FREE WHITE PAPER
Discover our in-depth analysis of the concept of employee engagement, its roots, and ways to improve it significantly
- Brahim Jaouane
- May 23, 2025
Best Employee Engagement Platforms
The world of work is transforming at a speed we’ve never seen before, and employee engagement has moved far beyond being a simple HR catchphrase. Today, it stands as a strategic cornerstone for organizations that want to remain resilient, innovative, and competitive.
Modern businesses face a complex set of challenges: retaining top talent, addressing productivity gaps, and adapting to the long-term reality of hybrid and remote work. In this context, engagement is not a side initiative or a nice-to-have — it has become a non-negotiable requirement for sustainable success.
Content
This is where employee engagement platforms play a crucial role. These tools provide organizations with structured and scalable ways to listen to employees, understand their needs, and design better workplace experiences. By streamlining communication, encouraging collaboration across teams, and fostering a genuine sense of belonging and ownership, they not only strengthen organizational culture but also drive measurable improvements in performance.
In this guide, we will unpack what employee engagement really means, explore why it matters more than ever, highlight the benefits of using dedicated engagement platforms, and outline the essential features to look for. Finally, we’ll review some of the leading solutions available today to help you align the right technology with your organization’s goals and mission.
What Is Employee Engagement?
Employee engagement can be defined as the emotional and intellectual commitment an employee has to their job, their team, and their organization.
It’s about how invested an individual feels in the company’s success and how motivated they are to contribute to its goals. Engaged employees are not just satisfied; they are enthusiastic, passionate, and deeply involved in their work. This commitment manifests in various ways:
- Emotional Engagement: Employees feel proud, loyal, and a strong sense of belonging to the organization.
- Cognitive Engagement: Employees are stimulated, focused, and actively seek to improve processes and contribute ideas.
- Behavioral Engagement: Employees exhibit high productivity, actively participate in company activities, and advocate for their employer.
Factors that drive employee engagement include effective leadership, a strong company culture, clear opportunities for career development, and a healthy work-life balance.
❝ Engaged employees are those who are involved in, enthusiastic about, and committed to their work and workplace. ❞
Gallup’s Definition
What Is an Employee Engagement Platform?
An employee engagement platform is a digital solution designed to foster employee satisfaction, motivation, and connection within an organization. These platforms offer tools to promote internal communication, recognize achievements, gather feedback, support wellness, and align employees with the company’s mission.
From startups to global enterprises, organizations are investing in these platforms to build stronger cultures, reduce turnover, and improve productivity.
Why Is Employee Engagement Important?
Employee engagement isn’t just a buzzword—it has a real, measurable impact on business success. Studies consistently show that when employees feel connected, valued, and motivated, everyone benefits—from the individual team member to the bottom line.
Here’s why employee engagement matters:
⚡ Higher Productivity
Engaged employees are more focused, efficient, and committed. According to Gallup, they’re 17% more productive than their disengaged counterparts.
🔁 Lower Turnover
Employees who feel appreciated and involved are 59% less likely to leave (Willis Towers Watson), saving companies significant costs on recruitment and training.
😊 Better Customer Satisfaction
Happy employees create happy customers. Organizations with engaged teams enjoy 10% higher customer ratings (Temkin Group), thanks to more positive interactions and better service.
💡 Greater Innovation
Engagement fuels creativity. When employees feel safe and supported, they’re more likely to share ideas, solve problems, and take initiative—leading to innovation and a stronger competitive edge.
🤝 Stronger Company Culture
Engaged workplaces foster open communication, recognition, and collaboration. This builds a positive, inclusive culture where employees feel they belong and want to contribute.
💰 Improved Financial Performance
Companies with highly engaged teams experience 21% greater profitability and stronger revenue growth (Gallup). Engagement investments pay off by improving work quality, reducing costs, and boosting returns.
📉 Reduced Absenteeism
Engaged employees show up—not just physically, but mentally. They’re less likely to take unplanned leave, helping maintain team stability and momentum.
According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2023, only 23% of employees worldwide are actively engaged. This highlights a huge opportunity—and a clear need—for organizations to prioritize engagement.
A disengaged workforce leads to absenteeism, burnout, and poor performance. That’s where employee engagement platforms come in—to create a culture of connection, appreciation, and growth.
FREE WHITE PAPER
The Complete Guide to
Employee Engagement
Discover our in-depth analysis of the concept of employee engagement, its roots, and ways to improve it significantly
Key Features of Employee Engagement Platforms
Employee engagement platforms play a crucial role in building a connected, motivated, and high-performing workforce. Here’s how they help organizations thrive:
📣 Centralized Communication
Say goodbye to scattered tools—these platforms offer a central hub for company-wide announcements, internal news, direct messaging, and team updates. This ensures consistent communication and keeps everyone aligned.
🤝Collaboration
Features like shared workspaces, team channels, document co-editing, and project boards enable smooth collaboration—especially in hybrid or remote environments.
🌟 Recognition & Rewards
Built-in tools for peer-to-peer recognition, shout-outs, and gamification (badges, points, leaderboards) make it easy to celebrate achievements and boost morale.
📊 Real-Time Feedback
Pulse surveys, quick polls, and feedback loops help HR and leadership gauge employee sentiment and respond quickly to concerns or suggestions.
🚀 Onboarding & Development
New hires get instant access to essential info, policies, training resources, and team introductions—leading to faster ramp-up and better integration.
📚 Knowledge Management
Wikis, searchable knowledge bases, and document management systems make it easy for employees to find what they need, when they need it.
📈 Data-Driven Insights
Advanced analytics and sentiment tracking help leaders understand engagement levels, measure program effectiveness, and make informed decisions.
🌍 Remote & Hybrid Work
With virtual spaces, social feeds, and mobile access, these platforms keep distributed teams connected, productive, and engaged—wherever they are.
