Struggling to keep employees engaged? Modern tools can help HR managers improve communication, gather feedback, and recognize achievements. Here’s a quick overview of the top 8 employee engagement tools and their standout features:

• Pebb: Affordable ($3.50/user), unlimited chat history, and collaboration features for up to 1,000 users free.

• Slack: Channel-based messaging with over 2,600 integrations, starting at $6.67/user.

• Microsoft Teams: All-in-one communication and HR integrations, starting at $6/user.

• Workvivo: Combines communication, recognition, and analytics for global teams (custom pricing).

• Staffbase: Ideal for large teams, offering intranet, multilingual support, and targeted email (starts at $30,000/year).

• Simpplr: AI-driven intranet with personalized content and seamless integrations (custom pricing).

• Achievers: Recognition and rewards platform with a global reach (custom pricing).

• Connecteam: Tailored for non-desk workers, offering scheduling and training tools (starts at $29/month).

Quick Comparison

Key Insight: Choose a tool based on your team's size, budget, and engagement needs. For affordability and features, Pebb leads with its free plan and $3.50/user premium tier.

Choosing the Right Employee Engagement Tools for Your ...

Key Features of Employee Engagement Tools

Employee engagement platforms come with a variety of features designed to tackle common HR challenges. Knowing these capabilities can help you choose the right solution for your organization.

Communication and Collaboration
These tools include communication features that keep teams connected, especially hybrid and remote ones. Common options are company-wide announcements, news feeds, instant messaging, and dedicated team discussion spaces.

Feedback and Survey Systems
Many platforms offer survey tools to help HR gather insights. Short pulse surveys allow quick checks on employee sentiment, while more detailed feedback systems support in-depth reviews. Consistent feedback processes have been linked to higher productivity and profitability.

"I recently coached a leader through identifying the 'hidden languishers' on their team - those who seem productive but are emotionally checked out. We used tools like individualized check-ins to rebuild connection and engagement, and within weeks, team morale visibly improved."

• Vijay Pendakur, Fractional Talent and Culture Strategy Advisor

Recognition and Rewards
Recognition features are designed to celebrate employee achievements and milestones. These tools often include:

• Public acknowledgment options

• Digital badges and awards

• Integration with reward systems

• Tools for tracking accomplishments

Analytics and Reporting
Data tools help HR teams make informed decisions by tracking key metrics like:

Mobile Accessibility
Compatibility with iOS and Android ensures employees can stay engaged no matter where they are.

Integration Capabilities
Good platforms integrate seamlessly with existing HR tools like payroll systems, performance management software, learning management systems, time tracking tools, and enterprise SSO solutions.

Action Planning Tools
These features allow companies to create actionable plans based on employee feedback, making it easier to address issues and improve engagement.

"Founding an employee engagement software ten years ago taught me the value of using psychology and data to influence hearts and minds during tough transitions."

• Maria Marcakis, Fractional HR Consultant

1. Pebb

Pebb is a platform designed to streamline communication and collaboration for both frontline and office teams.

Key Communication Features

• Unlimited work chat history

• Centralized news feed and knowledge library

Engagement Tools

• Clubs for interest-based communities

• Dedicated spaces for departments and branches

• Interactive event planning calendar

• Voice and video call functionality

• Employee directory for quick connections

Analytics and Administration

The premium plan includes advanced analytics and administrative tools. Here's a breakdown:

Access and Integration

Pebb is accessible on both mobile and desktop platforms. It integrates with HR and payroll systems and supports enterprise SSO, ensuring secure and efficient operations.

Why Choose Pebb?

The free plan is ideal for organizations with up to 1,000 employees, offering features like unlimited chat history, a news feed, and access to a knowledge library. For $3.50 per user per month, the premium plan delivers enhanced tools at a competitive price.

Next, let's take a look at how Slack measures up as another contender in employee engagement.

2. Slack

Slack simplifies workplace communication, boosting team collaboration. It’s a tool trusted by 80% of Fortune 100 companies using Slack Connect for external communication with partners and customers.

Core Communication Features

Slack organizes conversations into dedicated channels, making it easy to find and access information. It supports several communication methods:

Boosting Productivity

Users have reported a 47% increase in productivity, saving an average of 97 minutes per week through automation. On top of that, teams integrate an average of 43 apps to optimize workflows.

Integration Options

With over 2,600 app integrations, Slack allows HR managers to:

• Link existing HR software and tools

• Automate repetitive tasks and workflows

• Centralize notifications and updates

• Simplify file sharing and team collaboration

Plan Options

Slack offers several plans to suit different needs:

Security Features

For HR managers focused on data protection, Slack provides robust security measures, including SOC 2 and SOC 3 certifications, ISO/IEC 27001 compliance, GDPR compatibility, and optional configurations for HIPAA and FINRA compliance. These measures also help guard against spam and phishing attacks, common issues with traditional email systems.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at Microsoft Teams, another top tool for workplace engagement.

3. Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams brings together communication, collaboration, and HR tools in one platform, simplifying workflows for HR managers and improving workplace efficiency.

Key Communication Features

Microsoft Teams strengthens workplace communication with various tools:

HR-Focused Integrations

With more than 51 HR-related integrations available in the Microsoft Teams App Store as of 2022, the platform helps HR managers streamline their operations. Some notable integrations include:

These integrations have helped organizations improve their HR processes and employee engagement.

Real-World Examples

Organizations using Microsoft Teams have shared positive experiences:

"We use Teams to create the sense of belonging that empowers beauty advisors to be the best ambassadors for their individual brands." – Nicolas Koller, Head of IT Retail, L'Oréal

"With our Teams-based video banking service, every customer immediately gets an advisor." – Vincent Bakker, Daily Banking Advisor, ABN AMRO

Training and Development

Microsoft Teams addresses gaps in employee development. A study revealed that 62% of employees lack access to career development resources. By using Teams for training, companies have seen strong results - 90% of employees reported improved job performance through integrated training programs.

Support for Frontline Workers

Teams empowers frontline workers by providing access to HR tools, company updates, training modules, and the ability to handle urgent requests.

"Without a doubt, the fluid collaboration that Teams enables has a positive impact on our ability to be responsive and focus on the work to be done." – Matthew Woodget, CEO of Go Narrative

"Teams provided the capacity we needed to ramp up our conferencing capabilities during a critical time." – Ryan Wright, Lead Engineer of Unified Communications, REI

4. Workvivo

Workvivo is a comprehensive employee experience platform (EXP) designed to combine internal communication, engagement, and recognition tools. With adoption rates exceeding 90% in organizations such as Ryanair, it has become a popular choice for enhancing workplace connections.

Core Platform Features

Analytics and Measurement

Workvivo provides analytics to help organizations track engagement and make informed decisions. Key insights include:

• Employee sentiment analysis

• Content engagement rates

• Usage trends across teams

• Effectiveness of communication efforts

Real-World Impact

Companies using Workvivo have reported noticeable improvements in employee engagement. Virgin Group, for example, successfully connected its global workforce - spanning both frontline and desk-based employees - through Workvivo's mobile-first platform.

"Workvivo revolutionized the way we communicate with our employees. It's your modern intranet, comms, engagement, and employee app all blended into a simple social experience that people naturally embrace, offering companies the oversight they need while giving employees the freedom, inclusion, and flexibility they want."
– Matthew C., Internal Communications Business Partner

Global Reach and Adoption

Workvivo's growth highlights its effectiveness:

• Over 3 million active users

• Used in more than 93 countries

• Achieved 200% year-over-year growth

Integration Capabilities

HR leaders appreciate Workvivo's seamless integration with other tools. For example, its app launcher simplifies tasks like booking time off or accessing performance updates. Lorraine M., Chief People & Culture Officer at Spearline, shared:

"Workvivo has enabled us to see a boost in employee interaction and positivity! The integrated 'app launcher' makes it easier to handle tasks like updating documents, booking time off, or checking performance progress."
– Lorraine M., Spearline's Chief People & Culture Officer

Cultural Impact

Workvivo has proven effective in fostering stronger workplace cultures. For instance, RCSI Bahrain has used the platform to enhance internal communication and engagement:

"For RCSI Bahrain, it has provided the University with the opportunity to celebrate successes, communicate effectively, and drive forward our employee engagement strategy."
– Gary B., Head of Human Resources

These examples showcase how Workvivo's focus on integration and cultural alignment sets it apart. Up next, we’ll explore how Staffbase delivers its own approach to employee engagement.

5. Staffbase

Staffbase is designed to streamline communication for organizations with 1,000 or more employees. It excels at keeping diverse workforces connected and engaged.

The platform offers three key modules: an employee app, a multi-lingual intranet, and targeted email messaging:

These tools provide a strong foundation for effective communication at scale.

Enterprise Success Stories

A standout example is DHL Express, which used Staffbase to achieve:

• Global connectivity for 120,000 employees

• Support for over 30 languages

• A network of 1,600+ local editors

• 7.7 million views on company news

Advanced Features for Internal Communication

Staffbase includes tools tailored for internal communicators:

• Multi-channel analytics to track communication impact

• Editorial calendars for better content planning

• Tools for managing community discussions

• AI-assisted content creation

• Centralized knowledge hubs

"Staffbase is the platform that communicators need. It makes our lives a lot easier, and it also really brings everyone in the company together on the same page."

