Aug 31, 2025
Author: Ron Daniel
The Best Tools to Improve Employee Engagement Across Departments
Explore essential tools for enhancing employee engagement across departments, bridging communication gaps and fostering collaboration in diverse work environments.
"Why does it feel like our teams are speaking different languages?" That’s what a colleague asked me during a cross-departmental meeting last year. And honestly, they weren’t wrong. Marketing was glued to Slack, operations relied on email threads, and our frontline workers? They were barely in the loop, catching updates on their phones during short breaks. It was chaos.
Here’s the reality: employee engagement isn’t just about happy hours or team-building retreats. It’s about making sure every single person - whether they’re at a desk, on the shop floor, or out in the field - feels connected, informed, and valued. And trust me, that’s no small feat when everyone’s using different tools and workflows.
We knew we needed a solution that worked for everyone, not just the office crowd. That’s when we started exploring platforms designed to bridge these gaps. From tools that simplify communication for frontline workers to systems that keep leadership updates accessible to all, we’ve tested them all.
In this article, I’ll share what we’ve learned, the tools that made the cut, and how they can help your team stay engaged - no matter where or how they work. Let’s dive in.
1. Pebb
At Pebb, we set out to tackle a challenge that so many companies face - bridging the communication gap between office staff and frontline workers. Whether it’s a manufacturing supervisor pulling up updates on their phone or a marketing manager juggling campaigns at their desk, Pebb is built to work for everyone. Unlike tools that cater to just one group, we’ve designed Pebb to connect all roles seamlessly.
And here’s the kicker: we offer a free plan for up to 1,000 employees. It’s packed with features like work chat (with unlimited history), news feeds, knowledge libraries, tasks, calendar tools, and unlimited clubs. No sneaky fees or forced upgrades. But if you’re looking for extras like analytics, voice and video calls, or enterprise integrations, our premium plan is just $4 per user per month.
Let me walk you through how Pebb makes communication effortless for teams of all shapes and sizes.
Built for Every Department
What makes Pebb special is how it fits into the daily grind of different departments. HR teams, for example, love using the knowledge library to store policy documents and employee handbooks. Operations teams? They rely on it for shift updates and safety announcements.
Our news feed is a game-changer for leadership. It lets them share company-wide updates that instantly reach everyone - whether they’re glued to a desk or checking in on their phone during a break. And for more focused conversations, departments can create private clubs to keep things organized and uncluttered.
Pebb also mirrors your team’s actual structure with our departments and branches feature, making it easier than ever to keep communication flowing smoothly.
Access Anytime, Anywhere
Pebb is built for flexibility, offering a strong mobile and desktop experience. Our mobile app is perfect for frontline workers who need quick access to work chats, company news, or their tasks while on the move. Meanwhile, office staff can dive deeper with the desktop version, which supports collaboration and content creation.
One of my favorite features? The voice and video calls available in the premium plan. You can start a call on your phone and seamlessly switch to your computer when you’re back at your desk. It’s the kind of convenience that just makes sense.
Ready to Grow With You
Whether you’re a small team of 50 or a massive enterprise with 10,000 employees, Pebb scales to meet your needs. Our free plan is perfect for smaller organizations, offering robust tools without pressuring you to upgrade prematurely.
For larger teams, the premium plan steps it up with unlimited admins and permissions control, so you can delegate tasks without losing oversight. Need to see how your teams are engaging with the platform? The analytics feature has you covered. And for IT teams, our enterprise SSO integration eliminates the hassle of managing extra passwords. Plus, with premium SLA support, you’ll always have help when you need it.
Pebb isn’t just a communication tool - it’s a solution that grows with your team, no matter how big or small. And that’s something we’re pretty proud of.
2. Slack
Slack has become a go-to messaging platform for teams worldwide, offering an organized, searchable, and accessible way to communicate. But when it comes to cross-departmental employee engagement, it’s a mixed bag. Let me walk you through where Slack shines and where it stumbles.