🫂 Community & Belonging
Employee directories, social profiles, interest-based groups, and chat spaces help employees build connections beyond their immediate teams, creating a more cohesive culture.
😎Fun Fact: Companies using engagement platforms report 87% higher employee retention, faster onboarding, and significantly better collaboration and morale.
| Benefit | Supporting Features |
| Centralized Communication | Newsfeeds, announcements, direct messaging, mobile notifications |
| Improved Collaboration | Team channels, shared workspaces, document co-editing, project management tools |
| Recognition & Rewards | Peer recognition, gamification (points, badges, leaderboards), shout-outs |
| Real-Time Feedback | Pulse surveys, 360° reviews, anonymous feedback channels |
| Streamlined Onboarding | Onboarding portals, checklists, training materials, HR integrations |
| Knowledge Management | Wikis, searchable knowledge bases, document libraries |
| Data-Driven Insights | Analytics dashboards, engagement heatmaps, sentiment analysis |
| Remote/Hybrid Support | Mobile access, virtual workplace hubs, cloud-based tools |
| Community & Belonging | Social features, interest groups, employee directories, chat spaces |
Feature Summary Table
| Feature Category | Key Capabilities |
| Communication | Newsfeeds, forums, chat, video calls, employee directory |
| Collaboration | Shared workspaces, file sharing, co-editing, task tracking |
| Recognition & Rewards | Peer recognition, gamification, badges, rewards, celebrations |
| Feedback & Surveys | Pulse surveys, 360 reviews, anonymous feedback, sentiment analysis |
| Knowledge Management | Wikis, CMS, searchable knowledge base |
| Analytics & Reporting | Dashboards, engagement metrics, trend reports |
| Integrations | HRIS, Slack, Teams, Google Workspace, APIs |
| User Experience | Custom branding, mobile-friendly, intuitive design |
| Security & Compliance | GDPR compliance, secure data handling |
| Scalability & Support | Adaptable to company size, responsive support, onboarding tools |
🏆 Top 30 Employee Engagement Platforms
G2 Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐ | 
Capterra Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐
🔍 Overview
eXo Platform is a robust, open-source digital workplace solution that unifies communication, collaboration, knowledge management, and engagement features into a single platform. Designed with enterprises in mind, it offers a comprehensive toolset to enhance employee experience, drive engagement, and create a centralized hub for work.
💬 User Reviews
❝ Using eXoPlatform makes it much easier to engage with your employees through conference calls (video and voice) assigning tasks to them, rewarding successful contributions and task completions, and giving them opportunity to monitor their progress through a gamified chart, thereby promoting transparency ❞
✅ Pros
- All-in-One Platform: Combines intranet, chat, forums, wikis, video calls, task management, and more—no need for multiple tools.
- Highly Customizable: Offers branding, workflows, and extensibility through APIs and community add-ons.
- Knowledge Management: Strong support for document sharing, internal wikis, and advanced search functionality.
- Gamification & Rewards: Includes badges, points, leaderboards, and a token-based “perks store” for employee motivation.
- Security & Compliance: Enterprise-grade security with GDPR and HIPAA-readiness.
- Seamless Integrations: Works with Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, and more.
- Scalable: Built to grow with your organization—from medium businesses to large enterprises.
- Self-hostable: Full control over deployment, ideal for security-conscious teams.
🏆 Why eXo Platform Is the Best Employee Engagement Platform
Despite a few usability and learning curve challenges, eXo Platform stands out for its depth, flexibility, and holistic design. Unlike tools that focus on a single area (like chat or HR), eXo delivers an integrated digital experience:
- It blends communication, collaboration, recognition, knowledge sharing, and engagement into one secure, centralized ecosystem.
- Its open-source architecture empowers businesses to adapt the platform to their unique culture, workflows, and compliance requirements.
- The gamification engine with token-based rewards turns engagement into a measurable, motivating experience.
- For enterprises seeking to eliminate tool fragmentation and build a connected, high-performing workplace, eXo Platform is a future-proof solution.
🧩 eXo doesn’t just support employee engagement—it enables organizations to architect their entire digital employee experience.
FREE WHITE PAPER
Types of Digital workplace solutions
Digital workplace is a buzzword these days. Actually different people use it to mean different things. So what is a digital workplace?
FREE WHITE PAPER
Digital workplace is a buzzword these days. Actually different people use it to mean different things. So what is a digital workplace?
2. Slack
🔍 Overview
Slack is a leading team messaging and collaboration platform designed to streamline real-time communication in modern workplaces. It organizes conversations into channels, supports direct messaging, and integrates with thousands of third-party tools. While it excels at instant communication, Slack is not a full-featured employee engagement platform.
✅ Pros
- Real-Time Messaging: Excellent for fast, responsive communication through channels and direct messages.
- Extensive Integrations: Compatible with over 2,400 tools, including Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Asana, and Trello.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate, even for non-technical users.
- Cross-Device Support: Available on desktop, mobile, and web for on-the-go access.
❌ Cons
- Limited Engagement Features: Lacks native tools for employee recognition, surveys, or performance feedback.
- Information Overload: High message volume can be overwhelming and lead to distraction without proper channel management.
- Not Built for HR or People Ops: Missing features for onboarding, analytics, or structured feedback loops.
3. BambooHR
🔍 Overview
BambooHR is an all-in-one human resources software platform designed to simplify HR processes and enhance employee experience. While it’s primarily built for managing employee data and performance, it also offers tools that support employee engagement, such as onboarding, performance reviews, and goal tracking.
✅ Pros
- User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design makes it easy for HR teams and employees to navigate.
- Strong Core HR Features: Includes onboarding, time-off tracking, benefits management, and employee records.
- Performance Management: Built-in tools for goal setting, feedback, and one-on-one tracking.
