12 Best Employee Engagement Tools for 2025

Finding the right employee engagement tool is crucial for fostering a positive and productive work environment, but the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. This guide cuts through the noise, providing a detailed breakdown of the market's leading platforms. We'll move beyond generic feature lists and marketing claims to give you a clear, practical overview of the best employee engagement tools available today.

Each entry in this list includes a comprehensive analysis covering key features, ideal use cases, and transparent pricing information. To help you visualize how these platforms work in a real-world context, we've included screenshots and direct links for every tool. Our goal is to equip you with the specific insights needed to compare solutions and select the one that aligns perfectly with your team’s size, structure, and unique cultural goals.

Before diving into the platforms themselves, it's important to have a solid strategy. A crucial aspect of selecting the right platform is understanding the best practices for measuring employee engagement. This knowledge will provide a framework for evaluating which tool’s features will deliver the most impactful results for your organization. This resource is designed to help you make an informed decision quickly and confidently.

1. Microsoft Viva

Microsoft Viva stands out as a powerful employee experience platform (EXP) by embedding its engagement tools directly within the daily workflow of Microsoft 365 and Teams. This native integration is its key differentiator, eliminating the friction of switching to a separate application. Organizations already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem can deploy sophisticated listening strategies without disrupting established routines.

Viva’s suite includes tools for various levels of feedback. Viva Glint enables comprehensive, organization-wide engagement surveys using science-backed templates and industry benchmarks. For more agile feedback, Viva Pulse allows managers to send quick, lightweight surveys to their teams, facilitating continuous dialogue and immediate action.

Key Features & Ideal Use Cases

Best For: Companies heavily reliant on Microsoft 365 seeking a unified platform for analytics, learning, and engagement.
Top Features: Glint’s survey benchmarking, manager-led pulses via Viva Pulse, and Viva Insights for data-driven recommendations.
Practical Tip: Leverage the integration with LinkedIn Learning to automatically suggest relevant training based on survey feedback, closing the loop between insight and action.

While Viva's enterprise focus may be excessive for smaller teams, its transparent suite pricing and deep integration make it one of the best employee engagement tools for large, Microsoft-centric organizations.

Website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-viva/workplace-analytics-and-feedback

2. Workday Peakon Employee Voice

Workday Peakon Employee Voice sets itself apart as an enterprise-grade continuous listening platform grounded in robust people science. It moves beyond annual surveys by facilitating weekly or bi-weekly confidential pulses, enabling organizations to track engagement trends in near real-time. Its core strength lies in translating complex feedback into actionable intelligence for managers and leaders.

The platform’s AI-powered natural language processing, called Illuminate, automatically analyzes and categorizes thousands of open-ended comments, saving HR teams countless hours. This technology identifies emerging themes, sentiment, and even potential attrition risks, allowing for proactive intervention. This makes it one of the best employee engagement tools for data-driven organizations.

Key Features & Ideal Use Cases

Best For: Large enterprises, especially those within the Workday HCM ecosystem, seeking advanced analytics and global benchmarking.
Top Features: Continuous confidential pulses, AI-driven comment analysis (Illuminate), predictive retention analytics, and manager-specific action planning.
Practical Tip: Focus on empowering managers by using the personalized dashboards and recommended actions. Train them to lead conversations based on their team’s specific feedback, turning insights into localized improvements.

While its enterprise focus and quote-based pricing may not suit smaller businesses, its powerful analytical engine and seamless Workday integration make it an invaluable tool for global companies committed to a sophisticated listening strategy.

Website: https://www.workday.com/en-us/products/human-capital-management/employee-voice.html

3. Qualtrics EmployeeXM

Qualtrics EmployeeXM positions itself as a comprehensive employee experience (EX) management platform, designed for organizations that require deep, scalable analytics. Its strength lies in its ability to capture feedback across the entire employee lifecycle, from onboarding to exit, and connect it to business outcomes. The platform moves beyond simple surveys, offering robust dashboards, AI-driven insights, and automated workflows to turn data into targeted action.

