Want to enhance your team’s performance in 2024?
After spending hours testing and reviewing various software solutions, we’ve found out the top 11 performance management software.
We considered crucial factors like features, integration, pricing, and more while picking the best performance management platform. Here’s a quick overview of our top picks:
| Software: | Best For: | Standout Feature: | Pricing: |
| Culture Amp | Mid-Sized, Large Companies | Advanced survey and reporting | Available on request |
| Datalligence | Small Businesses | Affordable pricing | 14-day free trial, paid plan starts at $3 per user per month |
| Betterworks | Large Enterprises | Highly customizable | Available on request |
| WeSoar | Remote Teams | Mobile app | Starts at $4 per user per month |
| Mesh | Growing Startups | Continuous performance management | Starts at $4 per user per month |
| Peoplebox | Mid-Sized Growing Companies | Goal setting | Starts at $7 per user per month |
| Synergita | Startups, Mid-Sized Businesses, Large Companies | Employee development | 7-day trial available, Starts at $2 per user per month |
| BambooHR | Small Businesses, Startups | User-friendly interface | Available on request |
| 15Five | Mid-Sized Companies | 360 degree feedback | Starts at $4 per user per month |
| Lattice | Startups | Customizable performance review | Starts at $4 per user per month |
| Leapsome | Large Companies | Strong integration | Available on request |
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which tool will be the right fit for your company. Let’s get started!
What Is A Performance Management Software?
Performance management software is a tool that helps organizations effectively manage and enhance the performance of their employees.
It simplifies and automates various parts of the performance management process, making it easier for HR managers to set goals, track progress, provide feedback, and conduct performance reviews.
The main benefits of using performance management software include:
- Aligning individual goals with organizational objectives, ensuring everyone is working towards the same vision.
- Facilitating continuous feedback and communication between managers and employees, building a culture of growth and development.
- Providing a centralized platform for tracking performance data, making it easier to identify areas of strength and improvement.
- Automating and standardizing performance review processes, saving time and reducing bias.
- Offering analytics to help leaders make data-driven decisions about talent management and development.
What Key Features To Look For In The Best Performance Management Software?
When evaluating performance management software, there are several key features to consider:
1. Goal Setting and Tracking
An effective performance management system should allow you to set clear, measurable goals for employees and track progress over time.
Look for software that supports cascading goals, ensuring alignment between individual, team, and organizational objectives. The tool should also provide visibility into goal progress, with dashboards and reporting features that help managers and employees stay on track.
2. Continuous Feedback And Communication
Regular feedback is essential for employee growth and development. Choose a performance management platform that facilitates ongoing conversations between managers and employees, with features like real-time feedback, recognition, and 1-on-1 meeting templates.
The software should make it easy for managers to provide timely, specific feedback and for employees to ask for guidance and support.
3. Performance Reviews And Assessments
While continuous feedback is crucial, formal performance reviews still play a role in many organizations.
Look for software that automates and streamlines the review process, with customizable templates, rating scales, and workflows.
The tool should support various types of assessments, such as self-evaluations, manager reviews, and 360-degree feedback, providing a well-rounded view of employee performance.
4. Employee Development And Career Planning
Performance management isn’t just about evaluating past performance; it’s also about supporting future growth.
Choose a platform that includes features for employee development, such as skills tracking, competency assessments, and learning recommendations.
The software should help employees create personalized development plans and provide resources and guidance to support their career aspirations.
5. Reporting and Analytics
To make informed talent management decisions, you need access to performance data and insights.
Look for software with advanced reporting and analytics capabilities, including customizable dashboards, key performance indicators (KPIs), and trend analysis.
The tool should allow you to analyze data by various factors, such as department, location, or performance rating, enabling you to identify patterns and take action.
6. Integration And User Experience
Consider how well the performance management software integrates with your existing HR tech stack, such as your HRIS, learning management system, or compensation planning tools.
Seamless integration can save time and ensure data consistency. Additionally, evaluate the user experience for both managers and employees. The software should be user-friendly, with a clean interface and mobile-friendly design.
Types Of Performance Management Software
There are several types of performance management software, each with a different focus and set of features:
Goal Management Systems
These platforms primarily focus on setting, tracking, and aligning goals across the organization.
They often use frameworks like Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to help companies define and measure success. Examples include Betterworks and Lattice.
Continuous Performance Management Systems
These tools emphasize ongoing feedback, coaching, and development throughout the year, rather than relying solely on annual reviews.
They typically include features like real-time feedback, 1-on-1 meetings, and pulse surveys. 15Five is a popular example for this type of performance management software.
Performance Appraisal Systems
These platforms automate and simplify the traditional performance review process, with customizable forms, workflows, and rating scales.
They may also include features for goal setting and competency assessments. Examples include Culture Amp and Leapsome.
