According to a recent Forbes article, some of the most common statements job seekers are making during what’s been dubbed, the Great Resignation includes things like:
- “I don’t feel valued where I work.”
- “A few of my peers have left the company and have received incredible offers.”
- “I don’t think anyone would notice if I left the organization tomorrow.”
- “The company keeps bringing in outside people, rather than promoting from within.”
So what’s the theme between all of these sentiments? What causes employees to leave? A lack of employee recognition.
“Employees want meaning in their vocation. In fact, for millennials, it is among the strongest drivers of retention.” — Gallup
Employee recognition may sound like a simple fix; however, to do it right, you need a system and continuous effort. But is it really worth all the extra energy? Without a doubt — especially considering that 50-75% of employee turnover is avoidable.
As much as things like salary, bonuses, and work-life balance matter, other variables like emotional safety, team bonding, and mental health hold equal weight in the employee retention equation.
To help you create an organization that people want to be a part of and stay a part of, we’ve curated a list of the best employee retention tools for teams this year.
Let’s get started on the plan to keep your talented employees satisfied and secure!
Pro-Tip: Here is a quick look at a few top-rated employee retention platforms:
| Bonusly | 🥇 Recognize and reward employees for their achievements and milestones | Visit Bonusly |
| Stadium | 🎁 Award them an eGift | Visit Stadium |
| Motivosity | 🌟 Engage and retain employees with recognition, rewards, surveys, and more | Visit Motivosity |
| Hoppier | 🌮 Send lunch or treats to your entire team in minutes | Visit Hoppier |
| Nectar | 😃 Peer-to-peer recognition, Amazon integration, boost your engagement and retention | Visit Nectar |
| 👉 Compare more HR-vetted and approved options here | ||
Page Contents (Click To Jump)
Best Employee Retention Software, Tools, & Apps
1) WorkTango
WorkTango‘s employee experience platform helps organizations create a sustainable culture change across teams, improve engagement, grow retention, and deliver a great employee experience with features such as recognition & rewards, feedback, and goal setting.
With WorkTango, you’ll be able to give your employees a voice and take action based on their feedback.
This retention tool is best for: Employee Experience & Recognition
Notable Companies Using WorkTango:
- Allianz
- DoorDash
- Accruent
Pricing: Contact WorkTango for pricing details
For more information: Check out WorkTango
2) Deel
Deel is an employee retention system that helps global teams stay connected. This tool not only makes it possible to hire, onboard, and manage global employees, but it also features a whole suite of management features that let your employees boost productivity from across the globe.
Managers can send work-from-home equipment including laptops, monitors, headphones and more. Deel also partners with major coworking space companies to allow team members the opportunity to enjoy the comfort of an office work environment and meet with coworkers or customers in private offices and conference rooms.
This retention tool is best for: Global HR
Notable Companies Using Deel:
- Shopify
- Nike
- Dropbox
Pricing: Book a demo with Deel to learn more about pricing options
For more information: Explore the Deel platform
3) Motivosity
Motivosity is a unique, employee engagement and recognition software that celebrates and rewards your team for their hard work and accomplishments. Motivosity’s team of experts design a recognition program that suits the needs of your company, making it easy for managers to set goals and praise their teams in a way that makes sense.
Motivosity is an excellent, cost-effective program that will greatly improve the morale and productivity of your staff.
This retention tool is best for: Employee Recognition, Company Culture
Notable Companies Using Motivosity:
- Fujifilm
- Toyota
- SalesRabbit
Pricing: Starting at $5.10/month per employee
For more information: Check out Motivosity
4) Cooleaf
Cooleaf promotes people-first experiences at your company where employees are valued for their contribution and encouraged to grow and learn every day. This recognition and engagement tool helps drive employee retention at businesses through a suite of tools that include team recognition, pulse surveys and rewards programs.
Cooleaf recently released a remote employee engagement feature that offers a year-round employee experience strategy that will delight and empower your remote workers
This retention tool is best for: Team building
Notable Companies Using Cooleaf:
- Bark
- Shipt
- Freshly
Pricing: Try out Cooleaf to learn more about custom pricing
For more information: Take a tour of the Cooleaf platform
5) Bonusly
Bonusly is a comprehensive employee recognition, survey, and incentives solution that helps companies build more engaged, productive, and results-oriented teams that align with the corporate values and culture of appreciation.
With Bonusly, you can eliminate silos, enabling employees and managers alike to recognize each other and express gratitude through dozens of built-in features and integrations.
