The 5 Best Apps for Employee Engagement 2024

In a society where there’s an app for almost everything, employee engagement apps are a type of software which promises to help organisations boost their employee engagement.

With remote and hybrid working patterns now the norm for many UK workers, employee engagement is at an all-time low. According to Gallup’s “State of the Global Workplace” report, 60% of people are emotionally detached at work, and 19% are utterly miserable. As we all know, engaged employees are known to be more productive, innovative, and committed to their employer's success; these results are disappointing, to say the least!

In response to the growing importance of employee engagement, business owners up and down the country are adopting a number of different strategies to attract new talent while still retaining their existing workforce. These measures include signing bonuses, enhanced benefits packages, flexible work arrangements, and promoting mental health and wellness initiatives.

It is important to note that a recent poll from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health found that over 50% of respondents feel their employers engage in "well-being washing" instead of genuinely addressing workloads and burnout, leading to lower engagement levels. So, it's important to ensure that you are genuinely addressing the concerns of your team and offering actionable solutions.

With all of this in mind, let's take a deep dive into the best employee engagement apps for 2023. We’ll delve into the benefits of employee engagement, the role of technology in fostering engagement, and the top apps that can help you create a thriving and motivated team.

Quick Links

What Are The Benefits of Employee Engagement?
The Role of Technology in Employee Engagement
Advantages of Using Technology for Employee Engagement
What Is An Employee Engagement App?
Why are Employee Engagement apps beneficial for business owners?
Top 5 Employee Engagement Apps for 2024
What to consider when selecting an employee engagement app

What Are The Benefits of Employee Engagement?

- Higher productivity: Engaged employees are more focused and committed to their work, resulting in higher productivity levels.

- Improved employee retention: Engaged employees are more likely to stay with their current employer, reducing turnover costs and preserving valuable knowledge within the organization.

- Enhanced customer satisfaction: Engaged employees take pride in their work, leading to better customer experiences and increased customer loyalty.

- Greater innovation: Engaged employees are more likely to contribute new ideas and take on initiatives that can drive business growth.

- Stronger company culture: A high level of engagement fosters a positive work environment, which can attract top talent and create a strong company brand.

The Role of Technology in Employee Engagement

Technology has significantly impacted how we approach employee engagement, offering new tools and platforms to help companies create a more connected and motivated workforce. In this section, we will discuss the evolution of employee engagement tools, the advantages of using technology for engagement, and how apps can cater to the specific needs of SMEs.

In the past, employee engagement efforts primarily revolved around team-building activities, performance reviews, and company-wide surveys. As technology advanced, companies began to adopt digital solutions such as intranets, HR software, and social media platforms for internal communication and collaboration. With the extensive use of smartphones, employee engagement apps have emerged, offering easy-to-use, accessible, and engaging tools to help companies foster employee engagement.

Advantages of Using Technology for Employee Engagement

- Scalability: Digital solutions can easily be scaled to accommodate the needs of growing SMEs, ensuring that employee engagement efforts remain consistent and effective.

- Real-time feedback: Technology enables continuous feedback and communication between employees and management, promoting a culture of transparency and collaboration.

- Personalisation: Digital tools can be customised to fit individual employees' unique needs and preferences, creating a more engaging and inclusive work environment.

- Data-driven insights: Technology provides valuable data and analytics, helping SME owners make informed decisions about employee engagement strategies and track their progress.

What Is An Employee Engagement App?

An employee engagement app is a software application designed to help organisations enhance their workforce's engagement, motivation, and overall satisfaction. These apps provide a variety of tools and features that aim to promote communication, collaboration, recognition, and well-being among employees, ultimately contributing to a more productive and committed workforce.

Employee engagement apps often include functionalities such as real-time feedback, pulse surveys, goal tracking, social recognition, performance management, learning and development resources, and wellness programs. They can be accessed via smartphones, tablets, or computers, making them easily accessible for employees working remotely, on-site, or in hybrid environments.

By leveraging employee engagement apps, organisations can streamline their engagement efforts, monitor their effectiveness, and tailor their strategies to meet their employees' unique needs and preferences. As a result, these apps play a crucial role in fostering a positive work environment, attracting top talent, and driving long-term business success.

Why are Employee Engagement apps beneficial for business owners?

- Cost-effectiveness: Many employee engagement apps offer affordable pricing models, making them accessible to SMEs with limited budgets.

- Flexibility: Apps can be easily customised and adapted to suit the specific needs of SMEs, ensuring seamless integration with existing processes and systems.

- User-friendly interfaces: Employee engagement apps are designed with intuitive interfaces, making them easy for employees and management to adopt and use.

- Remote and hybrid work support: Apps can help SMEs manage and engage a diverse workforce, including remote and hybrid employees, ensuring everyone feels connected and valued.

Top 5 Employee Engagement Apps for 2024

Here are five top employee engagement apps, their standout features, benefits for business owners, and approximate subscription prices in GBP. Please note that actual prices may vary, and you should check with the app providers for the most accurate pricing information.

1. Bonusly

Features: Peer-to-peer recognition, customizable rewards, company-wide announcements, and real-time analytics.

Benefits: Encourages a culture of recognition, promotes collaboration, and provides insights into employee performance and engagement.

Price: Plans start from around £2.25 per user/month.

2. Slack

- Standout features: Real-time messaging, file sharing, video calls, and integration with various productivity tools and apps.

- Benefits for business owners: Facilitates seamless communication and collaboration, reduces email clutter, and streamlines workflow management.

- Subscription price: Free basic plan, while paid plans start from approximately £5.60 per user/month.

3. 15Five 

- Standout features: Weekly check-ins, goal tracking, 1-on-1 meeting agendas, feedback and recognition, and performance evaluations.

- Benefits for business owners: Enhances communication between employees and managers, simplifies performance management, and promotes continuous development and growth.

- Subscription price: Plans start at around £5.60 per user/month.

4. Limeade Listening (formerly TINYpulse)

- Standout features: Anonymous employee feedback, pulse surveys, peer recognition, and data-driven insights.

- Benefits for business owners: Enables real-time understanding of employee sentiment, identifies areas for improvement, and fosters a culture of recognition and appreciation.

- Subscription price: Contact Limeade Listening for pricing, as it is not publicly listed.

5. Culture Amp

- Standout features: Employee engagement surveys, performance management, 360-degree feedback, and data-driven insights.

- Benefits for business owners: Offers a deep understanding of employee engagement, helps identify strengths and areas for improvement, and enables data-driven decision-making.

- Subscription price: Pricing is available upon request and depends on company size and specific needs.

What to consider when selecting an employee engagement app

- Features and functionality: Determine the specific features you require, such as feedback tools, recognition programs, or learning and development resources, and ensure the app provides these functionalities.

- Ease of use: Select an app with an intuitive interface to promote quick adoption and user satisfaction.

- Integration capabilities: Ensure the app seamlessly integrates with your existing systems, such as HR software or communication platforms.

- Customisation: Opt for an app that can be tailored to your company's branding and culture, fostering a sense of familiarity and belonging among employees.

- Scalability: Choose an app that can grow with your organisation, accommodating an expanding workforce or evolving engagement strategies.

- Security and compliance: Verify that the app adheres to industry-standard security measures and complies with relevant data protection regulations.

- Customer support: Opt for an app with responsive customer support, promptly addressing any technical issues or inquiries.

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Employee engagement is critical to SME success, driving productivity, innovation, and growth. By leveraging technology and incorporating employee engagement apps into their strategies, SME owners can overcome their unique challenges and create a thriving work environment.