This enterprise-grade focus makes it a powerhouse for large companies needing to manage complex, configurable EX programs. The Qualtrics XM Platform provides a marketplace of prebuilt solutions, enabling HR teams to launch sophisticated listening initiatives like manager enablement or DE&I assessments quickly, without building them from scratch.

Key Features & Ideal Use Cases

Best For: Large enterprises that need a scalable, all-in-one platform for in-depth employee experience analytics and action planning.
Top Features: AI-driven text and statistical analysis, a vast marketplace of prebuilt EX programs, and integrations across the Qualtrics XM platform.
Practical Tip: Use the platform’s lifecycle feedback tools (onboarding/exit surveys) to identify specific moments that matter and pinpoint drivers of attrition or engagement early on.

While its power is undeniable, Qualtrics’ customized per-employee pricing is geared toward the enterprise market and may be a significant investment for smaller firms. It remains one of the best employee engagement tools for organizations committed to a data-centric EX strategy.

Website: https://www.qualtrics.com/employee-experience/

4. Culture Amp

Culture Amp is a comprehensive people and culture platform that combines deep analytics with tools for engagement, performance management, and employee development. Its strength lies in its people-science-backed approach, offering robust survey templates and industry benchmarks that allow organizations to compare their results against peers. This makes it a go-to choice for companies aiming to build a data-driven HR strategy.

The platform centralizes feedback from various sources, including engagement surveys, pulse checks, and lifecycle surveys like eNPS. This holistic view enables HR leaders to connect the dots between employee sentiment, performance cycles, and retention, making it one of the most versatile employee engagement tools for growing organizations.

Key Features & Ideal Use Cases

Best For: Mid-market to enterprise companies seeking a science-backed, all-in-one platform for engagement and performance.
Top Features: Extensive survey benchmarks, AI-powered text analytics for qualitative feedback, integrated performance reviews and goal-setting (OKRs).
Practical Tip: Use the "Focus Agent" feature after a survey to guide managers. It recommends specific, science-backed actions they can take with their teams based on their unique results.

While the pricing is only available via a custom quote and can increase with add-ons, Culture Amp's powerful combination of analytics and action-oriented tools provides a clear path for organizations committed to building a high-performance culture.

Website: https://www.cultureamp.com

5. Lattice

Lattice is a people management platform that excels at connecting employee engagement directly to performance and career growth. Its modular design allows companies to build a customized system, starting with performance management tools like reviews and OKRs, and then adding its powerful Engagement survey module. This integrated approach is its key advantage, enabling managers to see how sentiment and feedback correlate with goal attainment and development.

Rather than treating engagement as a standalone metric, Lattice positions it as an integral part of the employee lifecycle. This makes it a strategic choice for mid-market companies that want to move beyond simple surveys and foster a culture where feedback, performance, and growth are deeply intertwined. The platform's user-friendly interface is well-regarded by both HR teams and employees.

Key Features & Ideal Use Cases

Best For: Mid-sized companies seeking an integrated platform to manage performance, engagement, and employee growth in one place.
Top Features: Deep performance review and 1:1 management, powerful goal-setting with OKRs, modular add-ons for Engagement, Career Growth, and Compensation.
Practical Tip: Use the platform's 1:1 agenda templates to prompt discussions based on recent survey feedback, ensuring engagement insights are discussed and acted upon quickly.

While the Engagement module is a separate add-on and its annual contracts may not suit every budget, Lattice's ability to link engagement data to performance makes it one of the best employee engagement tools for building a holistic people strategy. For more tips for HR professionals, learn more about tools for People Ops.

Website: https://www.lattice.com

6. 15Five

15Five carves out its niche by focusing on manager enablement, making it one of the best employee engagement tools for small to mid-market companies. Its platform combines performance management, engagement surveys, and goal-setting (OKRs) into a cohesive system designed to empower managers to lead more effectively. This approach ensures that engagement data is not just collected but is immediately actionable for the leaders closest to the teams.

