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I joined G2 during the pandemic while working completely remotely, which made me realize just how important it is to feel connected, supported, and engaged—even from a distance. While I wasn’t in an office setting, the tools and strategies G2’s team used played a big role in helping me feel part of the company culture right from the start.
Although I’m not an HR professional, my role has given me the chance to interact with employee engagement specialists, HR leaders, and team managers who face the ongoing challenge of keeping employees motivated, especially in hybrid and remote environments. These conversations sparked my curiosity about the best employee engagement software that helps foster strong connections within teams, no matter where they’re located.
Over several weeks, I evaluated 20-plus employee engagement software platforms built to boost morale, strengthen communication, and foster a sense of belonging. In this listicle, I’m highlighting six standout tools based on recurring themes in G2 user reviews, their unique features, pros and cons, and what makes them worth considering if you're rethinking how your organization approaches engagement. Let’s dive in!
* These employee engagement software are top-rated in their category, according to G2 Grid Reports. The pricing details are available upon request.
Employee engagement is critical for building a motivated, productive workforce, but it can be tough to maintain without the right tools—especially in remote or hybrid environments. When I first started working remotely at G2, I realized how challenging it can be to feel connected to a team without the daily interactions that come naturally in an office setting.
That’s where employee engagement software makes all the difference. Some tools help foster real-time communication and feedback, while others focus on recognition programs, employee pulse surveys, and creating a transparency and connection culture. The right employee engagement software doesn’t just boost morale; it helps teams collaborate more effectively, strengthens company culture, and keeps employees aligned with organizational goals.
As I evaluated different platforms, I paid attention to features users frequently called out, like employee feedback systems, recognition tools, engagement analytics, and integrations with popular productivity apps. Some tools made tracking engagement metrics easy and boosted team connection. Others looked promising on the surface but didn’t deliver the impact or user experience needed to truly engage employees.
I spent weeks evaluating employee engagement software, narrowing down the best options based on features, ease of use, pricing, and real user feedback from G2. I also leveraged AI-driven research to analyze software updates, HR trends, and common employee engagement challenges to ensure these recommendations are as accurate and helpful as possible.
I relied on insights from verified G2 user reviews to understand how each platform performs in real-world settings. The screenshots featured in this article may be a mix of those sourced from the vendor’s G2 page and other publicly available materials.
Each tool on this list is reliable, user-friendly, and designed to help organizations foster a more connected, motivated, and productive workforce. My research and analysis are backed by real-time user sentiments and proprietary G2 scores, offering a data-driven look at how these solutions support employee engagement across industries.
Working from home made me appreciate the importance of feeling engaged and valued, even without face-to-face interactions. But with so many software options out there, I needed to dig deeper into authentic user experiences to figure out what matters, whether managing a large team, supporting a hybrid workforce, or trying to boost morale in a fully remote setup.
If you’re looking for the best employee engagement software, here’s what to keep in mind:
Over the course of several weeks, I researched and evaluated more than 20 employee engagement software programs. I narrowed down the best 6 based on standout features, usability, and consistent praise in G2 reviews.
To be included in this category, a solution must:
*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.
Culture Amp stands out as a powerful tool for fostering employee engagement, performance, and development. Users mention that it has significantly improved how they track employee goals, monitor progress, and recognize achievements. Unlike traditional survey platforms, Culture Amp goes beyond data collection to drive real growth and connection within teams. I noticed that it is stated as intuitive, user-friendly, and seamless to integrate into existing workflows. It makes designing and distributing surveys, managing performance appraisals, and gathering meaningful employee feedback easy.
One of Culture Amp’s most praised features in G2 reviews is the check-in slider, which visually highlights progress since the last check-in. Many users say this simple tool helps foster more open communication and supports a culture of continuous feedback. The platform also receives consistent praise for its robust analytics. Reviewers often mention how the insights are both clear and actionable, helping leaders make data-driven decisions around culture, productivity, and performance.
Another theme that comes up frequently is Culture Amp’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Users note that the platform’s DEI features help align engagement efforts with modern workplace values and foster a stronger sense of inclusion.
