-performing workers
Attractive free forever plan
Cons
No video conferencing yet
Pricing
Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users
14-day free trial, no credit card required
Start your free trial -
Trakstar — Good for employee lifecycle tracking
Available on
- Web
Trakstar is a program that helps you manage performance. It comes with application tracking, learning management, and workforce analytics. Employers can create goals and outline expectations for employees.
Most of Trakstar’s features are aligned around goal management and include simple goal tracking tools. There’s a continuous feedback tool, a performance benchmarking system, real-time reporting functionality, and employee lifecycle tracking features.
One downside is that Trakstar is rather pricey, with plans starting from $417 per month for up to 30 users. It also lacks a free trial or a free-forever plan.
Learn more about TrakstarKey Features
- Goal setting tools
- Real-time insights
- Benchmarking system
- Lifecycle tracking
Pros
- Customization options
- Decent selection of features
Cons
- No free trial or free plan
- Pricey
Pricing
Starts at $417/month, for up to 30 users Trial: No Free Plan: No
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Lattice — Good for small teams
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Lattice has features for managing employee performance through one-on-one meetings, feedback, and regular updates. The performance appraisal tools can be used to undertake regular employee reviews.
There are also tools to assist managers in gaining real-time insights. These include visual displays that show performance and employee satisfaction metrics. On the employee side, workers can request feedback and communicate with managers and fellow team members via the mobile app.
However, Lattice’s user interface isn’t very intuitive. Lattice is also on the expensive side, and there’s no free trial or free plan.
Learn more about LatticeKey Features
- Continuous feedback
- Internal messaging
- Employee review tools
- Real-time insights
Pros
- Integrates with other software
- Various automation options
Cons
- User interface could be better
- A little expensive
Pricing
Starts at $11/user/month Trial: No Free Plan: No
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Culture Amp — Good for employee experience management
Available on
- Web
Culture Amp is an employee experience management platform with performance management tools. Employers can set and manage goals, and there are tools for managers to request feedback. These include the feedback form template, which allows employers to create custom surveys and feedback forms.
Culture Amp also integrates with a small number of third-party platforms, including Slack and Chrome. There are performance review tools as well.
Unfortunately, Culture Amp lacks anything outside of employee management tools. This reduces its usefulness and means that you’d have to use additional software if you need the extra functionality.
Learn more about Culture AmpKey Features
- Goal setting
- Feedback forms
- Third-party integrations
- Performance review tools
Pros
- Easy to use
- Simple performance management tools
Cons
- Limited extra features
- No in-app chat
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
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Bamboo HR — Good for regular performance reviews
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
BambooHR’s performance management tools are useful for conducting regular performance reviews. It uses performance appraisal software and allows employers to customize the review process.
There are features for providing ongoing feedback, and a training tool to enable regular training modules and tests to be delivered. The software can also send automated reminders to employees to complete training. Employees can set and follow specific goals, and employers can collect targeted feedback from employees, managers, clients, and other relevant people.
One downside is that Bamboo HR lacks the tools for creating an employee rewards and recognition program, which can make it difficult to reward employees who are performing above and beyond what’s expected of them.
Learn more about Bamboo HRKey Features
- Performance appraisal software
- Training tools
- Goal setting and management
- Automated reminders
Pros
- User-friendly
- Customization options
Cons
- No recognition or rewards tools
- A little complicated to set up
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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Namely — Good for extra HR features
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Namely’s HR software comes with performance management, time tracking, payroll, analytics, and other HR tools. The performance management tools enable employers to deliver continuous 360-degree feedback, conduct regular and sporadic performance reviews, and automate task lists.
There are also goal tracking features for employees to set and monitor short and long-term goals. Employers can use customizable performance forms to benchmark long-term progress.
However, Namely’s performance management features are on the basic side. It also lacks tools like an employee rewards and recognition program or a training portal.
Learn more about NamelyKey Features
- Performance reviews
- Goal setting and management
- Benchmarking
- Performance review tools
Pros
- Easy to use
- Decent reporting tools
Cons
- Average customer service
- No free trial or free plan
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
Compare the Best employee performance management softwares
| Topic |
Start for free
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reviews |
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| Pricing |
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
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Starts at $417/month, for up to 30 users
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Starts at $11/user/month
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Contact vendor for price
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Contact vendor for price
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Contact vendor for price
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| Free Trial |
yes
14-day
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no
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no
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no
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yes
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no
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| Free Plan |
yes
Free Up to 10 users
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no
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no
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no
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no
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no
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What is Employee Performance Management Software?
