Top Employee Incentive Software Platforms to Boost Engagement in 2025

Picture a team scattered across home offices, coffee shops, and co-working spaces. The buzz of in-person collaboration is a distant memory, and the spark that once fueled engagement feels dim.

Employee disengagement costs businesses 8.8 trillion annually. Add the complexities of recognizing employees in decentralized setups, and it’s clear why organizations are turning to employee recognition programs to reignite the flame.

Here are the top 15 incentive platforms that automate rewards, foster recognition, and create a culture where everyone thrives.

1. ShareWillow

ShareWillow helps you to design and implement employee incentive plans that impact your business goals and motivate employees to think and act like owners. We've taken all of our experience helping companies design plans, and put it into a world-class software that makes it easy to build and manage your profit sharing and incentives. Our software simplifies the process of sharing financial incentives with your team — all the way from designing profit sharing and incentive plans to making payouts and keeping track of it all.

Perfect for companies of all sizes, but especially those wanting to cultivate a culture where recognition isn’t an afterthought.

Key features

• Admin & employee dashboard
• Document storage
• Plan builder
• Milestones & thresholds
• Quickbooks integration
• Payroll integrations
• Templates
• Admin dashboard
• Workspaces for different companies

Pros

• Seamless integration and user-friendly dashboard
• Authentic, timely appreciation with customizable rewards and real-time feedback
• Milestones, thresholds, and KPI tracking help align recognition with business goals
• Boosts morale by directly linking rewards to individual and team performance
• Robust integrations
• Flexible workspace tailored for different teams or businesses
• Optional plan design consultation ensures businesses can create tailored, impactful incentive plans

Cons

• ShareWillow is only focused on financial incentive plans

Pricing

• Essential plan: $199/month
• Plan design consultation: From $2,997

Customer feedback

“...ShareWillow managed to incorporate not only profit sharing per project, but they also incorporated performance reviews into the calculations as well. We’ve been using the software for three years and have had positive feedback from our employees. Highly recommend you give ShareWillow a try!” —Anita Bruno, BODEC“The best part about ShareWillow is that it directly ties the employee’s rewards to their individual activities. We love the ability to create goals for each department based on KPIs and metrics and show the team progress in real-time... “ — Kevin Davis, Medical Technology Industries

2. Nectar

Nectar makes employee recognition effortless with peer-to-peer shoutouts, a customizable rewards catalog, and gamified challenges. Its social feed keeps engagement visible, while deep analytics help track trends. Perfect for companies that want a fun, scalable way to foster a culture of appreciation.‍

Key features

• Peer-to-peer recognition
• Customizable rewards catalog
• Social recognition feed
• Wellness challenges
• Nomination/voting for awards
• Mobile-friendly

Pros

• Intuitive design that’s easy for anyone to use
• Personalized rewards for a unique recognition experience
• Deep reporting tools that reveal insights into engagement trends

Cons

• It may lack the scalability needed for very large organizations

Pricing

• Pricing upon request (minimum $4,000/year contract)

Customer feedback"Having used the Nectar platform internally at SHRM to enhance employee recognition, this strategic partnership is an exciting next step to help elevate cultures and amplify the recognition movement to organizations around the world." — Jim Link, CHRO at SHRM“Nectar has been a great tool in helping boost team member engagement and supporting our recognition efforts.” — Crystal Martinez, People Engagement Supervisor.

3. Bonusly

‍Bonusly is an employee recognition platform that simplifies recognition with micro bonuses, point-based rewards, and seamless HR integrations. Employees earn and redeem points in a way that feels personal, boosting morale across teams. Best for companies seeking an easy, automated way to improve engagement.

‍Key features

• Peer-to-peer recognition
• Microbonuses
• Point-based rewards
• Custom rewards
• API Access
• Integration with HRIS systems
• Mobile app access

Pros

• Simple, intuitive interface for all employees
• Flexible recognition programs tailored to company culture
• Connects seamlessly with popular workplace tools

Cons

• May not be robust enough for complex programs

Pricing

• Appreciate: $2 per seat/month (billed annually) + cost of rewards
• Connect: $5 per seat/month (billed annually) + cost of rewards
• Achieve: $7 per seat/month (billed annually) + cost of rewards

Customer feedback

"If you're looking to achieve high levels of engagement, consistency across teams, and an exceptional ROI out of a total rewards platform Bonusly is a must-have." — David Gulley, Senior Director of People Operations and Compliance"Bonusly helped us increase cross-departmental recognition, which has had a major impact on collaboration throughout the company." — Kate Ciechomski, PM Recognition & New Hire Success.

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4. Guusto

Guusto delivers real-time rewards with flexible, budget-friendly options, from digital gift cards to custom incentives. Managers control spending while employees enjoy instant, meaningful recognition. A great fit for companies wanting simple, impactful rewards without administrative headaches.