Talent Management Suites
These comprehensive solutions cover the full range of talent management, from recruiting and onboarding to performance management and succession planning.
They offer a broad set of features and integrations to support the entire employee lifecycle. One of the best examples is BambooHR.
Our Selection Criteria For The Best Performance Management Software In 2024
To determine the best performance management platform for 2024, we evaluated and scored each platform based on the following set of criteria:
| Scoring Criteria: | Scoring Weight: |
| Features and Functionality | 30% |
| User Experience | 25% |
| Integration and Workflow | 20% |
| Reporting and Analytics | 15% |
| Pricing and Value | 10% |
Features And Functionality (30%):
We assessed each platform’s core features, including goal setting, performance reviews, and employee development.
We looked for tools that offered a complete set of functionalities to support the full performance management cycle.
User Experience (25%)
We evaluated the ease of use of each platform, considering factors like interface design, and mobile accessibility.
We prioritized tools that provided a simplified and engaging experience for both managers and employees.
Integration And Workflow (20%)
We also tested how well each platform integrated with other HR systems and business tools, as well as the flexibility and customization of workflows.
We favored solutions that could easily connect with existing software and adapt to different organizational processes.
Reporting And Analytics (15%)
In addition to other factors, we assessed the depth and quality of each platform’s reporting and analytics capabilities, looking for tools that provided in-depth information and data visualization.
We prioritized solutions that allowed users to track key metrics, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
Pricing And Value (10%)
We considered the cost and overall value offered by each platform, taking into account factors like pricing model, scalability, and return on investment.
We looked for solutions that offered transparent, affordable, flexible pricing, as well as a strong feature set for the cost.
Now, let’s explore the top performance management software.
11 Best Performance Management Software In 2024
1. Culture Amp – Best Overall Option
Our Score: 4.9/5 (Excellent)
Key Features: Employee engagement surveys, performance reviews, goal tracking, real-time feedback, analytics and insights, career development paths, skills coaching
Pros:
- User-friendly interface and easy to understand data presentation.
- Advanced survey collection and analytics capabilities.
- Offers a wide range of features for employee engagement and performance management.
Cons:
- Lots of features could be overwhelming for first time users.
- Reporting capabilities may not be as advanced as some competitors.
Culture Amp is a complete employee engagement and performance management platform that offers a wide range of features to help organizations understand their people and make strategic decisions.
It’s our top pick for the best overall performance management software due to its user-friendly interface, advanced survey capabilities, and wide range of tools for managing employee performance and development.
One of the standout features of Culture Amp is its employee engagement surveys.
The platform offers various survey templates along with industry benchmarks, allowing organizations to easily collect and analyze feedback from their employees.
The surveys cover various aspects such as candidate experience, onboarding, exit interviews, and more.
In terms of performance management, Culture Amp provides tools for setting and tracking goals, conducting performance reviews (including 360-degree feedback), and facilitating continuous feedback. The platform also offers analytics and insights to help managers and executives understand performance trends and identify areas for improvement.
Another noteworthy feature of Culture Amp is its focus on employee development. The platform includes features for defining career paths, identifying strengths and growth areas, and creating personalized development plans.
It also offers a skills coaching feature that provides daily micro-learning opportunities to support employee growth.
However, it’s important to note that Culture Amp’s extensive feature set may be overwhelming for some users, particularly those using it for the first time.
The platform is primarily geared towards mid-sized to large enterprises, and its pricing is higher compared to other tools with more limited functionality.
Best For:
- Mid-sized to large organizations looking for a complete employee engagement and performance management solution.
- Companies that value data-driven decision making and want robust survey and analytics capabilities.
- Organizations that prioritize employee development and want to support career growth.
Not Best For:
- Very small businesses or startups with limited budgets and simpler performance management needs.
- Companies that are primarily looking for a goal-setting and tracking tool without the need for detailed employee engagement features.
- Organizations that require highly advanced reporting capabilities or niche features not offered by Culture Amp.
Pricing:
Culture Amp provides pricing only upon request, customized to the specific needs and size of the organization.
Our Final Note:
Culture Amp is an excellent all-in-one solution for organizations looking for enhancing employee engagement, managing performance, and supporting employee development.
Its user-friendly interface, detailed feature set, and strong survey capabilities make it a top choice for many mid-sized to large companies.
However, for smaller businesses with more basic needs, better value for money options include Datalligence or Lattice, which offer solid performance management functionality at a lower price point.
Additionally, organizations with very specific requirements around goal setting or reporting may want to consider more specialized tools like Peoplebox or Mesh.
Overall, Culture Amp is a strong option in the performance management software space and is definitely worth considering for organizations that want a strong and user-friendly solution to support their people management efforts.
