Last Reviewed: November 25th, 2024

Best Performance Appraisal Tools Of 2024

What are Performance Appraisal Tools?

Performance appraisal tools are digital assistants that streamline the often-manual process of employee evaluations. Imagine ditching paper forms and spreadsheets for a software solution that simplifies feedback, goal setting, and performance tracking. These tools address the challenges of bias, inconsistency, and time-consuming paperwork. Benefits include improved communication between managers and employees, fairer and more data-driven evaluations, and a clearer path for employee development. Key functionalities include performance rating scales, 360-degree feedback options, and goal management features. Emerging features focus on AI-powered insights and automated reminders to ensure timely feedback conversations. Performance appraisal tools are valuable for businesses of all sizes, but especially those with remote teams or large workforces. While some solutions might lack customization options, the overall value proposition is clear. These tools empower businesses to create a culture of feedback and development, ultimately boosting employee performance and retention.

What Are The Key Benefits of Performance Appraisal Tools?

  • Reduced Bias & Inconsistency
  • Streamlined Feedback Process
  • Improved Communication (Mgr-Employee)
  • Clearer Goal Setting & Tracking
  • Data-Driven Performance Reviews
  • Enhanced Employee Development
  • 360-Degree Feedback Options (optional)
  • Automated Reminders & Deadlines
  • AI-Powered Performance Insights
  • Improved Employee Retention
Read more

Overall

Based on the latest available data collected by SelectHub for 44 solutions, we determined the following solutions are the best Performance Appraisal Tools overall:

Start Price
$7,500
Monthly
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android

Why We Picked Reflektive

Reviews of Reflektive highlight its user-friendly interface, flexibility, and effectiveness in streamlining performance reviews and fostering a feedback-rich culture. One user enthusiastically described Reflektive as a "game-changer," praising its ability to simplify performance reviews and cultivate a more feedback-oriented environment. Another user lauded Reflektive as the most user-friendly performance management software they've encountered, emphasizing its ease of setup and use, along with its significant contribution to improving their performance management processes.

While Reflektive receives accolades for its strengths, users also point out areas for improvement. Some users note the absence of a feature for comparing performance across quarters without opening multiple tabs, as well as the lack of an autosave function. Additionally, occasional bugs in the Outlook app and minor issues with single sign-on have been reported. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment toward Reflektive remains positive, with users consistently praising its ease of use, customizability, and ability to enhance performance management practices. The software's integration with Outlook, allowing users to give and receive feedback, prepare for check-ins, and update goals directly within their email client, is a standout feature that sets Reflektive apart from competitors like BetterUp.

Reflektive is well-suited for organizations of all sizes seeking to improve their performance management processes. Its user-friendly interface, flexibility, and effectiveness in facilitating feedback and goal setting make it a valuable tool for both small businesses and large enterprises. However, it's important to note that software capabilities and user experiences can evolve, so it's always a good idea to check for the latest information and reviews before making a decision.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Interface: The solution has a straightforward and streamlined user interface, according to 61% of users. It’s intuitive and facilitates easy navigation.
  • Goal Management: According to 85% of users who reviewed this pro, it has advanced goal management features to align user goals with the organizational goals.
  • Performance Management: About 80% of users who mentioned this pro said the solution has excellent performance management capabilities to facilitate employee engagement.
  • Better Collaboration and Feedback Management: Regarding this feature, approximately 100% of users said it encourages better collaboration with co-workers. It enables unbiased feedback delivery within the team.
  • Calibration Tools: Users have expressed a desire for more robust features to facilitate calibration meetings, specifically the ability to view and compare employee performance ratings side-by-side.
  • Goal Management: The platform's goal-setting functionality has been noted as an area for improvement, with users finding it somewhat cumbersome and lacking the flexibility needed for effective goal management.
  • Performance Review Process: Some users have found the performance review process to be rigid and lacking in customization options, making it difficult to tailor the system to their specific needs and preferences.

Key Features

  • Feedback Tools:  Facilitate a culture of continuous feedback. Write feedback in Outlook, Slack or Gmail and post it on the recognition wall for the whole team to read and use. Filter to see the information relevant to the users. View historical feedback and plug data directly into performance reviews. 
  • Goal Management: Set goals as public or private, view goal reports, use check-ins to pull up goals and talk about progress, recall real-time feedback for visibility and adjust goals as needed. 
  • Check-Ins: The check-in feature allows managers to construct questions for their employees to answer. It facilitates light conversations between managers and employees. 
  • Analytics and Reporting: Access data and visual reports by department, location and other sub-groups. Uncover biases, pinpoint achievements and view compensation information. 
  • Performance Reviews: Create performance reviews with anonymity settings and the option to customize question types. The system autosaves reviews and displays them in an intuitive format. It integrates with technologies such as BambooHR and Workday. 
  • 1:1 Meetings: Talk through Slack, email, Reflektive or mobile devices to set 1:1 agendas. Track conversations by date, follow-up on past items, use the system’s conversation starters and mark topics as discussed. Users can tie 1:1s back to goals and feedback. 
  • Employee Engagement: The employee engagement module provides anonymous surveys for employees to submit feedback on your organization. Gain access to HR insights with year-round surveys and polls. 
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android

Why We Picked Betterworks

Betterworks receives praise for its user-friendly interface and intuitive goal-setting features. Users appreciate the platform's ability to align individual goals with broader company objectives, fostering a sense of purpose and direction. The software's feedback tools facilitate continuous performance conversations, promoting employee development and engagement. However, some users note that the mobile app's functionality is limited compared to the desktop version. Additionally, while Betterworks integrates with various HR systems, some users desire more extensive integration options.

Betterworks distinguishes itself through its emphasis on continuous performance management and employee engagement. The platform's features encourage regular feedback, goal setting, and progress tracking, creating a culture of ongoing development and improvement. This focus on employee-centric performance management sets Betterworks apart from traditional performance review systems that often rely on annual or bi-annual evaluations. Consequently, Betterworks is well-suited for organizations seeking to cultivate a culture of feedback, growth, and employee engagement. The platform's flexibility and customization options make it adaptable to various company sizes and industries, particularly those with a modern approach to performance management.

Pros & Cons

  • Goal Alignment: Aligns individual goals with broader company objectives, fostering a sense of purpose and direction among employees.
  • Continuous Feedback: Enables regular feedback exchanges between managers and employees, promoting ongoing development and improvement.
  • Performance Calibration: Facilitates objective performance assessments by mitigating bias through calibration sessions.
  • Development Plans: Supports the creation of personalized development plans to help employees enhance their skills and knowledge.
  • Calibration Issues: Some users have expressed concerns about potential biases during the calibration process, where managers discuss and adjust employee performance ratings to ensure fairness and consistency. Ensuring objectivity and mitigating bias in calibration sessions is crucial for maintaining trust and fairness in the performance management system.
  • Goal Management Challenges: Users have mentioned that setting and aligning goals within Betterworks can be cumbersome, particularly when dealing with intricate organizational structures or complex goal hierarchies. Streamlining the goal-setting process and providing clear guidance on goal alignment can enhance the user experience and promote effective goal management.
  • Limited Customization: Betterworks offers a range of features and functionalities, but some users have noted limitations in customizing the platform to meet their specific needs and preferences. Providing greater flexibility and customization options would empower organizations to tailor the platform to their unique performance management processes and requirements.

