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Top Employee Recognition Platforms to Boost Engagement for 2024
7 min read
Published: Aug 30, 2024
Revised on: Aug 30, 2024
Here’s our curated shortlist and our reasons for liking each company; please click into each company to get more details:
Recognizing employees boosts morale and drives engagement, productivity, and overall business success. A well-implemented recognition program can transform the workplace, making employees feel valued and motivated. In this review, we explore ten leading employee recognition platforms, providing HR professionals, managers, and organizational leaders with the insights needed to choose the best tool for their organization.- Cooleaf
- Users appreciate the gift card rewards provided by Cooleaf, which have proven beneficial in helping them afford small purchases.
- The platform facilitates challenges, trivia, and recognitions, fostering employee engagement.
- Cooleaf's mobile app makes it convenient for users to access and participate in activities even when not at work.
- The recognition and reward system positively impacts employee morale.
- A valuable remote tool to maintain communication and connection among team members, fostering a sense of community.
- Assembly
- Easy to use and intuitive interface. Many reviews mentioned Assembly is simple, easy to navigate, and user-friendly.
- Good customer support. Reviews mentioned Assembly's support team is responsive in resolving issues.
- Rewards redemption process is smooth. Users liked the gift card and other reward options that can be redeemed with points.
- Integrates well with Slack and Microsoft Teams. The integration makes giving recognition quick and seamless.
- Good for employee recognition and engagement. Reviews highlighted Assembly's peer-to-peer recognition features that help boost employee morale.
- Awardco
- Easy to use and user friendly interface. Many reviews mention how simple and intuitive the platform is.
- Wide variety of redemption options, including gift cards, donations, and products through Amazon. Provides employees choice in how they want to be rewarded.
- Ability to recognize coworkers both publicly and privately. Allows for flexibility in giving praise.
- Integration with Amazon for product redemptions. Gives access to a huge catalog of items.
- Features like the recognition feed increase engagement and positivity among employees. Helps boost morale.
- Guusto
- Wide variety of gift card options to choose from
- Easy and simple to use
- Good customer service
- Ability to split gift card amounts between multiple merchants
- Option for recipients to select gift card of their choice
- Motivosity
- Makes it easy and fun to recognize and reward peers and employees. Many reviews mentioned how Motivosity makes it simple to give thanks and praise to coworkers.
- Improves employee morale, culture, and engagement. Multiple reviews highlighted how Motivosity has enhanced company culture, boosted team morale, and improved employee engagement.
- Fosters connections between remote/hybrid teams. Reviews noted how Motivosity helps remote and dispersed teams stay connected.
- Provides visibility into what's happening across the company. Reviews liked being able to see praise and recognition across the organization.
- User-friendly interface. Many reviews complimented Motivosity's clean and easy-to-use interface.
What Are the Benefits of Using an Employee Recognition Platform?
Employee recognition platforms streamline the process of acknowledging and rewarding employees, making it easier for organizations to consistently recognize contributions. These platforms enhance workplace morale, boost productivity, and foster a positive organizational culture. By offering structured recognition programs, they help maintain employee motivation and engagement, ultimately leading to higher retention rates and better overall performance.
How Do Employee Recognition Platforms Improve Workplace Culture?
Employee recognition platforms contribute to a positive workplace culture by encouraging consistent and meaningful acknowledgment of employee achievements. When recognition is integrated into daily workflows, it creates an environment where employees feel valued and appreciated. This culture of appreciation can lead to stronger team dynamics, increased collaboration, and a more motivated workforce, all of which are essential for a thriving organizational culture.
What Features Should I Look for in an Employee Recognition Platform?
When selecting an employee recognition platform, consider features such as peer-to-peer recognition, customizable reward options, integration with existing workplace tools, and comprehensive analytics. It's important to choose a platform that aligns with your organization's values and goals and one that offers flexibility in recognizing employees in ways that are meaningful to them. Ensure the platform is user-friendly and scalable to accommodate your organization's growth.
How Do Employee Recognition Platforms Measure the Impact of Recognition Programs?