2. Datalligence – Best For Small Business
Our Score: 4.2/5 (Very Good)
Key Features: OKRs, KPIs, performance reviews, team goals, feedback and recognition, analytics and reporting
Pros:
- Affordable pricing plans suitable for small businesses.
- Simple user interface.
- Supports both individual and team goal setting.
Cons:
- Some advanced features like performance ratings and analytics are only available in higher-tier plans.
- Integrations with other tools are limited compared to enterprise-grade solutions.
Datalligence is designed specifically with small businesses in mind. Its affordable pricing, simple interface, and essential features make it a great choice for companies looking to simplify their goal-setting and performance management processes.
One of Datalligence’s standout features is its focus on Objectives, key Results (OKRs), and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
The platform provides a clear framework for setting, tracking, and measuring individual and team goals, helping small businesses align their efforts and drive performance.
Datalligence’s user interface is also clean and user-friendly. This is particularly important for small businesses that may not have dedicated HR or IT teams to handle complex software implementations. With Datalligence, managers and employees can quickly learn and start using the platform with minimal training.
Another notable feature of Datalligence is its support for feedback and recognition. Managers can provide real-time feedback to employees, building a culture of continuous improvement and appreciation. This feature is crucial for small businesses looking to engage and retain their talent.
However, it’s worth noting that some of the more advanced features, such as predictive analytics, performance ratings, real-time analytics, and custom integrations are only available in the higher-tier pricing plans. Small businesses with more sophisticated HR needs could find these limitations a bit challenging.
Best For:
- Small businesses with limited budgets for performance management software.
- Companies that prioritize simplicity and ease of use in their HR tools.
- Organizations looking to implement OKRs and KPIs for goal setting and tracking.
Not Best For:
- Large enterprises with complex performance management requirements.
- Companies that require extensive integrations with other HR and business systems.
- Organizations that need advanced analytics and reporting capabilities.
Pricing:
Datalligence offers a 14-day free trial plan for up to 10 users. Paid plans start at $3 per user per month (billed annually).
There is also a higher-tier Performance Plus plan starting at $4 per user per month (billed annually) with more features like real time analytics, 360 assessments, and KPI management.
Furthermore, there is an Enterprise plan with more advanced features, and its pricing is available upon request.
Our Final Note:
Datalligence is an excellent choice for small businesses that want a simple, affordable, and user-friendly performance management solution.
Its focus on OKRs, KPIs, and continuous feedback makes it well-suited for companies looking to drive performance and engagement without complexity.
However, as businesses grow and their needs evolve, they may find the limitations of Datalligence’s features and integrations challenging.
In such cases, mid-sized companies may want to consider platforms like 15Five or Lattice, which offer more advanced capabilities at a slightly higher price point.
On the other hand, Datalligence isn’t sufficient for large enterprises with complex requirements. Better solutions for them include Betterworks or Culture Amp.
But overall, Datalligence is a good option for small businesses that prioritize simplicity, affordability, and a focus on goal setting and performance.
3. Betterworks – Best For Enterprise
Our Score: 4.1/5 (Very Good)
Key Features: OKRs and goal setting, continuous performance management, 360-degree feedback, advanced analytics and reporting, integration with HRIS systems
Pros:
- Highly customizable and adaptable to complex organizational structures.
- Powerful analytics and reporting capabilities for strategic decision-making.
- Offers a range of integrations with popular HRIS and business tools.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve compared to some other performance management tools.
- A lot of features and customization options could feel overwhelming for some users.
Betterworks is a popular performance management platform that has been around for more than a decade. It is designed to meet the needs of large enterprises with complex workflows.
Its advanced features, customization options, and powerful analytics make it a top choice for companies looking to align and optimize their performance management processes at scale.
One of Betterworks’ key strengths is its ability to support the alignment and cascading of goals throughout the organization using the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) framework.
This ensures that everyone from individual contributors to senior leaders is working towards the same strategic objectives, promoting transparency and accountability.
Betterworks offers a range of features for continuous performance management, including regular check-ins, 360-degree feedback, and employee development planning.
These tools help managers and employees stay engaged and focused on growth and performance throughout the year, rather than relying solely on annual reviews.
However, it’s important to note that Betterworks’ extensive features and customization options may come with a steeper learning curve compared to some other performance management tools.
The platform may require more training and change management to use it to its full potential.
Best For:
- Large enterprises with complex organizational structures and hierarchies.
- Companies that prioritize alignment and cascading of goals using the OKR framework.
- Organizations that rely heavily on data and analytics for strategic decision-making.
Not Best For:
- Small to mid-sized businesses with simpler performance management needs.
- Companies with limited budgets or resources for training and implementation.
- Teams that prioritize simplicity and ease of use over advanced features and customization.
Pricing:
The pricing information is available only upon request, as the cost may vary based on the specific needs and size of the organization.