• Nienke Starmans, Culture & Engagement Manager

The platform also integrates seamlessly with existing systems.

Integration Capabilities

Staffbase connects with popular tools like:

• Microsoft 365

• Google Workspace

• Enterprise SSO solutions

• Identity management systems

Implementation Success

Brussels Airlines deployed Staffbase in just three months, achieving over 90% adoption among crew members and significantly boosting engagement.

Pricing Details

• Starts at $30,000 annually

• Requires a minimum of 1,000 employees

• Custom pricing based on selected modules

• Discounts available for bundling multiple modules

Staffbase is ideal for large organizations aiming to unify their communication strategies. For example, Aldi saw a 79% registration rate, 97% monthly active usage, and improved customer satisfaction rankings after adopting the platform.

6. Simpplr

Simpplr is an AI-driven platform designed to improve the employee experience by offering a robust digital workplace solution. With more than 2 million active users and an impressive 95% customer retention rate, Simpplr has become a go-to choice for fostering workplace connectivity.

Key Features of the Platform

Simpplr brings together several tools aimed at boosting employee engagement and communication:

Seamless Integration with Enterprise Tools

The platform works smoothly with widely-used tools like Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Slack, and Salesforce. These integrations simplify workflows and strengthen workplace engagement.

Proven Implementation

Nutanix's adoption of Simpplr showcases its usability and impact. Amit Bhatnagar, Senior Director of IT Applications at Nutanix, shared:

"We chose Simpplr because it was easy to use for both end users and the IT team, and offered simple - but powerful - features."

Practical Benefits in Action

Malwarebytes also saw clear advantages with Simpplr. Laura Klieves, VP & Head of People at Malwarebytes, explained:

"Simpplr offered the best combination of innovative features and ease-of-use of any of the tools we tested."

Technical Strengths

The platform supports quick deployment with no-code configuration, pre-designed templates, minimal IT involvement, and a native mobile app for on-the-go access.

7. Achievers

Achievers is a recognition and rewards platform designed to boost employee engagement and improve retention. Data shows that employees are 4x more likely to recognize colleagues, and companies using Achievers experience 2.5x higher retention rates.

Platform Features

This platform’s recognition tools align well with broader employee engagement strategies offered by other leading solutions.

Real-World Impact

Meijer, a retail company with more than 70,000 employees across 250+ locations, achieved 18 million recognition moments using Achievers.

Key Performance Metrics

• 97% activation rate

• 8 out of 10 employees engage monthly

• 70% of employees receive monthly recognition

These metrics have earned Achievers top honors, including being ranked #1 for vision and capability in the 2023 Everest Group Reward and Recognition PEAK Matrix Assessment.

Customer Success Story

"Our employees love our Achievers platform and it embedded into our Kellanova culture seamlessly. Our people call it intuitive and easy to use, and the mobile app is a hit for many leaders who love that they can recognize in real-time."

• Sanjay Patel, VP, Global Total Rewards

Companies using Achievers report employees are twice as likely to see long-term career potential while maintaining productivity. With its strong integrations and proven results, Achievers stands out as a powerful tool for driving employee engagement.

8. Connecteam

Connecteam is a management platform designed specifically for non-desk employees. It's used by over 50,000 companies in industries like construction, retail, and manufacturing.

Performance Metrics

• 84% faster team scheduling

• 2x higher employee engagement

• 48% reduction in time to competence

Key Features

These tools work together to create an efficient and user-friendly experience.

User Ratings

Connecteam boasts a 4.8/5.0 rating across platforms:

• App Store (7,900+ ratings)

• Google Play Store (5,300+ ratings)

• Capterra (326 ratings).

Customer Feedback

"Making people feel part of a team is fundamental for retaining them. Connecteam allows us to do that."

• David Glover, Joint CEO

Mobile-First Design

"I was surprised at how well this app is organized. All features are easy to find – it's all in one place!"

Pricing

• Free Plan: Covers up to 10 users

• Basic: $29/month

• Advanced: $49/month

• Expert: $99/month

Drawbacks

While Connecteam offers many benefits, it has some limitations:

• Limited integrations beyond payroll systems

• No video call functionality

• Basic reporting and analytics

For HR managers handling non-desk teams, Connecteam simplifies management tasks and improves engagement through effective communication and recognition tools.

Tool Features and Pricing Comparison

This comparison is designed to help HR managers find the right tool for their engagement needs while keeping their budget in mind.

Communication and Collaboration Features

Pricing Structure

The table below breaks down pricing and feature availability to help you compare costs effectively:

Value Analysis

At just $3.50 per user, Pebb stands out as a cost-effective option with a wide range of features. Its free plan, which supports up to 1,000 users, adds even more appeal. While Slack and Microsoft Teams are strong contenders for communication, neither offers the all-in-one engagement capabilities provided by Pebb. For HR managers seeking affordability without sacrificing functionality, Pebb delivers a compelling choice.