The platform's strength lies in its transparent pricing and bundled solutions that simplify adoption for growing businesses. Rather than an enterprise-only focus, 15Five provides clear plans that scale, allowing organizations to start with core features and add advanced capabilities like AI assistants or professional coaching as they mature.

Key Features & Ideal Use Cases

Best For: SMBs and mid-market companies seeking an all-in-one platform with transparent pricing and a strong focus on empowering managers.
Top Features: The Engage module with surveys and action plans, Perform for reviews and OKRs, and optional add-ons like an AI meeting assistant.
Practical Tip: Use the integrated action planning feature that prompts managers with evidence-based recommendations directly from their team's survey results, turning feedback into immediate, guided action.

While some of its most powerful features like coaching come as add-ons, 15Five's clear plan structure and dedicated manager-centric tools make it a standout choice for organizations prioritizing leadership development.

Website: https://www.15five.com/pricing/

7. Workleap Officevibe

Workleap Officevibe excels at simplifying employee feedback for small to medium-sized businesses. Its strength lies in its approachable, lightweight design that makes launching an engagement program fast and intuitive. Rather than offering a complex enterprise suite, it focuses on core features like automated pulse surveys, eNPS tracking, and peer-to-peer recognition, making it one of the best employee engagement tools for teams that need immediate insights without a steep learning curve.

The platform encourages continuous conversation through anonymous messaging and manager-focused dashboards that provide AI-powered, actionable suggestions. This focus on empowering team leads to drive change directly, rather than relying on top-down initiatives, is a key differentiator. It's an ideal solution for organizations prioritizing ease of use and quick implementation.

Key Features & Ideal Use Cases

Best For: Startups and SMBs looking for a simple, affordable, and quick-to-deploy feedback and recognition tool.
Top Features: Automated pulse surveys, peer recognition "Good Vibes" feature, anonymous feedback, and manager-specific action plans.
Practical Tip: Use the Slack and Teams integrations to send survey reminders and share recognition publicly, embedding engagement activities into daily communication channels. For guidance on fostering this culture, check out these best practices for remote teams.

While its analytics are less robust than enterprise-grade platforms, Workleap Officevibe's transparent pricing and user-friendly interface make it a compelling choice for growing companies focused on building a foundational engagement strategy.

Website: https://workleap.com/pricing/officevibe/?utm_source=openai

8. WorkTango

WorkTango delivers a comprehensive employee experience by unifying recognition and rewards with robust survey and insights capabilities. Its key advantage is flexibility, allowing organizations to adopt either its "Recognition & Rewards" or "Surveys & Insights" modules independently or combine them for a fully integrated platform. This modular approach makes it adaptable for companies at different stages of their engagement strategy.

The platform excels at connecting feedback directly to appreciation. Following a survey, managers can use data-driven insights to launch targeted recognition campaigns, closing the loop between listening and acting. The zero-markup rewards marketplace is another significant differentiator, ensuring that the full value of a reward point goes directly to the employee, which enhances the perceived value of the program.

Key Features & Ideal Use Cases

Best For: Mid-size to enterprise companies wanting an integrated solution for feedback and recognition or those looking to start with one and scale later.
Top Features: Peer-to-peer recognition, zero-markup rewards marketplace, unlimited surveys with eNPS and analytics, and integrations with Slack and Teams.
Practical Tip: Use the survey analytics to identify high-performing teams and then create custom, public awards in the recognition platform to celebrate their specific achievements, reinforcing desired behaviors.

While its quote-based pricing and typical 12-month contracts are geared toward larger organizations, WorkTango's powerful, combined approach makes it one of the best employee engagement tools for building a culture of continuous listening and appreciation.

