Performance & Productivity
20
min read

The 20 Best Employee Management Software for Thriving Teams in 2024

The right software attracts, engages, and retains top talent. Discover the top 20 employee management software to boost productivity & engagement in 2024.
Published:
October 30, 2023
Last updated:
October 15, 2024

Also available on:

Future Work - Listen on Spotify
Future Work - Listen on Apple Podcasts
Future Work - Watch on Youtube
best-employee-management-software

Employee management software are digital tools that continuously improve the relationship between an organization and its workforce.

Whether you're managing a hybrid team, a fully remote one, or even a primarily in-office-based team, as a Human Resources leader I know these software solutions are a must as the thread through every element of your employee experience.

These platforms have capabilities like performance reviews, feedback, learning and development, and HR administrative functions, all of which help people thrive in your company.

The primary goal of picking best-in-class employee software is better business outcomes by making it easy and engaging for people to interact with you and your processes.

But these tools also help foster a sense of belonging, ensure alignment with company values and objectives, and increase productivity and retention.

Which Employee Management Software Do I Need?

Employee management software can act as a bridge and bring back the 'human touch' in digital workplaces. This is especially important in remote teams where employees no longer share physical spaces, water cooler conversations, and impromptu team lunches.

Below, I've listed the key categories of employee software, and a few leading options for you to consider:

A: Employee Engagement Tools

  1. Culture Amp
  2. Officevibe
  3. Quantum Workplace
  4. Kudos
  5. Nectar HR

B: Employee Performance Management Tools

  1. 15Five
  2. Betterworks
  3. Lattice
  4. Reflektive
  5. Cornerstone

C: Time Management and Productivity:

  1. Time Doctor
  2. Timely
  3. Buddy Punch
  4. Toggl Track
  5. Reclaim AI

D: Human Resource Management Systems (HRMS):

  1. BambooHR
  2. Deel
  3. Namely
  4. Zenefits
  5. Zoho

E: Other Employee Management Software:

  1. Hybrid Office Software
  2. Virtual Workspaces
  3. AI Tools

A: Employee Engagement Tools

Employee engagement, the emotional commitment people have to their work and companies, is a hotter topic than ever.

People-centric leaders wonder how to engage remote employees and get the most out of their teams even when they don't see their people that often.

As company culture expert Josh Levine told us in an interview:

"In any remote situation, you don't have as many connections, and you don't feel as closely connected or as strongly connected to the company. You're just at home, where you don't have physical reminders of what you're doing and for whom you're doing it.” – Josh Levine, Great Mondays

Fortunately, in 2024, there are incredibly powerful tools that can help ensure you can keep your hybrid and remote teams engaged.

The tools I've reviewed below are designed to survey employees, collect feedback and measure morale, and suggest key ways to improve employee satisfaction.

This software offers surveys, pulse checks, and analytics to understand employee sentiment and drive engagement strategies.

Leveraging these tools is one of the employee engagement best practices experts recommend as part of a holistic employee engagement strategy.

Featured: Culture Amp

Employee Management Software Culture Amp
Culture Amp People Analytics Report

Culture Amp stands out with its advanced feedback mechanisms and analytical depth. Tailored for mid-size and larger corporations, it dives deep into the nuances of team sentiment, providing managers with tools to enhance workplace culture and employee performance.

The company leans heavily into being the “all-in-one” solution for improving team performance through recognition and easy-to-follow factors that grow peer-to-peer engagement.

That is probably because the platform relies heavily on the latest industry research for what key indicators are required for growth in employee engagement as a culture. This would be one of the better options if you are looking to improve leadership skills among your team.

Key Features:

  • Deep-dive engagement surveys
  • Advanced analytics and reporting with 360-degree feedback
  • NEW: Full performance reviews and OKRs– ranked #1 for Enterprises by G2
  • Learning and development insights with activity tracking
  • Inclusion and diversity tracking

Best for: Medium sized companies to enterprises aiming for real-time, holistics view of their culture, employee engagement, and business performance.

Check out Culture Amp here.

2. Officevibe

Employee Management Software Officevibe
Officevibe Automated Pulse Surveys

Another employee engagement platform, Officevibe encouraging employees to share their thoughts, concerns, and feelings through anonymous pulse surveys, that leaders can analyze in aggregate.

This continuous feedback mechanism helps leaders identify potential issues and enhance overall team morale, from existing pulse survey templates.

The platform was recently purchased by Workleap, meaning that you'll likely soon see integration with other tools on that platform, including Pingboard, an LMS, and onboarding features.

Key Features: Anonymous pulse surveys, Team engagement analytics, Feedback and recognition tools, and Manager-to-team communication platform.

Best for: SMEs and Mid-level organizations looking to understand the heartbeat of their workforce and take timely actions based on feedback.