Our Final Note:
Betterworks is a perfect choice for large enterprises that require a highly customizable and data-driven performance management solution.
However, for smaller organizations or for those with more simple performance management requirements it is not a suitable option. In such cases, platforms like Datalligence or Lattice, which offer a more structured and user-friendly experience, would be a better fit.
Overall, Betterworks is a powerful and easy-to-customize performance management platform that’s suitable for the needs of large enterprises.
4. WeSoar – Best For Mobile App
Our Score: 3.9/5 (Good)
Key Features: Goal alignment, check-ins, continuous feedback, peer recognition, engagement surveys, AI-powered analytics
Pros:
- Mobile-first experience for on-the-go performance management.
- Offers real-time insights into team progress and contributions.
- Provides a range of employee engagement survey options.
Cons:
- The performance management module is more expensive than other softwares.
- Customization options for certain features like surveys are slightly limited compared to others.
WeSoar is a performance management platform that stands out for its mobile-first approach.
Designed to keep teams engaged and productive, even when working remotely, WeSoar offers a range of features that facilitate collaboration, feedback, and recognition, all accessible through a user-friendly mobile app.
One of the key strengths of WeSoar is its focus on goal alignment.
The platform allows organizations to cascade their objectives down to the team and individual levels, ensuring that everyone understands how their work contributes to the bigger picture.
This clarity of purpose is especially important for remote teams, where employees may feel disconnected from the company’s goals.
WeSoar stands out based on its continuous feedback and check-ins. Managers can easily connect with their team members, provide real-time feedback, and identify potential issues before they escalate.
The app’s social features, such as peer recognition and collaboration tools, further encourage a culture of continuous improvement and appreciation.
Another notable feature of WeSoar is its employee engagement capabilities. The platform offers a suite of eight different survey types, covering the entire employee lifecycle. This allows HR leaders to gather valuable insights into the workforce’s sentiment and take proactive steps to address any concerns.
However, it’s worth noting that WeSoar’s pricing, especially its performance management module, is higher compared to some other performance management tools. Also, some survey features could be limited.
Best For:
- Companies with a significant portion of their workforce working remotely or on-the-go.
- Organizations looking to foster a culture of collaboration, feedback, and recognition.
- HR teams that prioritize employee engagement and want a range of survey options.
Not Best For:
- Companies with limited budgets for performance management software.
- Organizations that primarily work on desktop computers and don’t require mobile-first features.
- Teams that prefer a more traditional, formal approach to performance management.
Pricing:
WeSoar offers three pricing plans with all billed annually:
- Perform – $20 per user per month
- Recognize – $5 per user per month
- Engage – $10 per user per month
Our Final Note:
WeSoar is an excellent choice for organizations that prioritize mobile-first performance management and employee engagement. Its focus on goal alignment, continuous feedback, and social features makes it well-suited for companies with remote or distributed teams.
However, larger enterprises with complex needs may require the more advanced capabilities and customization options offered by tools like Betterworks or Synergita.
Overall, WeSoar is a strong option for organizations that want to drive performance and engagement through a mobile-first approach.
While it may not be the ideal solution for every company, its unique features and emphasis on collaboration make it a great choice for remote teams.
5. Mesh – Best For Continuous Performance Management
Our Score: 4.3/5 (Very Good)
Key Features: Goals and OKRs, performance reviews, meetings, continuous feedback, engagement surveys
Pros:
- Strong focus on continuous performance management.
- Offers a wide range of features for goal setting, feedback, and development.
- Integrates with several popular tools like Slack, MS Teams, and Quickbooks.
Cons:
- Some features like 360 assessment available only with higher-tier plans or as an add-on.
- The user interface may take some time to learn for less tech-savvy users.
Mesh is a performance management platform that stands out for its continuous performance management.
The platform provides tools for managers and employees to exchange real-time feedback, praise, and advice.
This ongoing communication helps in building a culture of growth and improvement, where employees receive timely feedback to enhance their work performance.
In addition to feedback, Mesh offers a range of features for goal setting and alignment. The platform supports Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), allowing organizations to set and track goals at the individual, team, and company levels.
However, it’s important to note that Mesh’s user-interface can take some time to learn and implement, especially for first time users.
And although it offers budget-friendly pricing plans, some important features like 360 degree assessment and development tools are available as a separate add-on.
Best For:
- Organizations that want to focus on continuous performance management.
- Companies that value ongoing feedback, coaching, and employee development.
- Managers who want personalized guidance and support in developing their teams.
Not Best For:
- Small businesses with limited budgets for performance management software.
- Organizations that prefer a more traditional, annual review process.
- Companies that require detailed customization options for their performance management workflows.