Breaking Down Silos (Sometimes)
Slack’s channel-based setup is perfect for keeping departments in sync. Marketing can have channels for campaign brainstorming, while engineering can focus on code reviews or sprint planning. The real win? Cross-functional channels. These spaces bring different teams together for shared projects, like when product, marketing, and sales need to align on a launch. That’s where Slack feels less like a tool and more like a bridge.
Another standout feature is shared channels, which allow collaboration between different workspaces. Whether you’re working with external contractors or another division of your company, these channels make it easy to stay connected without sacrificing security. That said, if your goal is to create a seamless, unified communication experience for everyone - desk workers and frontline employees alike - Slack can feel a bit fragmented.
And here’s the rub: frontline workers. Slack is built for people who are glued to their devices, not those who spend their day on factory floors or out in the field. While the mobile app is solid, it’s not exactly tailored for workers who need quick, simple updates rather than constant threads and notifications.
Integrations Galore (But Beware Notification Overload)
One of Slack’s superpowers is its ability to integrate with more than 2,000 tools. Whether it’s Google Drive, Trello, Salesforce, or HubSpot, Slack plays nice with just about everything. For example:
HR teams can use integrations like BambooHR or Workday to push employee updates straight into relevant channels.
Sales teams love the Salesforce connection, which pulls deal updates directly into their Slack conversations.
Teams can even run polls or manage projects without leaving the platform.
But here’s the thing - too much of a good thing can backfire. With all these integrations, it’s easy for teams to drown in notifications, which can end up distracting more than engaging.
Growing with Your Team (At a Price)
Slack scales well, there’s no doubt about that. Whether you’re a startup or a company with thousands of employees, features like user groups and advanced permissions keep everything organized as you grow. The catch? Cost. Slack’s pricing tiers range from $7.25 to $12.50 per user, and those numbers add up fast - especially when you throw in premium integrations.
For smaller teams, the free plan might be enough. But as your organization gets bigger and more complex, Slack’s price tag can become a serious consideration.
Desktop vs. Mobile: A Tale of Two Experiences
Slack’s desktop version is a dream for office workers. The interface is clean, the search function is powerful, and you can customize notifications to avoid drowning in pings. It’s perfect for people who spend their day collaborating on projects or sharing files.
The mobile app, while functional, feels more like a sidekick than a standalone tool. You can send messages, share files, and even hop on voice calls, but it’s not as fluid as the desktop experience. For companies with a mix of desk-based and frontline workers, this creates an uneven playing field. Office employees get the full Slack experience, while frontline workers might feel like they’re getting the short end of the stick.
So, while Slack is a powerhouse for digital teams, it’s not without its quirks - especially if your workforce spans both desks and factory floors. Balancing those needs is where the challenge lies.
3. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams has become a cornerstone of the Microsoft ecosystem, packing in powerful tools for productivity. But there’s a catch - it’s not exactly built for those spontaneous, cross-departmental chats that often spark innovation.
Cross-departmental Adaptability
Teams thrives on structure. It organizes communication into dedicated teams and channels, making it easy for departments like HR or engineering to have focused spaces for announcements and project discussions. This setup works wonders for staying organized, but it can feel a bit rigid when you need quick, informal updates or want to connect with colleagues outside your usual circle.
Integration with Existing Tools
Here’s where Teams really shines: its seamless integration with other Microsoft tools. You can jump between SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook, Word, and Excel without ever leaving the platform. Need to edit a document during a meeting? No problem. Want to schedule your next team huddle? It’s all there. For organizations already deeply invested in Microsoft’s suite, this integration is a game-changer. That said, adding too many third-party tools can clutter the interface and make things less intuitive.
Scalability for Different Organization Sizes
One of Teams’ strengths is its ability to scale. Whether you’re managing a small team or a massive enterprise, its secure administrative controls and complex permission structures can handle it. But here’s the flip side: if you’re running a smaller operation, you might find the platform’s extensive feature set a bit overwhelming for simple communication needs.