This retention tool is best for: Company culture
Notable companies using Bonusly:
- Hulu
- ZipRecruiter
- Invision
Pricing: $2.70+ per month
For more information: Check out Bonusly
6) BambooHR
BambooHR is an HR tool that helps companies manage the employee lifecycle. It streamlines every aspect of hiring, compensation management, and data analysis while also providing tools for maintaining company culture in order to build up great teams from within or acquire new talent externally with ease!
This retention tool is best for: Streamlining HR
Notable Companies Using BambooHR:
- Civtec
- CRBR
- Avidbots
Pricing: Starting at $4.95/employee per month
For more information: Check out BambooHR
7) Nectar
Nectar is an across-the-board employee recognition tool for helping everyone in your organization encourage one another. This positivity-enhancing platform incentivizes managers and team members to do their best work and stay for the long haul.
Peer-to-peer spotlights and recognition hits differently than even being noticed by the CEO and Nectar has dozens of integrations like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and other engagement software. Lastly, custom swag storefronts allow you to add a gifting element to your recognition program for truly memorable employee awards.
This retention tool is best for: Daily recognition
Notable Companies Using Nectar:
- Argos
- British Airways
- eBay
Pricing: $25/user per month
For more information: Check out Nectar
8) monday.com
monday.com describes itself as the Uber of resource management and as big of a declaration that is, they have the software to back it up.
This employee retention tool gives real-time insights into projects, visibility into workflows and analytics, and ENPS-boosting integrations and updates — not to mention the time tracking, automation, and timeline views.
This retention tool is best for: Project management
Notable Companies Using monday.com:
- Uber
- Adobe
- Hulu
Pricing: $8/month
For more information: Check out monday.com
9) SwagMagic
SwagMagic is the all-in-one custom swag platform for maximum employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention. Through this recognition solution, you can design, automate, and distribute your branded swag and gifts.
SwagMagic is the perfect employee retention tool for remote teams to help keep your digitally nomadic employees on the same page as their coworkers when they execute their remote work.
This retention tool is best for: Company culture
Notable Companies Using SwagMagic:
- Amazon
- Spotify
Pricing: Contact for pricing details
For more information: Check out SwagMagic
10) Guusto
Guusto is a rewards tool that helps HR leaders build a robust employee recognition program for their entire organization. This helps distributed teams stay focused so employees can feel inspired to put in their best effort at your organization.
Retention is the name of the game, and with Guusto – managers can feel confident that their teams are building recognition into their workplace.
This retention tool is best for: Offering workplace rewards
Notable Companies Using Guusto:
- Harvard University
- Toronto Raptors
- Levi’s
Pricing: FREE to try out forever. Their Essential plan starts at $80/mo for up to 35 team members
For more information: Talk to the recognition experts at Guusto to give this retention software tool a try!
11) The Go Game
The Go Game has been weaving employee recognition into the day-to-day corporate environment — by keeping things fresh, exciting, and fun. Their virtual event platform allows teams to gather remotely, or from multiple office locations, and supports live award shows that can be viewed by up to 10,000 people at a time.
Additionally, you can add custom trivia and fun facts about award recipients or the company, stream a special message from the CEO, or get someone the award winner admires to give a pre-recorded shoutout!
This retention tool is best for: Daily recognition
Notable Companies Using The Go Game:
- Adobe
- Disney
- Nike
Pricing: $500 per a la carte event, with package pricing that varies based on your event
For more information: Check out The Go Game
12) Outback Team Building
Outback Team Building is your one-stop shop for every team building needs. With years of experience in finding outside-the-box activities that appeal to many groups, all types of budgets, and similar interests, Outback staff will help you brainstorm new ideas or offer suggestions relating specifically to your company.
This employee retention strategy will promote team bonding. employee motivation, and engagement.
This retention tool is best for: Team building
Notable Companies Using Outback Team Building:
- American Express
- Deloitte
- Starbucks
Pricing: Contact Outback for pricing details
For more information: Check out Outback Team Building
13) Awardco
Awardco is a top recognition and rewards tool that makes it easy to acknowledge great work. With the Awardco platform, employers can set up and manage recognition in no time—which is awesome for both managers and employees.
Awardco allows you to reinforce positive behavior in your organization, in addition to showing appreciation with rewards like gift cards from popular retailers.
This retention tool is best for: Employee Recognition & Rewards
Notable Companies Using Awardco:
- Hertz
- Zillow
- JPMorgan Chase & Co
Pricing: Contact Awardco for pricing details
For more information: Check out Awardco
14) Mo
Mo is a company culture platform that makes it easy for managers to recognize and reward their employees, and for employees to redeem them. With its simple interface, you can create custom programs in minutes – no IT or HR required.
You can also track employee engagement with insights so everyone knows how they’re doing.