Key Features

  • Goals Alignment: Foster individual goal alignment with organization objectives and key results (OKRs) or the FAST goal methodology and quarterly progress reviews. It allows users to quickly view the most pertinent information and interact with goal progress on the activity stream. Integrations to Slack and other applications allow users to bring goal management into their workflow. 
  • Conversations, Feedback and Recognition: Automate goal alignment conversations, regular goal check-ins and career development conversations. Templates for each type of conversation are provided for managers and can be customized by department, job level and business objectives. Conversations can consist of free text and quantitative sources. Peer feedback may be requested or scheduled at any time.  
  • Calibration: Manage talent calibration and succession planning with an intuitive drag-and-drop box UI. Users can filter by department, level, job type, gender and more to provide up-to-date information concerning employee performance and development. 
  • Engagement: Betterworks acquired Hyphen, an employee voice and engagement platform, which has expanded system capabilities to provide automated surveys and polls. They can be configured to reach specific teams or the entire organization; time or event-based launch triggers allow you to customize frequency. The system enables users to create custom action plans based on real-time survey results. Polls help to identify emerging trends and create action plans quickly. 
  • Insights and Analytics: The system allows users to gather talent insights into engagement, career development and manager effectiveness. The input integrates with your HRIS to encourage a smooth flow of processes. 
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android

Why We Picked Performance Pro

Is Performance Pro a real performance "pro"? Performance Pro is a customizable and automated performance management platform that helps businesses manage talent. It offers features like performance reviews, compensation management, and succession planning. Users praise its user-friendliness and customizability, particularly the ability to tailor content libraries with competencies and tools for meaningful feedback and goal setting. This empowers employees to take ownership of their professional development and aligns goals with strategic objectives, boosting performance and achievement across the organization.

However, some users have pointed out limitations. They desire more robust reporting functionalities and integrations with other HR systems. Despite these drawbacks, Performance Pro stands out for its focus on driving employee development and aligning individual goals with organizational objectives. This makes it ideal for businesses prioritizing talent development and performance improvement. Its customizable features cater to various organizational needs and sizes, making it a versatile solution for businesses seeking to streamline performance management processes and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Pros & Cons

  • Streamlined Goal Setting: Performance Pro simplifies the process of setting goals and aligning them with organizational objectives, making it easier for managers and employees to track progress and measure success.
  • Enhanced Performance Reviews: The platform offers tools for conducting more effective performance reviews, including customizable templates, 360-degree feedback, and performance analytics, enabling managers to provide more meaningful feedback and development opportunities.
  • Improved Employee Engagement: Performance Pro fosters a culture of continuous feedback and development, which can lead to increased employee engagement and motivation.
  • Data-Driven Insights: The platform provides valuable data and insights into employee performance, allowing organizations to make more informed decisions about talent management.
  • Difficult to Use: Users have reported that the platform is not intuitive and requires extensive training to use effectively. This can lead to frustration and wasted time for HR staff and employees.
  • Limited Functionality: Some users have expressed disappointment with the limited functionality of Performance Pro, particularly in areas such as compensation management and succession planning. This can make it difficult for organizations to fully leverage the platform for their talent management needs.
  • Poor Customer Support: Several users have cited poor customer support as a major drawback of Performance Pro. They have reported long wait times, unhelpful responses, and a lack of follow-up from the support team.

Key Features

  • Performance Management:  
    • Pay For Performance: Grant monetary rewards as employees reach their goals using tools such as merit budget allocation, competitive salary data and automated merit increase modeling. 
    • Automation: Create multiple workflows to orchestrate evaluations, employee development and check-ins, customize definitions for ratings, competency and weightings and use single sign-on capabilities. 
    • Goal Management: Set workplace performance goals and track progress by receiving updates. Store and view goals in the goal library and repository. 
    • Feedback: Provide timely evaluations in between annual reviews using real-time feedback tools and 360 views. Keep up to date with reviews by receiving check-in reminders and notifications. 
  • Compensation Management:  
    • Market Data: Attract top talent with credible salary data, salary grades and ranges and a step-by-step job evaluation process. 
    • Equal Pay: Capitalize on external market data, professional compensation consultants and internal salary range benchmarking to identify equal pay for equal work. Use market adjustments to structure compensation based on internal and external market factors. 
    • Merit Pay Modeling: Produce and compare merit paying models based on performances based on company budgets, allocations to managers and automated merit and bonus approvals. 
    • Pay For Performance: Classify top performers and potential flight risks using in-depth analytical tools. Create discretionary merit plans and plans that recognize head contributors. 
    • Automation: Automate job evaluation and benchmarking, merit scenario planning and annual salary updates to reduce the need for manual compensation processes. 
  • Learning Management:  
    • Career Development Plan: Develop employee skills along suitable learning paths based on current and future positions. Tailor training with specific courses and use knowledge retention tools to test and apply what employees have learned. 
    • Learning Program: Kickstart new hires into the business with customizable vision, mission and organizational culture lessons and learning paths to develop fundamental skills on products and services. Use assignment and tracking tools for required and role-based classes. 
    • Learning Content: Choose from over 1,000 courses from a library and select them based on skill areas such as HR, IT, sales and more. Personalize learning with the integrated course authoring system. 
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android

Why We Picked PerformYard

Stepping into the realm of performance management software, PerformYard emerges as a compelling contender, capturing the attention of users with its user-friendly interface and adaptable framework. Reviews highlight its intuitive design, making it accessible even for those with limited technical expertise. This ease of use is a significant advantage, as it allows teams to quickly adopt and utilize the software without a steep learning curve.

PerformYard's flexibility further distinguishes it from competitors. The software's ability to conform to the unique requirements of diverse organizations empowers users to tailor it to their specific workflows and performance evaluation processes. This adaptability ensures that PerformYard seamlessly integrates into existing systems, rather than forcing organizations to conform to rigid software structures. Additionally, PerformYard offers a comprehensive suite of features encompassing goal setting, performance reviews, and compensation management, providing a holistic solution for performance management needs. Users particularly appreciate the goal-setting functionality, which facilitates clear communication and alignment between employees and managers.

While PerformYard receives widespread acclaim, some users note that certain reporting functions could be more intuitive. However, these minor drawbacks are overshadowed by the software's overall strengths. PerformYard is an ideal choice for organizations seeking a user-friendly, adaptable, and feature-rich performance management solution. Its intuitive design, flexibility, and comprehensive features make it suitable for businesses of all sizes and across various industries.