Pricing:
Mesh offers three main pricing plans:
- Base – $4 per person per month
- Premium – $7 per person per month
- Enterprise – Custom pricing available on request
But note that on all of its plans, you have to pay annually or $6000 in billing to be eligible.
Although this won’t be a big deal for mid-size growing companies, large startups, and enterprises, for small companies with a tight-budget this pricing plan may not be suitable.
Our Final Note:
Mesh is a great choice for organizations that want to make continuous performance management a core part of their talent strategy.
Its focus on ongoing feedback, coaching, and development sets it apart from many other platforms in the market.
However, the higher pricing and potential complexity of some advanced features may not be the best fit for every company. Small businesses or those with simpler needs may find better value in tools like 15Five, which offer solid continuous performance management capabilities at a lower price point.
On the other hand, larger enterprises with more complex requirements may prefer the advanced customization and integration options offered by platforms like Betterworks.
But overall, Mesh is a great choice for companies that want to prioritize continuous performance management and employee development.
6. Peoplebox – Best For Goal Setting
Our Score: 3.7/5 (Good)
Key Features: OKRs, performance reviews, 360-degree feedback, 1-on-1 meetings, engagement surveys, people analytics
Pros:
- Strong emphasis on goal setting and alignment through OKRs.
- Offers a range of performance management tools in one platform.
- Provides valuable information through people analytics and engagement surveys.
Cons:
- Pricing is higher compared to some other performance management tools.
- Implementation and onboarding support is only available on higher-tier plans.
Peoplebox is a complete performance management platform that stands out for its goal setting and alignment features.
With a strong focus on Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), Peoplebox helps organizations connect their people strategy with their business objectives, driving better results and engagement.
In addition to goal setting, Peoplebox offers a wide range of performance management tools. These include performance reviews, 360-degree feedback, 1-on-1 meetings, and performance check-ins.
Having all these features in one platform simplifies the performance management process and provides a more complete view of employee performance.
Another notable feature of Peoplebox is its people analytics capabilities. The platform provides valuable insights into workforce trends, performance patterns, and engagement levels.
These data-driven insights help HR leaders and managers make informed decisions about talent management and development.
However, it’s important to note that Peoplebox’s pricing may be higher compared to some other performance management tools. The company offers different pricing tiers based on the features included, with the more advanced plans carrying a higher cost per user.
Best For:
- Organizations that prioritize goal setting and alignment using the OKR methodology.
- Companies that want a complete performance management solution in one platform.
- HR teams that value data-driven insights and people analytics.
Not Best For:
- Small businesses with limited budgets for performance management software.
- Organizations that only need basic performance management features.
- Companies that require in-depth customization options for their performance management processes.
Pricing:
Peoplebox offers five main pricing plans all billed annually:
- Talent Management – $7 per user per month
- OKR Platform – $8 per user per month
- Full Suite – Professional: $12 per user per month
- Full Suite – Premium: $15 per user per month
- Enterprise Plan – Pricing available on request
Our Final Note:
Peoplebox is a great choice for organizations that want to drive performance through goal setting and alignment.
However, the higher pricing options may not be the best fit for every company. Small businesses or those with simpler needs may find better value in platforms like 15Five or Datalligence, which offer solid goal-setting capabilities at a lower price point.
On the other hand, larger enterprises with more complex requirements may prefer the advanced features and extensive customization options offered by tools like Betterworks or Leapsome.
But overall, Peoplebox is a powerful performance management platform that stands out for its focus on goal setting and alignment.
For mid-sized organizations, and growing startups that prioritize OKRs and want a complete solution, Peoplebox is definitely worth considering.
7. Synergita – Best For Employee Development
Our Score: 4.1/5 (Very Good)
Key Features: Performance reviews, goal setting, 360-degree feedback, learning and development, succession planning, competency management
Pros:
- Strong focus on employee development and growth.
- Offers a range of tools for skill assessments and talent mapping.
- Supports succession planning and talent management initiatives.
Cons:
- Interface not as user-friendly as some other tools.
- Reporting and analytics capabilities may not be as advanced as some other platforms.
Synergita is a performance management platform that stands out for its emphasis on employee development and growth.
One of the key strengths of Synergita is its competency management module. This allows organizations to define the skills and competencies required for each role and assess employees against these criteria.
The platform then provides detailed insights into individual and team skill gaps, enabling managers to create tailored development plans.
Synergita also offers a learning and development module that integrates with the competency management system.
Based on identified skill gaps, the platform provides personalized learning recommendations, including courses, training programs, and development activities.
This helps employees acquire the skills they need to excel in their current roles and prepare for future growth opportunities.
Another notable feature of Synergita is its succession planning capabilities. The platform allows HR leaders to identify high-potential employees, assess their readiness for key roles, and create succession plans to ensure a strong leadership pipeline.
This is particularly valuable for organizations looking to develop and retain top talent.
