Best Performance Management Software Shortlist
Here’s the list of the best performance management software that I’ll cover in this article, with detailed summaries below:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Performance management has recently gone through a functional revolution. These days, employees want more feedback than a simple annual performance review. That's why performance management software should be an essential tool in every HR team's toolbelt.
In a previous role, I prepared and organized hundreds of performance reviews. It was a very time-consuming process, with no automations to ease the load. In that situation, performance management software would have been a game-changer.
With that in mind, here's my list of the best performance management software currently available. It's impressive to see how efficient performance management software really is!
What Is Performance Management Software?
Performance management software is a modern solution that simplifies the performance review process. It's used to track specific metrics, analyze productivity, record achievements, set goals, and plan for the future. They also incorporate modern elements like collecting 360-degree feedback from team members, continuous feedback loops, and one-on-one check-in tools.
You can use these powerful HR tools to automate your entire performance review cycle. That includes everything from tracking and data analysis to scheduling the review meeting itself. They compile data from integrated modules into performance reports automatically, saving your HR teams a lot of time.
Overviews Of The 10 Best Performance Management Software
Here’s a brief description of each performance management software that showcases each system’s best features, plus screenshots to give you a snapshot of the user interface.
Deel
Best for continuous performance feedback via 1:1 meetings
Deel's platform is focused on helping businesses manage their international workforce, handling everything from hiring global employees to managing contracts, compliance, and payments. Their platform can also help organizations stay on top of their employee performance using their integrated tools for pulse surveys and 1:1 check-ins.
Managers can use Deel's Slack plugin to add more structure to their meetings with direct reports, ensuring employees can add items to their shared agenda as needed. These 1:1's will quickly become a touchpoint of continuous feedback, helping employees and managers address any roadblocks before they become performance blockers. To keep feedback flowing in each direction, Deel's plugin also concludes each 1:1 meeting with a post-meeting survey where employees can share actionable feedback about the meeting for future consideration.
You can also use Deel's plugin to collect employee feedback through surveys, including pre-made options to measure employee engagement and company confidence. Once that data comes back, HR teams can filter the submissions by department or location to uncover any problematic areas that need addressing.
Deel integrates with a handful of popular HR software systems, including Ashby, BambooHR, Expensify, Greenhouse, Hibob, Netsuite, Okta, OneLogin, Quickbooks, SCIM, Slack, Xero, Workday, and Workable. They also have an Open API that supports additional custom integrations as well.
PerformYard
Best for dedicated customer support to design your ideal performance review cycle
PerformYard’s performance management software offers flexible features for HR, while creating a simplified employee experience for your staff. Their platform gives HR teams the tools they need to build out their performance review strategy, including 360-degree reviews, project-based reviews, custom rating scales, continuous feedback, and cascading goal structures. Meanwhile, employees benefit from a streamlined performance review process focused on effective discussions and delivering quality feedback.
In addition to your annual performance review cycle, PerformYard can also help you run regular check-in meetings, capture continuous feedback, recognize staff achievements, and document employee goals. PerformYard also provides a dedicated customer success manager to each new customer, to help you design an effective performance management cycle that works best for your organization’s needs.
PerformYard integrates with ADP, BambooHR, GSuite, Gusto, Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Teams, Okta, OneLogin, Slack, Rippling, Paycom, Paylocity, UKG, and Workday.
Lattice
Best for incorporating performance data from multiple feedback sources
Lattice’s people management platform is designed to help organizations develop employees into high performers and with tools to help them set, monitor and achieve their personal and professional goals. In addition to their performance management module, Lattice also offers integrated solutions to manage objectives and key results (OKRs) and goals, employee engagement tools like surveys, pulses and eNPS ratings, and employee growth tools that help staff and their managers develop career growth plans and track skill competencies.
Lattice’s performance management software includes modern features such as continuous performance management feedback loops, 1:1 templates, and 360 degree feedback. This means performance reviews prepared within Lattice incorporate a blend of feedback sources from managers, colleagues, direct reports and the employee themselves, creating a well-rounded profile of how each employee is performing. Lattice also supports project-based reviews too.
Lattice integrates with many commonly used human resource information systems (HRIS), including ADP, BambooHR, Namely, Personio, Rippling, Workday, and Zenefits, as well as other popular software platforms such as Gmail, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Slack and others.
Primalogik
Best for advanced benchmarking and performance comparison tools
Primalogik’s employee performance management software includes a wide range of features that foster employee engagement and empower managers and their employees to reach their full potential. Through a combination of performance review assessments, 360-degree feedback, engagement surveys, employee goals and OKRs (objectives and key results), and instant feedback including 1:1 check-ins, Primalogik helps employees gain insight into their individual performance and uncover areas to make small improvements.