Pros & Cons

  • Usability: The solution is easy to use, according to 100% of users. It’s easy to navigate with icons and a concise dashboard.
  • Customer Support: According to 100% of users who reviewed this pro, the customer support team is responsive and knowledgeable. The team provides excellent training and guidance to the users.
  • Performance Management: About 100% of users who mentioned this pro said it has excellent performance management capabilities. The ability to provide timely reviews and feedback about employee performance is outstanding.
  • Goal Management: Regarding this feature, approximately 84% of users said that creating, tracking and managing goals is straightforward. Users can produce measurable and consistent goals for the employees that can be customized and updated at any time according to the business needs.
  • Calibration: Users have expressed frustration with the calibration tools, finding them to be cumbersome and lacking the desired level of intuitiveness for effectively managing performance reviews.
  • Integrations: The platform's integration capabilities with other HR and business systems have been a point of contention for some users, as they may require additional configuration or customization to achieve seamless data flow.
  • Reporting: Users have noted limitations in the reporting functionality, particularly in generating customized reports or accessing granular data for in-depth performance analysis.

Key Features

  • Performance Reviews: Allows users to customize performance reviews with a variety of question types to choose from. Set a cadence for review cycles and enable email reminders. A live progress dashboard provides an overview so that users can track review progress and check on participation levels. Performance reviews may incorporate 360s, input from people across the organization, as well as external input.  
  • Goal Management: Break down goals based on their owner, expectation, timeline and contributions with the visual goal cascade feature. These classifications help with assigning responsibilities and breaking the goal into separate, actionable steps. Individual goals have a repository for updates, feedback and collaboration. Users can link goals to reviews. 
  • Continuous Feedback: Provide recognition for employees on the activity stream, provide 1:1 feedback that can be shared with employees’ managers and follow-up with them throughout their time at the organization. Users can inform managers about employee performance with a full track record of their team that can be filtered by date, contributor and type. Users can write private performance notes. 
  • Reporting: Automatically generate reports and visualizations for goals and review data. Reporting also includes review cycle dashboards, a stacked bar chart, performance values nine-box grid, segmented reports, performance trends and custom form reports. 
  • General HR: Access a couple of general HR features such as onboarding workflows, document storage, company directory, enterprise security, activity logs and employee data. 
  • Automation: Leverage automation for email reminders, single sign-on implementation, E-Signature capabilities and more. All employee data is automatically collected, encrypted and stored within the system. Managers can distribute reviews with one click as well as export them to PDF. 
  • Integrations: ntegrates with ADP, BambooHR, Slack, G Suite, Office 365, Okta and OneLogin. These integrations provide synchronicity of business processes, mitigating the need to log into several applications every morning. 
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android

Key Features

  • Performance Analysis: Employees can provide managers with a perspective of their performance review through self-assessment. Managers can access employee information in a centralized location to improve the quality of performance feedback. 
  • 360-Degree Feedback: Access valuable insights about management, teams and employee performance with both peer and external feedback. Summary reports for all types of feedback also available. 
  • Check-Ins: Adjust check-in cycles and access reports for check-ins to analyze the quality of check-ins. 
  • Recognition: Appreciate high-performing employees and share recognition on the organization dashboard. Access an employees’ recognition for the entire year on their performance review. 
  • Goals: Manage OKRs and monitor individual, team, department and organizational goals with activity logs and integrated check-ins. 
  • Reporting: Analyze performance reports for employees, teams and managers to recognize and reward high-performing employees, which helps improve employee engagement. Track at-risk or near completion goals as well. 
  • Surveys: Track employee engagement and analyze workplace satisfaction to increase retention with surveys and filtered reports. 
  • Content Library: Build and track learning processes while gaining efficiency with reminders and reporting. 
  • Integrations: Integrate seamlessly using API and SFTP with platforms like ADP, Kronos, BambooHR and more. 
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android

Why We Picked 15Five

Navigating the sea of performance management software can feel overwhelming, but 15Five emerges as a compelling option with a range of features designed to streamline the employee evaluation process. Let's dive into how users over the past year have weighed in on 15Five's strengths, weaknesses, and unique offerings.

15Five receives consistent praise for its user-friendly interface, making it accessible for both managers and employees. The platform's versatility shines through its ability to adapt to various organizational needs, whether it's setting goals, tracking OKRs, or facilitating regular check-ins. Users appreciate the seamless integration with popular HRIS tools like ADP and Workday, as well as productivity apps such as Slack and Microsoft Teams. Affordability is another advantage, with pricing plans that cater to businesses of all sizes. However, some users note that the initial setup can be time-consuming, and mastering all the features may require a learning curve.

In comparison to competitors like Lattice and BambooHR, 15Five stands out with its emphasis on continuous feedback and employee engagement. Features like "High Fives" for peer recognition and pulse surveys for gauging sentiment contribute to a culture of open communication and appreciation. The platform's focus on objectives and key results (OKRs) aligns individual goals with broader company objectives, fostering a sense of purpose and direction. 15Five is particularly well-suited for organizations that prioritize regular feedback, goal alignment, and employee engagement. Its intuitive design and comprehensive features make it a valuable tool for businesses seeking to cultivate a thriving and high-performing workforce.

Pros & Cons

  • Promotes Regular Feedback: The platform encourages consistent communication between managers and their team members through features like weekly check-ins and pulse surveys, which helps to identify and address issues promptly.
  • Streamlines Performance Reviews: 15Five simplifies the performance review process by providing tools for goal setting, progress tracking, and feedback delivery, making it more efficient and less time-consuming for both managers and employees.
  • Enhances Employee Engagement: The platform's focus on continuous feedback and recognition helps employees feel valued and connected to their work, leading to increased engagement and motivation.
  • Provides Valuable Insights: 15Five offers reporting and analytics features that give managers insights into team performance, engagement levels, and potential areas for improvement.
  • Supports Goal Alignment: The platform allows for clear goal setting and tracking, ensuring that individual and team goals are aligned with overall company objectives.
  • Limited Customization: The platform's rigid structure might not accommodate the diverse needs of all organizations, especially those with unique performance review processes or industry-specific requirements.
  • Learning Curve: Users accustomed to traditional performance management systems might find 15Five's approach and interface to be unfamiliar, requiring additional time and effort to adapt.
  • Integrations: The platform's compatibility with existing HR and payroll systems could be a concern for organizations seeking seamless data integration and workflow automation.

Key Features

  • Engagement Surveys: Measure employee growth, productivity and satisfaction with accurate quantitative surveys. Choose from 30 templates with more than 100 question options to craft a survey that fits any company or employee group. 
  • Science-Backed Performance Growth: Uncover insightful data-driven strategies with the platform’s Full Potential Index, a measurement of a maximized employee, group and company. Extrapolate trends and employee insights to create strategies for quantifiable growth on the Full Potential Index. 
  • Supportive Engagement: Offer feedback and celebration with digital High Fives. Establish a public or private recognition strategy for remote and on-site employees, or send an external High Five beyond company scope. 
    • Feedback Opportunities: Increase communication with check-ins and allow employees to raise concerns as well as celebrate successes. 
  • Improved Assessments: Bypass traditional self- and- manager assessments with the Best-Self Review. Focus on strengths and growth areas with quarterly or semi-annually distributed Competency Assessments. 
  • Feedback Initiation: Allow employees to send digital requests to administrators. Specify the type and timing of actionable feedback with positive, constructive and mixed prompts. 
  • Weekly Check-Ins: Schedule two-step, 15-minute check-ins to be completed weekly by employees. Take action with in-app follow-ups, performance reviews, future agendas and at-risk tracking. 
  • Individual Focus: Organize guided 1-on-1s between employees and administrators with templates, talking points and action items to be covered together. Record notes and create OKR action items as managers facilitate discussions. 
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android

Why We Picked Performly Talent

Reviews for Performly Talent over the past year reveal a user base that generally praises its ease of use and its effectiveness in fostering a culture of continuous feedback. Many users, particularly in fast-growing startups and SMBs, appreciate how Performly Talent streamlines the performance management process with features like automated reminders and goal tracking. This allows managers to ditch annual review dread and instead have more frequent, focused conversations with employees, which reviewers note leads to higher morale and engagement. Performly Talent's user-friendly interface is also a hit, with many comparing it favorably to competitors that can feel clunky and complex.