That said, there are a few areas where reviewers suggest improvements. A commonly mentioned request is more customization within survey visuals, particularly around the colors used in Likert scales. Reviewers feel this would enhance the overall design and make it easier for respondents to distinguish between choices. There’s also feedback around performance evaluation features, where some users mention the need for more dynamic feedback tools and better ways to track quantitative achievements over time.
Navigation is another area where opinions vary. While many find the interface intuitive, some G2 users, especially those onboarding for the first time, mention that getting started can feel a bit overwhelming. A guided walkthrough or coaching feature is a popular suggestion among newer users looking for a smoother transition into the platform. Multiple reviews point out that a more structured onboarding experience could go a long way in building user confidence and ensuring early adoption.
Overall, Culture Amp is an excellent, easy-to-integrate solution for organizations looking to improve employee engagement, performance, and company culture.
"Culture Amp excels in turning employee feedback into actionable insights, making it an invaluable tool for improving company culture and employee engagement. The platform's user-friendly interface makes it easy to design and distribute surveys, while its powerful analytics provide clear, data-driven insights. The performance management features allow for continuous feedback and development, fostering a growth-oriented environment. Additionally, the emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) helps organizations align with modern values and create a more inclusive workplace."
- Culture Amp Review, Nitin S.
"It would be interesting if there were a quantitative recognition where the employee has actually achieved the set objectives, and it would be important to follow up on the requests made through the platform."
- Culture Amp Review, Lorena D.
Celebrate achievements and boost morale with employee recognition software.
When it comes to managing global teams, Deel doesn’t just handle the nuts and bolts of payroll and compliance. It also steps up its game with employee engagement features that genuinely make a difference.
One of the standout aspects I read about repeatedly was how Deel integrates employee feedback seamlessly into the workflow. The customer satisfaction surveys aren't just there for show; they provide real, actionable insights that help gauge employee sentiments. It's refreshing to see a tool that doesn't treat engagement as an afterthought but as an integral part of team management.
Deel is said to make recognizing employees a breeze, and I really appreciate that. There are features that allow sending vouchers directly to employees. It’s a simple yet effective way to show appreciation, whether for hitting milestones or just to boost morale. This thoughtful touch plays a significant role in maintaining motivation, especially for remote teams.
However, managing an employee's feedback and engagement history after they leave can be challenging. G2 users have pointed out that the system isn’t as intuitive when handling post-employment data. Improving this area could make the offboarding process far more efficient.
Overall, Deel is more than just a tool for simplifying payroll and compliance—it’s about keeping teams connected, motivated, and engaged, no matter where they’re located.
"It is a great tool for freelancers and, of course, any remote full-timers to actually improve employee registration, management, and engagement. The Web UI is very user-intuitive, and there is good customer support as well."
- Deel Review, Rajesh M.
"While Deel has been reliable overall, I’ve noticed occasional delays in the withdrawal process and updates to exchange rates. Additionally, I feel there could be more detailed tracking or transparency on fee structures when converting currencies."
- Deel Review, Anne F.
One of the things G2 users really appreciate about Workhuman Social Recognition is how easy it is to give and receive recognition. Whether at their desk or heading home, it only takes a few seconds to recognize someone from their phone, and that kind of flexibility goes a long way. I can imagine how nice it must feel to know your coworkers might start or end their day with a quick note of appreciation. It’s an easy touch that genuinely boosts morale.
Workhuman Social Recognition is described in G2 reviews as intuitive and easy to navigate. Many reviewers highlight its clean interface, responsive design, and thoughtfully structured layout, which make it simple for teams to adopt and use across the organization.
A recurring theme in the feedback is that the platform isn’t just for casual shout-outs. It’s also widely used to celebrate major personal and professional milestones, which reviewers say helps strengthen team bonds over time. Another feature that gets consistent praise is the reporting and analytics. These tools may not be the flashiest, but they provide meaningful visibility into how recognition influences culture and engagement.