Website: https://www.worktango.com

9. Quantum Workplace

Quantum Workplace provides a comprehensive suite that links employee engagement directly to performance management. Its strength lies in offering unlimited surveys (engagement, pulse, lifecycle) backed by powerful analytics, including heatmaps and predictive retention risk indicators. The platform is designed for organizations that want a hands-on, science-backed approach, offering dedicated customer success managers and people-science support to translate data into strategy.

This focus on managed service and deep analytics makes it one of the best employee engagement tools for mid-to-large companies aiming to build a sophisticated listening and development program. The integration of performance tools like OKRs, 1:1s, and continuous feedback within the same system creates a holistic view of the employee experience.

Key Features & Ideal Use Cases

Best For: Mid-sized to enterprise organizations seeking a unified engagement and performance platform with strong analytics and managed support.
Top Features: Unlimited surveys, predictive retention analytics, integrated performance management tools (OKRs, 1:1s), and dedicated people-science expertise.
Practical Tip: Use the retention risk prediction feature to proactively identify at-risk teams or departments. Combine this data with pulse surveys to diagnose specific issues before they lead to turnover.

While the entry-level package starting at $15,000 annually makes it a significant investment, the platform’s transparent minimum pricing and lack of implementation fees are a plus for those with the budget. Its robust reporting empowers managers to take ownership of their team's engagement.

Website: https://www.quantumworkplace.com

10. Achievers

Achievers distinguishes itself with a robust, recognition-first approach to employee engagement, powered by an extensive global rewards marketplace. Its platform is designed to drive high usage by making it easy for employees to give and receive both monetary and non-monetary recognition, tying positive behaviors directly to tangible rewards. This focus on frequent appreciation helps build a culture where employees feel consistently valued.

The platform's strength lies in its logistical execution. Achievers offers a massive rewards catalog with zero markups and often includes free shipping to many countries, removing friction from the redemption process. It also includes employee voice tools and analytics, allowing organizations to connect recognition data with engagement survey feedback.

Key Features & Ideal Use Cases

Best For: Global organizations prioritizing a culture of recognition with a need for seamless, worldwide rewards fulfillment.
Top Features: Extensive rewards marketplace with no markups, peer-to-peer recognition, manager analytics dashboards, and deep integrations with HRIS and collaboration tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams.
Practical Tip: Use the analytics dashboards to identify "recognition influencers" and top-performing managers, then leverage their habits as a model for company-wide training on effective feedback.

While its quote-based pricing and comprehensive feature set may be more than what a small startup needs, its powerful fulfillment capabilities make Achievers one of the best employee engagement tools for large, distributed workforces.

Website: https://www.achievers.com

11. Bonusly

Bonusly carves out its niche by centering the employee experience around peer-to-peer recognition. Its platform makes giving and receiving small, frequent bonuses for achievements both simple and highly visible, fostering a culture of appreciation. This focus on recognition as a primary driver of engagement is its core strength, offering a lightweight yet impactful way to boost morale without the complexity of a heavy enterprise suite.

The system is built on a points-based economy where employees can redeem their earnings for a wide range of rewards. Its intuitive interface and seamless integrations with tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams mean recognition happens right within the daily workflow. This accessibility makes it one of the best employee engagement tools for teams that want a program that is easy to adopt and manage.

Key Features & Ideal Use Cases

Best For: SMBs and teams seeking a simple, low-cost way to launch a powerful peer recognition program.
Top Features: Peer recognition with a points system, automated milestone celebrations, flexible reward billing options, and strong HRIS/SSO integrations on paid plans.
Practical Tip: Use the Slack integration to create a dedicated public channel for Bonusly notifications. This increases the visibility of recognition, encouraging more employees to participate and reinforcing positive behaviors across the company.

While its free tier is limited and advanced analytics are reserved for higher plans, Bonusly's accessible pricing and simple rollout process make it an excellent choice for organizations prioritizing a culture of gratitude.