However, some reviewers highlight limitations that may be dealbreakers for certain companies. Performly Talent's customization options are somewhat limited, which can be frustrating for organizations with unique workflows or complex review processes. For instance, a company with a multi-layered review structure requiring input from various stakeholders might find Performly Talent inflexible. Additionally, while Performly Talent offers a mobile app, some users report it lacks the full functionality of the desktop version. This can be a pain point for employees or managers who prefer on-the-go access to performance management tools. Finally, Performly Talent seems to cater best to small and medium-sized businesses. Large enterprises with massive workforces may find its features and reporting capabilities inadequate for handling a high volume of employee data.

In conclusion, Performly Talent shines for startups, SMBs, and any organization seeking a user-friendly and affordable performance management solution. Its focus on continuous feedback and streamlined workflows fosters a more engaged workforce. However, companies with highly customized review processes or very large employee populations might be better suited for a more scalable and feature-rich enterprise solution.

Pros & Cons

  • Streamlines Performance Management: Performly Talent automates tasks like scheduling reviews and collecting feedback, freeing up valuable time for managers and employees. This allows for more frequent check-ins and focused development conversations, leading to a more engaged workforce.
  • Boosts Employee Engagement: Performly Talent facilitates a culture of continuous feedback through features like goal setting and recognition tools. Employees appreciate regular recognition and the ability to track their progress, resulting in higher morale and motivation.
  • Improves Data-Driven Decision Making: Performly Talent tracks performance metrics and generates reports that provide insights into strengths, weaknesses, and development areas. This data can be used to tailor training programs, adjust resource allocation, and make informed choices to benefit both employees and the company.
  • Limited Customization: While user-friendly, Performly Talent's customization options can feel restrictive. This may limit its effectiveness for organizations with unique workflows or complex performance review processes. Imagine a company with a multi-step review process requiring manager and peer approvals. Performly Talent might lack the flexibility to accommodate this specific structure.
  • Focus on SMB Needs: Performly Talent excels for small and medium-sized businesses. However, larger enterprises with extensive workforces may find its features insufficient to manage a high volume of employees. Think of a multinational corporation with thousands of employees spread across the globe. Performly Talent's reporting and data capabilities might struggle to handle such a large scale effectively.
  • Limited Mobile Functionality: While there is a mobile app, some users report it lacks full feature parity compared to the desktop version. This can be frustrating for employees or managers who prefer to access performance management tools on the go. Imagine a manager who wants to provide quick feedback during a client visit but finds the mobile app limited in functionality.

Key Features

  • Goal Setting & Tracking: Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals for individuals and teams. Track progress visually and receive automated reminders to ensure everyone stays on target. Imagine a marketing team setting a goal to increase website traffic by 20% in Q2 – Performly Talent can help them track their progress week-over-week and identify any adjustments needed.
  • 360-Degree Feedback: Gather feedback from managers, peers, subordinates, and even clients to get a holistic view of an employee's performance. This multi-source feedback approach provides a well-rounded perspective and fosters a culture of development.
  • Performance Reviews: Facilitate efficient performance reviews with customizable templates and automated workflows. Managers can easily document achievements, provide feedback, and set development goals – all within the Performly Talent platform.
  • Feedback Management: Encourage a continuous feedback loop by allowing employees to request and receive feedback anytime. This fosters a growth mindset and helps employees understand their strengths and weaknesses on an ongoing basis.
  • Development Plans: Create personalized development plans based on individual performance reviews and feedback. These plans can include specific training courses, mentorship opportunities, or stretch assignments to help employees reach their full potential.
  • Reporting & Analytics: Generate comprehensive reports that provide insights into individual and team performance. These reports can be used to identify trends, track progress towards goals, and make data-driven decisions about talent development.
  • Recognition & Rewards: Recognize and reward employee achievements to boost morale and keep them engaged. Performly Talent allows for public or private recognition, as well as integration with reward programs.
  • Mobile App: Access key Performly Talent features on the go with the mobile app. Employees can review their goals, provide feedback, and stay up-to-date on their performance anytime, anywhere.
  • Integrations: Integrate Performly Talent with your existing HRIS (Human Resource Information System) and other business tools to streamline workflows and centralize employee data.
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android

Why We Picked SuccessFactors

SuccessFactors provides full integration with all HR modules and can connect to other SAP solutions, such as finance to materials. With extensive customization, integration and analytics, it can be of great use for planning, developing and implementing HR strategies.

According to our analysts, SAP SuccessFactors scores a 79, leading in applicant tracking and recruiting, document management, and succession management.

It includes AI-assisted screening, LinkedIn applicant prospecting, automated tax documents, succession planning, offline course access and employee lifecycle tracking, helping HR cover core tasks today and plan for the future.

It’s gotten praise for its strong support team, which is responsive and customer-focused, although users sometimes experience delays in resolving issues. The platform excels as a comprehensive HR solution, integrating various functions into a single system that streamlines processes and reduces costs.

While there's a learning curve for most, the majority found it worth the work to centralize all things HR, especially with its AI capabilities. Recent updates have improved the UI design, though some users indicate growing pains with release-related glitches and complex integrations.

SAP SuccessFactors pricing starts at $10 per user per month with a free trial.

SuccessFactors makes recruitment easier with tools for job postings, tracking candidates, evaluating resumes and managing interviews. Its AI-assisted screening matches candidates to job requirements more efficiently.

The onboarding module speeds up the process for new hires by automating paperwork, setting up training and ensuring a smoother transition into the company. Overall, SuccessFactors helps identify and nurture internal talent for future leadership roles, creating a smooth succession plan and minimizing the impact of turnover.