Mobile and Desktop Accessibility
The desktop version of Teams is packed with features - chat, video calls, file sharing, and integrations all work seamlessly. The mobile app, while functional, offers a more streamlined experience. It’s great for quick messaging or accessing files, but it doesn’t quite match the depth of the desktop version. For employees who rely heavily on their phones, this might feel like a bit of a downgrade.
In short, Microsoft Teams is a productivity powerhouse, especially for organizations that are all-in on the Microsoft ecosystem. But if your team thrives on spontaneous, cross-departmental interactions, you might find it lacking in that department.
4. Firstup
After diving into Microsoft Teams, we also took a closer look at Firstup, which provides a different take on enterprise communication. Firstup brands itself as an employee experience platform aimed at reaching every worker. However, it leans heavily toward being a traditional corporate communications tool, with a clear focus on top-down messaging rather than fostering two-way dialogue.
Strength in Top-Down Communication
Firstup’s sweet spot is in delivering company-wide announcements and policy updates. Its top-down communication style makes it ideal for leadership teams looking to broadcast messages to departments or the entire workforce. For example, HR can easily send targeted updates about employee benefits, while operations can share shift schedules with specific groups.
However, this approach has its limitations. If you’re hoping to spark organic conversations between, say, your marketing and product development teams, Firstup may leave you wanting. The platform isn’t built to encourage those spontaneous, cross-departmental interactions that drive collaboration in some other tools.
Plays Well with Existing Tools
When it comes to integrations, Firstup proves its enterprise pedigree. It syncs seamlessly with major HRIS systems like Workday, BambooHR, and ADP, ensuring that employee data is up-to-date and that messages reach the right people. It also connects with popular workplace tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams, making it easier to incorporate into existing workflows.
That said, there’s a catch: the platform’s complexity means you’ll likely need IT support to get everything up and running smoothly. For smaller organizations without a dedicated tech team, this could pose a challenge.
Built for Big Enterprises
Firstup is clearly designed with large enterprises in mind. It handles massive workforces with ease, offering advanced audience segmentation and detailed analytics to track how messages perform. For organizations with thousands of employees spread across multiple locations, this level of scalability is a big plus.
But here’s the rub - if you’re running a smaller operation, Firstup might feel like overkill. Its robust features and pricing are tailored for large-scale needs, not a 50-person startup. The interface, while powerful, can feel overly complex if your communication needs are straightforward.
Mobile-First, Desktop Second
One area where Firstup truly shines is its mobile experience. The mobile app is sleek, easy to navigate, and clearly designed with deskless workers in mind. For companies with large frontline teams, this is a game-changer, allowing employees to stay connected to company updates and resources right from their phones.
The desktop version, on the other hand, feels like it didn’t get the same level of attention. While functional, it doesn’t fully utilize the larger screen space and lacks the polish of its mobile counterpart. For office-based employees, this can make the desktop experience feel underwhelming compared to other collaboration tools.
Firstup is a solid choice for organizations that prioritize broadcasting information to large, distributed teams. But if your goal is to foster cross-departmental collaboration or encourage more dynamic employee interactions, you might find its communication style a bit too one-dimensional.
5. Workvivo
Let me tell you about Workvivo - a platform that’s reimagining workplace communication with a social media twist. It's like having a company-wide Facebook, but tailored for professional interactions. With familiar features like news feeds, likes, and comments, it aims to make cross-departmental engagement feel as natural as scrolling through your favorite app.
Encouraging Cross-Team Connections
What makes Workvivo stand out is how it blends casual updates with professional communication. Picture this: the sales team lands a major client, and they post a shout-out to the product team for their support. Everyone across departments can chime in with likes, comments, or their own kudos. It's a great way to break down silos and celebrate wins together.
But here’s the catch - because it’s modeled after social media, important updates can sometimes get buried in the mix. If a critical announcement doesn’t get enough traction, it might not reach everyone who needs to see it. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering this platform.