That said, G2 reviewers have flagged a few areas that could use refinement. The points system, for example, is a source of confusion for some. It’s unclear how points translate into actual rewards, especially since the value can vary by item. Several users have suggested that more explicit guidance here would make a big difference. There’s also feedback around product listings in the reward catalog—when similar items appear in multiple colors, it can be hard to tell them apart. Grouping these would make browsing more user-friendly.
Finally, while the reward selection is generally well-received, users in certain regions report fewer options. Expanding availability globally is a common request and could make the platform feel more inclusive. Still, the general consensus is that Workhuman does a great job of fostering everyday appreciation.
"One of the best aspects of Workhuman Social Recognition is its ability to foster a positive workplace culture by making recognition and appreciation a core part of daily interactions. The platform's ease of use encourages frequent recognition across all levels of the organization, helping to build a more engaged and motivated workforce. Additionally, the social aspect of the platform allows peers to see and celebrate each other's achievements, which strengthens team bonds and promotes a collaborative environment. The integration with other HR tools and the ability to track and analyze recognition data also provide valuable insights into employee engagement and company culture."
- Workhuman Social Recognition Review, verified user.
"When redeeming points, it's sometimes hard to understand exactly what the difference between some of the items is. It would be nice to have "identical items" (e.g., same thing but in different colors) grouped together so I can just select the one I want with confidence."
- Workhuman Social Recognition Review, Joshua N.
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While going through G2 reviews, I came across a lot of positive feedback about HiBob , especially around how it blends employee data management with engagement features. Many users describe the platform as intuitive and easy to navigate for HR teams and employees. I noticed repeated mentions of how simple it is for employees to access their information, request time off, and submit timesheets. The quick-fix feature for timesheets, in particular, came up several times as a helpful tool that saves time and keeps things running smoothly.
HiBob’s support team earns praise pretty regularly. Reviewers say responses are quick and helpful, and issues are usually resolved without much back-and-forth; this keeps workflows moving without significant disruption.
A lot of people also mentioned that getting started with HiBob felt surprisingly simple. The onboarding process is often described as smooth, and integrations with other tools don’t appear to be much of a hassle. I also came across several mentions of customizable templates and peer review features, making performance reviews feel more structured and effective.
The interface gets a lot of love, too. Reviewers say it’s clean, intuitive, and accessible, even for people without a technical background. I saw multiple mentions of how easy it is to check who’s out on holiday, keep up with birthdays, apply for leave, or collect employee feedback. For most users, these everyday tasks feel straightforward with HiBob.
That said, a few recurring concerns stood out to me. One is the added cost of certain modules, like training and payroll. This came up often in reviews from smaller companies, especially those with under 50 employees, where budget constraints made the extra fees harder to justify. Bundling these features into a single package is something several users hoped to see.
Permissions were another sticking point. Some reviewers explained that restricting access to one field within a category can unintentionally open up visibility to all fields in that group, which isn’t ideal. A more granular system would offer better control, and that suggestion popped up more than once.
Reporting features got mixed feedback. While there are plenty of options available, some users said it would be helpful to pull everything into a single general report rather than having to choose from a long list of specific ones. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does make the process feel a bit more rigid than it needs to be.
The e-signature feature also came up in reviews. While people appreciate having it built in, it currently only works with static templates, which can cause formatting issues. A few reviewers mentioned that being able to use dynamic templates would make the tool feel more polished and flexible.
That said, I’ve seen recent feedback noting that HiBob has been expanding its reporting capabilities, which is a good sign. Even with a few quirks, most users describe it as a reliable, user-friendly HR platform that helps streamline everyday work.
"We have really enjoyed the user experience. It's intuitive to use and very well laid out. We did our '24 year-end reviews and it helped us take several steps forward in giving more complete and accurate performance reviews to our staff. Templates for review forms are easily customizable. The peer review feature is super helpful as well. Customer support has been very responsive and helpful."
- HiBob HRIS Review, Scott N.
