20 Best Employee Incentive Software Reviewed in 2024
Best Employee Incentive Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 20 tools reviewed.
Get free help from our HR software advisors to find your match.
Employee incentive software has become an essential tool for companies looking to reward their teams effectively and align individual performance with organizational goals. But to help you maintain productivity across teams and reduce turnover, you need a reliable solution—and with so many options on the market, that can seem nearly impossible.
To get you started in your search, I used my knowledge of project management software to test and compare some of the best employee incentive software available. My in-depth reviews explore the top solutions, highlighting the key features and benefits that can help your organization drive employee engagement and achieve its objectives.
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
We’ve been testing and reviewing project management software since 2019. As HR experts, we know how critical and challenging it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
Need expert help selecting the right tool?
With one-on-one help, we guide you to your top software options. Narrow down your software search & make a confident choice.
We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested over 2,000 tools for different HR management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our employee incentive software review methodology.
Best Employee Incentive Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| WorkTango | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Nectar | From $3/user/month | Website |
| Kudos | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Bonusly | From $2/user/month | Website |
| Vantage Circle | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Reward Gateway | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Empuls | From $1/user/month + free plan available | Website |
| Recognize | From $2/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Guusto | From $96/35 users/month (additional users $2.70/month) | Website |
| Motivosity | From $3,000/year | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose an Employee Incentive Software
As you work through your unique software selection process, keep the following points in mind:
- Integration with Existing Systems: Ensure the software integrates seamlessly with your current HRIS, communication tools, and other essential systems. This is vital for maintaining workflow efficiency and minimizing disruptions.
- User Experience and Engagement: The software should be user-friendly and engaging to ensure high employee adoption rates. A complex or cumbersome interface can deter usage, defeating the purpose of the incentive program.
- Real-Time Reporting and Analytics: Tracking and analyzing your incentive program's real-time performance is essential. This includes metrics such as the number of recognitions sent, user engagement levels, and budget tracking.
- Customization and Flexibility: The software should allow customization to align with your company’s values and specific needs. This includes tailoring recognition and reward criteria and the rewards offered.
- Cost and ROI: Understand the pricing structure and ensure it fits within your budget while providing a good return on investment. This includes considering both the upfront costs and any ongoing subscription fees.
-
Deel
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Rippling
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
ClearCompany
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
Best Employee Incentive Software Reviews
This section provides an in-depth analysis and overview of each employee incentive software. Below, I will discuss the pros and cons of each tool, its features, and its best use cases.
WorkTango is an employee experience platform designed to enhance employee engagement through a comprehensive suite of tools for recognition, rewards, and insightful analytics.
Why I picked WorkTango: WorkTango is an effective employee incentive platform because it offers extensive customization with over 50 pre-configured templates, a budget impact calculator, and scheduling tools for managing incentives. It allows businesses to align incentives with organizational goals, such as rewarding early task completion or strategic achievements and supports building a strong company culture by promoting activities that reflect core values.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include employee surveys, continuous feedback, employee recognition, people analytics, engagement insights, manager coaching, real-time reporting, pulse surveys, eNPS measurement, anonymous feedback, and peer-to-peer recognition.
Integrations include 7Shifts, ADP Workforce Now, BambooHR, Gusto, Workday, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Outlook, Slack, Google Workspace, Apple HealthKit, Google Fit, Azure Active Directory, Okta, OneLogin, PingOne, and Speakap.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Leadership tools for improvement
- Useful pulse surveys for feedback
- Good points-based recognition system
Cons:
- Export functionality could be more flexible
- Workflows could be more intuitive
Nectar is an employee engagement platform that offers several different reward options, including gift cards, company-branded swag, custom rewards, and the option to donate to charity. It also provides access to Amazon Business' product catalog.
Why I picked Nectar: Nectar offers a user-friendly platform that makes it easy for organizations to recognize and reward employees in a meaningful way. Its unique integration with Amazon allows employees to choose from various products, making the reward system more appealing and versatile. This direct Amazon integration is particularly beneficial for companies offering a wide range of reward options without the hassle of managing inventory.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a robust catalog of gift cards, branded company swag, custom rewards, and the option to donate to charity.
Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, BambooHR, Workday, ADP, Google Workspace, Okta, OneLogin, Azure AD, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of gift cards
- Customizable rewards
- Direct Amazon integration
Cons:
- Requires ongoing management
- Limited to Amazon Business catalog
Kudos is an employee recognition software that enhances workplace culture through meaningful recognition. It seamlessly integrates recognition into daily workflows, making it easy for employees to acknowledge each other’s contributions.
Why I picked Kudos: Kudos excels in fostering a culture of peer recognition, which is vital for employee engagement and morale. The software stands out due to its user-friendly interface and advanced rewards catalog. It also allows for personalized recognition, public acknowledgments, and a points-based reward system that can be tailored to individual or team achievements, helping to boost employee morale and engagement effectively.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a strong peer recognition system, customizable rewards catalog, advanced analytics, AI-powered recognition assistance, and group eCards.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Slack, Paycor, ADP, UKG, Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Paylocity, and BambooHR.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Advanced analytics
- Comprehensive rewards catalog
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Requires active participation to be effective
- Limited reporting capabilities
Bonusly is an employee recognition and rewards platform that focuses on peer-to-peer recognition. It enables employees to easily recognize and reward each other, fostering a culture of appreciation and engagement.
Why I picked Bonusly: Bonusly excels in creating a culture of appreciation through its peer-to-peer recognition system. Unlike other platforms, Bonusly makes it simple for employees to recognize each other's contributions, significantly boosting morale and engagement. Additionally, its user-friendly interface and positive impact on workplace culture make it a stand out choice for organizations looking to foster professional development processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a peer-to-peer recognition program, automated milestone celebrations, and performance-oriented management tools.
Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Okta, BambooHR, Workday, ADP, Zapier, Xero, and QuickBooks.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated milestone celebrations
- Boosts employee morale
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Requires consistent management and oversight
- Limited customization options
Vantage Circle is an advanced employee rewards and recognition platform designed to elevate company culture and boost employee engagement. It offers a wide range of global redemption options, including experiences, merchandise, gift cards, and integration with Amazon Business.
Why I picked Vantage Circle: Vantage Circle is known for its extensive and diverse rewards catalog, which stands out from other employee incentive software. The platform's ability to offer various redemption options, including experiences and merchandise, makes it highly versatile. Due to its global reach and diverse offerings, Vantage Circle is best for companies looking for a larger rewards catalog.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a rich global rewards catalog, integration with Amazon Business, social recognition, automated celebrations, and an advanced dashboard for analytics and insights.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Slack, BambooHR, Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM, ADP, Google Workspace, Okta, and Azure.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust analytics
- Global redemption
- Diverse reward options
Cons:
- Dependent on internet connectivity
- Limited language support
Reward Gateway is an employee recognition platform that offers solutions for employee recognition, communication, engagement surveys, and well-being. Its personalized recognition solutions, ideal for companies looking to create a continuous culture of recognition and appreciation.
Why I picked Reward Gateway: Reward Gateway is recognized for its advanced and customizable approach to employee recognition. Unlike other platforms, it offers a tailored recognition strategy that aligns with a company's mission, core values, and brand, making it stand out as the best for personalized recognition solutions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customized eCards, automated reward and recognition, on-the-spot manager rewards, and a branded mobile app.
Integrations include Amazon, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Open API, and Yapster.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Branded mobile app
- Automated rewards
- Customizable recognition
Cons:
- Requires ongoing administrative effort
- Limited free features
Empuls is an AI-powered employee recognition and incentive software designed to enhance employee engagement and well-being. It leverages AI to provide timely, inclusive, and impactful recognition.
Why I picked Empuls: Empuls is known for its unique AI-powered recognition capabilities, which set it apart from other employee incentive software. The software’s AI features, such as smart nudges and intelligent insights, ensure timely and meaningful recognition, while the platform’s rewards programs help to foster a positive work culture and boost employee morale.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include multiple award types, custom workflows, a built-in rewards store, automated award creation, and intelligent insights.
Integrations include Microsoft Teams, Slack, UKG, SAP SuccessFactors, Google Workspace SSO, Azure AD, BambooHR, Freshteam, and Keka.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in rewards store
- Custom workflows
- AI-powered recognition
Cons:
- May need regular management oversight
- Limited integration options
Recognize is an employee incentive app and recognition program designed to boost productivity and morale through task completion incentives. It motivates employees to complete tasks efficiently by offering customizable challenges for points.