- Self-Service Portal: Empowers employees to manage their own information, reducing HR workload.
- Smooth Onboarding: Streamlined experience for new hires with task tracking and document access.
❌ Cons
- Limited Collaboration Tools: Lacks built-in messaging, forums, or team project features.
- Basic Recognition Features: Employee recognition is minimal compared to dedicated engagement platforms.
- Not Ideal for Large Enterprises: May fall short on advanced analytics, compensation planning, or global payroll.
- Integration Depth Varies: Some third-party integrations may be less robust.
- UI Can Feel Dated: Visual interface could be more modernized.
4. Motivosity
🔍 Overview
Motivosity is a recognition-driven employee engagement platform that helps companies build a culture of appreciation. It focuses on peer-to-peer recognition, monetary rewards, and gamified motivation to improve morale and foster a strong sense of community at work.
✅ Pros
- Top-Tier Recognition & Rewards: Peer-to-peer recognition with real monetary bonuses, custom awards, and a public social feed.
- Culture Building: Encourages gratitude and appreciation, boosting morale across teams.
- Gamification Elements: Includes badges, leaderboards, and reward tracking for engaging experiences.
- Feedback Tools: Offers pulse surveys, eNPS (employee Net Promoter Score), and sentiment tracking.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate for both admins and employees.
❌ Cons
- Limited Communication Features: Not intended as a central communication hub (no chat, forums, or intranet).
- Basic Customization Options: Less flexible than larger platforms in branding and workflow control.
- Mobile App Limitations: Mobile experience may lack full feature parity with the desktop version.
- Integration Challenges: May require effort to connect with broader HRIS ecosystems.
- Not Ideal for Large Enterprises: May not offer the analytics depth or scalability needed at the enterprise level.
5. Bitrix24
🔍 Overview
Bitrix24 is a feature-rich platform that combines intranet, CRM, project management, and communication tools under one roof. It’s ideal for small to mid-sized businesses looking to centralize operations, boost collaboration, and enhance employee engagement—all from a single platform.
✅ Pros
- All-in-One Suite: Combines CRM, HR tools, task management, video conferencing, and intranet in one platform.
- Free Plan Available: Generous free tier with core features ideal for startups and small teams.
- Flexible Deployment: Available as both cloud-based and self-hosted versions.
- HR & Engagement Features: Offers internal social networking, user profiles, company structure, and knowledge base.
- Task Automation: Streamlines workflows with automation and notifications.
❌ Cons
- Overwhelming Interface: Too many features can make the UI feel cluttered and hard to navigate.
- Steep Learning Curve: Requires time and training to fully grasp all tools.
- Performance Issues: May lag or slow down with large teams or high data loads.
- Paywalled Features: Advanced capabilities like detailed HR analytics or deep customization often require paid plans.
- Not Specialized: While broad, it may lack the depth of specialized tools for CRM, project management, or HR.
6. Simpplr
🔍 Overview
Bitrix24 is a feature-rich platform that combines intranet, CRM, project management, and communication tools under one roof. It’s ideal for small to mid-sized businesses looking to centralize operations, boost collaboration, and enhance employee engagement—all from a single platform.
✅ Pros
- Modern, User-Friendly Interface: Clean, sleek design makes navigation and adoption easy for all users.
- AI-Powered Personalization: Smart content suggestions tailored to each employee’s role and interests.
- Strong Internal Communications: Ideal for sharing company news, announcements, and centralizing information.
- Remote Work Ready: Acts as a virtual headquarters, improving digital employee experience.
- Auto-Governance: Reduces administrative overhead with automated content lifecycle management.
- Insightful Analytics: Offers strong reporting on employee engagement and content performance.
❌ Cons
- Not Ideal for Small Teams: Pricing and scale may be more suitable for mid-to-large enterprises.
- Limited Collaboration Tools: Lacks robust project or task management features found in full intranet suites.
- Customization Constraints: Less flexibility compared to platforms like eXo.
- Limited Public Reviews: While feedback is mostly positive, review volume is lower than older platforms.
- Opaque Pricing: Pricing is typically not published openly.
7. Workvivo
🔍 Overview
Workvivo is a social, employee-centric platform designed to enhance internal communication, foster community, and boost engagement. With a familiar interface inspired by social media, it helps create a sense of belonging—especially valuable for hybrid and remote teams.
✅ Pros
- Social Feed Experience: Engaging, Facebook-like interface encourages interaction and recognition.
- Built for Hybrid Teams: Keeps remote and frontline employees connected and involved.
- Integrated with Zoom: Native integration enhances live communication.
- User-Friendly Mobile App: Highly rated for ease of use on smartphones and tablets.
- Community & Culture Focused: Promotes company culture through shout-outs, videos, and celebrations.
- Quick Onboarding: Easy to roll out and implement with strong customer support.
❌ Cons
- Limited HR Functionality: Lacks built-in tools for performance management or surveys.
- No Rewards System: Unlike Motivosity or Kudos, it doesn’t include a native rewards feature.
- Premium Pricing: More expensive than some traditional intranets.
- Basic Analytics: Reporting features are available but may lack depth for advanced insights.
- Fewer Integrations: Compared to older platforms, integration options are more limited.
8. 15Five
🔍 Overview
15Five is a performance management and continuous feedback platform that helps managers and employees stay aligned through structured check-ins, goal tracking (OKRs), and one-on-one meetings. It’s ideal for organizations that want to combine performance tracking with employee engagement without adding complexity.
✅ Pros
- Weekly Check-Ins: Keeps teams aligned and promotes regular feedback cycles.
- OKR Tracking: Helps employees and teams stay on track with their goals.
- One-on-One Templates: Makes it easy for managers to lead purposeful conversations.
- Performance Reviews: Supports structured reviews without a heavy HR system.
❌ Cons
- Lacks Social Features: No built-in social feed or community tools.
