Skip to main content

Ensuring employees feel valued, recognized, and appreciated for their hard work is an important piece of any engagement and retention strategy. And there are lots of employee recognition software options available to support your efforts. If you're considering Motivosity to boost recognition and distribute rewards at your company, you might be wondering:

  • Does it have the features and integrations I need?
  • Is it well-suited for my business case?
  • Are there alternatives I should be considering?

I've covered all of this and more in my in-depth review, so keep reading for the full picture of Motivosity as a rewards and recognition solution.

Review of Motivosity's milestone feature screenshot.
I really like Motivosity's milestone feature, which helps in building a positive workplace atmosphere.

Motivosity Product Overview

Summary

Motivosity is a software tool to enhance employee recognition and appreciation within organizations. Its primary users are businesses and teams seeking to boost employee engagement and morale. The tool offers significant benefits by fostering a positive workplace culture and increasing employee satisfaction.

It addresses common pain points such as lack of recognition, poor employee engagement, and team communication barriers. Key features include peer-to-peer recognition, customizable awards, and insightful reporting and analytics.

Pros

  • Peer Recognition: Facilitates appreciation among colleagues, enabling employees to recognize and appreciate each other's efforts, which boosts morale and fosters a collaborative environment.
  • Custom Awards: Offers flexibility, as it allows companies to create unique awards tailored to their culture, making recognition more personal and meaningful.
  • Analytics: Provides insights with detailed reporting and analytics tools that help managers understand recognition patterns and employee engagement levels, aiding in strategic decision-making.

Cons

  • Learning Curve: Somewhat complex, as some users find the interface and features require time to fully understand and utilize effectively.
  • Integration Limits: Limited compatibility, with some users noting challenges in integrating Motivosity seamlessly with other HR systems they use, potentially complicating data management.
  • Mobile Experience: Inconsistent, where the mobile app experience sometimes falls short in user-friendliness and feature parity with the desktop version, affecting usability on the go.

Expert Opinion

In my assessment of Motivosity, compared to other employee recognition platforms, it stands out in certain areas while falling short in others. Motivosity's peer recognition and custom awards features are impressive, promoting a positive workplace culture. However, its integration and mobile experience could be improved.

Motivosity has a feature-rich interface that can be challenging for new users, but it's a robust tool once mastered. It offers reasonable value for its features and satisfactory customer service. However, users may face challenges in integrating it with existing HR systems, and the mobile app needs refinement for better on-the-go usage.

Moreover, Motivosity is ideal for mid-sized companies that prioritize employee recognition. However, organizations seeking extensive integrations and a strong mobile platform may need to consider other options. Ultimately, the right tool depends on specific needs and the environment in which it will be used.

Motivosity Deep Dive

Standout Functionality

  1. Peer Recognition: This feature democratizes recognition and is key to building a more inclusive and positive workplace culture.
  2. Custom Awards: Users can create custom awards that reflect their company's values and culture, providing a more meaningful recognition experience.
  3. Thank You Notes: Motivosity's appreciation messages are personal and engaging, fostering a deeper sense of community and connection among employees.

Product Specifications

  1. Peer-to-Peer Recognition - Yes
  2. Employee Nominations - Yes
  3. Rewards System - Yes
  4. Customizable Awards - Yes
  5. Social Recognition Wall - Yes
  6. Mobile App - Yes
  7. Integration with HR Systems - Yes
  8. Reporting and Analytics - Yes
  9. Employee Surveys - Yes
  10. Goal Tracking - Yes
  11. Performance Management - Yes
  12. Badge System - Yes
  13. Multi-Language Support - No
  14. Recognition in Real-Time - Yes
  15. Budget Management - Yes
  16. Automated Celebrations (Birthdays, Anniversaries) - Yes
  17. Employee Profiles - Yes
  18. Manager-to-Peer Recognition - Yes
  19. Feedback Management - Yes
  20. Employee Engagement Analytics - Yes
  21. Custom Branding - Yes
  22. Employee Onboarding Recognition - Yes
  23. eGift Cards - Yes
  24. Leaderboards - Yes
  25. API for Custom Integration - Yes

Motivosity Key Features

  1. Peer-to-Peer Recognition: This feature creates a culture of mutual respect and acknowledgement, crucial for team morale.
  2. Customizable Awards: Allows organizations to align awards with their unique culture and values. This flexibility makes recognition more relevant and impactful.
  3. Thank You Notes: A simple yet powerful tool for expressing gratitude, fostering a positive work environment, and strengthening team bonds.
  4. Rewards System: Employees earn tangible rewards for their achievements, enhancing motivation and satisfaction.
  5. Social Recognition Wall: A public forum to celebrate achievements, increasing visibility and encouraging a culture of recognition.
  6. Integration with HR Systems: Eases data management and aligns recognition with other HR processes, though with some limitations in seamless integration.
  7. Reporting and Analytics: Offers valuable insights into recognition patterns and employee engagement, aiding in informed decision-making.
  8. Employee Surveys: Captures feedback, contributing to a better understanding of employee sentiment and workplace dynamics.
  9. Automated Celebrations: Streamlines celebrating milestones like birthdays and work anniversaries, ensuring consistent acknowledgment.
  10. Custom Branding: Allows companies to personalize the platform with their branding, creating a more immersive and cohesive user experience.