This retention tool is best for: Daily recognition
Notable Companies Using Mo:
- Atlas Hotels
- Punch Pubs
- Aspen
Pricing: Starting at $3 for their Starter plan
For more information: Check out Mo
15) Bambee
For less than a hundred dollars per month, Bambee gives you a dedicated human resources manager. This cost-effective employee retention tool for employees also provides a comprehensive HR audit, HR compliant policies, employee onboarding and terminations, HR guidance, staff training and development, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve got pros backing up your HR strategy.
Bambee also works to make sure that the HR policies fit the current way you run your business and align with your needs.
This retention tool is best for: Company culture
Notable Companies Using Bambee:
- Stojo Projects
- Knife Aid
- Hank’s Bagels
Pricing: $99/month
For more information: Check out Bambee
16) Assembly
If you’re looking for a way to recognize and reward your employees, then Assembly is the perfect solution. This peer-to-peer recognition platform makes it easy for everyone to be recognized and rewarded in real-time. You can even create custom rewards that are specific to each employee so they know exactly what they’ve earned.
With Assembly, nobody has to fall through the cracks ever again! Its simple, intuitive interface makes it easy for anyone on your team to get involved and start recognizing their peers right away.
This retention tool is best for: Online collaboration
Notable Companies Using Assembly:
- Coca Cola
- Perforce
- HelloTech
Pricing: Free for teams under 10, then starts at $2.80/member per month
For more information: Check out Assembly
17) Confetti
Confetti is a seamless, end-to-end employee recognition and retention platform for boosting job satisfaction, wellness, productivity, and culture in the workplace. This employee retention tool facilitates spot bonuses, spot awards, and other forms of non-monetary recognition and experiences.
The best part is that every vendor is curated to provide the best memories and moments your employees could ever dream of! With hosted games and shippable experiences, Confetti will help you win over your workplace.
This retention tool is best for: Team Building
Notable Companies Using Confetti:
- Netflix
Pricing: Contact Confetti for pricing details
For more information: Check out Confetti
18) QuizBreaker
QuizBreaker is the team-building quiz platform that’s perfectly optimized for keeping teams tight-knit, whether employees are working from home, commuting, or working on some other flexible workplace model. The team building quizzes are delivered via email so your team can take them anywhere in the world.
They’ll get to enjoy short quizzes, fun gamification, and automation (you can schedule quizzes for a particular time each week).
This retention tool is best for: Daily fun with your coworkers
Notable Companies Using Quizbreaker:
- Ford
- Indeed
- Amazon
Pricing: $3/user per month
For more information: Check out QuizBreaker
19) Fond
Fond is a cloud-based HR platform that makes it easy for managers to recognize and reward their employees, and for employees to redeem them. With its simple interface, you can create custom programs in minutes – no IT or HR required. You can also track employee engagement with real-time analytics so everyone knows how they’re doing.
This retention tool is best for: Daily recognition
Notable Companies Using Fond:
- Salesforce
- Delta Dental
- Stanford Health Care
Pricing: Contact Fond for pricing details
For more information: Check out Fond
20) Zenefits
Zenefits is a company dedicated to the simplification of the modern workforce. Manage your employee’s salary, benefits, and paycheck through our HR platform with no hassle. With Zenefits, you’ll get more time to focus on what’s important: running your business.
Zenefits is a great tool for HR professionals, especially those looking for an easy way to manage their people. With streamlined onboarding and PTO tracking as well as all the other tools you need in one place – Zenefit’s got this!
This retention tool is best for: Streamline onboarding, benefits, payroll, & PTO
Notable Companies Using Zenefits:
- YLabs
- Strada
- Coney Island Prep
Pricing: Starting at $21/month per employee
For more information: Check out Zenefits
Tips to Create Your Employee Retention Program
1) Set A Competitive Salary and Benefits
Truthfully, we wouldn’t work most jobs if the pay wasn’t a factor. No matter how you love your job, on some level, you’re doing it to make a living. Nearly half of employees who quit leave because their salary and benefits aren’t competitive enough. Be sure to consult your financial and HR departments to figure out what you can reasonably offer and always consider your employees to be an investment.
2) Create an Awesome Onboarding Experience
Onboarding is one of the first opportunities to make an impression on new hires and it can set the tone for the rest of their time with your company. Make sure to welcome your top talent aboard and to set fair expectations because it can take up to 24 months for a new employee to reach the same productivity levels as a longer employed teammate.
