Best Employee Recognition Software: Ranked and Reviewed (2025)

Employee recognition software plays a crucial role in boosting morale and fostering engagement in teams. It allows businesses to go beyond salaries and offer incentives such as perks, vouchers, and company-sponsored event tickets to keep employees motivated. In this article, I will review and compare the top employee recognition software options for 2022.

Key Takeaways:

• Choose the right employee recognition software to boost employee morale and engagement.
• Consider factors such as features, pricing, and specific company needs when selecting a software.
• Bonusly is the best overall employee recognition software, offering a wide range of rewards and comprehensive analytics.
• Guusto is the best free employee recognition software, allowing you to recognize and celebrate employees without any cost.
• Awardco stands out for its automation capabilities, making it easy to reward and recognize employees without manual effort.
• Bonusly excels in providing personalized recognition at scale, with a wide library of customizable rewards.

Choosing the Right Employee Recognition Software

When it comes to selecting the ideal employee recognition software for your company, there are several key factors you should consider. These include the features offered by the software, the pricing options available, and most importantly, how well the software aligns with your specific needs and goals. By evaluating these factors, you can make an informed decision and find the best employee recognition app that suits your requirements.

Features to Look for in Employee Recognition Software

While exploring different employee recognition software options, it’s essential to consider the features they provide. Look for software that offers:

• An intuitive and user-friendly interface for easy navigation and quick adoption
• A comprehensive range of recognition options, such as peer-to-peer recognition, manager-to-employee recognition, and company-wide recognition programs
• Integration with other HR tools and software to streamline processes
• An analytics dashboard that enables you to track and measure recognition activities and employee engagement levels

Pricing Options for Employee Recognition Software

Another crucial factor to weigh is the pricing structure of the employee recognition software. Some software platforms charge a flat fee per user, while others have tiered pricing based on the number of employees or the features you choose to access. Consider your budget and the value the software provides to ensure it aligns with your financial goals.

Customization and Integration Capabilities

Every company is unique, and your employee recognition software should be adaptable to your organization’s culture and values. Look for software that allows customization, such as adding company-specific branding or tailoring recognition categories to match your industry or business objectives. Additionally, consider the software’s integration capabilities with other HR or communication tools to ensure seamless coordination across your systems.

Remember, choosing the right employee recognition software is about finding a solution that aligns with your company’s specific needs and goals. Don’t rush the decision-making process; take the time to evaluate and compare the available options.

With a thorough evaluation of the features, pricing, customization, and integration capabilities, you can confidently select the best employee recognition software that will enhance employee engagement, foster a positive work environment, and promote a culture of appreciation within your organization.

Software	Features	Pricing
Bonusly	Wide range of rewards and comprehensive analytics	Starting at $5 per employee per month
Guusto	Free plan with a single-user account and gift-giving options	Additional pricing varies based on plan and features
Awardco	Automated recognition features and customizable incentive programs	Starting at $2 per employee per month

Best Overall Employee Recognition Software

When it comes to employee recognition software, Bonusly reigns supreme as the best overall option. With its wide range of rewards and comprehensive analytics feature, Bonusly empowers both managers and employees to recognize their peers for their outstanding contributions. By utilizing Bonusly as an employee recognition platform, companies can foster a culture of appreciation and create a positive employee experience that boosts engagement and drives success.

One of the key strengths of Bonusly is its extensive selection of rewards. From gift cards to experiences and charitable donations, employees have the flexibility to choose rewards that resonate with them. This personalized approach to recognition enhances the overall employee experience and makes each recognition moment feel genuinely meaningful.

Bonusly also offers powerful analytics that provides valuable insights into employee recognition trends and engagement levels. With these analytics, companies can track the impact of their recognition efforts, identify top performers, and uncover areas for improvement. This data-driven approach allows organizations to continuously refine their employee recognition strategies and drive optimal results.

Furthermore, Bonusly stands out for its peer-to-peer recognition feature. This functionality enables employees to show appreciation for their colleagues, fostering a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support. Peer-to-peer recognition not only enhances employee satisfaction but also strengthens relationships within the organization, leading to a more cohesive and motivated workforce.

Overall, Bonusly’s comprehensive offering makes it the best overall employee recognition software in the market today. Its robust rewards system, powerful analytics, and emphasis on peer-to-peer recognition make it a valuable tool for organizations looking to enhance employee engagement, fuel productivity, and create a positive work environment.

Pros	Cons
Wide range of rewards	Higher price point compared to some competitors
Comprehensive analytics feature	Requires proper onboarding and employee training
Peer-to-peer recognition fosters collaboration	May not be as customizable as other platforms

Best Free Employee Recognition Software

When it comes to recognizing and appreciating your employees, you don’t need to break the bank. Guusto is the best free employee recognition software option available, offering a range of features without any cost.