Ease Of Use

I find that Motivosity generally offers a user-friendly experience, but there are nuances to consider. The interface supports the engagement of team members effectively, with features like notifications and spot bonuses being intuitive to use. These elements align well with fostering a positive company culture. However, including more complex features like personality profiles can introduce a layer of complexity for some users. Navigating through these profiles and integrating their insights into daily interactions requires a bit of a learning curve.

The onboarding process is comprehensive, but the sheer amount of features and customization options can be overwhelming initially. Users might find it challenging to locate specific functionalities or adjust settings without delving deeper into the system. Overall, the organization within the tool is logical, but new users might need time to familiarize themselves with its layout and capabilities.

Customer Support

In terms of customer support, Motivosity provides a solid level of assistance. They offer various channels, including live chat, documentation, and webinars, which are useful for troubleshooting and learning how to use the platform effectively. The response times are generally good, with helpful and knowledgeable customer support representatives. However, there are occasional gaps, particularly when handling more complex queries or technical issues.

Some users have expressed frustration with delayed responses in such situations. While the available resources, like tutorials, are comprehensive, they can sometimes lack depth in covering more advanced or less common features of the software. This gap can leave users needing to seek additional help or spend more time experimenting with the tool to resolve their issues.

Integrations

Motivosity offers a range of out-of-the-box or native integrations with various software and tools, enhancing its functionality and user experience. These integrations include popular HR systems, payroll platforms, and communication tools. Native integrations allow for seamless data transfer and synchronization, making processes like updating employee records or aligning recognition with performance management more efficient. Users can integrate Motivosity with software like BambooHR, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Outlook, facilitating easy access to recognition features within the tools they already use daily.

Additionally, Motivosity provides an API that enables businesses to develop custom integrations tailored to their specific needs. This API feature allows for more flexibility and control, letting companies connect Motivosity with their unique systems and workflows.

There are also add-ons available that extend Motivosity's capabilities. These add-ons can include advanced analytics, additional customization options for awards and recognition, or enhanced communication features. They allow companies to tailor the platform more closely to their specific requirements or to expand its functionality as their needs evolve.

Motivosity Pricing

The pricing of Motivosity is competitive and often aligns with the market average for employee recognition tools, offering a balance between cost and features. There may be additional costs for certain add-ons or advanced features, which users need to consider based on their specific requirements.

  1. Basic Tier: This tier might be priced around $5/user/month, focusing on core recognition features. It is ideal for small teams or businesses starting with employee recognition, including peer recognition, basic reporting, and a few integrations.
  2. Standard Tier: Priced slightly higher, perhaps around $10/user/month, this tier adds more functionality like enhanced reporting, additional integrations, and customization options. Suitable for mid-sized businesses looking for a more comprehensive recognition tool.
  3. Premium Tier: This could be priced around $15/user/month, offering the full suite of Motivosity's features. It includes advanced analytics, full customization, and priority support. This tier is best for large organizations or those seeking a highly tailored employee recognition platform.

Some plans may require a minimum number of seats, such as a minimum of 5 seats. Also, pricing might be billed annually, requiring commitment for a year. There could be a base or one-time setup fee for certain plans, adding to the initial cost.

Each tier's pricing and features cater to different company sizes and types of organizations, allowing businesses to choose a plan that best fits their needs and budget.

Motivosity Use Cases

Who Would Be A Good Fit For Motivosity?

In my assessment, Motivosity serves best in environments where employee engagement and recognition are pivotal. Companies that actively foster a positive company culture and prioritize employee morale will find this tool particularly beneficial. Its most loyal and avid customers tend to be mid-sized organizations with a structured approach to employee recognition. Still, they seek more innovative and engaging ways to implement it.

Industries focusing heavily on team collaboration and employee satisfaction, such as tech, marketing, and creative agencies, stand to gain significantly from Motivosity's features. Teams ranging from a few dozen to several hundred employees can effectively utilize this tool, especially if they already have a digital-savvy workforce that can quickly adapt to new software.

Who Would Be A Bad Fit For Motivosity?

Conversely, companies that might not find Motivosity a good fit are those with a very traditional or hierarchical structure where employee recognition is not a regular practice or is seen as unnecessary. Large enterprises with thousands of employees might find the platform less effective, particularly if they have highly complex HR systems that require more robust integrations than Motivosity offers.

Industries like manufacturing or construction, where the workforce is less focused on digital tools and more on hands-on tasks, may not see as much value in a platform centered around digital recognition. Small startups with very tight budgets or those looking for a more basic, no-frills recognition tool might also be disappointed, especially if they require extensive customization or face constraints in adopting new software systems.