Pros & Cons

  • Support Quality: The support team is highly regarded for its responsiveness and customer service. It’s praised for being helpful and treating customers well, although there can be occasional wait times for resolution.
  • One-Stop-Shop for HR: Most users appreciate the system's ability to integrate various HR functions into a single platform, which can streamline processes and reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO).
  • Goal Setting Flexibility: The learning module is seen as robust and flexible, making it easy to set and manage goals. Users can select from a library of goals or add their own, which facilitates effective goal setting and tracking.
  • Recruitment Management: According to most users, the recruitment module eases the entire process, including job postings, candidate selection, resume evaluation, interview scheduling and offer management. The applicant tracking and AI-assisted screening features were noted for improving time to hire.
  • Getting Started: Many find SAP SuccessFactors complex, especially for new users. The system is described as intricate and sophisticated, leading to a steep initial learning curve.
  • Reporting Woes: Users find the reporting options pretty restricted, with not much room to customize dashboards and reports. This lack of flexibility makes it tough to tailor reports to fit specific needs.
  • User Experience and Interface: The user interface (UI) has received mixed feedback. Some users feel it's outdated and clunky, with hiccups like confusing time-off calculations and cumbersome goal-setting processes.
  • Updates: While the support team is effective at troubleshooting integration issues, some users have experienced release-related breakdowns. On the flip side, other users noted recent updates have improved the UI, making it easier to navigate with new icons and better drill-downs.

Key Features

  • Joule: Use a virtual assistant to guide employees through the feedback process with easy-to-follow steps and prompts. Joule lets employees update their info right away (like location and working hours) without bouncing around multiple screens. It also streamlines promotion requests by guiding managers through the process and setting effective dates.
  • Automatic Tax Document Generation: Generate essential tax documents automatically, reducing administrative workload and ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
  • Payroll: Simplify payroll with automated pay calculations while ensuring compliance with both local and international rules to function globally. Plus, the self-service option lets employees easily access their information.
  • Time and Attendance Management: Automate time-consuming tasks like calculating hours worked and managing absences to make scheduling more efficient.
  • Recruiting and Onboarding: Create profiles, apply for jobs and track applications through a career portal. Employees can share openings and earn rewards for referrals. Recruiters can manage interviews based on candidate availability and location and provide a personalized onboarding experience.
  • Learning and Development: Use the earning management system (LMS) for all your learning needs, from succession planning to career development. It handles assessments, offline courses, training schedules, and tracking employee progress and course completion.
  • Performance and Compensation: Track employee performance to find top talent while providing feedback to help your team set and achieve goals. Reward employees with compensation programs and keep your numbers in line with budget modeling.
  • Workforce Planning: Modeling and analysis features provide insight into financials and scenario-based outcomes. Allocate resources effectively with budget planning, anticipate staffing requirements with workforce forecasting and reduce schedule conflicts with alerts.
  • Personalized Recommendations: The benefits plan recommendation tool offers a personalized ranking of benefits plans, providing employees with tailored recommendations to better meet their specific needs.
  • HR Analytics: Understand your company's data with insights on performance, turnover, diversity and more. Benchmark against peers and analyze HR data in detail. Use dashboards and reports to identify issues and spot trends.
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android

Why We Picked Oracle HCM Cloud

According to our data, Oracle HCM Cloud leads in succession management, reporting, applicant tracking, and recruiting and payroll management.

Oracle HCM Cloud is tailored to meet diverse human capital management needs across various industries for businesses of all sizes. Users commonly appreciate its seamless integration capabilities and user-friendly mobile access. The platform's robust management features ensure reliable maintenance and security for data privacy.

However, initial setup can be challenging, requiring a learning curve for new users. Feedback from users highlights areas such as referral tracking, interview feedback workflows and job offer processes that lack customization options.

Additionally, some users have noted limitations in the reporting functionality, suggesting room for improvement in data analysis capabilities.

Oracle HCM Cloud operates on a pricing model starting from $4 per employee per month, making it accessible for varying business sizes. It offers a free trial for prospective users to explore before committing.

Training resources include live online sessions, videos and webinars. It also has comprehensive support options such as email, phone, chat, FAQs, forums, a help desk, knowledge base and a ticketing system. 24/7 live support ensures assistance is available whenever needed.

Industries commonly leveraging Oracle HCM Cloud include technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail sectors, benefiting from its scalable solutions and tailored industry-specific functionalities.

Oracle HCM is well-regarded for its user-friendly interface, effective integration of HR functions, and strong customer support. It provides significant benefits in streamlining HR processes and enhancing data reliability.

In contrast, it struggles with customization, mobile application robustness and user communication. The quarterly release cycle can also be a hurdle for some organizations, though it typically becomes more manageable over time.

Organizations with robust in-house IT capabilities are particularly well-positioned to deploy and manage Oracle HCM Cloud effectively, maximizing its potential benefits for their HR management needs.

Pros & Cons

  • Usability: Oracle HCM is praised for its intuitive and visually appealing user interface, which makes it easy for beginners to learn and navigate. The system’s workflows streamline processes, enhancing productivity and minimizing non-value-added work.
  • Functionality and Integration: The tool excels in integrating various HR functions into a single platform, offering good connectivity and the ability to define and execute global templates. This integration supports enhanced analytics, real-time reporting and a unified HR experience across different countries.
  • Customer Support: The sales and technical teams are noted for their people-oriented approach and strong support. Oracle HCM has improved its customer engagement model and actively works to understand and respond to customer feedback.
  • Flexibility and Adaptability: The product's extensible configuration allows it to adapt to an organization’s specific needs, making it easier to tailor the application.
  • Customization Limits: While the system is generally flexible, it has limitations in areas such as user rights management and the ability to introduce new ideas to Oracle Development. There’s room for improvement in how user rights and areas of responsibility are managed.
  • Communication Inconsistency: There is a noted inconsistency in user communication within the app. For example, email notifications and other communication features vary in sophistication, affecting the overall customer experience.
  • Quarterly Releases: The frequency of updates (four times a year) is viewed as too frequent by some users, creating challenges in managing and implementing these updates effectively. While initially challenging, users generally adapt over time.

Key Features

  • Global Human Resources: The software streamlines global, local, and industry-specific needs, driving efficiency across cultures and countries. It offers work-life solutions, an HR help desk, a workforce directory, strategic planning, modeling, predictions, and payroll and benefits management.
  • Employee Information: Employees can manage their personal information, benefit enrollments, absences and leaves, as well as view reimbursement slips and total compensation.
  • Worker Lifecycle: This feature supports end-to-end employee management — hiring, management and termination — keeping applicable legislation and global practices in view.
  • Rule-Driven Processing: The suite helps manage unions, collective labor, worker agreements and policies while staying compliant.
  • Talent Management: The talent management cloud empowers talent lifecycle stages so employers can hire the right people, nurture growth and employee development, manage succession, and more.
  • AI Apps: Artificial intelligence and data-driven functionalities improve the candidate pool quality, increase employee engagement, decrease time to hire and optimize organizational processes.
  • Advanced HCM Controls: This function helps control exception workflows, automate analysis to comply with privacy regulations like GDPR and prevent payroll errors.
  • Workforce Management: Workforce management solutions help talent managers build an agile workforce through effortless time and labor tracking, time calculation, cost control, and managed compliance risks.
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android

Why We Picked NEOGOV

Recent user reviews from the past year suggest that while not flawless, NEOGOV generally hits the mark. Customers rave about its user-friendly interface, making complex HR tasks like onboarding and performance management a breeze. One user, a Human Resources Assistant Director with over two years of experience using the software, praised NEOGOV for its intuitive design, stating that it streamlined their HR processes and eliminated the need for multiple platforms. This ease of use is a key differentiator for NEOGOV, as many competing products are often bogged down by clunky interfaces and convoluted workflows.