- Better for SMBs: May feel limited for larger enterprises with complex needs.
- Rigid Structure: Some users find it too formal for their culture.
9. Bonusly
🔍 Overview
Bonusly is a lightweight recognition platform that enables employees to send small bonuses (points) to each other for good work. It’s playful, easy to use, and encourages peer-to-peer appreciation. Bonusly shines in small to mid-sized teams where recognition is casual but consistent.
✅ Pros
- Fun Recognition Experience: Encourages engagement through a gamified approach.
- Slack & Teams Integration: Recognition happens where teams are already communicatin.
- Rewards Catalog: Points can be redeemed for gift cards or custom rewards.
❌ Cons
- Not a Full Engagement Suite: Lacks surveys, analytics, or performance tools.
- Limited Scalability: May not meet the needs of larger enterprises with complex cultures.
10. Lattice
🔍 Overview
Lattice combines employee performance, engagement, and development into a single platform. It’s particularly popular among HR teams for its surveys, goal-setting tools, and analytics. It serves as a central hub for growing companies focused on both engagement and performance.
✅ Pros
- Comprehensive Performance Suite: Includes OKRs, reviews, 1-on-1s, and feedback.
- Engagement Surveys: Helps HR track morale and identify areas of improvement.
- HR-Focused: Ideal for scaling companies with dedicated HR teams.
❌ Cons
- Higher Price Point: Can be expensive for small businesses.
- No Social Intranet: Lacks social feed or internal content sharing.
11. Culture Amp
🔍 Overview
Culture Amp specializes in measuring and improving employee engagement through science-backed surveys and powerful analytics. It’s a favorite for companies serious about using data to shape culture and performance.
✅ Pros
- Data-Driven Insights: Deep analytics on employee sentiment and engagement.
- Science-Backed Surveys: Developed with input from organizational psychologists.
- Manager Development Tools: Includes coaching and learning modules.
❌ Cons
- Primarily a Survey Tool: Not a complete engagement suite with comms or recognition.
- Can Be Expensive: Better suited for mid-sized and large companies.
12. Quantum Workplace
🔍 Overview
Quantum Workplace combines engagement, performance, and feedback tools to help organizations enhance morale and productivity. Its analytics and real-time feedback features support better decision-making.
✅ Pros
- Integrated Platform: Combines engagement surveys, recognition, and performance.
- Actionable Analytics: Helps HR and managers track key trends over time.
- Goal Setting & Feedback: Encourages transparency and alignment.
❌ Cons
- Less Modern Interface: UI may not feel as polished as newer platforms.
- Customization Limitations: Users report wanting more flexibility.
13. Achievers
🔍 Overview
Achievers is built for global employee recognition and rewards. It offers pulse surveys and a social feed for acknowledgment, making it ideal for companies focused on celebrating contributions across locations.
✅ Pros
- Recognition First: Designed around building a strong appreciation culture.
- Global Support: Great for international teams with global rewards.
- Pulse Surveys: Adds light feedback functionality.
❌ Cons
- Limited to Recognition: Doesn’t include performance or collaboration tools.
- Not a Full Intranet: No content management or social community features.
14. Fond
🔍 Overview
Fond is a simple, streamlined platform for employee rewards and perks. It allows companies to recognize employees with points that can be redeemed in a global rewards marketplace.
✅ Pros
- Easy to Use: Simple platform with intuitive navigation.
- Global Reach: Rewards available in multiple countries.
- Cost Control: Admins can cap budgets and track usage.
❌ Cons
- Recognition Only: No surveys, feedback, or engagement tools.
- Limited Depth: Doesn’t help with broader culture or communication.
15. Nectar
🔍 Overview
Nectar is a user-friendly, peer recognition and rewards platform designed for simplicity and adoption. It focuses on building a culture of gratitude and is a solid fit for small to mid-sized companies.
✅ Pros
- Slack/MS Teams Integration: Enables recognition within daily tools.
- Simple Interface: Employees adopt it quickly with minimal training.
- Affordable: Competitive pricing compared to more complex systems.
❌ Cons
- Narrow Focus: No surveys or performance tools.
- Limited HR Features: Doesn’t integrate deeply with broader HR systems.
16. Empuls by Giift
🔍 Overview
Empuls is an employee engagement platform focused primarily on recognition, rewards, and surveys. Designed for simplicity and automation, it helps HR teams boost motivation and capture employee sentiment, especially in distributed or remote environments.
✅ Pros
- Recognition + Rewards: Peer-to-peer and manager-to-employee appreciation, backed by a gift catalog.
- Surveys & eNPS: Offers pulse surveys and analytics to track engagement levels.
- Automated Gifting: Milestone awards and seasonal bonuses can be automated.
- Affordable: Pricing is competitive for small and mid-sized businesses.
❌ Cons
- Recognition-Centric: Not ideal if you need collaboration, onboarding, or performance features.
- Limited Integrations: Fewer native integrations with large HRIS or productivity tools.
17. Assembly
🔍 Overview
Assembly is a recognition and rewards platform that focuses on fostering appreciation in the workplace. It integrates with tools like Slack and Teams, and provides a simple, engaging way to give kudos and celebrate wins.
✅ Pros
- High Engagement Rates: The intuitive interface encourages frequent use.
- Custom Rewards: Organizations can offer tailored rewards in addition to gift cards.
- Integrated with Daily Tools: Works within Slack and Microsoft Teams.
- Easy Rollout: Lightweight and fast to implement, ideal for lean teams.
❌ Cons
- Narrow Functionality: Doesn’t include surveys, analytics, or HR performance features.
- Limited Reporting: Basic analytics available, but not enterprise-grade.
18. Blink
🔍 Overview
Blink is built for frontline and non-desk workers, combining communication, engagement, and HR access in one mobile-first platform. It’s perfect for industries like healthcare, transportation, and logistics where access to traditional intranets is limited.
