Want a more productive workforce? 

You should be using employee rewards software to maintain motivation. 

Here are stats that show why rewards and recognition can be so impactful: 

• A simple expression of gratitude from someone in charge resulted in individuals being 50% more productive. 

• 83.6% of employees feel that recognition affects their motivation to succeed at work.

• 85% of employees believe management should reward employees for a job well done whenever it occurs.

In this article, we’ll explore what employee rewards software is, why it’s important, the key features to look for, and a roundup of some of the best options available today.

What is employee rewards software?

Employee rewards software is a digital platform designed to manage and streamline the process of recognizing and rewarding employees. These tools facilitate various forms of employee recognition, from peer-to-peer acknowledgments to performance-based rewards. They often include features for tracking achievements, distributing rewards, and managing employee recognition programs.

Employee rewards software vs employee recognition software 

Employee rewards software focuses on managing and distributing tangible rewards, while employee recognition platforms center on acknowledging employees’ efforts through peer-to-peer recognition and milestone celebrations. These tools often overlap and are frequently offered together by vendors, providing a comprehensive solution that enhances recognition and employee engagement.

Types of employee rewards

Here are some common types of employee rewards to consider:

Monetary rewards

Monetary rewards are often the most straightforward and immediately gratifying form of recognition. They can include:

• Bonuses
• Salary increases
• Gift cards

Non-monetary rewards

Non-monetary rewards can be just as impactful as monetary ones, offering meaningful recognition without direct financial cost. These can include:

• Public recognition
• Awards and certificates
• Extra time off

Experiential rewards

These rewards focus on providing memorable experiences that employees can enjoy. These can include:

• Travel opportunities
• Event tickets
• Workshops and training

Health and wellness rewards

Promoting health and well-being through rewards can improve overall employee satisfaction and productivity. These rewards can include:

• Gym memberships
• Wellness programs
• Health benefits

Charitable rewards

Allowing employees to give back to the community can be a powerful motivator for many. Charitable rewards can include:

• Donation matching
• Volunteer time off
• Charity gift cards

Personalized rewards

Tailoring rewards to individual preferences can significantly increase their impact. Personalized rewards can include:

• Customized gifts
• Choice of rewards

Key employee rewards software features

When choosing employee rewards software, consider the following essential features:

• Customization: The ability to tailor rewards and recognition to fit your company’s culture and values. This ensures that the rewards resonate with employees and align with organizational goals.

• Integration: Connection with existing HR and productivity tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and performance management systems. Seamless integration helps streamline processes and reduce administrative burden.

• User-friendly interface: Easy navigation and use for both administrators and employees. An intuitive interface ensures high adoption rates and consistent use across the organization.

• Reporting and analytics: Detailed insights into recognition trends, program effectiveness, and employee engagement metrics. These analytics help HR leaders make data-driven decisions to improve recognition strategies.

• Flexibility in rewards: Options for various types of rewards, such as gift cards, cash, and charitable donations. This flexibility allows employees to choose rewards that are most meaningful to them, increasing the perceived value of the recognition.

• Peer-to-peer recognition: Features that enable employees to recognize each other’s achievements. Peer recognition fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment.

• AI-driven insights: Utilizing artificial intelligence to provide personalized recognition suggestions, predict the types of rewards that will be most effective for different employees, and identify patterns in recognition and engagement. AI can enhance the precision and impact of your recognition program.

• Gamification: Incorporating elements like badges, leaderboards, and challenges to make the recognition process more engaging and fun. Gamification can increase participation and motivate employees to achieve their goals.

• Mobile accessibility: A mobile-friendly platform that allows employees to give and receive recognition on the go. Mobile access ensures that recognition can happen in real-time, regardless of location.

• Security and compliance: Robust security measures to protect sensitive employee data and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Secure platforms build trust and ensure that personal information is safeguarded.

20 Employee rewards software options

Here’s a list of 20 employee rewards software platforms that can help you create a culture of recognition:

1. GoProfiles
2. Bonusly 
3. Kudos
4. Recognize
5. Nectar
6. Fringe
7. Fond
8. Awardvo
9. Assembly
10. MatterApp
11. WorkTango
12. Motivosity 
13. Mo
14. Bucketlist Reward
15. ThriveSparrow
16. Cooleaf
17. Workhuman
18. SnackNation
19. Espresa
20. Vantage Circle

1. GoProfiles

GoProfiles is an AI-powered employee engagement platform that makes it easy for managers and employees to reward and recognize their team members. Employees can earn and give custom rewards, with peer recognition features that include points for bravos given and received. 

These points can be redeemed for hundreds of options, including gift cards, charitable donations, and more. For HR leaders, GoProfiles simplifies rewards management with tools for setting exchange rates, restricting allowances, and managing redemptions from an easy-to-use hub.

2. Bonusly

Bonusly enables peer-to-peer recognition with a focus on micro-bonuses that employees can give to one another for a job well done. Points can be redeemed for various rewards.

3. Kudos

Kudos is a peer-to-peer recognition system that uses social tools to celebrate team successes. Employees can give and receive recognition that aligns with company values and goals.

4. Recognize

Recognize offers a customizable recognition platform where employees can earn badges and rewards for their contributions.

5. Nectar

Nectar provides a simple, scalable way to recognize and reward employees. It integrates with existing tools to facilitate seamless recognition and offers a variety of reward options.

6. Fringe

Fringe focuses on providing lifestyle benefits and experiences as rewards. Employees can choose from a wide range of services and perks that suit their individual preferences.

7. Fond

Fond offers a comprehensive rewards and recognition platform with features like service awards, social recognition, and discounts to enhance employee engagement.

8. Awardco

Awardco partners with Amazon Business to provide high performing employees with a wide range of reward options. 

9. Assembly

Assembly offers a rewards and peer-to-peer recognition platform that lets employees redeem various gift cards. 

10. MatterApp

MatterApp integrates with Slack and Microsoft Teams to facilitate continuous recognition and feedback.

11. WorkTango

WorkTango offers global and local employee rewards choices within a Rewards Marketplace.

12. Motivosity

Motivosity offers a platform where employees can recognize each other and redeem points for various rewards.

13. Mo

Mo integrates with existing tools to streamline the recognition process and offer meaningful rewards.

14. Bucketlist Reward

Bucketlist Reward allows employees to choose from various experiences and rewards, making recognition more personalized.

15. ThriveSparrow

ThriveSparrow focuses on real-time recognition and rewards.

16. Cooleaf

Cooleaf combines employee recognition with wellness programs and engagement initiatives, providing a holistic approach to employee rewards.

17. Workhuman

Workhuman offers a recognition platform that includes social recognition, service awards, and performance-based rewards.

18. SnackNation

SnackNation rewards work from home employees with personalized snack boxes and wellness products.

19. Espresa

Espresa integrates employee recognition with various workplace programs, including wellness, social activities, and service awards.

20. Vantage Circle

Vantage Circle offers an employee engagement platform that includes rewards, recognition, wellness, and feedback solutions. 

Simplify rewards & recognition with GoProfiles

Only 14% of organizations give managers the necessary tools for rewards and recognition. 

Don’t be that 14 percent! 

Employee rewards software can transform your culture, making employees more efficient and impactful. 

With GoProfiles, you can simplify the management of employee rewards and recognition while providing meaningful incentives that resonate with your team. Start enhancing your employee experience today and see the difference a rewards program can make.