However, some users have voiced concerns about NEOGOV's customer support, citing inconsistent experiences and occasional delays in response times. Additionally, a few users have reported the need to find workarounds within the payroll module to ensure accurate information, which can be a pain point for organizations that rely on seamless payroll processing. Despite these hiccups, NEOGOV's strengths in user experience, comprehensive features, and focus on the public sector make it a solid choice for government HR departments looking to streamline their operations and improve efficiency.

Think of it like this: NEOGOV is like a well-organized filing cabinet that makes finding the right document a breeze, but occasionally, you might need to call a helpful colleague to locate a misplaced file. Overall, NEOGOV is best suited for government agencies and public sector organizations seeking a user-friendly and feature-rich HR solution tailored to their specific needs, particularly those who prioritize ease of use and streamlined workflows over lightning-fast customer support.

Pros & Cons

  • User-Friendly Interface: NEOGOV is recognized for its intuitive design, making it easy for HR professionals to navigate and perform tasks efficiently.
  • Streamlined HR Processes: The software centralizes and automates various HR functions, such as recruiting, onboarding, and performance management, reducing manual effort and improving overall efficiency.
  • Comprehensive Features: NEOGOV offers a wide range of features, including applicant tracking, payroll, time and attendance, and benefits administration, catering to the diverse needs of government HR departments.
  • Robust Analytics and Reporting: The software provides insightful data and reporting capabilities, enabling HR professionals to make data-driven decisions and track key metrics.
  • Public Sector Expertise: NEOGOV is specifically designed for the public sector, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and addressing the unique requirements of government organizations.
  • Customer Support Challenges: Some users have reported inconsistent experiences with the responsiveness and effectiveness of NEOGOV's customer support team.
  • Payroll Accuracy Issues: A subset of users have found it necessary to implement workarounds within the payroll module to ensure accurate calculation of wages and deductions.

Key Features

  • Candidate Scoring: Screens candidates automatically. After screening, testing and interview, it produces weighted scores based on customizable criteria to show hiring managers which applicants are the strongest. 
  • ATS Reporting: Offers over 90 reports, ranging from standard and advanced to ad-hoc. Dashboards provide real-time data to stay on top of metrics like job health. Also analyzes recruitment timelines. 
  • Background Checks: Integrates with vendors such as AssureHire, CIC Credit, Verified First, Alliance 2020, Checkr and others to run a variety of background checks. Includes EEOC and FCRA requirements to support compliant hiring. 
  • Integration With GovernmentJobs.com: Connect with the most-used job board for the public sector, gaining access to nearly 40 million candidate profiles. Integration with Insight helps manage the hiring pipeline from one location to easily manage job listings and let applicants self-schedule interviews. 
  • E-Forms: Build workflows with processes that can be started manually or automatically. Provides notifications and reminders. Employees can follow the status of their forms via the self-service portal. 
  • Document Management: Stores all forms created during each employee’s time with the company, making records accessible from a central, online location. 
  • Self-Service Portal: Allows employees to view pay stubs, request PTO and edit personal information. Actions requiring manager approval automatically trigger the approval process. 
  • Continuous Feedback: Includes: 
    •  Continuous communication, whether for goal-tracking, feedback or any other need. 
    •  Scheduled check-ins and tools like journal entries that make it easy to review performance and rate employees. 
    •  Performance improvement plans, which can be documented at every step. 
  • Sector-Specific Learning Courses: Offers a catalog of off-the-shelf courses specific to the public sector, including Human Capital, Health and Safety, Public Works, and Law Enforcement. 
  • Learning Management: Offers: 
    •  Several course options: build-your-own courses, over 400 premade courses from the library and third-party content thanks to SCORM compatibility. 
    •  A mobile-friendly interface, certifications and course grouping for organization. 
    •  Tools to monitor course completion and learner progress. 
    •  Reports for compliance purposes. 
  • Core HR: Provides an employee database for data management, along with benefits administration. Seamlessly connects with the payroll and time and attendance solutions. 
  • Payroll: Supports common requirements such as overtime, 9/80 time rules, retropays, meal penalty and future dating. Supports compliance with laws that impact payroll. Can be integrated with accounting software or any general ledger used at a company. 
  • Time and Attendance: Structure shifts and schedules based on business needs. Mobile time entry tools and time clocks connect with digital timesheets to easily record clock-in and clock-out data, eliminating manual errors to ensure accurate payroll. 

COMPARE THE BEST Performance Appraisal Tools

Select up to 2 Products from the list below to compare

 
Product
Score
Start Price
Free Trial
Company Size
Deployment
Platform
Logo
$7,500
Monthly
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
$7
Per User, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
$2
Per Employee, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
$5
Per User, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Still gathering data
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
$6
Per User, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
$4
Per User, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
$10
Per User, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
$4
Per Employee, Monthly
Yes
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android
Undisclosed
No
Small Medium Large
Cloud On-Premise
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android

All Performance Appraisal Tools (44 found)

Narrow down your solution options easily





X  Clear Filter

SuccessFactors

by SAP, Inc.
SuccessFactors
SuccessFactors HR by SAP is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) solution designed for businesses of all sizes across various industries.This cloud-based software is ideal for organizations looking to streamline basic HR functions while also driving strategic initiatives and planning. Users appreciate its advanced features for recruitment management, onboarding, time off tracking, time off planning, and goal structure flexibility, which enhance employee engagement and streamline HR processes.In contrast, some users find the overall user interface to be outdated and clunky on certain pages. Additionally, the software’s extensive capabilities can make it complex to learn and require a time investment to fully understand and leverage its sophisticated features.Regardless of your industry, finding and hiring the right talent quickly is a major challenge. SuccessFactors HR tackles this with advanced recruitment tools that streamline the hiring process, from job requisition to candidate selection.SuccessFactors ranks in our list of the top five overall HR products and the top ten for applicant tracking, benefits management, compensation management, document management, onboarding, self service, learning management, performance management and more.It uses AI and machine learning to enhance candidate matching and speed up recruitment, making it easier to find and onboard top talent.Flexible goal structures and comprehensive onboarding solutions boost employee engagement and retention. These features help set clear performance objectives, track progress, and create a more engaging onboarding experience, contributing to a positive workplace culture and better retention.SuccessFactors HR simplifies time off management with its accessible tracking and planning features, allowing employees to easily request and manage leave.Benefits scenario modeling is available with workarounds, compared to some competitors like UKG Pro and Oracle HCM Cloud that don’t currently support it. As a leader in document management, it earns our highest score for tax document automatic generation, access controls and document sharing.SuccessFactors HR pricing varies based on organization size, the specific modules required and the level of customization needed. SAP typically provides customized pricing based on the organization's needs and the scale of implementation.For an accurate quote, businesses should contact SAP or an authorized SAP partner to discuss their specific requirements and receive a tailored pricing proposal.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 or less
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android