Motivosity FAQs

Can employees receive gift cards as rewards in Motivosity?

Yes, employees can receive gift cards as rewards. Motivosity includes a rewards catalog where gift cards are a popular option, allowing employees to choose from various vendors.

Does Motivosity offer pulse surveys for quick feedback collection?

Yes, Motivosity offers pulse surveys. These surveys are a useful tool for gathering quick, frequent employee feedback, helping measure engagement and morale.

How do I start using Motivosity on my Android device?

To use Motivosity on an Android device, download the Motivosity app from the Google Play Store, log in with your credentials, and you can start engaging with the platform immediately.

Is Motivosity compatible with iOS devices?

Yes, Motivosity is compatible with iOS devices. Users can download the app from the Apple App Store and access all the features of Motivosity on their iPhones or iPads.

Does Motivosity support eNPS (Employee Net Promoter Score) surveys?

Yes, Motivosity supports eNPS surveys, allowing organizations to measure employee loyalty and predict business growth through employee feedback.

Can Motivosity help with organizational chart creation and succession planning?

Motivosity includes features for creating organizational charts, which can aid in visualizing team structures. However, it's more focused on recognition and engagement and may not have extensive tools specifically for succession planning.

Are there options for custom swag in Motivosity's reward catalog?

Motivosity's reward catalog often includes options for custom swag, allowing companies to offer branded merchandise as part of their recognition program.

What is the typical user engagement rate with Motivosity?

The user engagement rate with Motivosity varies among organizations but is generally high, as its features are designed to encourage regular and meaningful interaction among employees.

Motivosity Company Overview & History

Motivosity is a company that specializes in employee engagement software. Their platform is designed to enhance workplace culture and engagement through features like peer recognition, pulse surveys, and an interactive org chart. Companies across various industries use Motivosity, particularly those looking to boost employee morale and foster a collaborative environment.

As a SaaS (Software as a Service) company, Motivosity operates primarily through a subscription-based model. The company was founded by Scott Johnson, an entrepreneur with a background in creating and leading successful technology companies. Motivosity is headquartered in Lehi, Utah, a hub for emerging tech companies.

One notable aspect of the company is its presence on platforms like LinkedIn, which maintains active engagement and provides insights into workplace culture and employee engagement strategies.

The mission of Motivosity is to make people happier at work. This mission drives the development of their software and is reflected in the features they prioritize.

Throughout its history, Motivosity has marked several milestones, including significant growth in its customer base, expansion of its feature set to include more comprehensive engagement tools and recognition in the industry for its innovative approach to employee engagement.

Motivosity Summary: The Bottom Line

In my view, Motivosity stands out in employee engagement software because it emphasizes peer recognition and a social media-style interface that encourages more frequent and casual interactions. This approach differs from many traditional, form-based recognition systems, making it unique.

What Motivosity offers that others don't is the combination of a user-friendly interface with a deep focus on fostering company culture. Its ability to tailor rewards and recognition to fit each organization’s unique culture is particularly effective.

The strengths of Motivosity lie in its flexibility with custom awards, detailed analytics, and the inclusion of features like pulse surveys and an org chart. These components make it a tool for recognition and a comprehensive platform for understanding and improving employee engagement. Its most noteworthy features are the peer-to-peer recognition system and the mobile app, which ensures accessibility and convenience for users.

Alternatives to Motivosity

  • Bonusly: Often compared with Motivosity for its user-friendly interface, Bonusly stands out for its integration capabilities with other HR and communication tools, making it a better fit for companies seeking extensive integration options.
  • Recognize: This tool is a frequent alternative to Motivosity, especially noted for its Microsoft Office 365 integration. Recognize is ideal for organizations heavily reliant on Microsoft products and looking for a seamless recognition experience within that ecosystem.
  • Kudos: Kudos is another strong competitor, often praised for its detailed analytics and reporting capabilities. It is better suited for organizations that require in-depth data analysis and tracking of their recognition and engagement efforts.

Summary

Reflecting on the overall review, Motivosity is a robust and innovative employee engagement software that fosters a positive work culture through its peer recognition and customizable awards features. Its social media-style interface and mobile app accessibility stand out, making it an appealing option for many organizations. While it has some limitations regarding integrations and learning curves, its strengths in promoting a collaborative and appreciative work environment are notable.

Based on user reviews and overall ratings, Motivosity is well-regarded in the market, particularly by mid-sized companies. Potential users should consider their specific needs, especially regarding company culture and employee engagement strategies, when evaluating Motivosity.

I invite readers to share their experiences with Motivosity or any of the alternatives mentioned. Your insights and feedback can greatly aid others in making an informed decision.

David Rice
By David Rice

David Rice is a long time journalist and editor who specializes in covering human resources and leadership topics. His career has seen him focus on a variety of industries for both print and digital publications in the United States and UK.