Playing Nice with Other Tools
Workvivo doesn’t operate in isolation. It integrates with big names like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, BambooHR, and Workday, and it supports single sign-on (SSO) to make onboarding a breeze.
However, it’s clear that Workvivo wants to be more than just another tool in your tech stack - it aims to be the hub for all communication. If your team is already glued to Slack or Microsoft Teams, that shift might feel a bit forced and could create some friction in daily workflows.
Built for Mid-Sized Teams
Workvivo seems to hit its stride with companies that have between 200 and 2,000 employees. For smaller teams, the social feed might feel like overkill, creating more noise than value. On the flip side, in larger enterprises, the sheer volume of posts could lead to information overload, making it tough to keep track of what really matters.
Pricing is another thing to consider. Workvivo’s costs are tailored for mid-sized organizations, but the lack of upfront transparency can make it tricky for smaller businesses to plan their budgets.
Accessible Anywhere, Anytime
One thing Workvivo nails is accessibility. Whether you’re on your phone or at your desk, the experience is seamless. The mobile app mirrors the desktop version, so frontline workers can stay in the loop just as easily as those in the office. It’s intuitive enough that most employees can dive right in without much training.
That said, the unified feed can feel like a double-edged sword. High activity levels might overwhelm users, making it harder to spot key updates amidst the chatter.
If your goal is to foster a more social, community-driven workplace, Workvivo could be a great fit. But if structured, no-nonsense communication is your priority, you might want to explore other options.
6. Staffbase
At its core, Staffbase is all about bringing teams together, no matter how large or spread out. It’s designed for big organizations that need a reliable way to keep everyone on the same page, across departments and locations.
Tailored Communication for Every Team
One of my favorite things about Staffbase is how it lets you tailor messages to specific groups. Let’s say HR needs to roll out a new policy - Staffbase ensures it reaches just the right audience, like managers or specific job levels. Meanwhile, the marketing team can share campaign results with only the stakeholders who need to know. Of course, setting up these targeted campaigns takes a bit of planning, but the payoff in precision is worth it.
Seamless Integration with Your Existing Tools
Staffbase plays nice with the tools you’re probably already using. It syncs up with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, SAP SuccessFactors, and Workday, to name a few. The single sign-on (SSO) feature makes logging in a breeze, and if your company has custom internal tools, Staffbase’s API capabilities make integration possible - though you’ll likely need your IT team’s help to get it all set up. This level of integration makes Staffbase feel like a natural extension of your existing systems.
Built to Grow with Your Business
Whether your company operates across multiple countries or just a few states, Staffbase is built to handle complexity. It supports multiple languages, time zones, and even layered organizational hierarchies. That said, its advanced features might feel like overkill for smaller businesses that don’t need all that functionality just yet.
Accessible Anywhere, Anytime
Staffbase makes sure every employee stays connected, whether they’re at a desk or out in the field. The mobile app is a game-changer for frontline workers, offering offline access so they can stay updated even without an internet connection. For office employees, the desktop version provides a clean, user-friendly interface along with an analytics dashboard to track engagement. It’s a tool that truly meets employees wherever they are.
7. Simpplr
Simpplr is like the ultimate connector for internal communication - an intranet designed to turn siloed departments into a collaborative powerhouse. Let me walk you through how its features help teams actually engage and work together.
Breaking Down Department Walls
What I really admire about Simpplr is how it tackles the age-old problem of departmental silos. It uses smart targeting to ensure that the right content reaches the right people. For example, your marketing team won’t be bombarded with updates about payroll, and your HR team can focus on policies instead of sales figures. It’s all about relevance.
And here’s a neat feature: content governance. Department heads can route sensitive updates - like policy changes or financial announcements - through approval workflows before they go live. This ensures everything is polished and accurate. At the same time, individual teams still have the freedom to share quick updates or celebrate wins without jumping through hoops.