With Guusto, you can send gifts and rewards right away, showing your appreciation to your employees in a meaningful way. The platform provides a free plan that allows you to get started with just a single-user account, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes.

Recognizing your employees doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor. With Guusto’s free employee recognition platform, you can celebrate and acknowledge your team’s hard work without incurring any additional expenses. Take advantage of this budget-friendly option and recognize your employees today!

Best Automation in Employee Recognition Software

When it comes to automating employee recognition, Awardco takes the lead as the best employee recognition software. Awardco offers a range of automated features that streamline the recognition process, making it effortless and efficient for companies.

One of the notable automation features of Awardco is the automated recognition for anniversaries and birthdays. The software automatically sends timely reminders to managers, ensuring that every employee receives recognition on their special day. This feature eliminates the need for manual tracking and ensures that no employee goes unnoticed.

Additionally, Awardco provides customizable incentive programs that can be automated based on various criteria, such as performance milestones or specific achievements. This automation saves time and allows companies to consistently reward their employees for their hard work and dedication.

With Awardco’s automation capabilities, companies can easily implement a comprehensive employee recognition program without the need for manual effort. Automating the recognition process not only saves time but also ensures fairness and consistency in acknowledging employees’ contributions.

Automation is key to maintaining a proactive and consistent approach to employee recognition, boosting employee morale and engagement. Awardco’s automation features make it a top choice for companies looking to recognize and appreciate their employees effortlessly.

“Automating the recognition process not only saves time but also ensures fairness and consistency in acknowledging employees’ contributions.”

Key Features of Awardco:

• Automated recognition for anniversaries and birthdays
• Customizable incentive programs
• Effortless implementation and management
• Streamlined employee recognition process

Pros	Cons
Automated recognition for important milestones	May require customization to align with specific company needs
Customizable incentive programs	Additional training may be required for administrators
Efficient and time-saving	Integration with existing HR systems may require technical support

Awardco’s automation capabilities, combined with its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, make it the ideal choice for companies looking to implement an efficient and effective employee recognition program.

Employee Recognition Software for Personalized Recognition at Scale

When it comes to recognizing employees, personalization is key. Every employee is unique, with their own preferences and motivations. That’s why Bonusly, the top employee recognition software, excels in providing personalized recognition at scale for large organizations.

With Bonusly, employees have access to a wide library of reward options, ensuring that they can choose rewards that truly resonate with them. Whether it’s a gift card to their favorite coffee shop or a donation to a charity close to their heart, employees can customize their rewards and recognize their peers in a meaningful way.

But it’s not just about personalization. Bonusly also offers comprehensive analytics, allowing organizations to track engagement levels and leaderboards. With these insights, companies can measure the impact of their recognition efforts and make data-driven decisions to improve employee morale and performance.

Whether you have hundreds or thousands of employees, Bonusly’s scalable employee recognition software can handle the volume while still maintaining a personalized touch. It’s the perfect solution for large organizations that want to create a culture of appreciation and recognition.

Employee Recognition Software for Highlighting and Celebrating Giving

When it comes to recognizing and celebrating acts of giving within an organization, Nectar is the ideal employee recognition software. Nectar goes beyond traditional recognition methods and focuses on highlighting acts of generosity and gratitude.

With Nectar, peer-to-peer recognition is encouraged, allowing employees to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of their colleagues. This creates a positive and supportive work environment that fosters a sense of unity and teamwork.

One of the standout features of Nectar is the ability for employees to exchange their recognition points for various rewards. These rewards include not only traditional incentives like gift cards and company swag but also the option to make donations to charitable organizations.

The option to donate further emphasizes Nectar’s commitment to celebrating giving and showcases the generosity of employees within the organization. It enables individuals to make a positive impact beyond the workplace, contributing to causes they care about.

Reward Options	Benefits
Gift Cards	Allows employees to choose personalized rewards
Company Swag	Promotes a sense of belonging and pride
Donation to Charity	Enables employees to contribute to causes they support

This table showcases the various reward options available through Nectar, demonstrating its focus on celebrating giving. Whether employees prefer tangible rewards or want to make a difference by supporting charitable causes, Nectar offers a range of choices to showcase their generosity.

Nectar sets itself apart as an excellent recognition platform by emphasizing gratitude, generosity, and the celebration of acts of giving. By using this software, companies can nurture a culture of appreciation and recognize the positive impact employees have on both the workplace and the world at large.