Employee recognition platforms typically offer analytics and reporting tools that help measure the impact of recognition programs. These tools can track metrics such as participation rates, frequency of recognition, and overall engagement levels. By analyzing this data, organizations can assess the effectiveness of their recognition programs, identify trends, and make informed decisions to enhance their strategies. This data-driven approach ensures that recognition efforts are aligned with organizational goals and contribute to improved employee satisfaction and performance.
10 Best Employee Recognition Programs
Employee recognition is a critical factor in fostering a positive workplace culture. To support this, numerous platforms have emerged to streamline and elevate the process of recognizing and rewarding employees. Below is a detailed review of the top 10 employee recognition platforms.
Pricing
Contact sales for pricing
Cooleaf is an engagement platform that blends employee recognition with wellness and engagement initiatives. It offers real-time rewards and comprehensive analytics, giving organizations insights into their recognition efforts. Cooleaf’s focus on promoting wellness alongside recognition makes it a valuable tool for companies that prioritize employee health and well-being. The platform’s ability to track and measure engagement through detailed reporting is a key strength
Cooleaf Key Features:
- Integrated recognition with wellness challenges and learning initiatives.
- Real-time feedback and recognition.
- Customizable reward options including gift cards and experiences.
- Analytics to measure engagement and program effectiveness.
Best For:
- Organizations looking for an all-in-one solution for employee engagement and recognition.
Pros
- Users appreciate the gift card rewards provided by Cooleaf, which have proven beneficial in helping them afford small purchases.
- The platform facilitates challenges, trivia, and recognitions, fostering employee engagement.
- Cooleaf's mobile app makes it convenient for users to access and participate in activities even when not at work.
- The recognition and reward system positively impacts employee morale.
- A valuable remote tool to maintain communication and connection among team members, fostering a sense of community.
Cons
- Some users express a desire for more tasks and challenges on the platform.
- The mobile app is reported to occasionally forget user credentials, requiring re-entry.
- While infrequent, there are mentions of occasional system downtimes.
- The comment and reaction interactions on the platform are considered less dynamic compared to other social media sites.
- Some users suggest that Cooleaf's user interface might be overly simplified, making navigation a bit challenging at times.
2
Assembly
Pricing
$2.80 per user/month
- Free version
- Free trial available
- Seat Minimum: 1 User
Assembly offers customizable workflows that allow organizations to tailor their recognition processes to fit their unique needs. Its peer-to-peer recognition feature encourages a culture of collaboration and appreciation. Integration with existing tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams makes it easy to incorporate recognition into daily operations. Assembly’s emphasis on customization and seamless integration positions it as a flexible option for companies looking to enhance their recognition programs.
Assembly Key Features:
- Peer-to-peer recognition with public recognition feeds.
- Integration with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and other workplace tools.
- Points-based system redeemable for various rewards.
- Customizable recognition programs to match company culture.
Best For:
- Companies looking to foster a social recognition culture that integrates seamlessly with their existing tools.
Pros
- Easy to use and intuitive interface. Many reviews mentioned Assembly is simple, easy to navigate, and user-friendly.
- Good customer support. Reviews mentioned Assembly's support team is responsive in resolving issues.
- Rewards redemption process is smooth. Users liked the gift card and other reward options that can be redeemed with points.
- Integrates well with Slack and Microsoft Teams. The integration makes giving recognition quick and seamless.
- Good for employee recognition and engagement. Reviews highlighted Assembly's peer-to-peer recognition features that help boost employee morale.
Cons
- Limitations in analytics and reporting features. Some reviews wanted more detailed analytics and user statistics.
- Creating flows and automations can be tricky. Reviews noted workflows and automations are sometimes hard to setup.
- Limited customization options for recognitions. Users wanted more ways to customize recognitions with images/GIFs.
- Lack of mobile apps earlier on. Reviews mentioned lack of mobile apps made it hard to use when not by a computer.
- Confusion due to branding changes. Reviews noted frequent name changes of the reward units was confusing initially.