✅ Pros
- Mobile-First Design: Excellent UX for remote, shift-based, or field workers.
- All-in-One Hub: Offers messaging, surveys, news, HR documents, and schedules.
- Offline Access: Works even when signal is weak or temporarily unavailable.
- Employee App Store: Connects workers to useful tools and updates in one place.
❌ Cons
- Not Designed for Office Teams: May feel unnecessary or limiting in desk-based environments.
- Fewer Engagement Features: No performance tools, rewards, or cultural recognition options.
19. CultureMonkey
🔍 Overview
CultureMonkey is a survey and feedback-focused platform that helps organizations understand how employees feel in real time. It enables anonymous, actionable insights and is favored by companies serious about data-driven engagement strategies.
✅ Pros
- Best-in-Class Surveys: Advanced survey templates with customizable formats.
- Anonymous Feedback: Encourages honest input without fear of retribution.
- Actionable Dashboards: HR and managers get insight-driven recommendations.
- Fast Implementation: Quick to set up with responsive customer support.
❌ Cons
- Survey-Only Platform: No rewards, recognition, or performance modules.
- Not a Digital Workplace Tool: Doesn’t offer content sharing, chat, or intranet features.
20. WorkTango (formerly Kazoo)
🔍 Overview
WorkTango unifies employee engagement, recognition, and performance management into a single platform. With strong analytics and employee voice tools, it’s a go-to solution for companies that want one system for surveys, OKRs, and appreciation.
✅ Pros
- All-in-One Engagement Suite: Combines recognition, surveys, goal tracking, and feedback.
- Real-Time Pulse Surveys: Frequent listening helps catch trends before they become problems.
- Performance Management: Offers OKRs, continuous feedback, and 1-on-1 templates.
- Flexible Setup: Modular structure lets you choose only what you need.
❌ Cons
- Complex Implementation: Requires planning and training for full rollout.
- Functional UI: Some users find the interface less modern than competitors.
21. Glint (LinkedIn / Microsoft Viva)
🔍 Overview
Glint, now part of the Microsoft Viva suite, is an employee engagement and people analytics platform focused on feedback, surveys, and sentiment tracking. It’s particularly well-suited for companies already in the Microsoft ecosystem looking to integrate engagement insights with tools like Teams and LinkedIn Learning.
✅ Pros
- Advanced Analytics: Uses AI to deliver actionable feedback from surveys.
- Pulse Surveys: Frequent, lightweight surveys to monitor engagement trends.
- Seamless Microsoft Integration: Tightly integrated with Teams, Outlook, and Viva Insights.
- Enterprise Ready: Secure, scalable, and built for large organizations.
❌ Cons
- Focused on Listening: Not a full engagement suite (no rewards, recognition, or collaboration).
- Expensive Licensing: Cost may be prohibitive for smaller organizations.
- Requires Microsoft Adoption: Best value if you’re fully committed to Microsoft 365.
22. Connecteam
🔍 Overview
Connecteam is a mobile-first employee management platform tailored for deskless and non-desk workers. It combines communication, scheduling, task management, and basic engagement tools into one sleek app.
✅ Pros
- Built for Non-Desk Teams: Ideal for retail, field service, healthcare, and hospitality.
- Mobile App Excellence: Highly rated app with offline mode and ease of use.
- Modular & Affordable: Offers time tracking, training, forms, and updates in one app.
- Internal Comms Features: Broadcasts, updates, chat, and surveys for employee engagement.
❌ Cons
- Overloaded Interface: Can feel crowded due to its broad feature set.
- Basic Engagement Tools: Recognition and surveys exist but aren’t as deep as specialist tools.
- Limited Desktop Support: Optimized for mobile; less effective for laptop-based teams.
23. Leapsome
🔍 Overview
Leapsome blends performance management, employee engagement, and learning into a single powerful platform. Its strength lies in linking employee development to feedback and culture, with a user-friendly interface designed for growing companies.
✅ Pros
- Goals, OKRs & Feedback: Great for aligning personal goals with company objectives.
- 360° Reviews: Comprehensive performance assessments made easy.
- Engagement Surveys: Built-in templates and analytics for deep listening.
- Learning Modules: Unique among engagement platforms, offers learning pathways.
❌ Cons
- Complex Setup: Might require significant onboarding to use all modules effectively.
- Not a Social Intranet: No social feeds or communication tools like Slack or Workvivo.
24. Microsoft Viva
🔍 Overview
Microsoft Viva is a comprehensive employee experience platform embedded within Microsoft 365. It includes modules for insights, learning, goals, connections, and culture — all aimed at boosting employee engagement from within the tools they already use.
✅ Pros
- Deep Ecosystem Integration: Works directly in Teams and Microsoft 365.
- Modular Design: Choose specific Viva apps: Insights, Connections, Learning, Goals, etc.
- AI-Powered Analytics: Personal productivity and engagement trends delivered through Viva Insights.
- Learning & Well-being: Built-in nudges and training content to support growth.
❌ Cons
- Complex Deployment: Requires IT support and M365 expertise.
- Fragmented Modules: Engagement impact depends on which modules are implemented.
- Microsoft-Centric: Limited appeal if you’re not already using Microsoft tools.
FREE WHITE PAPER
Open Source Alternative to Microsoft 365
Empower your organization with eXo Platform to break free from Microsoft dependencies and enhance collaboration with innovative solutions
FREE WHITE PAPER
Open Source Alternative to Microsoft 365
Empower your organization with eXo Platform to break free from Microsoft dependencies and enhance collaboration with innovative solutions
25. Officevibe (by Workleap)
🔍 Overview
Officevibe is a lightweight, easy-to-use tool designed for pulse surveys, employee feedback, and team management. It’s great for small to mid-sized businesses that want to boost engagement without a bulky HR system.