However, it’s worth noting that Synergita’s user interface may not be as user-friendly as some other performance management tools. Plus, its reporting feature is also a bit limited in comparison to other softwares.
Best For:
- Organizations that prioritize employee development and want to close skill gaps.
- Companies looking to create targeted learning and development programs.
- Businesses that want to improve succession planning and talent management.
Not Best For:
- Companies that prioritize a simple user interface above all else.
- Organizations that require extensive integrations with other HR and business systems.
- Teams that rely heavily on advanced reporting and analytics capabilities.
Pricing:
Offers 7-day trial and three paid plans, all billed annually:
- Perform – $4 per user per month
- Perform Plus – $7 per user per month
- Engage – $2 per user per month
Our Final Note:
Synergita is an excellent choice for organizations that want to make employee development a core part of their performance management strategy.
Its competency management, and succession planning tools set it apart from many other platforms in the market.
However, companies that prioritize ease of use and a modern user interface may find Synergita less appealing than tools like BambooHR or 15Five.
Similarly, organizations that require extensive integrations or advanced analytics may be better served by platforms like Betterworks or Culture Amp.
That said, Synergita is a strong choice for companies that want to go beyond basic performance management and truly invest in the growth and development of their employees.
8. BambooHR – Best For User-Friendly Interface
Our Score: 4.5/5 (Excellent)
Key Features: Performance management, employee records, time-off tracking, applicant tracking system (ATS), payroll integration, mobile app
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- All-in-one HR platform with a wide range of features
- Strong customer support and resources and mobile app
Cons:
- Performance management features may not be as advanced as some dedicated tools.
- Reporting capability not detailed compared to other softwares.
BambooHR is an all-in-one HR software that offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, including performance management.
While it may not have the most advanced performance management capabilities compared to dedicated tools, its ease of use and integrated HR functionalities make it a strong choice for many organizations.
In addition to performance management, BambooHR offers a centralized employee database, time-off tracking, an applicant tracking system (ATS), and payroll integration. Having all these HR functions in one platform can organize processes and save time for HR teams.
However, it’s important to note that BambooHR’s performance management features may not be as detailed as some dedicated tools like Lattice or 15Five. While it covers the basics, organizations with more complex performance management needs may find the features lacking.
Another potential drawback is the reporting capabilities. While BambooHR does offer some reporting functionality, it may not be as flexible or customizable as some other tools on the market.
Best For:
- Small to mid-sized businesses looking for an all-in-one HR platform with user-friendly performance management features.
- Organizations that prioritize ease of use and want a single system for multiple HR functions.
- Companies that value strong customer support and resources.
Not Best For:
- Large enterprises with complex performance management requirements.
- Organizations that need advanced reporting and analytics capabilities.
- Companies with tight budgets that only need standalone performance management tools.
Pricing:
BambooHR offers custom pricing based on the specific needs and size of the organization. Exact pricing details are available on request.
Our Final Note:
BambooHR is a solid choice for small to mid-sized businesses that want an all-in-one HR platform with performance management features and a user-friendly interface.
However, organizations with more complex performance management needs may find BambooHR lacking. For them, better solutions include tools like Lattice or 15Five.
Similarly, companies on a tight budget may want to consider standalone performance management software like Datalligence instead of an all-in-one solution.
But overall, BambooHR is a good fit for companies that value ease of use, integrated HR functionalities, and strong customer support.
9. 15Five – Best For Mid-Sized Businesses
Our Score: 4.9/5 (Excellent)
Key Features: Continuous performance management, OKRs, 1-on-1s, employee engagement surveys, peer recognition, career growth planning
Pros:
- Structured approach to frequent check-ins and feedback.
- Customizable question templates for meeting and reviews.
- Encourages employee growth with career planning tools.
Cons:
- Some advanced features available only on higher-tier plans.
- Implementation and learning can take time as there are lots of features.
15Five is a popular performance management platform used by over 3000 companies. It is designed to help organizations create a culture of continuous feedback, growth, and accountability.
Its focus on regular check-ins, OKRs, and employee development makes it a strong choice for mid-sized businesses looking to enhance their performance management processes.
One of the key features of 15Five is its structured approach to frequent check-ins between managers and employees.
The platform provides customizable question templates for weekly check-ins and quarterly reviews, ensuring that conversations are meaningful and actionable. This ongoing feedback loop helps align everyone towards common goals and address issues proactively.
In addition to check-ins, 15Five supports OKR tracking, allowing organizations to set and monitor objectives and key results at the individual, team, and company levels. This transparency and alignment can boost productivity and engagement.
Another noteworthy feature of 15Five is its focus on employee growth and development. The platform offers career planning tools, enabling employees to map out their professional growth path and identify the skills and experiences needed to reach their goals.