Why I picked Recognize: Recognize offers a unique focus on task completion incentives, which sets it apart from other employee incentive software. The software stands out due to its ability to create customizable challenges that drive productivity and engagement. Overall, Recognize combines recognition with tangible rewards, encouraging employees to stay focused and motivated.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable challenges, a points-based reward system, robust manager workflows, creating and tracking task completion, and meaningful rewards.
Integrations include Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Sharepoint, Yammer, Slack, Gmail, Asana, Bamboo, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust manager workflows
- Points-based rewards
- Customizable challenges
Cons:
- Requires regular program management
- Limited reward customization
Guusto is an employee rewards software and recognition platform that offers a variety of incentives. It provides scalable programs and printable rewards for tech-adverse employees and does not require work email addresses for deskless workers.
Why I picked Guusto: Guusto stands out with its focus on frontline workers, offering unique features like printable rewards and no need for work email addresses. This makes it particularly effective for industries with many deskless employees, such as retail, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include scalable reward programs, actionable reports, social impact initiatives, automated milestone awards, budgets, and non-monetary recognition programs.
Integrations include BambooHR, Workday, ADP, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace, Okta, OneLogin, Zapier, and Salesforce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No work email is needed
- Printable rewards
- Scalable programs
Cons:
- Fewer integration options are available
- Dependent on internet connectivity
Motivosity offers an employee rewards platform with various flexible employee rewards, including service awards, peer-to-peer recognition, spot recognition, and a rewards marketplace. It also provides programs for events and resources, challenges and nominations, and funding and budgets.
Why I picked Motivosity: Motivosity provides exceptional flexibility in reward options, which sets it apart from other employee incentive software. The platform's ability to offer various customizable rewards, including the ThanksMatters Visa card and access to Amazon's marketplace, makes it highly adaptable to multiple employee preferences. This flexibility ensures employees can choose the most meaningful rewards, enhancing their satisfaction and engagement.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a large rewards marketplace, a ThanksMatters Visa card, branded swag, real-time insights into rewards spending, a simplified redemption process, and support for charitable giving.
Integrations include Slack, Microsoft Teams, Amazon, Covver.io, SSO, and HRIS.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable rewards
- Real-time insights
- Flexible reward options
Cons:
- The interface can be overly complex
- Minimum spend required
Other Employee Incentive Software
Below is a list of additional employee incentive software that I shortlisted. While they didn’t make the top 10, they’re still valuable and worth further research.
- Assembly
Best for Slack and Teams connection
- Bucketlist Rewards
Best for custom incentive strategies
- Awardco
Best for customizable incentive programs
- Forma AI
Best for sales performance management
- BambooHR
Best for comprehensive HR solutions
- Global Shares
Best for equity compensation management
- Augeo
Best for customer loyalty programs
- Deel Engage
Best for global team engagement
- Terryberry
Best for employee recognition programs
- CaptivateIQ
Best for commission tracking
Related HR Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:
- HR Software
- Payroll Software
- Recruiting Software
- Employer of Record Services
- Applicant Tracking Systems
- Workforce Management Software
Employee Incentive Software Selection Criteria
The criteria for choosing an employee incentive software should directly address buyer needs and common pain points, ensuring that the software serves its intended purpose effectively. As an expert who has personally tried and researched these tools, here are the requirements I use when evaluating software:
Core Functionality: 25% of total weighting score
- Reward management
- Performance tracking
- Employee recognition
- Goal setting
- Analytics and reporting
Additional Standout Features: 25% of total weighting score
- Integration with existing HR systems
- Customizable reward options
- Gamification elements
- Social recognition features
- Mobile accessibility
Usability: 10% of total weighting score
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation
- Customizable dashboards
- Drag-and-drop functionality
- Role-based access
Onboarding: 10% of total weighting score
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Chatbots for instant help
- Webinars for in-depth training
- Pre-built templates
Customer Support: 10% of total weighting score
- 24/7 support availability
- Multiple support channels (email, phone, chat)
- Dedicated account managers
- Comprehensive help center
- Fast response times
Value For Money: 10% of total weighting score
- Transparent pricing
- Flexible subscription plans
- Free trial availability
- Cost vs. feature comparison
- Discounts for long-term commitments
Customer Reviews: 10% of total weighting score
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Specific feedback on features
- User testimonials
- Frequency of updates
- Community engagement
Trends for Employee Incentive Software
Here are some trends I’ve noticed for employee incentive software, plus what they might mean for the future. I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs to tease out the most important insights.