"One of the downsides of Bob is when it comes to permissions when it comes to fields and tables, sometimes we don't want everyone to see every field in a category, but enabling them to see a category means they can see every field. There are also small reporting constraints such as not being able to get all information in a general report, so we have to be intentional about which report we use."
- HiBob HRIS Review, Jamie N.
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Going through G2 reviews, I got the impression that Workvivo feels like a social network built specifically for the workplace. Multiple users talk about how user-friendly the interface is, especially for new team members. The design is often described as clean and simple, making navigation easy right from the start. I also noticed several reviewers highlighting the customization options, saying they appreciated being able to tailor the platform to fit their preferences, making the experience feel both personal and efficient.
As I dug into G2 reviews, one theme that kept coming up was how much people love the ability to create their own space within the platform. Reviewers say it’s more than just a place for task updates; it’s a place to share perspectives, post creative work, and build connections beyond project deadlines. Several users also appreciate being able to highlight their skills, react to posts, and engage with colleagues across different teams or offices. That mix of personalization and community-building sets Workvivo apart.
The platform’s features get a lot of positive feedback overall, but there are a few areas where users think things could be better. A notable amount of reviews mentioned that the mobile experience doesn’t quite live up to the desktop version. Tagging coworkers can be inconsistent on mobile, and the app is sometimes described as less responsive than users would like.
Notifications were another area where feedback was a bit mixed. Some reviewers said too many alerts are coming through, making it hard to focus on what matters. A more focused notification system might help reduce the noise.
I also read that while the platform is generally easy to use, the search function could be more precise. Finding a specific post or document can take longer, and users feel that enhancing that functionality could make navigation much more efficient.
That said, Workvivo still earns strong praise for helping teams stay connected in a personal, engaging, and fun way. It brings an unexpected level of creativity and community into the workday, and that’s not something you hear often about workplace software.
"The best part is the design of Workvivo, which makes very user-friendly and easy to navigate. The various tools helps in productivity and fun at the same time. In the platform i can showcase my skills, share good moments with my team and express my reaction on others post and shares, can connect and interact with different people outside my office, i can get informative news in daily basis. For me personally the best feature is that we can create our own space and we can post there, which i can share my perspectives especially my photographs."
- Workvivo Review, Amaldas V.
"Workvivo is a great tool for employee engagement, but there are a few drawbacks. The platform could benefit from more integrations with other productivity tools to streamline workflows. The mobile app is less responsive compared to the desktop version, and more customization options would be helpful. Additionally, notifications can become overwhelming at times."
- Workvivo Review, Swaraj K.
After reading dozens of G2 reviews, it’s clear that Vantage Circle has made a strong impression when it comes to employee engagement and rewards. Users describe the platform as intuitive and easy to work with, whether they’re browsing rewards, accessing deals, or just navigating features in general. I also saw several comments on how well it integrates with existing systems, making it easier for teams to manage and track rewards without extra work.
What stood out to me while reading through G2 reviews is the variety of benefits Vantage Circle offers. From discounts on well-known brands to wellness programs, users consistently mention that there’s something for everyone. Many also appreciate how easy it is to browse and redeem rewards, saying the convenience contributes to a more positive, engaging workplace culture. I also came across feedback highlighting how personalized the experience feels—several reviewers mentioned that the platform seems to adapt to individual preferences, which helps make recognition more meaningful.
Another strength that came up often is customer support. Reviewers frequently describe the team as responsive, proactive, and genuinely invested in helping users.
That said, there are a few areas where users feel the platform could improve. One request that appeared more than once was the ability to redeem points with more popular platforms like Amazon. Expanding these options could make the experience even more flexible and appealing.
Real-time data processing was another theme. While most users say it’s generally reliable, a few reviews mentioned that cashback and points can take longer than expected to reflect. It’s not a dealbreaker, but speeding this up would bring the platform more in line with user expectations.
There’s also interest in expanding regional redemption options and adding more flexibility in how the rewards catalog is customized. These ideas came up across multiple reviews and seem like natural next steps to improve accessibility and personalization for a global workforce.