Managers can then provide support and guidance to help employees achieve these aspirations.
However, it’s worth noting that 15Five lacks some features like HRIS integration and turnover analytics in its starter plans. Also, since it’s a feature-packed solution, learning and the setup process can be time consuming.
Best For:
- Mid-sized businesses looking for a structured approach to continuous performance management.
- Companies that prioritize frequent check-ins, feedback, and employee development.
- Organizations that want to develop a culture of transparency, alignment, and recognition.
Not Best For:
- Small businesses with very basic performance management needs and limited budgets.
- Large enterprises that require advanced integrations and reporting capabilities.
- Companies that need an easy-to-implement solution.
Pricing:
15Five offers three pricing plans and all are billed annually:
- Engage – $4 per user per month
- Perform – $10 per user per month
- Total Platform – $16 per user per month
Our Final Note:
15Five is a solid choice for mid-sized businesses that want to implement a culture of continuous performance management.
However, companies with very basic needs or limited budgets may find 15Five’s pricing and features to be more than necessary. In such cases, tools like Lattice or Datalligence might be more suitable.
On the other hand, large enterprises with complex requirements may need the more extensive capabilities offered by platforms like Betterworks or Culture Amp.
Overall, 15Five is a strong choice for mid-sized businesses looking for a user-friendly, growth-oriented performance management solution.
10. Lattice – Best For Startups
Our Score: 4.8/5 (Excellent)
Key Features: Performance reviews, goal setting and tracking, employee engagement surveys, 1-on-1 meeting templates, feedback and praise, people analytics
Pros:
- User-friendly interface.
- Flexible and customizable performance review cycles.
- Strong employee engagement and people analytics features.
Cons:
- Pricing of its performance management module could be higher for small or early-stage startups.
- Reporting capabilities and customization capability are not as advanced as some enterprise-grade tools.
Lattice is the one of most popular performance management platforms used by over 5000 HR teams worldwide. It offers a range of features designed to help organizations build high-performing teams.
One of the standout features of Lattice is its user-friendly interface. The platform is easy to use, even for companies without a dedicated HR team. This ease of use is particularly valuable for startups that need to quickly implement effective performance management processes without extensive training or resources.
Lattice offers flexible performance review cycles, allowing startups to customize the frequency and format of their reviews based on their unique needs and goals. This adaptability is essential for fast-growing startups that may need to adjust their processes as they scale.
In addition to formal reviews, Lattice supports continuous feedback and recognition through features like real-time feedback and public praise. This ongoing approach to performance management helps foster a culture of growth and appreciation, which is crucial for employee engagement and retention in startup environments.
However, it’s important to note that Lattice’s performance module could be slightly expensive for very small or early-stage startups with limited budgets.
Although it’s feature-packed compared to some other performance management tools, it doesn’t offer detailed reporting and customization features needed for an enterprise work environment.
Best For:
- Startups looking for a user-friendly and flexible performance management tool.
- Companies that prioritize continuous feedback, recognition, and employee engagement.
- Organizations that are looking for a great feature-packed and value-for-money software solution.
Not Best For:
- Very small or early-stage startups with extremely limited budgets.
- Enterprises with complex performance management requirements and extensive integration needs.
- Organizations primarily focused on advanced reporting and analytics capabilities.
Pricing:
Lattice offers four pricing plans:
- Performance Management And OKR Bundle – $11 per person per month
- Grow – $4 per person per month
- Engagement – $4 per person per month
- Compensation – $6 per person per month
Our Final Note:
Lattice is an excellent choice for startups looking for a complete user-friendly performance management solution.
However, very small or early-stage startups with tight budgets may find Lattice’s pricing to be a bit steep. In such cases, tools like Datalligence, which offer a more affordable entry point, may be a better fit.
On the other hand, larger organizations with complex needs may require the advanced features and extensive integrations offered by platforms like Betterworks or Culture Amp.
But overall, Lattice is perfect for startups looking for a feature-packed and easy-to-implement performance management tool.
11. Leapsome – Best For Integrations
Our Score: 4.6/5 (Excellent)
Key Features: Performance reviews, goal setting and tracking, employee engagement surveys, meeting management, feedback and praise, learning and onboarding
Pros:
- Wide range of integration options with popular tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and BambooHR.
- All-in-one platform covering performance, engagement, and development.
- Customizable templates and workflows to fit different organizational needs.
Cons:
- Initial setup and configuration may require some time and effort.
- Too many features that can be overwhelming and more than needed for small businesses.
Leapsome is an all-in-one people enablement platform that offers a wide range of features for performance management, employee engagement, and development.
One of Leapsome’s key strengths is its ability to integrate with popular tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, BambooHR, and more.
These integrations allow for seamless data transfer, simplified workflows, and a more unified user experience. For example, managers can receive notifications and reminders directly in Slack, while employee data can be automatically synced with BambooHR.