✅ Pros
- Great for Managers: Actionable reports and suggested talking points for 1-on-1s.
- Anonymous Feedback: Encourages open and honest input.
- Pulse Surveys: Short, automated weekly questions to track team mood.
- Simple Onboarding: Fast setup, no heavy configuration.
❌ Cons
- Limited Recognition Tools: No built-in reward system.
- No Performance or Intranet Features: Focused only on feedback and engagement.
- Scalability: Less effective for large, complex organizations.
26. TINYpulse
🔍 Overview
TINYpulse offers quick, anonymous employee feedback through weekly “pulse” surveys. It’s designed to be lightweight, helping leaders stay aware of team sentiment without the overhead of long-form engagement surveys.
✅ Pros
- Weekly Pulse Checks: Keep a real-time finger on employee morale.
- Anonymous Feedback: Creates a safe space for employees to speak up.
- Feedback to Action: Admins get suggested actions based on survey results.
- Integrations Available: Works with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and more.
❌ Cons
- No Recognition or Performance Tools: Purely focused on feedback.
- Limited Analytics: Good for trends, but lacks deep data analysis.
- Not a Workplace Hub: No content sharing or collaboration features.
27. Zoho People
🔍 Overview
Zoho People is part of the larger Zoho suite, offering core HR tools with some engagement features like surveys, performance reviews, and onboarding. It’s ideal for small to mid-sized companies already using other Zoho apps.
✅ Pros
- All-in-One HR Platform: Includes time tracking, onboarding, leave management, and more.
- Integrated with Zoho Ecosystem: Syncs seamlessly with Zoho CRM, Projects, etc.
- Basic Engagement Tools: Offers check-ins, feedback, and surveys.
- Affordable Pricing: Great value for startups and growing teams.
❌ Cons
- UX Can Feel Clunky: Interface is functional but not modern.
- Limited Recognition Features: No gamified rewards or social recognition tools.
- HR-Focused: Engagement is not its primary strength.
28. Engagedly
🔍 Overview
Engagedly is a multi-module platform that combines employee engagement, performance management, and learning into one system. Its breadth makes it ideal for companies looking to consolidate multiple tools under one roof.
✅ Pros
- Performance + Engagement: OKRs, 360° feedback, surveys, and goal tracking in one place.
- Learning & Development: Includes LMS capabilities and learning paths.
- Gamification: Badges and points help drive adoption and participation.
- Scalable for Growth: Works well for mid-market and enterprise clients.
❌ Cons
- Complex Setup: Requires planning and support for successful rollout.
- Opaque Pricing: Costs vary by module and need direct consultation.
- Design Could Improve: UI isn’t as modern as some newer competitors.
29. Peakon (by Workday)
🔍 Overview
Peakon, now part of Workday, is an enterprise-grade engagement platform that excels in people analytics and continuous listening. It’s built for large organizations that want to correlate engagement with business outcomes.
✅ Pros
- Enterprise-Ready: Designed to scale across global teams.
- Advanced People Analytics: Visual dashboards, benchmarks, and predictive insights.
- Continuous Listening: Ongoing feedback collection with intelligent insights.
- Integration with Workday: Deep connection with Workday HCM and HR tools.
❌ Cons
- High Cost: Not well-suited for small businesses or startups.
- Implementation Time: Enterprise software comes with complexity.
- Feedback-Only Focus: No built-in recognition or social features.
30. Kudos
🔍 Overview
Kudos is a peer recognition platform focused on celebrating employees, building culture, and improving retention. Its focus is on social appreciation and gamification, making it a favorite for teams who want to foster a positive environment.
✅ Pros
- Peer-to-Peer Recognition: Shout-outs, awards, and celebrations are central.
- Customizable Rewards: Company-branded rewards and points systems.
- Culture Tools: Track and measure alignment with company values.
- Visual, Social Feed: Creates a fun, vibrant recognition experience.
❌ Cons
- Recognition-Only: No built-in surveys or performance management.
- Limited HR Integrations: Less suited for companies looking for full HRIS connections.
- Pricing: May be high for very small businesses.