Check our review of OfficeVibe here.

3. Quantum Workplace

Employee Management Software Quantum
Quantum Engagement Survey Report

Quantum Workplace promotes agility in feedback and goal management, facilitating real-time feedback loops and flexible check-ins, which helps teams remain aligned and engaged, regardless of their work environment.

The platform includes varying templates to make integration easier, customizable surveys, and engagement analytics.

Key features: agile goal setting, real-time feedback mechanisms, and employee recognition features.

Best for: Larger companies who don’t want to waste time trying to craft custom solutions and want to tap into pre-made templates.

Check our review of Quantum Workplace here.

4. Kudos

Employee Management Software Kudos
Kudos Employee Recognition and Workplace Culture Insights

Kudos builds a positive work culture with peer recognition. Their employment management software boosts positive interactions. It ensures remote teams feel connected and valued regardless of their location.

Key features: peer-to-peer recognition, customizable badges, analytics, and a mobile app.

Best for: Hybrid and remote teams seeking a boost in morale through regular peer recognition and appreciation.

Read our detailed review of Kudos here.

5. Nectar HR

Nectar HR: Employee Engagement Software
Nectar HR: Employee Engagement Software

Nectar is an affordable, user-friendly platform that improves employee engagement and recognition. 

It helps companies foster strong relationships with their employees, driving productivity and motivation. 

You can reward staff members with digital gift cards or on-demand branded items with Nectar. 

Features: Peer-to-peer recognition, wellness challenges, and on-demand swag are three features that make Nectar stand out.

Best for: SMBs and organizations looking for a user-friendly, cost-effective platform to foster strong employee relationships.

Check out our detailed review of Nectar HR here.

Summary: Employee Engagement Tools

In short, the solutions above should help you to understand your employees better, and what you could do to improve their daily experience working in your team and company.

By tapping into Culture Amp, Kudos, Quantum, OfficeVibe, or Nectar HR, you'll significantly improve your ability to engage and retain your best talent, and make work more meaningful and enjoyable for your people.

Need more options? Check out our nine employee engagement tools for hybrid and remote teams here.

B: Employee Performance Management Tools

Employee performance management has never been more important. Knowing what you need to do, and seeing yourself make tangible progress towards those goals is so so motivating.

Doing so used to take a lot of manual time and effort, but thanks to these performance management tools and recent AI innovations, performance management is a piece of cake.

Here's my selection based on hands-on experience, expert interviews, and user feedback.

1. 15Five

Employee Management Software 15 Five
15Five Outcomes Dashboard

15Five is a platform that streamlines performance management by facilitating continuous feedback between managers and employees. It integrates with Slack and provides engaging features for remote and hybrid teams.

The platform is a comprehensive solution for organizations looking to improve their performance management processes.

Key Features: Regular weekly check-ins, OKR tracking, Feedback management, and Dashboards.

Best for: Teams aiming for transparency and alignment through frequent touch points and structured objectives through continuous feedback online systems.

2. Betterworks

Employee Management Software Betterworks
Betterworks Goal Tracking Dashboard

Betterworks seamlessly blends goal setting with performance reviews. Emphasizing team alignment and individual development provides a holistic view of the team's and the company's objectives, promoting strategic execution.
The platform outlines how any size or level of the company can help align or retain workers based on their needs. In addition, this is a lightweight SaaS solution for getting the proper feedback your management team needs, so engagement remains top of mind during any up or downscaling.

Key Features: Continuous performance management, Peer feedback system, Integrated goal setting, and Performance review cycles.

Best for: Mid to large-scale businesses looking for a comprehensive tool that bridges the gap between strategy and execution.

3. Lattice

Employee Management Software Lattice
Lattice Performance Review Features

Lattice redefines performance management by focusing on 1-on-1s and continuous feedback. Its unique approach promotes genuine employee-manager relationships by leveraging OKRs and individualized goals.

The 360-degree feedback from team leaders, peers, reports, customers, and individuals cultivates a more rounded feedback loop, aligning everyone with the company's goals.

Key Features: Personalized one-on-one agendas, Structured performance reviews, Feedback management, Goal setting and tracking, and Employee engagement surveys.

Best for: Companies committed to nurturing employee-manager relationships through regular personal check-ins and evaluations from various sources.

4. Reflektive

Employee Management Software Reflektive
Reflektive Performance Analysis Report 

Reflektive champions continuous feedback, making performance management an integral part of company culture. This software has a strong reputation for improving performance management, retention rates, and employee engagement.

Many Fortune 500 companies use Reflektive as their HR management suite, which offers efficient tools for quality feedback to grow company culture.

Key Features: Real-time feedback tools, Goal management capabilities, Performance Analytics, Check-ins, and 1-on-1s.

Best for: Dynamic teams that value instantaneous feedback and adaptive performance management. Does work with companies of all sizes due to scalability.