Leapsome offers all-in-one features that cover the full spectrum of performance management, from goal setting and tracking to performance reviews and 360-degree feedback.
The platform also includes employee engagement surveys, meeting management tools, and learning and onboarding capabilities, making it a one-stop-shop for people management.
Another noteworthy feature of Leapsome is its customizability. The platform offers a range of templates and workflows that can be tailored to fit different organisations’ specific needs and processes.
This flexibility ensures that companies can adapt Leapsome to their unique culture and requirements.
However, it’s worth noting that with too many features, the setup process can be challenging and a bit time-consuming. Also, it is not the right fit for businesses that only need basic performance management features.
Best For:
- Companies that need strong integration features with other popular HR platforms.
- Organizations looking for an all-in-one performance management and talent development solution.
- Businesses that have complex workflows and need a solution that can be easily customized according to their needs.
Not Best For:
- Small teams or startups with limited budgets and simpler performance management needs.
- Companies primarily focus on a specific aspect of performance management, such as goal setting or employee recognition.
- Organizations that prioritize a simple and intuitive user interface over extensive features and customization options.
Pricing:
The exact pricing details for Leapsome is available only upon request.
Our Final Note:
Leapsome is a great choice for organizations that prioritize integration and want a strong performance management, engagement, and development platform.
Its wide range of integration options and customizable workflows make it a standout choice for companies that want to connect their performance processes with their existing HR tech stack.
However, Leapsome is not the best fit for smaller teams or those with more basic needs as it offers too many features than they need.
For small businesses, tools like Datalligence or 15Five, which offer strong performance management capabilities at a more affordable price point are a better fit.
Overall, Leapsome is a powerful and flexible performance management platform that excels at integration and customization.
How To Select The Best Performance Management Software?
Here are some of the top tips to consider while selecting the best performance management software:
1. Identify Your Performance Management Goals
Before evaluating software options, clearly define what you want to achieve with your performance management system.
- Do you want to focus on goal setting and alignment?
- Is continuous feedback and employee development a priority?
- Are you looking to simplify performance reviews and assessments?
Understanding your main goals will help you prioritize features and functionality when comparing platforms.
2. Assess Your Current Processes And Challenges
Evaluate your existing performance management processes and identify areas for improvement. Ask yourself:
- What’s working well, and what’s not?
- Are there manual or time-consuming tasks that could be automated?
- Do managers and employees find the current system engaging and valuable?
Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will help you find a software solution that resolves your specific challenges and enhances your overall process.
3. Consider Your Organization’s Size And Structure
The size and complexity of your organization will impact your software requirements.
Smaller companies may prioritize ease of use and affordability, while larger enterprises may need more advanced features and customization options.
Consider factors like:
- Number of employees and locations
- Hierarchy and reporting structure
- Existing HR tech stack and integration needs
Look for platforms that can scale with your organization and support your unique structure and workflows.
4. Evaluate Key Features And Functionality
Based on your performance management goals and organizational needs, identify the essential features and capabilities you require. Common features to consider include:
| Feature: | Quick Overview: |
| Goal Setting and Tracking | Ability to set, align, and monitor individual and team goals |
| Continuous Feedback | Tools for real-time feedback, recognition, and 1-on-1 conversations |
| Performance Reviews | Customizable templates and workflows for formal evaluations |
| Employee Development | Skills tracking, competency assessments, and learning recommendations |
| Reporting and Analytics | Dashboards, KPIs, and insights for data-driven decision making |
Prioritize the features that matter most to your organization, and look for platforms that excel in those areas.
For example, if you have a large remote workforce, a mobile-friendly solution like WeSoar or BambooHR will be a good fit.
But if you want to focus on goal setting and alignment, platforms like Betterworks or Lattice are the top options worth considering.
5. Determine Your Budget And ROI
Consider your budget and the potential return on investment (ROI) of implementing a performance management system. Factor in costs like:
- Software subscription
- Implementation and training expenses
- Ongoing support and maintenance
While finding a platform that fits your budget is essential, don’t solely focus on the upfront cost. Evaluate the long-term value and ROI, such as increased productivity, improved employee engagement, and better talent retention.
6. Research And Compare Tools
Once you know about your requirements and budget, research and compare various performance management software vendors.
Take advantage of free trials, demos, and consultations to get hands-on experience with different platforms and assess their fit for your organization.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, selecting the best performance management software requires careful consideration of your company size, goals, and budget.
From Culture Amp to Leapsome, we saw a wide-range of tools that standout for their particular feature set.
With the right tools in place, you can build stronger teams, drive better results, and achieve your organizational goals.
Ready to explore more performance management and talent development tools? Explore our hrtech marketplace to check out different HR tools and find the best fit for your needs.