✅ Top 30 Employee Engagement Platforms Comparison Table
| # | Platform | Best For | Focus Area | Engagement Focus | Pros | Cons | Pricing (2025) |
| 1 | eXo Platform | All-in-one intranet & engagement | Intranet, collaboration, recognition | 🎯 Collaboration + Recognition + Communication | ✅ Feature-rich, customizable, social & gamified | ❌ May need setup support | Open-source & Paid Self-hosted: Free Cloud: From $3/user/month |
| 2 | Slack | Communication & real-time collaboration | Messaging, integrations | 🗣️ Team Communication | ✅ Widely adopted, rich integrations | ❌ No native engagement tools | Free, Pro at $7.25/user/month |
| 3 | BambooHR | HR and engagement for SMBs | HRIS + engagement add-ons | 📊 eNPS + Performance | ✅ Great UI, built-in eNPS, recognition add-ons | ❌ Limited without add-ons | Custom quote, ~$8.75/user/month avg |
| 4 | Motivosity | Peer recognition & rewards | Recognition & culture | 🏆 Peer Recognition | ✅ Affordable, points-based rewards | ❌ Basic survey tools | $2–$6/user/month |
| 5 | Bitrix24 | Collaboration + CRM + HR | Intranet, tasks, HR, social | 🎯 Social Intranet | ✅ All-in-one business suite | ❌ Cluttered UI | Free, paid from $49/month flat |
| 6 | Simpplr | Modern intranet & engagement | Internal comms + social intranet | 🗣️ Internal Comms + Culture | ✅ Great UX, social feeds, engagement insights | ❌ Premium pricing | Starts ~$8–$12/user/month |
| 7 | Workvivo | Culture & internal communication | Engagement + culture building | 🏛️ Culture + Connection | ✅ Social feed, podcasts, shout-outs | ❌ Not a full HRIS or survey suite | From $4/user/month |
| 8 | 15Five | Continuous performance feedback | OKRs, 1-on-1s, engagement surveys | 📊 Feedback + Growth | ✅ Goal tracking + manager tools | ❌ Not a full social suite | $4–$14/user/month |
| 9 | Reward Gateway | Employee discounts & rewards | Recognition, rewards, discounts | 🏆 Rewards + Well-being | ✅ Marketplace + peer praise + comms | ❌ Pricing depends on add-ons | $3–$6/user/month, quote |
| 10 | Culture Amp | Engagement surveys + development | Feedback, analytics, DEI | 📊 Feedback + DEI | ✅ Strong analytics + DEI tools | ❌ Lacks collaboration tools | $4–$6/user/month, quote |
| 11 | Lattice | Performance & growth | Goals, feedback, surveys | 🎯 Performance + Feedback | ✅ Great UI, deep review tools | ❌ No native social or rewards | From $11/user/month |
| 12 | Kazoo | Engagement + performance + rewards | Surveys, goals, recognition | 📊 360° Engagement | ✅ Complete suite | ❌ Learning curve | From ~$8/user/month |
| 13 | HeyTaco | Fun Slack-based recognition | Peer recognition via Slack/Teams | 🏆 Peer Kudos | ✅ Lightweight and gamified | ❌ Limited analytics | $3/user/month |
| 14 | Assembly | Affordable recognition & engagement | Kudos, culture, feedback | 🏆 Recognition + Culture | ✅ Free plan, great UX | ❌ Basic analytics | Free, paid from $2.80/user/month |
| 15 | Monday.com | Project-based team alignment | Productivity + collaboration | 🎯 Goal Alignment | ✅ Visual workflows, OKRs | ❌ Lacks engagement-specific tools | From $9/user/month |
| 16 | ClickUp | Goal tracking + productivity | Work OS + goals + feedback | 🎯 OKRs + Transparency | ✅ Highly customizable | ❌ Engagement is secondary | Free, paid from $7/user/month |
| 17 | Staffbase | Frontline employee communication | Comms, surveys, intranet | 🗣️ Engagement via Communication | ✅ Branded app, strong UX | ❌ Pricey for SMBs | Starts ~$5–$8/user/month |
| 18 | Jostle | Internal comms & social intranet | Culture, updates, org structure | 🗣️ Social + Connection | ✅ Simple UI, employee directory | ❌ No rewards or OKRs | From $4/user/month |
| 19 | Blink | Frontline employee app | Mobile-first comms + surveys | 🗣️ Frontline Communication | ✅ Offline mode, mobile intranet | ❌ Less ideal for office teams | From $3.40/user/month |
| 20 | Fond | Rewards & recognition marketplace | Global recognition, points | 🏆 Rewards Marketplace | ✅ Wide rewards catalog | ❌ Limited feedback tools | $3–$6/user/month |
| 21 | Glint (LinkedIn/Viva) | Feedback & analytics for enterprises | Surveys + AI insights | 📊 Pulse + Sentiment | ✅ Smart analysis + Viva integration | ❌ Microsoft-centric | $6–$12/user/month, quote |
| 22 | Connecteam | Non-desk team management | Schedules, surveys, chat | 🗣️ Frontline Experience | ✅ Perfect for frontline teams | ❌ Less suited for office use | Free (up to 10), then from $29/month flat |
| 23 | Leapsome | Engagement + development | Surveys, OKRs, learning | 📊 Performance + Learning | ✅ Performance + learning in one | ❌ Complex initial setup | From $8/user/month |
| 24 | Microsoft Viva | Microsoft-centric EX platform | Learning, insights, goals | 📊 Productivity + Insights | ✅ Native M365 integration | ❌ Complex rollout | Included in M365 E5 or $4–$12/user/month |
| 25 | Officevibe (Workleap) | Simple engagement feedback | Pulse surveys + 1-on-1s | 📊 Simple Pulse Feedback | ✅ Great for SMBs | ❌ Limited reward/recognition | Free, paid from $4/user/month |
| 26 | TINYpulse | Lightweight weekly feedback | Pulse surveys | 📊 Quick Feedback | ✅ Anonymous + quick | ❌ No recognition | From $5/user/month |
| 27 | Zoho People | HR + light engagement | HRIS + surveys + L&D | 📊 Surveys + Onboarding | ✅ Full HR features | ❌ Limited social/culture tools | $1.25–$10/user/month |
| 28 | Engagedly | Enterprise engagement suite | Surveys, L&D, performance | 📊 Deep Performance + Surveys | ✅ Very complete platform | ❌ Pricing via quote only | ~$10–$15/user/month |
| 29 | Peakon (Workday) | Enterprise feedback & analytics | Surveys, people insights | 📊 Strategic Engagement Data | ✅ Best-in-class analytics | ❌ Expensive, Workday-linked | $6–$10/user/month, quote |
| 30 | Kudos | Peer-to-peer culture building | Recognition + values | 🏆 Recognition + Culture | ✅ Easy to use, culture-focused | ❌ No survey or OKRs | From $3–$6/user/month |
Let’s sum up
Employee engagement platforms are no longer a luxury but a strategic imperative for organizations striving for sustained success.
By investing in tools that foster strong communication, collaboration, recognition, and a sense of belonging, businesses can unlock significant improvements in productivity, retention, innovation, and ultimately, financial performance. The market offers a diverse range of platforms, each with its unique strengths.
The key to choosing the “best” platform lies in a thorough understanding of your organization’s specific needs, size, culture, and long-term goals. While a platform like eXo Platform offers a powerful, comprehensive, and highly customizable digital workplace for enterprises, other solutions like Slack excel in communication, and BambooHR shines in core HR functions. The right choice will empower your employees, cultivate a thriving workplace culture, and drive your business forward.