Their 360-degree feedback module makes it easy to solicit feedback from multiple sources. Admin users can select their own rating scales for their evaluation questionnaires, and determine the level of anonymity that will be applied to the feedback. Advanced features in this module include the option for managers and admin staff to launch feedback requests about their employees and solicit responses from specific co-workers, automatic reminders to provide feedback by a certain date, and real-time feedback tracking.
Once employee feedback is in the system, Primalogik has several tools to support deep analysis of the data. For example, their system allows managers to compare employees’ self-ratings side-by-side against other respondents' feedback. This helps identify any blind spots between where an employee believes they are, and what their co-workers have suggested.
As well, their Comparison Mode allows admin users to benchmark each employee appraisal and compare them across their workforce — a useful way of identifying their overall top performers or spotting potential company-wide skill gaps.
Primalogik integrates with ADP, BambooHR, Google Workspace, Microsoft Azure, and Okta. Their performance management software is also available in Spanish or French.
Leapsome
Best performance management software for integrated goal management
Leapsome is an all-in-one people management platform with modules for performance management, learning management, strategic alignment, and employee engagement. Used by companies like Spotify, Mercedes Benz, and Bolt, their software supports a continuous cycle of performance management alongside personalized learning plans that power employee development over time.
Their performance review cycles are fully customizable and easy to set up, and can be scheduled to automatically recur at predetermined timelines (e.g., quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, or even for closing off probationary periods). Key features include 360-degree feedback (including anonymous feedback), expert question templates, skill frameworks, development paths, automations, and powerful analytics. Leapsome also includes OKR software to help manage goals and objectives at the company, team & individual level too, as well as helpful visuals like goal trees.
Leapsome integrates with Active Directory, ADP, BambooHR, GSuite, HiBob, Jira, Microsoft Teams, PayFit, Personio, Rippling, Slack, and others.
Officevibe
Best for gathering continuous feedback including anonymous options
Officevibe is an employee experience platform focused on improving performance management and employee engagement. Their software is designed to help managers and teams stay connected, promote continuous feedback and effective communication, and track individual and team goals and OKRs. You can use it to automate your performance review cycle, and easily link data from their other modules to create a holistic picture of your employee's performance.
I included Officevibe in this list because I appreciate how their features work together to foster a stronger company culture. For example, their performance and engagement platform includes a unique blend of tools such as pulse surveys, eNPS scoring, peer recognition, anonymous feedback, performance management, and leadership support tools. These work together to encourage meaningful feedback and 1:1 conversations which are crucial for enhancing team performance and gathering valuable insights.
Some standout features include their tools for measuring overall employee satisfaction, such as their pulse surveys and eNPS (employee net promoter score) capabilities. Plus, Officevibe supports anonymous feedback, which gives employees a chance to really voice true concerns without the fear of facing negative repercussions. And if you really want to get to the bottom of how your workforce is feeling, you can also conduct anonymous surveys too.
Integrations are available with numerous HRIS systems, as well as with Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, or popular single sign-on (SSO) applications.
ClearCompany
Best for automatically scheduling performance review cycles
ClearCompany offers an end-to-end talent management solution that links their applicant tracking system (ATS) to their onboarding process, with additional modules for performance management, workforce planning & analytics, and employee engagement. Their software is also mobile-friendly, making it a good choice for teams that don’t work at desks.
Their easy-to-use employee performance review software lets you quickly set up performance review cycles using custom scoring tables, weighted sections, free-form response fields, and custom scheduling automations. You can also use ClearCompany to collect 360-degree feedback, schedule 30-60-90 day reviews for new hires, or conduct competency and role-based reviews.
ClearCompany is best for companies based in the U.S. and Canada.
ClearCompany integrates with 100+ commonly used software tools including Absorb, ADP, BambooHR, Canada SHL, Ceridian, CoAdvantage, eSkill, Gmail, Office 365, Okta, OneLogin, and UKG, as well as many additional tools for recruiting, background checks, and skill assessments too.
Paycor
Best for managing performance and pay
Paycor is a complete Human Capital Management (HCM) software. It facilitates several core HR functions, including performance management. Its other capabilities include payroll and benefits management, learning and training management, and employee engagement tracking.
When it comes to managing employee performance, the system offers a variety of tools you can use. First, it has 1-on-1 meeting capabilities for ongoing performance discussions between staff and their manager. It also has a goal setting tool you can use to set employee performance and growth goals that align with company objectives. You can also set up career trajectories and learning and training programs in the platform to help employees grow at your organization.
As for compensation management, you can craft a complete pay structure for your organization in the platform. This helps create clarity and transparency around pay across your company. People will understand how they can develop and get promoted, and the pay increase that will come with that growth.