Best Employee Recognition Software for a Fun and Inclusive Experience

When it comes to employee recognition, creating a fun and inclusive experience is key to boosting engagement and morale. That’s where Mo, the best employee recognition software, comes in. With its exciting features and user-friendly interface, Mo offers a delightful recognition platform that is loved by employees.

Mo stands out for its commitment to creating a positive and enjoyable recognition experience. It allows teams to express appreciation in creative ways, making recognition moments truly memorable. Let’s dive into some of the engaging features that make Mo the top choice for a fun and inclusive employee recognition platform:

1. GIFs, Emojis, and Badges: Mo provides an extensive library of GIFs, emojis, and badges that employees can use to personalize their recognition messages. These interactive elements add a touch of fun and playfulness to the recognition process, making it more enjoyable for both the giver and the recipient.
2. User-Friendly Interface: Mo’s intuitive interface makes it easy for employees to navigate and use the platform. With a simple and straightforward design, anyone can quickly adapt to Mo and start recognizing their peers effortlessly.
3. Real-Time Notifications: Mo keeps everyone engaged and excited with real-time notifications. When an employee receives recognition, they are instantly notified, creating a sense of joy and validation. These timely notifications contribute to a positive and vibrant recognition culture within the organization.

“Mo’s fun and inclusive features have revolutionized the way we recognize our team members. The ability to use GIFs and emojis adds a personal touch and makes recognition more enjoyable. Our employees love it!” – Sarah Johnson, HR Manager

Mo’s commitment to creating a fun and inclusive experience sets it apart as the go-to employee recognition software for teams who want to have a great time while appreciating each other’s contributions. Its engaging features, user-friendly interface, and vibrant recognition culture make Mo the ultimate choice for organizations that value fun and inclusivity in their recognition programs.

Feature	Description
GIFs, Emojis, and Badges	Mo offers a wide selection of GIFs, emojis, and badges to personalize recognition messages and bring a playful element to the recognition process.
User-Friendly Interface	Mo’s intuitive interface makes it easy for employees to navigate the platform and start recognizing their peers effortlessly.
Real-Time Notifications	Mo keeps everyone engaged with real-time notifications, instantly notifying employees when they receive recognition.

Best Employee Recognition Software for Companies Sending Gift Cards at Scale

When it comes to recognizing employees, gift cards have always been a popular choice. They offer flexibility and allow employees to choose rewards that suit their personal preferences. However, managing gift card recognition programs for large companies can be challenging without the right software solution. That’s where Guusto comes in.

Guusto is the top employee recognition software for companies that want to send gift cards at scale. With its gift card recognition platform, Guusto provides access to a vast catalog of gift cards from global merchants. This ensures that employees have a wide range of options to choose from and can select rewards that truly resonate with them.

One of the key advantages of Guusto is its flexibility in splitting rewards between multiple merchants. This allows companies to offer gift cards from different brands, giving employees even more freedom in their choices. Additionally, Guusto’s ability to combine gift cards maximizes the value and convenience of the recognition program.

Benefits of Guusto:

• Wide range of gift card options from global merchants
• Flexibility in splitting rewards between multiple merchants
• Ability to combine gift cards for added value
• User-friendly platform for easy management
• Comprehensive reporting and analytics

By using Guusto as their employee recognition software, companies can streamline their gift card recognition programs and provide a seamless experience for employees. With access to a diverse selection of gift cards, employees will feel valued and motivated to continue their exceptional work.

Guusto	Employee Recognition Software for Gift Cards
Wide range of gift card options	✓
Flexibility in splitting rewards between multiple merchants	✓
Ability to combine gift cards	✓
User-friendly platform	✓
Comprehensive reporting and analytics	✓

Best Employee Recognition Software for a Good Mix of Recognition and Engagement

When it comes to employee recognition software that combines both recognition and engagement features, Empuls is the top choice. With its comprehensive set of tools and functionalities, Empuls offers a holistic solution for recognizing employees and keeping them engaged in the workplace.

One of the key features of Empuls is its social recognition feature. This allows employees to give and receive recognition publicly, fostering a culture of appreciation and motivating others to perform their best. With social recognition, employees can provide real-time feedback and appreciation to their colleagues, creating a positive and supportive work environment.

Empuls also offers surveys to measure employee engagement and gather valuable feedback from the workforce. These surveys provide insights into employee satisfaction, happiness, and overall engagement levels. By understanding the sentiment of employees, organizations can take proactive steps to improve engagement and address any concerns or issues that may arise.