- Emphasis on Personalization: Decentralized workforces demand personalized incentive strategies. With tailored learning and development initiatives that align with specific career goals, you can boost engagement and inclusivity, building a sense of belonging and job satisfaction.
- Wellness-Centric Incentives: Wellness is now a priority in incentive programs. Companies are integrating non-cash perks like wellness subscriptions and mental health resources. This approach links physical and psychological well-being with professional performance, improving job satisfaction and retention.
- Recognition in a Virtual World: Digital platforms are revolutionizing employee recognition, and as a result, peer-to-peer recognition programs and virtual celebrations are becoming more common. These strategies help to enhance morale and foster a positive work culture in remote workplaces.
- Flexible and Inclusive Reward Structures: Organizations adopt flexible reward structures to meet diverse employee needs. Options like personalized gift cards and additional paid time off ensure that incentives are meaningful.
- AI-Driven Personalization: AI is enhancing the efficiency and impact of incentive programs. It allows for greater personalization, tailoring rewards to individual preferences. This technology is important for engaging a younger workforce that values frequent, authentic recognition.
From AI-driven personalization to the integration of wellness programs and gamification, these innovations are making it easier for companies to create meaningful and impactful incentive programs. Staying informed about these trends will be important for businesses aiming to foster a motivated, loyal, and high-performing team in today’s dynamic work environment.
What is Employee Incentive Software?
Employee incentive software is designed to manage and track employee rewards and recognition programs. It’s used by HR departments, managers, and team leaders to motivate employees, boost morale, and increase productivity through various incentive schemes.
The software generally includes features for setting up reward programs, tracking employee performance, and distributing rewards. It often integrates with other HR tools to comprehensively view employee engagement and performance metrics.
Features of Employee Incentive Software
With the right features, employee incentive software can be a powerful tool used to boost employee motivation, engagement, and productivity. Here are some of the most essential features to look for in employee incentive software:
- Customizable Rewards Programs: The ability to tailor rewards programs to fit your organization's unique needs ensures that employees feel valued and motivated.
- Performance Tracking: This feature allows managers to monitor employee performance and progress, making it easier to identify top performers and areas for improvement.
- Peer Recognition: Enabling employees to recognize and reward each other fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture.
- Automated Notifications: Automated reminders and notifications keep employees informed about their progress and upcoming rewards, maintaining their motivation.
- Integration with Other Systems: Seamless integration with existing HR and payroll systems streamlines processes and ensures accurate reward distribution.
- Analytics and Reporting: Detailed analytics and reporting tools provide insights into the effectiveness of incentive programs and help make data-driven decisions.
- Mobile Accessibility: Mobile-friendly platforms allow employees to access the software and participate in programs from anywhere, increasing engagement.
- Gamification Elements: Incorporating game-like elements such as leaderboards and badges makes the incentive programs more engaging and fun for employees.
- Budget Management: This feature helps organizations manage their incentive budgets effectively, ensuring that rewards are distributed fairly and within budget.
- Security and Compliance: Ensuring that the software complies with data protection regulations and has robust security measures to protect sensitive employee information.
Choosing the right employee incentive software with these features can significantly enhance your organization's ability to motivate and retain top talent. By providing a variety of rewards and recognition options, you can create a positive and productive work environment that benefits both employees and the organization.
Benefits of Employee Incentive Software
By implementing employee incentive software, organizations can create a more positive work environment, reduce turnover, and achieve strategic goals more effectively. Along with these benefits are a few more perks you may experience with this type of software, such as:
- Increased Productivity: Employee incentive software helps set clear performance targets and rewards employees for meeting or exceeding these goals. This structured approach motivates employees to work more efficiently and effectively, significantly boosting productivity.