Seamless Integration with Tools You Already Use
Simpplr doesn’t just sit on its own island - it plays well with others. It uses AI to recommend content based on how employees interact with the platform. Even better, it pulls in relevant information from tools like SharePoint, Google Workspace, and Salesforce. Think about how much time you’d save if you didn’t have to dig through multiple platforms to find what you need. Instead, Simpplr delivers a personalized feed that brings everything together.
Its single sign-on (SSO) feature is another lifesaver, working smoothly with providers like Okta and Azure AD. And the search function? It’s a game-changer. Type in "Q3 budget", and Simpplr will fetch documents whether they’re in the intranet, SharePoint, or Google Drive. It’s like having a super-organized assistant who knows where everything is.
Built to Grow with Your Business
Whether you’re running a tight-knit startup or a sprawling enterprise, Simpplr adapts to fit your needs. Instead of just focusing on the number of users, it emphasizes content intelligence. The analytics dashboard, for instance, shows what’s actually resonating with employees across departments and regions. It’s a great way to see what’s working and what’s just noise.
For larger organizations, Simpplr offers multi-site architecture, which allows different business units to maintain their own branded spaces. A regional office in New York can have its own vibe while still staying connected to the main company network. It’s a balance of autonomy and cohesion.
Accessible Anywhere, Anytime
Simpplr makes sure no one’s left out, whether you’re at your desk or on the go. Its mobile app is intuitive, sending contextual notifications that prioritize what’s important without overwhelming you. Frontline workers can catch up on company news, request time off, or join discussions - all from their phones.
On the desktop side, the browser extension is a subtle but powerful addition. Employees can bookmark resources, share articles, or check updates without even leaving their current tab. These little touches make Simpplr feel less like a chore and more like a natural extension of your workday.
Tool Comparison Chart
Picking the right employee engagement tool can feel like navigating a maze. To make things easier, I've put together a comparison chart that breaks down the key features, starting prices, and potential drawbacks of popular platforms. Take a look:
Tool | Starting Price | Key Strengths | Best For | Notable Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pebb | Free (Premium: $4/user/month) | All-in-one platform with integrated voice/video calls, unlimited chat history, full news feed, employee directories, and more | Organizations seeking robust functionality without a hefty price tag | Admin and data restrictions on the free plan |
Slack | Paid plans (pricing varies) | Extensive third-party integrations and workflow automation | Teams that depend on app connections | Can get pricey at scale, especially with add-ons for full engagement features |
Microsoft Teams | Bundled with Microsoft 365 (pricing varies) | Seamless integration with Office 365 and strong enterprise security | Organizations already using the Microsoft ecosystem | Full access often requires a Microsoft 365 subscription |
Firstup | Custom pricing | Advanced targeting and campaign management | Large enterprises with complex communication needs | Pricing transparency is limited; smaller businesses may find it less suitable |
Workvivo | Custom pricing | Social media–style interface with recognition features | Companies looking for a community-like experience | Offers fewer collaboration tools and less room for customization |
Staffbase | Custom pricing (enterprise-focused) | Mobile-first design with strong content governance | Organizations prioritizing frontline worker communication | Setup can be complex, and costs might be high for smaller teams |
Simpplr | Custom pricing | AI-driven content recommendations and robust intranet capabilities | Mid to large companies needing smart content delivery | Higher pricing may not align with simpler communication needs |
Let’s talk about why Pebb stands out. The platform offers a powerful suite of tools at an incredibly approachable price. Starting at free - yes, free - you get access to features like unlimited chat history, voice and video calls, and a full news feed. And if your team needs more, our premium plan is just $4 per user per month. That’s it. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Here’s the thing: when you look at competitors, costs can spiral quickly. Slack’s add-ons? Microsoft Teams’ subscription requirements? They all add up. Pebb, on the other hand, keeps things simple. Whether you’re a small business just starting out or a growing team ready to scale, our free plan gives you the tools to connect and collaborate right away. And when you’re ready to unlock more, the premium plan is there - still affordable and packed with features.