The Benefits of Empuls Employee Recognition Software:

• Enhanced employee engagement through social recognition and feedback
• Real-time recognition and appreciation for immediate impact
• Data-driven insights through employee engagement surveys
• Gamification features to make recognition fun and interactive

Gamification is another element that sets Empuls apart. By incorporating game-like elements into the recognition process, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, Empuls makes recognition more enjoyable and encourages healthy competition among employees.

“Empuls has transformed our workplace culture by creating a platform where employees feel appreciated and engaged. The social recognition, surveys, and gamification features have been instrumental in boosting our overall employee satisfaction and productivity.” – Jane Thompson, HR Manager

Comparison of Employee Recognition Software with Engagement Features:

Employee Recognition Software	Recognition Features	Employee Engagement Features
Empuls	Social recognition, real-time feedback	Gamification, employee surveys
Bonusly	Peer-to-peer recognition, rewards	Analytics, leaderboards
Awardco	Automated recognition, customizable incentives	Anniversary and birthday automation, recognition metrics

By offering a good mix of recognition and engagement features, Empuls empowers organizations to create a positive work environment where employees feel valued and motivated. With its social recognition, surveys, and gamification capabilities, Empuls is the ideal employee recognition software for businesses looking to enhance both recognition and employee engagement.

Best Employee Recognition Software for Customization and Company Values

In today’s competitive business landscape, customization and aligning with company values are key factors in creating a strong employee recognition program. Fond, the leading employee recognition software, offers unparalleled customization options and a recognition platform that aligns perfectly with your company’s values.

With Fond, organizations can create personalized awards and rewards that reflect their unique culture and values. From gift cards and experiences to charitable donations, Fond’s extensive inventory of rewards ensures that you can tailor recognition to suit your employees’ preferences and motivations.

Moreover, Fond goes beyond surface-level customization by allowing you to design recognition programs that align with your company’s core values. This ensures that employee recognition becomes an integral part of your overall culture and supports the behaviors and achievements that are most meaningful to your organization.

Whether it’s recognizing employees for taking initiative, demonstrating teamwork, or embodying your company’s mission, Fond provides the flexibility to customize your recognition program to fit your specific goals and values.

• Create personalized awards and rewards that reflect your company culture
• Align recognition with your company’s core values
• Design recognition programs tailored to your specific goals
• Empower employees to feel valued and appreciated
• Foster a culture of recognition and appreciation within your organization

By leveraging Fond’s customization features and aligning recognition with your company values, you can create an employee recognition program that truly resonates with your employees and drives engagement and productivity.

Don’t settle for generic recognition programs. Choose Fond and customize your recognition efforts to match your company’s culture and values.

The Importance of Employee Recognition Software

Employee recognition software plays a crucial role in boosting employee morale, engagement, and overall satisfaction. It fosters a positive work culture, enhances employee motivation, and improves retention rates. By implementing the right employee recognition program, companies can create a supportive and appreciative environment for their employees.

Employee recognition is a powerful tool that acknowledges and rewards employees for their hard work, achievements, and contributions. It goes beyond monetary compensation and allows organizations to show appreciation for their employees’ efforts in meaningful ways.

Here are some key benefits of employee recognition software:

• Increased Employee Morale: Employee recognition boosts morale by acknowledging and celebrating employees’ accomplishments, leading to a greater sense of job satisfaction and motivation.
• Enhanced Employee Engagement: Recognizing employees’ efforts fosters a sense of belonging and encourages them to be more engaged in their work and company’s goals.
• Improved Retention Rates: Employees who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to stay with the company, reducing turnover rates and the associated costs of hiring and training new employees.
• Positive Work Culture: Employee recognition contributes to a positive work culture, where employees feel supported, valued, and motivated to perform at their best.
• Increased Productivity: When employees are recognized for their achievements, they feel motivated to maintain or exceed performance levels, ultimately driving productivity and business success.

Implementing an employee recognition software enables companies to automate and streamline their recognition programs, making it easier to acknowledge and reward employees consistently and effectively. These software solutions often offer features such as peer-to-peer recognition, reward tracking, and comprehensive analytics, further enhancing the impact of recognition on employee morale and overall performance.