🌟 Which Employee Engagement Platform Is Best?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution—but if you’re looking for an all-in-one engagement and collaboration suite, eXo Platform stands out for its:
- ✅ Built-in social intranet
- ✅ Knowledge sharing, recognition & gamification
- ✅ High configurability and enterprise-level compliance
- ✅ Affordable on-premise and cloud options
📥 Ready to Engage Your Workforce?
Choosing the right employee engagement platform can significantly improve morale, productivity, and retention.
Use the comparison above to shortlist platforms based on your needs. If you’re seeking a robust, secure, and highly customizable digital workplace to boost engagement at scale—try eXo Platform.
FREE DATASHEET
eXo Platform : The Open-Source
Digital Workplace Platform
Download the eXo Platform Datasheet and discover all the features and benefits
FREE DATASHEET
Download the eXo Platform Datasheet and discover all the features and benefits
FAQ
You will find here Frequently Asked Questions about employee engagement with all the answers in one place.
What is employee engagement?
Employee engagement is the emotional and intellectual commitment an employee has toward their job, their team, and their organization. It’s about how much an individual cares about the company’s success and how motivated they are to contribute to its goals. Engaged employees don’t just show up—they feel proud, passionate, and fully involved in their work.
This engagement can take many forms: feeling loyal and connected (emotional), being focused and eager to improve (cognitive), or showing high productivity and advocacy for the company (behavioral). Strong leadership, a positive culture, growth opportunities, and work-life balance are some of the key drivers that make it possible.
What is an employee engagement platform?
An employee engagement platform is a digital space where employees feel more connected, motivated, and valued. It brings together tools for communication, recognition, feedback, and collaboration—all designed to improve satisfaction, productivity, and workplace culture. In short, it helps turn a company into a more engaged, innovative, and happy place to work.
➝ See the full definition of an employee engagement platform
Why is employee engagement important?
Employee engagement is far more than a buzzword—it directly impacts business success. When employees feel connected, valued, and motivated, both people and companies thrive. Engaged teams are more productive, innovative, and loyal, which translates into better results and stronger workplace culture.
Here’s why it matters:
- ⚡ Higher productivity: Engaged employees are focused and efficient—Gallup reports they’re 17% more productive than disengaged ones.
- 🔁 Lower turnover: Valued employees are 59% less likely to quit, reducing hiring and training costs.
- 😊 Better customer satisfaction: Happy employees deliver better service, leading to higher customer ratings.
- 💡 Greater innovation: Engagement encourages creativity, problem-solving, and fresh ideas.
- 🤝 Stronger company culture: Open communication and recognition create a sense of belonging.
- 💰 Improved financial performance: Highly engaged teams drive 21% higher profitability.
- 📉 Reduced absenteeism: Motivated employees are more present—both physically and mentally.
Yet, only 23% of employees worldwide are actively engaged (Gallup 2023). This gap shows just how crucial it is for organizations to invest in engagement and create a workplace where people feel connected, appreciated, and inspired.
What are the key features of employee engagement platforms?
Employee engagement platforms are designed to connect people, boost motivation, and help organizations perform at their best. They bring essential tools together in one place to improve communication, recognition, feedback, and collaboration.
Here are some of the most important features:
- 📣 Centralized communication: A single hub for announcements, news, messages, and updates—keeping everyone aligned.
- 🤝 Stronger collaboration: Shared workspaces, team channels, and project boards that make teamwork seamless in hybrid or remote setups.
- 🌟 Recognition & rewards: Peer-to-peer recognition, shout-outs, and gamification tools to celebrate achievements and boost morale.
- 📊 Real-time feedback: Surveys, polls, and feedback loops to capture employee sentiment and act on it quickly.
- 🚀 Onboarding & development: Easy access to policies, training, and resources for faster integration and career growth.
- 📚 Knowledge management: Wikis, searchable databases, and document management systems to find information instantly.
- 📈 Data-driven insights: Analytics and sentiment tracking to measure engagement and guide decisions.
- 🌍 Remote & hybrid support: Virtual spaces, social feeds, and mobile tools that keep teams connected anywhere.
- 🫂 Community & belonging: Directories, profiles, and interest groups that help employees build stronger connections.
All of these features work together to create a workplace where people feel informed, appreciated, and part of a thriving community.
➝ Dicover the full list of employee engagement platform features
How to Improve Employee Engagement in the Workplace?
- Ensure a strong corporate culture
- Ensure good relationship with management
- Foster good relationships between the colleagues
- Think about employee recognition
- Express meaning for work in your organization
- Make well-being and work/life balance your priority
- Allow more flexibility and autonomy
- Invest in skills development and training
➝ Find out how to improve employee engagement in the workplace
I am a Digital Marketing specialist specialized in SEO at eXo Platform.
Passionate about new technologies and Digital Marketing.
With 10 years' experience, I support companies in their digital communication strategies and implement the tools necessary for their success.
My approach combines the use of different traffic acquisition levers and an optimization of the user experience to convert visitors into customers.
After various digital experiences in communication agencies as well as in B2B company, I have a wide range of skills and I am able to manage the digital marketing strategy of small and medium-sized companies.
Related posts
- All
- eXo
- Digital workplace
- Employee engagement
- Open source
- Future of work
- Internal communication
- Collaboration
- News
- intranet
- workplace
- Knowledge management
- Employee experience
- Employee productivity
- onboarding
- Employee recognition
- Change management
- Cartoon
- Digital transformation
- Infographic
- Remote work
- Industry trends
- Product News
- Thought leadership
- Tips & Tricks
- Tutorial
- Uncategorized
Leave a Reply
( Your e-mail address will not be published)
Connexion
0 Comments