Employee performance management solutions are programs that assist businesses in tracking, evaluating, and managing employee performance. Popular features include performance reviews, goal setting, performance analysis, reporting, and feedback forms. Some software also comes with more advanced tools like employee rewards and recognition features.
With performance management software, employers can set goals and objectives for their employees, monitor progress, and provide continuous feedback. Employers can conduct regular performance evaluations more efficiently, and more easily identify employees that need extra training or support. The software can also help employees understand their goals and track their progress toward achieving them.
How Does Employee Performance Management Software Work?
Employee performance management software brings together a number of tools and workflow automations to streamline the performance management process.
Employers can use goal setting tools to provide direction for their employees. They can deliver continuous feedback to employees and use performance review tools to identify potential performance-related issues within the workplace.
Employers can also take advantage of real-time insights to monitor performance and identify areas that need improvement.
On the employee side, performance management software enables them to receive feedback. This can help them understand what aspects of their performance need improving and what they’re doing well. Some software solutions have rewards and recognition features as well, so employees can receive praise for a job well done.
Most employee performance management software is available via a mobile app so team members can access it anytime and anywhere.
The Benefits of Employee Performance Management Software
The right employee performance management software will help you:
Save time and money
The best performance management systems come with a suite of automations to help you streamline time-consuming workflows. For example, you can use automatic performance review tools rather than having to conduct every review manually.
These automation features will help you save time and money by reducing the need for manual data collection and employee monitoring.
Improved performance and productivity
With a reliable way to monitor employee performance according to predefined metrics, you can easily identify areas where performance can be improved. You can take immediate action to help employees improve their performance, which boosts your team’s overall productivity.
Make more informed business decisions
Using real-time performance data will help you make smarter, more informed business decisions. For example, you can use it to identify top performers who could be in line for a promotion or poor performers who are overdue a warning.
Promote better communication
A digital employee management program helps facilitate communication between you and your employees. Many programs have features like built-in messaging that make communication super easy and enable managers to provide real-time feedback.
Improve employee engagement
Using performance management tools to provide regular feedback and opportunities to improve will help employees be more engaged. This can form a positive reinforcement loop where employees are continually learning, becoming better at their job, and growing more invested in company success.
Happier and more engaged employees also work more efficiently and help contribute to a positive company culture.
How Much Does Employee Performance Management Software Cost?
Employee performance management platforms are typically priced per user, per month. For example, Trakstar starts at a high $471 per month for up to 30 users, while Lattice begins at $11 per user, per month.
Some providers—like Bamboo HR, Culture Amp, and Namely—don’t list their pricing plans publicly. So you’d need to contact the sales team for pricing.
On the other hand, Connecteam’s pricing is transparent and very affordable. Paid plans start at just $29 per month for up to 30 users. Additional users can be added for only $0.50 each per month, which means that costs stay low even for large teams.
Connecteam even offers its employee performance management software for free with its Small Business Plan. It’s free for life for up to 10 users!
FAQs
Which performance management system is the best?
Connecteam is a leader in the performance management space. It offers strong performance management tools backed by real-time insights, as well as an employee time clock, shift scheduling, and many other tools. It’s super easy to use, and its prices are among the most competitive in the industry.
How do you track employee performance?
The best way to track employee performance is with a performance management system like Connecteam. It uses tools like performance reviews, ongoing feedback, and real-time insights to monitor employee performance.
What is the best method to monitor employee performance?
You can monitor employee performance efficiently using a high-quality performance management program. Connecteam stands out as one of the best, and it comes with various automations to streamline the entire process.
The Bottom Line on Employee Performance Management Software
Employee performance management software can help you streamline time-consuming performance management tasks and make your entire process more efficient. The best software is easy to use and comes with features like real-time insights, feedback tools, an employee timeline, rewards and recognition tools, and more.
Connecteam excels across the board. It has powerful performance management tools backed by a suite of additional HR, operations, and communications tools. It’s also easy to set up and use, and it’s one of the more affordable options on the market. There’s even a free trial and a free-forever plan.
Get started with Connecteam today and see its value for yourself.