Oracle HCM Cloud

by Oracle America
Oracle HCM Cloud
Oracle HCM Cloud, also known as Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM, is a full-featured set of tools designed to help with modern HR and talent management. With a user sentiment of 83% and a product score of 84, it earns recognition as one of our top five HR products. It’s also featured as number one on our leaderboard for applicant tracking and platform capabilities.It combines advanced analytics and various modules to meet your diverse HR needs, whether you're operating on a smaller scale or at a global organization.HCM Analytics within Oracle Cloud shines a light on key workforce insights, helping even entry-level HR professionals make informed decisions about diversity, employee retention and talent acquisition.Modules like workforce management, talent profiles, diversity and inclusion, and performance management are pre-built for quick deployment and usage so your team can hit the ground running without having to customize everything from scratch.The human resources component offers core functionalities, including benefits administration, workforce directory and predictive workforce modeling. It ensures compliance with local regulations while enhancing operational efficiency through features like HR help desk support, advanced HCM controls using AI and a digital assistant for streamlined processes.Talent management capabilities encompass recruiting, onboarding, performance tracking, career development and succession planning.Users appreciate 24/7 support via chat and phone, managing the entire employee lifecycle in one place, and a design that's simple and easy to navigate. On the flip side, some users had a hard time customizing the system and found implementation tricky.Pricing starts at $4 per employee per month, and you can request a free trial.Overall, when it comes to accurately monitoring and assessing employee performance, ensuring the secure handling and storage of employees and managing the recruitment process, Oracle HCM Cloud is good to have in your corner.It also lands in our top ten for several major categories, such as benefits management, compensation management, employee onboarding, employee self service and learning management, just to name a few.It fully supports certifications and G Suite and Office 365 integrations. With additional modules, it allows AI-based dashboard views, which leading competitors UKG Pro, Paycor and SuccessFactors don't currently support.
User Sentiment User satisfaction level icon: great
Cost Breakdown
$10 or less
Company Size
Small Medium Large
Deployment
Cloud On-Premise
Platform
Mac Windows Linux Chromebook Android

Buyer's Guide

Performance Appraisal Tools Are All About Effectively Evaluating Past Performance

Performance Appraisal Tools BG Intro

Your employees are the driving force behind turning your company’s vision into reality. So when evaluating their efforts, it’s vital to do it accurately, fairly and meaningfully. Yet, paper-based forms and manual assessments open the door for inconsistencies, leaving your workforce feeling neglected and undervalued. The solution: include performance appraisal tools in your performance management strategy.

In this article, we'll dive into the benefits of appraisal tools and why they're a game-changer for any business.

Executive Summary

  • Performance appraisal tools help businesses conduct accurate and bias-free periodic appraisals.
  • The most common features include employee assessments, holistic feedback management and customizable performance frameworks.
  • Asking questions internally and to potential vendors helps guide your software search based on your unique requirements.
What This Guide Covers:

What Are Performance Appraisal Tools?

Performance appraisal solutions HR tools and managers to help them properly evaluate employees and their achievements against set company objectives and goals periodically. The solution allows users to accurately identify top performers and talent for rewards and possible promotions or bonuses.

Performance Management Systems vs. Performance Appraisal Systems

Performance appraisal is an essential aspect of performance management. It’s just one component of a larger system aiming to support ongoing employee development and organizational success.

Many performance management solutions offer appraisal tools. However, systems designed to conduct fair and accurate performance appraisals are the key to achieving overall operational efficiency.

  1. Focus: Performance appraisal solutions measure past performance and results, while performance management tools measure continuous or employee performance.
  2. Scope: Performance appraisal tools seek to measure individualistic performance and take measures to improve individual performance levels, while performance management systems involve overall organizational productivity.
  3. Purpose: Performance calculations from appraisal tools support bonus and promotional decisions. On the other hand, performance management systems support overall skill development to achieve larger organizational goals.

Primary Benefits

Performance appraisal tools streamline the otherwise complex and tricky appraisal process, making it less aggressive and more constructive. Armed with meaningful data, you can start meaningful development conversations with your employees, dissecting the highs and lows of their performance.

Performance Appraisal Tools Benefits

Improve Employee Performance

Performance appraisal solutions are like a compass for your business's performance management. These tools help you set clear roadmaps taking into account each employee’s strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement. Compare results against decided goals to understand your workforce's past performance better.

Using tools to streamline the performance management process removes the guesswork from the review process and makes it more data-driven.

Enhance Employee Engagement

According to a recent survey by Gallup, disengagement is at an all-time high, with only a meager 21% of employees actively engaged at work. Modern workers expect more from employers. Giving employees a clear sense of direction effectively conveys that their future development and growth matter.

Performance appraisal solutions provide a comprehensive view of each employee's performance, sentiment, and motivation data, helping you uncover new ways to boost engagement.

This can lead to increased engagement, job satisfaction and, ultimately, productivity. It's like a compass that guides employees to success.

Taking steps to provide future opportunities to grow and suitable rewards for a job well done are effective ways to let your people know their interests matter.

Make Informed Decisions

Performance appraisal solutions contribute to fairer, data-driven performance management practices by using actionable data to support your promotional decisions, succession plans, bonus calculations and training paths. Actionable insights into where your employees excel and where they need to improve lay the groundwork for presenting suitable future opportunities in your organization.

Use employee data to identify your company's MVPs and potential leaders you can guide to someday take over the reins.

Key Features & Functionality

Your attendance tracking can’t take the day off. Learn more about key features that keep your workflow moving even when employees are out.

Review Forms Management

Create and manage employee performance review forms to track role-specific metrics and performance indicators. Use digital forms to streamline the performance review process while complying with internal policies.

Goal Setting and Tracking

Set suitable objectives and track performance goals accurately. Align role-based goals with broader company objectives and tailor grading systems for better monitoring and accountability. Improve employee motivation and engagement while providing clear direction on expected results by setting realistic, transparent, achievable targets.

Appraisal Cycle Management

Customize each review cycle stage for different departments, teams and projects. Schedule review form collection, track progress, and notify employees of upcoming evaluations. Facilitate post-appraisal activities like promotions, transfers, and successions.

360-Degree Feedback Management

Make appraisal discussions bias-free and objective by using multiple feedback sources like managers, peers and colleagues involved in tasks or projects. Gain well-rounded insights into employee strengths and weaknesses to assign suitable development opportunities.

Provide individual and team-based feedback and updates regularly.

Performance Improvement Programs (PIPs)

Help underperforming employees improve their performance by customizing training programs. Create improvement plans, assign coaches and provide regular periodic feedback. Provide employees the extra support they need to reach their potential and improve internal efficiencies.

Reports and Analytics

Identify trends, monitor progress and make data-driven decisions with access to employee performance insights. Pinpoint top performers and potential leaders by analyzing success and organizational impact.

Track relevant metrics to calculate the training and development initiative's effectiveness and uncover ways to improve internal policies and strategies.

Integrations

Create seamless user experiences by connecting the system with other familiar HR and performance management tools. Streamline the appraisal process with quick access to performance data and employee profiles.

Performance Appraisal Tools Categories

Software Comparison Strategy

Choosing a system software ideal for your workforce and industry is daunting. But fear not! We’ll guide you along the way. We’ll spotlight the key considerations to consider when evaluating your options:

1. Evaluate Your Current Process

Analyze your existing appraisal process and identify the main challenges, weaknesses and areas for improvement. Focus on finding out where and why managers struggle during the process.