‍Key features

• Peer-to-peer recognition
• Ecards
• Real-time gift redemption
• Budget control for managers
• Employee engagement metrics
• Automated milestone rewards
• Custom branding, social recognition
• Mobile app

Pros

• Offers a wide selection of vendors, making redemption easy
• User-friendly interface with the ability to reclaim funds from expired cards
• Simple, transparent pricing with many gift options

Cons

• Navigation in the funds' menu can be confusing

Pricing

• Free: $0/month
• Lite: $40/month
• Essential: $120/month
• Premium: $600/month

Customer feedback

"Twice as many people stay that have received our Gem Award through Guusto, and we retain 28% more of our Gem winners." — Andy Maus, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Compass One Healthcare"Honestly, you guys have made this program so simple. So simple to administer and simple to redeem, so we love that." — Carolyn Tyrie, Chief Human Resource Officer at Harry Rosen

5. Assembly

Assembly blends automation with gamified recognition, integrating with workplace tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams. From peer appreciation to AI-powered engagement insights, it streamlines workplace culture seamlessly. Ideal for companies focused on boosting team morale with a structured yet fun approach.

‍Key features

• Employee nominations
• Automated recognition for birthdays & work anniversaries
• Integration with HRIS systems
• AI workplace assistant

Pros

• Gamified rewards (like "carrots") make interactions enjoyable
• Helps employees share appreciation they might not express otherwise
• Instant recognition boosts workplace positivity
• Public recognition fosters engagement and morale

Cons

• Requires users to justify awards, which some find restrictive

Pricing

• Recognition: $2.00 per member/month
• Engagement: $4.00 per member/month
• Culture Suite: $6.00 per member/month
• Custom: Pricing upon request

Customer feedback

“We are approaching the end of our first year with Assembly and looking forward to continuing the partnership....” — Shannon Townsend, Sales Execution Manager at Coca-Cola“We’ve been honestly surprised at the positive impact Assembly made in team camaraderie. The unique insight into who is positively impacting their colleagues and ultimately the company has been invaluable!” — Farbod Shoraka, CEO at Promenade Group, Inc.

‍6. Empuls

‍Empuls is an all-in-one engagement platform that combines rewards, surveys, perks, and community-building. It automates employee recognition with gamification, leaderboards, and exclusive benefits. Best for companies wanting a single, comprehensive solution for engagement and motivation.Key features

• Comprehensive rewards system
• Employee feedback & surveys
• Exclusive perks & benefits
• Automated gifting & service awards
• Engagement & community tools

Pros

• Combines all features into a single, comprehensive solution
• Supports various reward types (peer-to-peer, milestone, performance-based) with leaderboards, appreciation feeds, and a rewards catalog
• Provides discounts, cashback, tax-saving benefits, and lifestyle allowances for fitness, meals, and utilities
• Enhances engagement with gamification, polls, quizzes, etc.

Cons

• Not the most intuitive platform for first-time users

Pricing

• Pricing upon request (minimum contract agreement of $1,000).

Customer feedback

"Empuls helps us showcase every recognition company-wide and this has become a matter of pride for people whose efforts and work are being appreciated." — Rees Emmanuel, Senior HR Manager at Magzter"I recommend Empuls because it's absolutely user-friendly. It's our internal Facebook that connects associates across locations, and a critical tool to engage and understand our associates better." —Akshatha Rao, Asst. Manager HRBP, APAC at Bahwan Cybertek

7. WorkTango

WorkTango integrates pulse surveys, peer recognition, and leadership insights into a seamless experience. With AI-driven analytics and a zero-markup rewards marketplace, it enhances workplace culture and retention. Ideal for organizations focused on data-driven engagement.Key features

• Engagement measurement
• Customizable dashboards
• Peer recognition
• Milestone celebrations
• Integration with HRIS systems

Pros

• Effective pulse surveys that help track employee sentiment
• Point-based rewards keep engagement high
• Leadership tools provide managers with actionable insights

Cons

• Navigation and processes could be more intuitive

Pricing

• Pricing upon request

Customer feedback

"...The solutions are attainable, affordable, and easy to integrate into your company, especially with the level of support behind this platform...." — Cyndi Garnett, Senior VP of Human Resources and Organizational Development at Braunability"WorkTango helps the Boston Beer Company create a continuous culture of recognition and appreciation, no matter if team members are remote, in an office, or on the brewery floor." — Lindsey Durkin, Manager of Compensation, Boston Beer Company.

‍8. Kudos

Kudos fuels appreciation with peer recognition, personalized rewards, and AI-driven insights. It connects seamlessly with HR tools like BambooHR, SAP, and ADP. A great fit for companies prioritizing continuous team appreciation.