- Better Employee Retention: Incentive software fosters a sense of employee appreciation and loyalty by recognizing and rewarding employee experience. This reduces turnover rates, as employees are more likely to stay with a company that values their contributions, saving the organization costs for hiring and training new staff.
- Enhanced Employee Engagement: Incentive programs integrated into software platforms can significantly increase employee engagement. Engaged employees are more committed to their work and the organization, leading to higher job satisfaction and better performance outcomes.
- Cost Savings: While implementing an incentive program may have upfront costs, the long-term savings are substantial. Reduced turnover, lower absenteeism, and increased productivity lower overall production costs, making the investment in incentive software highly cost-effective.
- Improved Company Culture: Employee incentive software can help build a positive and collaborative company culture. By promoting teamwork and recognizing collective achievements, the software encourages a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and motivated to contribute to the organization's success.
Employee incentive software offers numerous benefits that can transform the workplace. From boosting productivity and retention to enhancing engagement and reducing costs, these programs are essential for any organization looking to foster a motivated and high-performing workforce.
Costs & Pricing of Employee Incentive Software
When considering employee incentive software, understanding the costs and pricing is essential to making an informed decision. Pricing for these platforms can vary widely based on features, scalability, and the size of your organization, with options ranging from basic packages for small businesses to more comprehensive solutions for large enterprises.
This section provides an estimate of average employee incentive software plans and costs.
Plan Comparison Table for Employee Incentive Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic recognition tools, limited features, and minimal support |
| Personal Plan | $5-$10/employee/month | Social recognition, basic reporting, and integration with communication tools |
| Business Plan | $10-$30/employee/month | Advanced reporting, custom branding, employee surveys, and wellness initiatives |
| Enterprise Plan | Custom pricing | Comprehensive performance management, custom integrations, and global capabilities |
Understanding the costs and pricing of employee incentive software is crucial for selecting the right solution that fits your organization’s budget while delivering value. By carefully evaluating these factors, companies can choose an employee incentive software that aligns with their financial constraints while maximizing the return on investment through enhanced employee engagement and productivity.
Employee Incentive Software FAQs
Here are some of the commonly asked questions about employee incentive software.
How can employee incentive software integrate with existing HR systems?
Employee incentive software can often be integrated with existing HR systems through APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). This allows for seamless data exchange between the incentive software and HR systems, ensuring that employee information, performance metrics, and other relevant data are synchronized. Integration can automate the incentive distribution process, reduce manual errors, and provide a unified management platform for HR-related activities. It’s essential to check with the software provider about the specific integration capabilities and any potential customization required.
How can employee incentive software help track and measure performance?
Employee incentive software typically includes robust tracking and analytics features that allow managers to monitor employee performance in real time. These tools can track performance metrics, such as sales figures, project completion rates, and customer satisfaction scores. The software can generate detailed reports and dashboards, providing individual and team performance insights. This data can be used to identify high performers, areas for improvement, and the overall effectiveness of the incentive program.
How can employee incentive software be customized to fit specific business needs?
Most employee incentive software solutions offer customization options to fit specific business needs. This can include setting custom performance metrics, designing unique reward structures, and creating personalized dashboards and reports. Some software providers also offer professional services to help tailor the solution to your company’s requirements. It’s essential to choose flexible and scalable software allowing you to adjust the program as your business grows and evolves.
How secure is employee data within incentive software platforms?
Security is a critical concern for any software handling employee data. Reputable employee incentive software providers implement robust security measures, including data encryption, secure access controls, and regular security audits. It is essential to review the software provider’s security policies and practices and ensure they comply with relevant data protection regulations, such as GDPR or CCPA. Additionally, consider conducting your security assessments and working with the provider to address potential vulnerabilities.
Can employee incentive software support remote and hybrid work environments?
Many employee incentive software solutions are designed to support remote and hybrid work environments. These platforms often include features such as cloud-based access, mobile apps, and virtual recognition tools, allowing employees to participate in the incentive program regardless of location. This flexibility ensures that all employees can stay engaged and motivated through the incentive program, whether working in the office or remotely.
What’s Next?
To stay updated on people management, subscribe to our newsletter.