Website: https://bonus.ly

12. G2 — Employee Engagement Software Category

Rather than a single tool, G2's Employee Engagement category is an essential research hub for comparing the best employee engagement tools on the market. It serves as a comprehensive software marketplace, aggregating verified user reviews, detailed feature comparisons, and vendor data. This makes it an invaluable first stop for any organization looking to create a shortlist of potential solutions tailored to its specific needs.

G2's strength lies in its powerful filtering and transparent peer feedback. Users can segment vendor grids by company size (SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise), read aggregated pros and cons from real-world users, and directly compare platforms side-by-side. This data-driven approach helps teams validate marketing claims and understand how a tool performs in practice before committing to a demo or trial.

Key Features & Ideal Use Cases

Best For: HR and People Ops teams in the initial research and shortlisting phase of their software selection process.
Top Features: Verified user reviews, side-by-side comparison grids, market segment filters, and direct links to vendor trials.
Practical Tip: Use the G2 Grid® to identify "Leaders" and "High Performers" in your specific market segment (e.g., Mid-Market) to quickly build a high-quality vendor shortlist. Cross-reference recent reviews to gauge current customer sentiment.

While vendor-influenced content can sometimes appear and pricing data may lag, G2’s broad coverage and authentic user feedback make it a crucial resource for making an informed purchasing decision. It complements other HR and team management tools by providing critical pre-purchase validation.

Website: https://www.g2.com/categories/employee-engagement/enterprise?utm_source=openai

Top 12 Employee Engagement Tools — Feature Comparison

Product	Core features	UX / Quality	Value & Pricing	Target audience	Unique selling point
Microsoft Viva	Surveys (Glint), Pulse, Insights dashboards, M365/Teams integrations	★★★★ Enterprise‑grade dashboards	💰 Published suite pricing; some add‑ons require volume	👥 Microsoft 365/Teams orgs & large enterprises	✨ Native M365/Teams integration; centralized analytics 🏆
Workday Peakon Employee Voice	Continuous pulses, AI comment summaries, retention analytics	★★★★ Advanced people‑science UX	💰 Quote‑based (enterprise)	👥 Large orgs (Workday HCM customers)	✨ Retention risk analytics & AI summarization 🏆
Qualtrics EmployeeXM	Scalable EX suite, AI insights, prebuilt programs (Marketplace)	★★★★★ Robust, configurable analytics	💰 Per‑employee / premium quotes	👥 Enterprises needing deep EX analytics	✨ Large template marketplace & advanced analytics 🏆
Culture Amp	Engagement/pulse/lifecycle, performance & dev, AI summaries	★★★★ Science‑backed question banks	💰 Quote‑based; add‑ons increase cost	👥 SMB → enterprise focused on people science	✨ Strong benchmarks & people‑science
Lattice	Performance reviews, OKRs, career growth, engagement add‑ons	★★★★ Modular, performance‑centric UX	💰 Modular pricing; annual contracts/minimums	👥 Mid‑market companies prioritizing performance	✨ Buy only needed modules; deep goals/comp tools
15Five	Engagement surveys, performance, OKRs, AI coaching add‑ons	★★★★ Manager‑enablement focused	💰 Clear published pricing; add‑ons optional	👥 SMB & mid‑market teams focused on managers	✨ Transparent pricing + coaching features
Workleap Officevibe	Automated pulses, eNPS, peer recognition, simple dashboards	★★★ Quick to deploy; lightweight	💰 Low/transparent pricing; affordable	👥 Small teams & fast adopters	✨ Easy rollout + fast insights
WorkTango	Recognition & rewards, unlimited surveys, analytics, integrations	★★★★ Flexible platform modules	💰 Quote‑based; buy recognition, surveys or full platform	👥 Orgs wanting combined recognition + voice	✨ Zero‑markup rewards marketplace
Quantum Workplace	Unlimited surveys, retention prediction, performance tools, CSM	★★★★ Strong service tiers & compliance	💰 Enterprise entry (starts ~$15k/yr); quotes	👥 Enterprises seeking managed service + analytics	✨ Dedicated CSM + people‑science support
Achievers	Peer recognition, global rewards catalog, analytics & integrations	★★★★ Global rewards fulfillment specialist	💰 Quote‑based; enterprise focus	👥 Global orgs with heavy rewards programs	✨ Very large global rewards marketplace; no markups
Bonusly	Peer recognition, pulse checks, automation, kiosks	★★★ Simple, mobile‑friendly UX	💰 Free plan (≤8 users); low‑cost paid tiers	👥 SMBs & small teams wanting quick recognition	✨ Easy rollout + flexible reward billing
G2 — Employee Engagement Category	Category grids, verified reviews, side‑by‑side comparisons	★★★★ Up‑to‑date buyer sentiment & ratings	💰 Free to use (vendor pricing varies)	👥 Buyers shortlisting & researching vendors	✨ Verified reviews + comparison tools