3
Awardco
Pricing
Contact sales for pricing
- Free version
- Free trial available
- Seat Minimum: 1 User
Awardco’s collaboration with Amazon Business sets it apart, offering an extensive catalog of rewards that cater to a global workforce. This platform provides robust customization options, allowing companies to design recognition programs that align with their strategic goals. Awardco’s global reach and extensive reward selection make it an ideal choice for multinational organizations looking to implement a consistent recognition strategy across different regions.
Awardco Key Features:
- Access to Amazon's extensive product catalog for rewards.
- Points-based recognition that can be redeemed for products, travel, or experiences.
- Customizable recognition programs tailored to company culture.
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting tools.
Best For:
- Medium to large organizations seeking a wide range of reward options and customizable recognition programs.
Pros
- Easy to use and user friendly interface. Many reviews mention how simple and intuitive the platform is.
- Wide variety of redemption options, including gift cards, donations, and products through Amazon. Provides employees choice in how they want to be rewarded.
- Ability to recognize coworkers both publicly and privately. Allows for flexibility in giving praise.
- Integration with Amazon for product redemptions. Gives access to a huge catalog of items.
- Features like the recognition feed increase engagement and positivity among employees. Helps boost morale.
Cons
- Limited selection of products compared to full Amazon catalog. Not all options on Amazon are available.
- Inability to pay difference when order total exceeds points balance. Must have exact points amount.
- Reporting capabilities could be more robust for admins. Some want more data analysis options.
- Navigation issues like having to reload item list when going back to browsing. Causes inconvenience.
- Lack of ability to track shipments of ordered items. Status not always clear after ordering.
4
Guusto
Pricing
$40.00 per user/month
- Free version
- Seat Minimum: 1 User
Guusto takes a simple yet impactful approach to recognition, focusing on gift cards and charitable giving. The platform’s emphasis on choice and flexibility allows employees to select rewards that are personally meaningful to them. Guusto’s integration of charitable giving into recognition programs adds a socially responsible dimension, making it an excellent choice for organizations looking to align recognition with their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.
Guusto Key Features:
- Instant reward sending with a variety of gift card options.
- No fees on unused rewards, ensuring budget efficiency.
- Customizable recognition programs with branding options.
- Integration with various HR and communication tools.
Best For:
- Organizations seeking a straightforward and cost-effective employee recognition solution.
Pros
- Wide variety of gift card options to choose from
- Easy and simple to use
- Good customer service
- Ability to split gift card amounts between multiple merchants
- Option for recipients to select gift card of their choice
Cons
- Some issues with less tech-savvy users having trouble redeeming
- Can be confusing to navigate initially
- Reporting capabilities could be improved
- Limited customization options
- Fees associated with credit card payments
Pricing
$2.00 per user/month
- Seat Minimum: 10 Users
Motivosity focuses on fostering employee motivation through peer-to-peer recognition and gamification elements. The platform’s unique recognition approach, including features like personal recognition walls and gratitude journals, encourages ongoing appreciation and positivity in the workplace. Motivosity’s gamified elements make recognition fun and engaging, helping to sustain motivation and improve morale across teams.
Motivosity Key Features:
- Peer-to-peer recognition with small, meaningful rewards.
- Budget-friendly with a focus on micro-recognition.
- Insights and analytics to track engagement levels.
- Integration with various HR and communication tools.
Best For:
- Small to medium-sized businesses seeking an affordable, culture-focused recognition platform.
Pros
- Makes it easy and fun to recognize and reward peers and employees. Many reviews mentioned how Motivosity makes it simple to give thanks and praise to coworkers.
- Improves employee morale, culture, and engagement. Multiple reviews highlighted how Motivosity has enhanced company culture, boosted team morale, and improved employee engagement.
- Fosters connections between remote/hybrid teams. Reviews noted how Motivosity helps remote and dispersed teams stay connected.
- Provides visibility into what's happening across the company. Reviews liked being able to see praise and recognition across the organization.
- User-friendly interface. Many reviews complimented Motivosity's clean and easy-to-use interface.
Cons
- Leaderboards can cause unwanted competition. Some reviews felt the leaderboards promoted competition instead of true recognition.