‍Key features

• Peer recognition system
• Customizable rewards catalog
• Advanced analytics
• Group eCards
• Integration with HRIS systems

Pros

• AI-powered assistance for personalized recognition
• Wide selection of rewards tailored to employee preferences
• Insights into employee engagement and recognition trends
• Encourages team appreciation and morale

Cons

• Some users find data tracking less detailed

Pricing

• Pricing upon request

Customer feedback

"Our members are at the heart of everything we do at DLL and through our partnership with Kudos, we seek to create a meaningful and rewarding experience for our members." — Teodora Pietrantuono, De Lage Landen Financial Services Canada Inc."The entire company continues to see the tremendous value in the Kudos program. Our employees enjoy the opportunity to recognize the little things all the way to grand achievements our team members make." — Robert Miller, Rocky Mountain Health Care Services

9. Cooleaf

‍Cooleaf makes engagement personal with custom programs, rewards, and DEI-focused features. It gamifies performance incentives while integrating with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Salesforce. Perfect for fostering collaboration and recognition in hybrid workplaces.

‍Key features

• Customized employee programs
• Automated performance incentives
• Employee recognition & rewards like experiences and branded merchandise
• Pulse surveys
• DEI-focused features
• Integration with HRIS systems.

Pros

• Strengthens team bonding by encouraging peer recognition
• Rewards employees through gift cards for participation in challenges
• Facilitates learning and collaboration among colleagues
• Standardized, easy-to-use platform for recognition

Cons

• A tutorial could improve usability for new users

Pricing

• Pricing upon request

Customer feedback

‍"...With Cooleaf we were able to use it as a lifeline to keep people together... We had a high participation rate and we’re really happy we were able to fundraise for the Make a Wish Foundation." — Cindy Boyles, Georgia's Own Credit Union"Cooleaf has been instrumental in helping us to create a positive team culture where employees feel valued and appreciated. It's a big part of the reason we've been honored as a “Best Place to Work” since 2016!" — Leslie Balmforth, Aprio

‍10. Bucketlist

‍Bucketlist effortlessly transforms employee appreciation with its user-friendly, points-based rewards system. Companies can customize everything—from reward names to milestone celebrations—making recognition personal and meaningful. Best suited for mid-sized companies looking to boost engagement with minimal hassle.

‍Key features

• Points-based, customizable rewards system
• Simple installation and intuitive design
• Saving option for bigger rewards

Pros

• Voted #1 easiest to use on G2
• Encourages appreciation across teams
• Customizable incentives based on employee preferences

Cons

• Slow loading times at times

Pricing

• Pricing upon request

Customer feedback"From the 16th to the 96th percentile in employee engagement in just five years—it’s been an amazing journey, and Bucketlist has played a key role." — Jody Martin, Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital"Bucketlist took our recognition from outdated to a game-changer." — Amy Cottrell, Marmon/Keystone

11. Motivosity

‍Motivosity fosters workplace recognition with automated service awards, peer appreciations, and custom incentives. Its integration with Slack, Teams, and HRIS makes it ideal for companies wanting seamless, data-driven employee engagement.

Key features

• Automated service awards & birthdays
• Peer recognition & global rewards
• Custom incentives & nomination awards
• Social feed & org charts
• Integration with HRIS systems.

Pros

• Keeps employees engaged and recognized with automated milestone celebrations
• Easy to highlight outstanding work and share feedback
• Useful for tracking company recognition and engagement trends
• Strong mobile functionality enhances accessibility

Cons

• Uploading videos and retrieving past posts can be challenging

Pricing

• Pricing upon request ($3,000 minimum annual spend)

Customer feedback

"Its user-friendly interface, emphasis on peer recognition, customizable employee rewards, real-time insights, seamless integration, and exceptional customer support make it an outstanding tool for all organizations." — Julie Johnson, Sonaca North America"Motivosity is a game changer! I love that we can see and celebrate the great things our employees are doing in a public forum." — Andy Hortin, AvantGuard Monitoring Centers, A Becklar Company

12. Reward Gateway

Reward Gateway offers a centralized hub for recognition, custom rewards, and employee communication. Its flexible system, including a branded mobile app, fits companies aiming to streamline appreciation and feedback.