List the top challenges or obstacles your company faces, and then determine how the right software can remedy these weak links.

2. Analyze IT Needs

Next, evaluate your IT infrastructure and whether your company can support a new system. Decide where to store employee databases and which data management practices you need before installing the platform.

Consider the support and training your team will need post-implementation, including onboarding, user training, and ongoing support.

3. Develop A Requirements List

Next, generate a ranked list of top features and requirements you’ll require in an ideal system to improve internal processes and support your HR teams.

Most performance management systems have built-in 360-degree performance review capabilities instrumental for conducting informed performance appraisals. So check the strengths and weaknesses of your existing tools and which additional features you need to conduct accurate, consistent and timely appraisals.

Refer to our requirements and features checklist to learn more about the technical capabilities of a robust system.

4. Research Your Options

We’ll reveal our top picks soon, but it’s good practice to test the waters for yourself by evaluating different vendors. Read online reviews and forums to identify the top vendors in the market and the unique features of each alternative.

Also, leverage your social circles and ask colleagues from your industry about the solutions they use and the advantages and shortfalls of their chosen systems.

5. Shortlist Top Vendors

Lastly, narrow down your top options. Detail key information like pricing, features and competitive differentiators in a shareable report or spreadsheet to visually compare vendors and locate the clear winner.

Instead of creating a report from scratch, use our customizable comparison matrix to pick the top vendor.

Contact vendors and inquire about the free demos or trials to get hands-on experience with their solutions and how their services address your company's needs.

Prioritize solutions that offer intuitive interfaces, extensive configurations and built-in global data privacy and security practices. Platforms seamlessly integrating with existing systems like payroll, talent management, and learning management systems also jump to the top of your list.

Cost & Pricing Considerations

Now’s the time to determine whether your software requirements align with your available finances. Consider the following common costs associated with software implementation to help you calculate a realistic budget:

  1. Upfront Costs: The initial purchase or subscription fees for the software. This fee includes additional implementation costs like data migration, customization and training support.
  2. Ongoing Costs: Cloud-based solutions typically incur recurring subscription fees or maintenance fees for upgrades or new features.
  3. Additional Costs: Hidden expenses include add-on modules, advanced capabilities, or tailored subscription plans.

The Most Popular Performance Appraisal Tools Software

Now that you know what performance appraisal solutions can do, how do you decide which product is best for your company's needs? To put things into perspective, here are our top picks on the market:

Lattice

Lattice is a cloud-based performance management suite that automates performance reviews, optimizes goal management and facilitates regularly scheduled performance-related communications. Employee check-in and feedback management let you create 360-degree feedback loops and start constructive growth conversations with employees. Let managers track progress and make adjustments in performance improvement plans accordingly. Construct role-specific appraisal cycles tailored to your company’s unique organizational chart.

Starting Price: The basic plan starts at $9 per person monthly.

Lattice

Create equitable and structured performance appraisals with Lattice. Source

15Five

15Five is a cloud-based performance management platform offering real-time feedback, appraisal cycle, and OKRs management capabilities. The system’s virtual “high-fives” features let remote teams celebrate wins. Leverage review templates, employee assessments and multi-source feedback to configure appraisal cycles and make the process inclusive and accurate.

Key insights and analytics to create tailored learning and career development paths to train new hires and support existing employees. Rely on data visualizations to facilitate internal mobility via informed promotions, succession paths and lateral movements.

Starting Price: The starter plan costs $7 per user per month. The complete package costs $14 per person per month, billed annually.

15Five

15Five lets you conduct informed reviews with access to inclusive summaries including feedback from multiple sources. Source

Leapsome

Leapsome is an employee performance platform that offers cloud-based learning, goal setting and assessment capabilities. Manage performance reviews by customizing appraisal cycles, professional development paths and improvement plans. Rely on automation to collect feedback and set review cycles to recur. Deep employee insights help uncover performance trends and measure engagement.

Starting Price: The platform costs $7 per user per month. You can handpick features and functions for additional charges.

Leapsome

Leapsome provides post-appraisal and review analytics to aid decisions Insert caption text here. Source

 

 

Questions To Ask

To understand your company’s requirements better, ask yourself these guiding questions:

  • What performance goals do we want to achieve?
  • What internal issues do we need to address? How can software help?
  • Which system requirements are the most important to our company?
  • What data privacy and security considerations must we address before implementing a system? Can our current IT support a new system?
  • What performance criteria will be used and communicated to employees?

Performance Appraisal Tools Key Questions

Here are a few questions to ask potential vendors to help you learn more about the software and vendor:

  • What reporting and analytics features does the system offer?
  • Does the platform integrate with our current systems?
  • Can you customize the platform to meet our company’s unique needs and requirements?
  • Do you have experience in this industry?
  • How long does onboarding typically take for your product?

Next Steps

Performance management seems like a vast and complex chasm to cross without the right tools. Connecting a system that streamlines performance appraisals with your existing HR tech will enhance your overall strategy. Recognizing your workforce for their hard work and taking informed steps to support them in the future is easier when you have software that ensures you dot your i’s and cross your t’s.

Now all that’s left to do is use this guide as a resource and evaluate your options. For a more granular approach, our article on the Lean Selection methodology details a nine-step framework for conducting an informed software search. Good luck!

Product Comparisons

Additional Resources

About The Contributors

The following expert team members are responsible for creating, reviewing, and fact checking the accuracy of this content.

Technical Content Writer
Saniya was a Technical Content Writer at SelectHub. With an MBA in Marketing, she found her calling in the world of digital marketing and technical content writing. Her work spanned HR-centric systems like talent management, recruitment and performance management to robust software like ERP and manufacturing systems. When the day winds down, she enjoys taking long walks with her dog or indulging in her artistic side by swapping her keyboard for a pencil. She finds solace in watching the sunset over the beach and appreciates the little things in life.
Technical Research By Aayushi Kishor Sharma
Senior Analyst
Aayushi Kishor Sharma has been part of SelectHub since 2021, working on categories like HR, EHR and Marketing, for which she also earned an MBA. A self-described "social butterfly," she loves meeting people, exploring and trying new things.
Technical Review By Jaisri Narasimman
Principal Analyst
A graduate of NTU Singapore, Jaisri Narasimman honed her data mining and curation skills during her post-graduate education, focusing on developing strategies to help businesses make the most of their data. In her role at SelectHub, her research spans categories like HR, CRM and EHR.
Edited By Joe Evans
Content Editor
Joe Evans is an Editor and Senior Market Analyst at SelectHub. A seasoned professional wordsmith, he has a bachelor's degree in journalism and electronic media and a decade of professional expertise in crafting top-tier digital content for niche online brands. He leads his small yet formidable team in producing helpful, compelling content in vital categories like HR, payroll, talent management, performance management, marketing automation home health, MES. When not editing and writing, he enjoys sports, quality time with family and dogs, and remains constantly in pursuit of something new and interesting to read or listen to.