Final Thoughts

Navigating the landscape of employee engagement platforms can feel overwhelming, but the right choice ultimately boils down to understanding your organization's unique DNA. We've explored a wide spectrum of the best employee engagement tools, from comprehensive enterprise suites like Microsoft Viva and Workday Peakon to more focused platforms like Bonusly and Lattice that excel in recognition and performance management, respectively. Each tool offers a distinct approach to measuring, understanding, and improving the employee experience.

The key takeaway is that technology is a powerful enabler, not a silver-bullet solution. A tool like Qualtrics EmployeeXM can provide deep, predictive insights, while Culture Amp excels at translating complex data into actionable steps for managers. Meanwhile, platforms such as 15Five and Workleap Officevibe are built to foster continuous, constructive dialogue between managers and their teams. The decision isn't just about features; it's about finding a platform that aligns with your company culture, size, and strategic goals.

How to Choose the Right Employee Engagement Tool for Your Team

To make an informed decision, start by identifying your primary objectives. Are you trying to reduce attrition, improve manager effectiveness, or build a stronger culture of recognition? Your answer will guide your selection process.

Consider these critical factors before you commit:

Scalability: Will this tool grow with your company? A startup’s needs are vastly different from those of a global corporation. Look for flexible pricing and feature tiers that can adapt to your evolving headcount and complexity.
Integration Capabilities: How well does the platform integrate with your existing HR tech stack, like your HRIS, Slack, or Microsoft Teams? Seamless integration is crucial for driving user adoption and ensuring data flows smoothly between systems.
User Experience (UX): A clunky, unintuitive interface will kill adoption rates. Choose a tool that is easy for everyone to use, from senior leadership to frontline employees. Prioritize platforms with a strong mobile experience to engage your entire workforce, wherever they are.
Actionability of Insights: Data is only valuable if it leads to action. Assess how well each tool helps managers and HR leaders interpret survey results and provides clear, actionable recommendations for improvement.

Beyond the Software: The Human Element

Remember, the most sophisticated software is only as effective as the strategy and culture supporting it. Successful implementation requires a genuine commitment from leadership to listen to feedback and act on it transparently. Building psychological safety and trust is the foundation upon which these tools can deliver real value. Ultimately, the effectiveness of any employee engagement tool is amplified when leadership actively commits to supporting mental health in the workplace, fostering an environment where employees feel safe and valued.

Choosing from the best employee engagement tools is a significant step toward building a more connected, motivated, and productive workforce. By carefully evaluating your needs and focusing on a tool that empowers both employees and managers, you can create a positive feedback loop that drives continuous improvement and cultivates a thriving workplace culture.

While these tools measure and enhance engagement, don't forget the importance of physical and mental well-being in the daily workflow. DeskBreak is a simple yet powerful app designed to encourage healthy work habits by prompting timely, rejuvenating breaks. Complement your engagement strategy by giving your team a tool that fights burnout and promotes balance, available for download at DeskBreak.