Key features

• A centralized hub for rewards, recognition, and communication
• Custom rewards & redemption options
• Employee communications platform
• Branded mobile app

Pros

• Encourages appreciation through eCards, automated recognition, and manager-led rewards
• Flexible rewards tailored to company needs
• Gathers real-time feedback for continuous improvement
• Enables easy mobile access to rewards and recognition on the go

Cons

• Some features, like SmartBlogs, could be more user-friendly

Pricing

• Pricing upon request

Customer feedback

“I had expectations when I partnered with Reward Gateway - you have far and above exceeded those expectations...” — Stefany Chadbon-Hooke, Safe America Credit Union“The standout thing for me is that we feel really confident right now in the foundation that Reward Gateway has given us through these integrations...It gives us a huge advantage as we go into the future of DataBank and will help us to create a shared culture.” — JP Laqueur, DataBank

13. Mo

Mo transforms workdays into moments worth celebrating through customizable recognition, peer nominations, and performance analytics. The live feed keeps engagement high, making it a perfect fit for companies focused on nurturing people-first cultures.

Key features

• Customizable recognition
• Nomination & voting system
• Performance metrics & analytics
• Automated celebrations
• Rewards catalog
• Deep integration
• Mobile access

Pros

• Allows businesses to share rewards and recognize employees effectively
• Live feed promotes engagement and company culture
• Customizable recognition and reward system
• Strong analytics for HR and leadership teams

Cons

• Product catalog could be more intuitive to navigate

Pricing

• Pricing upon request

Customer feedback

“Mo helps make work fun, engaging, and a key part of welfare, mental health, and engagement – alongside your core values.” — Hazel Hogben, Interstate Hotels & Resorts“We have a fun, family-like culture here at Punch, and I knew straight away that Mo was the best fit and the platform I was pitching for.” — Claire Hanson, Punch Pubs

14. Achievers

Achievers recognizes and connects employees globally. Its social feed, expansive rewards marketplace, and real-time feedback tools create a culture of continuous appreciation. Ideal for multinational companies that want to bridge geographic gaps with meaningful recognition.

Key features

• Social feed for peer-to-peer recognition
• Global rewards marketplace with 3M+ options across 190 countries
• Real-time feedback tools
• Custom milestones and achievements
• Works with Workday, UKG Pro, and other systems

Pros

• Enhances employee recognition with a points-based system for rewards
• Comprehensive reporting features
• Intuitive and visually appealing interface
• Continuously evolving platform with excellent practices in recognition

Cons

• Some recognition submissions lack clear performance criteria

Pricing

• Pricing upon request

Customer feedback

‍"Using Achievers, we have been able to make recognition fun, inclusive, and global..." — Liz Smith, Kellanova"Achievers has really helped us engage and retain associates. In particular, those that aren't seated at a computer every day..." — Jacob Norman, Christus Health

15. WorkVivo

‍WorkVivo is where employee engagement meets social connectivity. Its goal-tracking, live-streaming, and knowledge-sharing features foster a sense of community. Best suited for large organizations aiming to amplify employee voices and strengthen internal culture.Key features

• Goal tracking, awards, and badges
• Knowledge base
• App launcher
• HR integrations
• Engagement insights

Pros

• User-friendly platform for company-wide engagement
• Strong feature set, including live-streamed events and company updates
• Responsive customer support
• Modern, visually appealing interface

Cons

• Some features may not be immediately intuitive

Pricing

• Business Plan: From $20,000 for 250–2,000 employees
• Enterprise Plan: Pricing upon request for 2,000+ employees

Customer feedback“The employee voice was absolutely the most important aspect of measuring and understanding what we needed to do next – and Workvivo sat right at the center of this for us.” — Mandy McDermott, Kent"Workvivo has transformed the way we engage and excite our employees worldwide” — Raquel Bonilla, TELUS International

How to Choose the Right Employee Incentive Software

‍When choosing the right employee recognition platform that suits your company values, start by assessing your goals: Are you enhancing engagement, streamlining employee awards, or looking to celebrate milestones?

1. Assess your needs: Small businesses may prefer simple employee recognition software, while larger ones benefit from robust employee experience platforms with analytics and multi-department tracking. Define your challenges and engagement strategy to avoid unnecessary complexity.
2. Budget and scalability: Consider more than cost. Does it offer ROI through reduced turnover or time savings? Are there hidden fees? The best employee recognition platforms scale with your growth without costly upgrades.
3. User experience: A feature-rich tool isn’t effective if it’s hard to use. Prioritize ease of onboarding, system compatibility, and responsive support.
4. Test before you invest: Leverage demos or trials. Test features, gather employee feedback, and spot potential roadblocks. This ensures the right employee recognition platform boosts morale with both monetary rewards and meaningful recognition.

‍Choosing employee incentive software isn’t just a tech decision; it’s a culture move. The right tool not only simplifies your processes but also transforms how employees feel about their work. So, take the time to weigh your options carefully. A little extra effort now will reward you tenfold with a happier, more engaged team later.

Ready to transform your team’s engagement? Start with ShareWillow. Book a demo today and take the first step toward a more motivated workforce.