3) Support Professional Development
The last thing employees want is to feel like their development is stagnating and their growth is stunted. That’s why high turnover is found to be directly linked, in part, to a lack of professional development opportunities. Ask your employees directly what they would like to grow and develop into and then offer them whatever resources and support to help them achieve that. Constant support for your employees with an eye to the future is a big part of retaining employees in today’s competitive corporate climate.
4) Reduce Employee Pain and Discomfort
Reducing employee pain and discomfort goes a long way. The bottom line — even for your button line — is that your employees are humans and not a fiscal burden, so doing whatever you can to alleviate their pain points is critical. For some professions, these simple adjustments are obvious like in retail, giving workers time to sit instead of forcing them to be on their feet their entire shift. In others, you have to dig or ask directly. Incorporate feedback tools into your workplace.
5) Manage Your Managers
A great manager creates a ripple effect — a not-so-good one does the same. Managers also need help being the best version of themselves. On top of the technical aspects of the job, you want to always encourage managers to master soft skills like compassion, kindness, empathy, patience, and basically everything that falls under the emotional intelligence (EQ) umbrella.
6) Hire Slowly and Right The First Time
According to Glassdoor, 35% of companies foresee employees quitting within the coming year — yes, you read that correctly — one-third see their employees leaving before they’ve even gotten started. It’s extremely important that managers are involved in the hiring and onboarding process so that candidates can be vetted and given a positive foundation to build from. Always be honest and upfront about new hire expectations.
How to Evaluate a Staff Retention Tool
1) Ask The Right Questions During The Demo
With limited time to get to know and understand the software tool, asking the right questions during your introductory demo can be a great way to determine if their product is a good fit.
The most basic questions related to any retention tool demo consider price of the product, the length of the contract, notable features, and the level of customer service you receive. Here are a few more questions to consider asking:
- What is the onboarding process like and how do I properly train my team to build this tool into their workflow?
- What challenges do managers often face when implementing your tool and what are the best ways to overcome those obstacles?
- What strategies can I use to encourage buy-in from my team from day one?
2) Determine Your End Goal
Proclaiming you want to boost retention at your company sounds like a good thing but it is a vague wish that does not highlight the steps you want to take to create a work environment where employees are incentivized to stay. Alongside working with a trusted employee retention tool, managers should determine what their main goals are and set up a path to use their retention tool to work towards them.
This can help your sales rep create a customized account for you so that you company to maximize the effectiveness of the platform and achieve the retention goals you have set for your business.
3) Do Your Homework
When choosing between one, two, or five employee retention software tools — it can become very apparent that not all tools are the same. Some of these platforms offer features that are unique and can benefit your employees.
Weighing these features with the needs of your company will help you identify the right tool.
Doing their homework ahead of time can save managers a ton of time during the evaluation phase of their search since they already have a good idea what kind of tool they employees would use, what their budget looks like, what features they want to utilize in a tool, and when they want to get started.
This is vitally important because the evaluation phase can often drag into a weeks-long or months-long process that doesn’t go anywhere and leaves your retention issue untouched during the entire time.
People Also Ask These Questions About Employee Retention Tools
Q: What is an employee retention tool?
- An employee retention tool is a platform or program that helps drive employee engagement, satisfaction, peer-to-peer connectedness, and of course, retention.
Q: How much does an employee retention tool cost?
- An employee retention tool can cost anywhere from a few dollars to several hundred, largely depending on its pricing model, perks, and access to certain exclusive features.
Q: What are some ways you can promote better employee retention at your company?
- You can promote better employee retention at your company by setting up an employee retention program and giving your managers the employee retention tools they need, along with getting their buy-in and commitment to make the program work.
Q: How do employee retention software tools work?
- Employee retention software tools work by helping employers keep their employees engaged and motivated. These kinds of retention tools can help identify at-risk employees who might be more prone to leaving, as well as track the progress of current employees over time. They provide employers with valuable insights into employee engagement, productivity, turnover rates, and other important KPIs.
Q: How do I choose the right employee retention software tool for my company?
- It is important to consider the specific needs and business outcomes you want to achieve when choosing the right employee retention software tool for your business. Factors like company size, the complexity of your organization, your budget, and the kinds of features you need will help you to determine the best retention software for your team. Some of the features to evaluate are data-driven insights, real-time notifications, customizable alerts and reports, an intuitive user interface, and powerful analytics.
Q: What are the benefits of using retention tools?
- Using an employee retention tool first and foremost will aim to improve your company’s retention rates. With increased competition from other employers and a shift in the way many professionals now work, employee retention is more important than ever. The tools in this list are designed to foster a company culture where employees can get their work done while using their free time to connect with their peers. The initial benefits you will see by using an employee retention tool are increased productivity, less burnout, strong employee engagement, a boost to participation in team events, and better company profitability.