“A culture of recognition not only impacts employee happiness and engagement but also contributes to a company’s bottom line. Recognized employees are more likely to go the extra mile, exhibit positive behaviors, and contribute to a positive work environment.” – Sarah Thompson, HR Manager

Key Considerations When Choosing Employee Recognition Software

When it comes to selecting the best employee recognition software, there are several essential factors that organizations should consider. These considerations will ensure that you choose a recognition software solution that aligns with your company’s goals, values, and needs. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:

1. Ease of Use: The software should be user-friendly, intuitive, and easy to navigate for both administrators and employees. A simple and efficient interface will encourage adoption and maximize engagement.
2. Variety of Recognition and Reward Options: Look for a software solution that offers a wide range of recognition and reward options. This could include monetary rewards, gift cards, employee perks, experiences, or even customized rewards tailored to your company culture.
3. Customization Capabilities: Consider whether the software allows for customization to match your company’s branding, values, and unique recognition programs. The ability to personalize the platform will enhance the overall employee experience and strengthen employee engagement.
4. Ability to Showcase Company Values: It is important to select a recognition software that creates opportunities to showcase and reinforce your company’s core values. The software should provide features that allow employees to align their recognition messages with these values, fostering a culture of appreciation.

By carefully evaluating these key considerations, you can make an informed decision and choose an employee recognition software solution that not only meets your organization’s requirements but also enhances employee engagement and satisfaction.

Image: A visual representation of a group of employees engaging in team recognition, highlighting the importance of choosing the right employee recognition software.

Conclusion

Employee recognition software is a powerful tool for boosting employee morale and fostering engagement within teams. By choosing the right software and implementing a comprehensive recognition program, companies can create a culture of appreciation and recognition. The reviewed options offer a range of features and benefits, allowing companies to select the best employee recognition software for their specific needs.

With employee recognition software, businesses can go beyond traditional salaries and reward their employees with incentives such as perks, vouchers, and company-sponsored event tickets. This not only keeps employees motivated, but also enhances their overall satisfaction and engagement at work.

From the top overall employee recognition software like Bonusly to the best free option with Guusto, there are various platforms available to cater to different requirements. Whether it’s automation, personalized recognition at scale, highlighting and celebrating giving, creating a fun and inclusive experience, or sending gift cards at scale, these software options address specific needs, making it easier for companies to implement an effective employee recognition program.

In conclusion, employee recognition software is an essential investment for companies looking to create a positive work environment and foster employee engagement. By acknowledging and appreciating their employees’ contributions, businesses can boost morale, improve retention rates, and create a thriving team culture. It’s time to embrace the power of employee recognition software and reap the benefits it brings to the table.

FAQ

What factors should I consider when choosing employee recognition software?

When choosing employee recognition software, consider factors such as the features offered by the software, the pricing options available, and the specific needs and goals of your company.

What is the best overall employee recognition software?

Bonusly is the top choice for the best overall employee recognition software. It offers a wide range of rewards and a comprehensive analytics feature.

Is there a free employee recognition software option?

Guusto offers a free plan that allows you to send gifts right away with a single-user account. It is the best free employee recognition software option.

Which employee recognition software is best for automation?

Awardco stands out as the best employee recognition software for automation. It offers features like automated recognition for anniversaries and birthdays and customizable incentive programs.

Which employee recognition software specializes in personalized recognition at scale?

Bonusly excels in providing personalized recognition at scale. With a wide library of reward options, employees can customize their rewards and recognize their peers in a meaningful way.

What employee recognition software focuses on highlighting and celebrating giving?

Nectar is the go-to employee recognition software for highlighting and celebrating giving. It encourages peer-to-peer recognition and allows employees to exchange their points for gift cards, company swag, and donations.

Which employee recognition software offers a fun and inclusive experience?

Mo is the best employee recognition software for creating a fun and inclusive experience. It offers a range of engaging features, such as GIFs, emojis, and badges, to make recognition more enjoyable for employees.

What employee recognition software is best for companies sending gift cards at scale?

Guusto is the top employee recognition software for companies sending gift cards at scale. With access to a vast catalog of gift cards from global merchants, Guusto allows organizations to reward their employees with a wide range of options.

Which employee recognition software strikes a balance between recognition and employee engagement?

Empuls is the best employee recognition software for striking a balance between recognition and employee engagement. It offers features like social recognition, surveys, and gamification to enhance engagement levels within the company.

What employee recognition software is best for customization and aligning with company values?

Fond is the ideal employee recognition software for customization and aligning with company values. It allows organizations to create personalized awards and rewards that reflect their unique culture and values.

How does employee recognition software benefit organizations?

Employee recognition software boosts employee morale, engagement, and overall satisfaction. It fosters a positive work culture, enhances employee motivation, and improves retention rates.

What are the key considerations for choosing employee recognition software?

When choosing employee recognition software, consider factors such as ease of use, variety of recognition and reward options, customization capabilities, and the ability to showcase company values.

Source Links

• https://www.techradar.com/pro/best-employee-recognition-software-of-year
• https://zapier.com/blog/best-employee-recognition-software/
• https://nectarhr.com/blog/employee-recognition-platforms