- Money rewards aren't always motivating. A few reviewers felt the money wasn't the real motivator - the recognition was more meaningful.
- Reporting and analytics could be better. Some reviews wanted more robust reporting capabilities.
- Mobile app lacks functionality. The mobile app was called out for missing key desktop features.
- Technical glitches. A couple reviews cited occasional technical issues with the software.
6
Bonusly
Pricing
$3.00 per user/month
- Free trial available
- Seat Minimum: 1 User
Bonusly is designed with simplicity and integration in mind. Its ease of use makes it accessible for all employees, regardless of their tech-savviness. The platform emphasizes micro-bonuses, enabling employees to give small, frequent recognitions that add up over time. With strong integration capabilities, Bonusly seamlessly fits into existing workflows, making recognition a natural part of the workday. The focus on peer recognition helps to build a culture of continuous appreciation.
Bonusly Key Features:
- Micro-bonuses that can be pooled together for larger rewards.
- A diverse reward catalog including gift cards, donations, and experiences.
- Integration with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and BambooHR.
- Analytics and reporting to track recognition trends and impact.
Best For:
- Organizations looking to encourage continuous, small-scale recognition among employees.
Pros
- Easy-to-use interface and seamless integrations (e.g. with Slack) make it simple for employees to recognize each other.
- Hundreds of international reward options make it useful for international teams.
- Wide variety of gift cards and reward options to redeem points.
- Analytics provide insights into employee engagement levels.
- Ability to customize rewards and tie them to company values.
Cons
- Can be costly, especially for larger organizations.
- Some users have reported that Bonusly can be slow to load
- Users express dissatisfaction with the inability to keep transactions private between themselves and the recipient.
- Some users feel constrained by the number of points they can award to colleagues
- Reliant on user adoption - engagement declines if employees don't actively participate.
7
Mo
Pricing
Contact sales for pricing
Mo is designed to create meaningful moments of recognition that strengthen team bonds. Its easy-to-use platform emphasizes the importance of regular, genuine recognition, making it a valuable tool for building a supportive work culture. Mo’s focus on team bonding through recognition events and activities differentiates it from other platforms, offering a unique approach to enhancing employee relationships and engagement.
Mo Key Features:
- Real-time recognition and feedback.
- Customizable recognition moments aligned with company values.
- Integration with workplace tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams.
- Diverse reward options including experiences and gift cards.
Best For:
- Organizations aiming to build a continuous recognition culture that aligns with their core values.
Pros
- Powerful communication platform with various interactive features like gifs, emojis, and characters.
- Enables easy recognition and appreciation of colleagues for their efforts and achievements.
- Simple and user-friendly interface, making it easy for users to recognize and reward colleagues.
- Facilitates bonding and interactions among team members, especially in remote or international work settings.
- Addresses the challenge of isolation in remote work environments by providing a platform for recognition.
Cons
- Some users express concerns about the user interface, suggesting improvements like a drag-down screen to refresh, better notification updates, and changes in the profile header.
- Users find it inconvenient that once a post is made, they cannot edit it. The only option is to delete and repost.
- There is a desire for improvements in how posted photos are displayed on the feed, suggesting the ability to see the entire photo while scrolling.
- Users face challenges in navigation, such as going back to the home screen after checking a notification, resulting in a return to the start instead of the previous position.
- Some users express a desire for more shop options on the platform.
Pricing
$29.00 per user/month
- Free version
- Free trial available
- No Seat Minimum
Connecteam is an all-in-one platform that combines employee communication with recognition features, making it a versatile tool for organizations. Its focus on mobile accessibility ensures that remote and deskless workers can participate in recognition programs. Connecteam’s integration of communication, task management, and recognition into one platform makes it a comprehensive solution for enhancing employee engagement across different teams and departments.
Connecteam Key Features:
- Mobile-first design for easy access by deskless employees.
- Customizable recognition and reward programs.
- Built-in communication tools to enhance team collaboration.
- Gamification features to motivate employees.