Overall, Vantage Circle is a reliable, easy-to-use platform that adds real value to employee engagement and recognition efforts. Based on what I’ve read, it’s helped many teams improve satisfaction and build a more motivated, appreciated workplace culture.
"Vantage Circle is known for its focus on employee engagement and well-being. One of the best aspects is its comprehensive platform that combines rewards and recognition, benefits, and wellness initiatives and ease of implementation. This holistic approach helps organizations boost employee morale and create a positive workplace culture. Plus, the user-friendly interface and ease of integration make it easy for both employees and employers to navigate and utilize its features effectively. They have a great customer support as well which is useful."
- Vantage Circle Review, Jay Gopal M.
"The limited customization options in certain areas, such as the rewards catalog and localized offers."
- Vantage Circle Review, Abhishek K.
Have more questions? Find more answers below.
Employee engagement is important because it directly influences productivity, employee retention, and overall business success. Engaged employees are more motivated and committed and likely to go above and beyond in their roles. This not only improves individual performance but also fosters a positive work environment, which can lead to better customer experiences. Companies with high engagement levels often see reduced turnover, lower absenteeism, and increased profitability, making it a critical factor for long-term growth and success.
Employee engagement can be measured through a combination of surveys, performance metrics, and feedback tools. Surveys, like pulse checks or employee net promoter scores (eNPS), help gauge employee sentiment and satisfaction. Performance data, such as productivity levels and turnover rates, can also provide insights into engagement trends. Additionally, collecting qualitative feedback through one-on-one meetings or focus groups helps organizations understand the “why” behind the data, allowing them to make informed decisions to improve engagement.
An employee engagement survey is a tool used to gather feedback from employees about their work experience, motivation, and satisfaction. These surveys typically include questions about leadership effectiveness, communication, recognition, career development, and workplace culture. By analyzing the responses, organizations can identify strengths and areas for improvement, enabling them to create targeted strategies to boost employee engagement and foster a more positive work environment.
Improving employee engagement requires a combination of strategies focused on communication, recognition, growth, and workplace culture. Open and transparent communication helps employees feel heard and valued. Regular recognition of achievements, whether big or small, boosts morale and motivation. Providing growth opportunities through training and career development keeps employees invested in their roles. Additionally, promoting work-life balance and creating a positive, inclusive culture ensures employees feel supported both professionally and personally, leading to higher engagement levels.
The 5 C’s of employee engagement are Connection, Clarity, Contribution, Confidence, and Commitment. Together, they represent the key drivers that influence how engaged employees feel at work.
Many platforms offer anonymous feedback options to encourage honest input. However, this can be configured based on company preferences and goals.
An employee engagement matrix is a framework that helps organizations categorize employees based on their level of engagement and performance. It’s commonly used by HR teams to identify different employee groups, such as highly engaged high performers, disengaged high performers, and disengaged low performers.
Culture Amp provides tools to foster engagement, collect meaningful insights, and drive improved workplace culture.
Workhuman Social Recognition builds positive workplace cultures through meaningful recognition and reward systems that boost employee morale and engagement, making it suitable for the service sector.
Workvivo strengthens workplace culture by enhancing internal communication, fostering connection, and amplifying employee voices, making it popular among enterprises.
Finding the right employee engagement software is just one piece of the puzzle—what really matters is how you use it. Now that you know the best tools available, the next step is to take action. Choose a platform that fits your organization’s needs, implement it thoughtfully, and start fostering a culture where employees feel valued, heard, and motivated.
If you’re new to employee engagement strategies, start small—run a pulse survey, introduce peer-to-peer recognition, and see how your team responds. If you’re already focused on engagement, look for ways to automate feedback, track progress more effectively, and scale your efforts with the right software.
Employee engagement success doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right tools and a proactive approach, you’ll be on your way to creating a happier, more connected, and more productive workforce. So, pick your software, put it to work, and watch your team’s engagement levels soar!
To support a truly engaged workforce, the right corporate wellness software can help promote employee well-being, reduce burnout, and create a healthier, more productive work environment.
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