Selecting Your Employee Engagement Tool

Picking the right employee engagement tool means understanding your organization's unique needs and limitations. High engagement can lead to a 14% boost in productivity, 23% higher profitability, and a 66% improvement in employee wellbeing.

Assess Your Organization's Needs

Here are some key factors to think about when selecting a tool:

Company Size and Structure
Evaluate how the size and structure of your team influence your requirements.

Budget Planning
Set a budget based on these general pricing tiers:

• Basic needs: $2–5 per user/month

• Advanced features: $5–10 per user/month

• Premium capabilities: $10–30 per user/month

Key Features to Look For

After identifying the features you need, consider practical factors for implementing the tool smoothly.

Implementation Considerations

"Every organization is different - don't assume that just because a tool is popular, it's the right fit for your team."
– Vijay Pendakur, Fractional Talent and Culture Strategy Advisor

To ensure a successful rollout, keep these in mind:

1. Technical Requirements
   

   Assess your needs for data security, integration options, mobile access, and support for remote teams.

2. User Experience
   

   Different groups within your organization will have varying needs:

   • Frontline workers benefit from mobile-first solutions.

   • Office staff typically need strong desktop functionality.

   • HR teams require detailed analytics.

   • Leadership teams need clear, actionable reporting tools.

3. Support and Training
   

   Check what the vendor offers in terms of:

   • Help with implementation

   • Training materials

   • Ongoing technical support

   • Service Level Agreements (SLA)

Making the Final Decision

Once you've reviewed your requirements and implementation factors, compare tools based on the overall value they provide.

"Hybrid workplace culture requires intentionality… You need to create opportunities for remote workers to feel included, whether it's through virtual team-building activities or regular check-ins to make sure they're engaged."
– Crystal Pinney-Ramos, HR Technology Strategist @ cClearHR

For instance, Pebb’s $3.50 per user plan stands out for its balance of features, scalability, affordable implementation, and long-term ROI. Look for platforms that provide strong analytics and actionable insights to help monitor and improve engagement over time.

Next, we’ll dive into the steps for successfully implementing your chosen solution.

Next Steps

Follow these steps to put your engagement solution into action:

Schedule Platform Demos
Reach out to vendors to set up demos for the tools on your shortlist. Pay close attention to features that tackle your specific engagement challenges. For instance, when evaluating Pebb's free plan, look at how its unlimited history and club features enhance team communication.

Calculate Total Costs
Don't just consider subscription fees - account for these additional expenses:

Once you've nailed down the costs, move on to crafting a detailed rollout plan.

Plan Your Rollout
Start with a pilot program to gather early feedback. Offer clear training for all user groups and establish measurable goals like participation rates, feedback response times, and adoption metrics to track success.

Get Leadership Onboard
Build a business case that highlights how the tool simplifies communication and improves engagement. Show the potential return on investment to secure buy-in from key decision-makers.

FAQs

How does Pebb stand out from tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams in terms of features and pricing?

Pebb sets itself apart by offering a free all-in-one communication solution that includes features like work chat, a news feed, groups, a people directory, voice and video calls, and more - all designed to meet the needs of both frontline and office employees.

In terms of pricing, Pebb's premium plan is available at just $3.50 per user per month, making it the most affordable option on the market. By comparison, Slack's paid plans start at $7.25 per user per month, and Microsoft Teams' paid plans begin at $4 per user per month (billed annually). With Pebb, you get robust functionality at a fraction of the cost, making it a top choice for HR managers looking to enhance employee engagement without overspending.

What should HR managers look for when selecting an employee engagement tool?

When selecting an employee engagement tool, HR managers should focus on the unique needs of their workforce, whether they are frontline, remote, or office-based employees. It's essential to choose a solution that offers key features like seamless communication, collaboration tools, feedback systems, and recognition programs to foster a connected and motivated workplace.

Additionally, consider the tool's ease of use and adoption rates, as well as its cost-effectiveness. For example, Pebb provides an all-in-one communication solution tailored for both frontline and office employees, with features like work chat, news feeds, video calls, and more, starting at just $3.50 per user. This ensures you get maximum value while addressing your organization's engagement challenges effectively.

How can integrated analytics and reporting features improve employee engagement?

Integrated analytics and reporting tools help HR managers track and understand employee engagement in real-time. These features provide clear, actionable insights through intuitive dashboards and visual tools like heatmaps, making it easy to identify trends and address potential issues before they escalate.

By leveraging these analytics, organizations can make data-driven decisions to enhance workplace satisfaction, improve communication, and foster a more connected and engaged workforce. This ensures HR teams can respond quickly and effectively to changing employee needs.

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