Best For:
- Organizations with a significant number of deskless or remote workers who need a mobile-first solution.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of features such as time tracking, job scheduling, communication tools, and forms, making it a versatile solution for various business needs.
- The platform is easy to use for managers and employees, with intuitive navigation and clear instructions.
- Users praise Connecteam's responsive and helpful customer support, including live chat and Zoom training sessions.
- The mobile app is robust, allowing users to manage schedules, track time, and communicate on the go.
- Allows for a high degree of customization, enabling businesses to tailor the platform to their specific needs, from setting up notifications to creating custom forms and checklists.
Cons
- The integration with QuickBooks has limitations, particularly in exporting PTO and overtime.
- Some users have noted that not all features are available in every pricing tier.
- The task assignment functionality on smartphones can be less intuitive.
- The inability to fully customize the home or "Feed" page limits the platform's usability for businesses with specific priorities or workflows.
- The platform currently does not support exporting events to Google Calendar.
9
Nectar
Pricing
$2.75 per user/month
- Seat Minimum: 50 Users
Nectar stands out for its user-friendly interface and extensive customization options. The platform allows companies to tailor recognition programs to their specific culture and values. With peer-to-peer recognition at its core, Nectar encourages a collaborative environment where employees can recognize each other’s contributions. The platform's flexibility in reward options, including points that can be redeemed for various prizes, makes it a versatile choice for organizations of all sizes.
Nectar Key Features:
- Peer-to-peer recognition with customizable reward options.
- Integration with popular tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and email.
- Budget control and reporting features for HR and managers.
- Social recognition feeds to celebrate achievements publicly.
Best For:
- Small to medium-sized businesses looking for an affordable and easy-to-use recognition platform.
Pros
- Makes it easy to recognize and reward employees (praise, points, gifts)
- Boosts employee morale and positivity in the workplace
- Allows recognition across departments and remote teams
- Simple and intuitive interface, easy to use
- Provides analytics and insights into employee recognition
Cons
- Limited options for rewards in some regions/countries
- Can feel like a popularity contest with the leaderboards
- Monthly points expire if not used quickly enough
- Not integrated with common workplace tools like Slack or Teams
- Mobile app is not as robust as desktop site
10
Terryberry
Pricing
Contact sales for pricing
With a long-standing reputation in the recognition industry, Terryberry offers a wide range of solutions, from traditional awards to modern digital recognition tools. Its extensive experience is reflected in the platform’s comprehensive approach, which includes employee engagement tools, wellness programs, and service awards. Terryberry’s ability to cater to traditional and modern recognition needs makes it a reliable choice for organizations looking to implement a diverse recognition strategy.
Terryberry Key Features:
- Customizable recognition programs including service awards.
- Wide range of reward options including physical trophies and plaques.
- Integration with company intranets and other tools.
- Wellness programs and challenges integrated with recognition.
Best For:
- Organizations looking for a well-established, customizable recognition solution with digital and physical reward options.
Pros
- The platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
- Their Customer support team is responsive and helpful.
- Quick resolution of technical glitches or limitations.
- The platform allows for seamless customization to meet the company's needs and values.
- Enables global acknowledgment for efforts and behaviors that matter to the organization.
Cons
- Occasional technical glitches or limitations, although addressed promptly.
- Improvement is needed in the communication software feature.
- Some users experience login issues and occasional site crashes.
- There is a desire for more diverse reward options in the catalog.
- The admin website is considered outdated and not very user-friendly.
Conclusion
Each of the ten platforms reviewed offers unique strengths and features tailored to different organizational needs. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly solution, a comprehensive engagement platform, or a mobile-first option, this review provides a solid starting point to find the best fit for your team
When selecting a recognition platform for your organization, consider your specific recognition goals, the size of your workforce, and the overall culture you aim to foster. By choosing the right tool, you can create a recognition program that enhances employee engagement and contributes to a positive and thriving workplace culture.
Evaluate your current recognition strategies and consider implementing one of the reviewed platforms to elevate employee engagement and satisfaction in your organization. A well-chosen recognition tool can make all the difference in creating a happy workforce.