The software's integrations include other digital workforce tools like HireTech, Emburse Certify, Zillion, Points North, FMLA, Tapcheck, Instant Pay, Sterling, Wageworks, and Ignite. Plans start from $5 per employee per month, with a $99 base fee. A 90-day free trial is available.
Insperity
Best performance management solution for SMBs
Insperity is an all-in-one HR software solution that offers a range of features including performance management.
One of the standout features of Insperity's performance management system is the ability to create and customize review templates. This allows you to tailor performance reviews to your organization's specific needs and goals. Insperity also makes it easy to set up and track individual employee goals and align them with the organization's strategic objectives.
Another useful feature is the real-time feedback feature that makes it easy for managers and their team members to give and receive feedback throughout the year, not just at review time. This allows managers to provide more targeted coaching and support to employees, which can lead to better performance outcomes.
Insperity integrates with TurboTax, GoodJob, Indeed, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, GoToMeeting, Adzuna, QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, NetSuite, BambooHR, Salesforce, Taleo, Workday, Zenefits.
15Five
Best for developing a growth mindset among employees
15Five combines performance reviews, engagement surveys, OKRs, and a suite of other people development tools into one platform to help HR leaders make insightful decisions and take strategic action to support their organization’s growth. Their performance reviews include a focus on OKRs, goal setting, and long-term employee development, with helpful visual tools that make it easy to spot each employee's strengths and opportunities for improvement.
15Five’s platform follows a research-backed design meant to develop a personal growth mindset among employees. To achieve this, their platform gives managers a set of special tools to maintain high-performing teams and tips for how to encourage employees to self-actualize in their careers. Their system is also useful for succession planning as it can help identify future leaders early on in their careers. Both managers and HR administrators will also appreciate the system’s ability to send performance review reminders to ensure your review cycle stays on track.
15Five integrates with many popular HR systems, including BambooHR, Gusto, Namely, Sapling, Rippling and Workday. They also have a free mobile app for Android and iOS users too.
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The 10 Best Performance Management Software Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes basic details about each of my top performance management software selections. You can view pricing details and the availability of free trials or demos side-by-side to help you find the best software for your budget.
Tool | Free Option | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Deel Best for continuous performance feedback via 1:1 meetings | Free demo available | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Visit Website |
2 | PerformYard Best for dedicated customer support to design your ideal performance review cycle | Free demo available | From $5-$10/user/month | Visit Website |
3 | Lattice Best for incorporating performance data from multiple feedback sources | Free demo available | From $11/employee/month | Visit Website |
4 | Primalogik Best for advanced benchmarking and performance comparison tools | 30-day free trial | From $159/month for up to 25 users | Visit Website |
5 | Leapsome Best performance management software for integrated goal management | 14-day free trial | From $8/user/month | Visit Website |
6 | Officevibe Best for gathering continuous feedback including anonymous options | 14-day free trial | From $3.50/user/month | Visit Website |
7 | ClearCompany Best for automatically scheduling performance review cycles | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
8 | Paycor Best for managing performance and pay | 90-day free trial + free demo available | From $5/employee/month + $99/month base fee | Visit Website |
9 | Insperity Best performance management solution for SMBs | Not available | Pricing upon request | Visit Website |
10 | 15Five Best for developing a growth mindset among employees | 14-day free trial | From $4/user/month, billed annually | Visit Website |
Other Options
Here are a few more worthwhile options that didn’t make the best performance management software list:
- bob
Best for continuous feedback and deep HR analytics
- Betterworks
Best for integrated modules covering goals & OKRs and employee engagement, plus coaching conversation tools
- Teamflect
Best for running your entire performance review cycle within Microsoft Teams
- GoCo
Best performance management software for small businesses
- Motivosity
Best for publicly recognizing top-performing employees with additional rewards
- Eden
Best performance management software for affordability, with advanced hybrid workplace tools
- Profit.co
Best performance appraisal software with integrated goal-setting and task-tracking tools
- IntelliHR
Best for continuous performance management and detailed HR analytics
- Kallidus Perform
Best for creating feedback surveys using a customizable questionnaire builder
- Peoplebox
Best performance management & OKR software that links individual performance to company-wide goals
Selection Criteria For Performance Management Software
I'm happy to explain how I built this top 10 list, in case you were wondering. To start off, I compiled a long list of performance management solutions with positive user ratings. With that in place, I embarked on a meticulous process of comparing all the systems to each other using the different selection criteria below.
I also drew on my previous years of experience organizing my company's performance review process to pinpoint the features that add a lot of value and ensure a smooth and unbiased evaluation process.
Here's a summary of the main features I evaluated to create this list:
Core Functionalities
For any performance management system to land a place in this list, they needed to fulfill the following basic functionalities:
- Either standalone performance management features, or the same functionalities as a module within an HCM, HRIS or HRMS application
- The ability to track and store performance management data over time
- Built-in reporting and analytics capabilities of some kind, to save managers and HR professionals from the hassels of manual data calculations (my biggest pet peeve of all!)