For larger enterprises, tools like Firstup or Simpplr might be worth exploring if you need specialized capabilities. But keep in mind, those options often come with higher costs and more complexity. With Pebb, it’s all about balance: comprehensive functionality without breaking the bank.
In short, Pebb delivers what matters most - effective communication and employee engagement - without forcing you to choose between features and affordability.
Conclusion
The numbers don’t lie - investing in tools that boost employee engagement pays off in a big way. Companies with highly engaged teams see 23% higher profitability and 18% greater productivity. On the flip side, low engagement drained an estimated $8.8 trillion from the global economy in 2022 - that’s around 9% of global GDP. If there was ever a wake-up call to take action, this is it.
Here’s the good news: making a difference doesn’t have to break the bank. Today’s tools are more accessible than ever. Take Pebb, for example. With our free plan, teams get unlimited chat history, voice and video calls, and a full news feed - features that often come with hefty price tags elsewhere. Need more? Our premium plan is just $4 per user per month, giving you advanced capabilities without unpredictable costs.
The trick is finding the right fit for your team. Whether you’re a scrappy startup looking to establish solid communication habits or a large organization juggling multiple departments, there’s a solution tailored to your needs. It’s not about chasing the flashiest features; it’s about solving real problems. For instance:
Cutting absenteeism by up to 41%
Seeing a 0.6% sales growth for every percentage point increase in engagement
These aren’t just stats - they’re proof of what happens when you focus on the pain points that matter most.
So, where does your team struggle? Is it keeping remote workers connected? Bridging gaps between departments? Or ensuring frontline employees stay in the loop? Once you pinpoint the problem, you’ll know exactly which features to prioritize and which tools will deliver the best results.
At Pebb, we’ve designed our platform to be both effective and affordable, helping teams tackle these challenges head-on. Employee engagement isn’t just a buzzword - it’s a real driver of profitability, productivity, and retention. The tools are out there to make a difference. The question is: are you ready to choose the one that works for your team and budget?
FAQs
How does Pebb help improve communication for both frontline and office employees?
Pebb takes the hassle out of workplace communication by giving both frontline and office employees a single platform that covers all the bases. Whether it’s through work chat with unlimited message history, a real-time news feed for updates, or tools that break down language barriers, Pebb ensures everyone stays on the same page - no matter where they are.
Here’s what makes it stand out: desk and non-desk employees alike can stay seamlessly connected using voice and video calls, group collaboration features, and a people directory that makes finding and contacting colleagues a breeze. And the best part? It’s budget-friendly. Starting at just $4 per user, Pebb offers an affordable way for organizations of all sizes to strengthen teamwork and keep engagement alive across every department.
What features are included in Pebb's free and premium plans, and which plan is better for larger organizations?
Pebb’s free plan is a fantastic option for small to mid-sized teams, accommodating up to 1,000 users. It comes packed with essential features such as unlimited chat history, a news feed, groups, and a people directory - everything you need to keep your team connected without spending a dime.
For larger organizations or teams looking for more advanced tools, the premium plan steps in at just $4 per user/month. This plan takes communication to the next level with added perks like voice and video calls, alongside enhanced scalability. It’s designed to streamline collaboration and boost engagement across departments, making it a go-to choice for growing companies.
How does Pebb improve engagement and collaboration across departments compared to tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams?
Pebb makes cross-departmental engagement a breeze with its all-in-one communication and collaboration platform. Whether you're on the frontlines or in the office, Pebb has everything you need: work chat, a news feed, groups, a people directory, and even voice and video calls. And here’s the kicker - it’s just $4 per user. That means you get all the tools your team needs without breaking the bank.
Now, let’s talk about what sets Pebb apart. Unlike Slack, which leans heavily on app integrations, or Microsoft Teams, which ties you into the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, Pebb is designed to be straightforward and unified. It’s built to bring teams together, not complicate things. By keeping communication and collaboration simple and effective, Pebb helps organizations boost teamwork and engagement - all while staying budget-friendly.