Key Features
In addition to the core functionalities above, I also assessed the following key features when creating this top 10 list of the best performance management software solutions:
- Continuous feedback mechanisms: This includes a whole host of features, like 1:1 check-in templates, tools to request feedback from colleagues, project-based feedback, or public praise and employee recognition tools. The idea behind all these features is to make feedback a more regular occurrence, instead of saving suggestions up for an annual review.
- 360 degree feedback: This modern element of performance management is designed to solicit feedback from multiple sources—managers, colleagues, direct reports, and the employee themselves—to produce a well-rounded picture of an employee’s performance.
- Goals & OKRs: These add granular focus to an employee’s work performance, giving them specific targets to aim for and measure progress against. They are also a powerful way of building a company culture of high performance since individual objectives are directly linked to top-level organizational goals.
- Strategic alignment tools: These features often go hand-in-hand with goals & OKRs, but strategic alignment tools are an important way to show employees how they’re contributing to the company’s overall success. This is often demonstrated through visual elements such as cascading goals, goal maps, or goal trees that link smaller tasks to big picture objectives.
- Career development plans: Since every employee always has their eyes on their future, career development plans are an important part of performance management since they outline a clear path forward to achieving each individual’s career aspirations.
- Assessment ranking tools: The best performance management systems offer users a variety of assessment tools, such as 9-box matrices, skill tracking frameworks, competency grids or role-based assessment benchmarks.
- Automations: These are features that help companies execute their performance review cycles at scale by automating time-consuming processes like scheduling review dates, sending out reminders or requesting additional feedback.
- Notifications: These help you improve your workflows to ensure no one’s performance review falls through the cracks. With notifications in place, your managers will always know when performance reviews are coming up or overdue. Similarly, your HR team will also be notified whenever system data is updated, so they can keep tabs on all aspects of the process too.
User Interface
I chose systems with clean, attractive, and intuitive user interfaces that make the performance review process straightforward to follow. To determine this, I paid close attention to the structure of each system's menus and workflows to confirm the ease of use each solution offered.
Usability
I selected systems that clearly organize and track different elements of the performance management process. Other user-friendly features I look for include easy-to-understand performance-based visuals like historical charts and comparison graphs. These features make it easier to track an employee's performance over time at a glance.
Software Integrations
I picked systems that integrated directly with human resources information systems (HRIS) or other similar platforms (or are HRIS systems themselves). This reduces the need to manually transfer data from one system to another, saving a lot of precious time. Another important integration to keep an eye out for are compensation management systems. That's because top performance and proper compensation should always go hand-in-hand.
Value for Price
I always prefer software with transparent pricing, so you can forecast your costs before requesting a demo or free trial. However, with some software systems, those details are only available upon request.
People Also Ask
Do you still have general questions about performance management software and what it has to offer? Take a look through these answers to frequently asked questions to set yourself straight:
How does performance management software work?
What are the goals of performance management software?
Why is performance management important?
What is continuous feedback?
Other Performance Management Resources
If you made it this far, I'm guessing you're hoping to overhaul your performance management processes from the ground up. Luckily for you, we have a lot more resources to get you going!
Here are some links to our best performance management resources aside from our software recommendations:
- Why Is Performance Management Important? (+ Tactical Tips)
- How to Conduct a Better Performance Review
- Continuous Performance Management: Why & How To Do It
- 3 Ways to Optimize Performance Management in Your Org
- Top 7 Techniques for Effective Performance Management
- How to Choose the Right Performance Management System for You
- 5 Powerful Performance Review Questions to Tap Your Team’s Potential
- 54 Essential Performance Review Phrases and Best Practices
- 5 Simple Steps to Manage an Underperforming Employee
Other Related Software Reviews
If you're looking for another type of performance-related software, look no further. Here are some links to other related lists I've already created for you:
- Performance Appraisal Software
- Performance Management Tools
- Talent Management Software
- 360-Degree Feedback Software
- Employee Experience Software for Engagement & Performance
- Succession Planning Software to Develop Future Leaders
- Goal Setting Software for Keeping Teams on Track
- Productivity Tracking Software for Hybrid Teams
Final Thoughts
I hope this article explained the clear benefits of performance management software and why it's so important. Using a system like this will take the stress of running a performance review cycle off of your shoulders. It will also create more transparency around how you're evaluating your staff, and motivate them to strive for the goals and achievements that matter the most in your organization.
Lastly, before you go, I please consider subscribing to our People Managing People newsletter too. You’ll gain access to our latest articles covering a whole range of useful HR-related topics, podcasts, and tools.