5. Cornerstone

Employee Management Software Cornerstone
Cornerstone Learning Resources and Employee Skills Development Report

Cornerstone is a top-notch learning management platform that fosters skill development and growth, ensuring employees are productive and continuously evolving.

The skills-based platform for employee management software makes companies more profitable, and many organizations, especially in tech-heavy fields, use Cornerstone. It offers training management features that onboard employees, regardless of their location.

Key Features: Learning modules, personalized training paths and internationalization, performance management features with mobile friendly interfaces

Best for: If your company prefers to leverage skills internally instead of focusing on goal achievement.

Need more options? Check out our seven best performance management tools for hybrid and remote teams here.

C: Time Management and Productivity

Employee productivity is another big topic in the hybrid and remote work age. How productive teams are directly impacts how competitive companies are.

Many software and tools available can provide support and assistance to teams. 

However, it is important to note that these tools should not be used to spy on or micromanage team members. They’re best used to help team members be more productive and efficient so that they can focus on practicing meaningful productivity

For instance, time-tracking software can be an excellent tool for logging and analyzing time spent on tasks. This can help people and leaders identify areas to improve their time management and productivity.

With that in mind, here are our favorite tools to help track time and increase productivity:

#1 - Time Doctor

Employee Management Software Time Doctor
Time Doctor - Productivity Management Dashboard

Time Doctor is a productivity management solution focused on helping more companies embrace remote work

It ensures accountability, transparent task tracking, and measurable output improvements for teams across geographies.

Time Doctor creates analytics through automated time-tracking software, boosting your team’s ability to make real-time data-driven decisions on a case-by-case basis.

Key Features: Accurate time tracking, Productivity monitoring, Detailed activity reports, Team Overviews

Best for: Remote teams keen on boosting productivity and hybrid workforce managers aiming for accountability in team tasks.

Try Time Doctor for free here.

#2 - Timely

Timely - Time Management Tool
Timely - For simple AI-powered automatic time management 

Timely is a AI-powered automatic time tracker used by 5,000 companies across 160 countries to manage their time and project management needs.

Timely places a strong emphasis on privacy, making it a trustworthy tool for both employees and businesses.

Features: AI-driven handling of time logs, private and public time logs, billable hour logging and analysis.

Best for: Simple AI-powered automatic time management for companies and teams.

#3 – Buddy Punch

Buddy Punch - Time Management Tool
Buddy Punch - For reliable attendance, time off and overtime

Buddy Punch is an online time clock solution focused on simplifying payroll reporting.

It's easy for employees to clock in and out on Google, iOS, and Android apps, while providing you with a clear view of their time. The platform integrates with QuickBooks, ADP, Paychex, and SurePayroll while also offering Excel exports.

Features: PTO Accrual Tracking, Punch Rounding, Job Codes, QR Codes, Automatic Breaks, and SSO. It also offers photos upon check-in and GPS location (creepy and creepier)!

Best for: Reliable attendance, time off and overtime.

#4 – Toggl Track

Toggl Track

Toggl Track is a time-tracking app that helps individuals and teams save time and money by providing an easy-to-use timer that syncs tracking across multiple devices. And they do that for the right reasons: we LOVE their stance against employee surveillance.

With a tiered data structure, you can organize your team's time tracking and produce client-ready reports. Toggl Track eliminates unprofitable projects and uneven work distribution while reducing manual administrative tasks.

Features: time clock, insights, reports, automatic tracking, and shortcuts.

Best for: people-centric leaders who want automated time tracking

#5 - Reclaim.AI

Reclaim AI

Reclaim.ai is an AI productivity tool for optimizing work schedules and enhancing productivity, like an executive assistant who knows what’s best for you. 

I use Reclaim daily, letting it analyze my Google calendar and improving my schedule to create more opportunities for deep work, and helping me with a healthier work-life balance. 

Doing so with the whole teams means it automatically optimized schedules across multiple people, taking into account their preferences and needs.

Key Features: Adaptive scheduling for tasks, habits, and breaks, Meeting scheduling links, team productivity boosting.

Best for: Teams and professionals who want an intelligent approach to calendar management, ensuring productivity and balance.

Try Reclaim.AI for free here.

Need more options? Check out our review of the 17 best employee time management tools for highly productive hybrid and remote teams.

D: Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS):

HRIS Software helps HR teams manage every facet of the employee experience, starting with top priorities like payroll and benefits, but increasingly also scheduling, performance management, employee surveys, and in the case of Rippling, even disbursing laptops.

HRIS systems are foundational employee management apps because they house the employee data that syncs with some of the tools shared above. Some of the platforms in this category expand to other areas of the HR department, like an applicant tracking system, payroll software, employee scheduling, learning management systems, and more.

For hybrid and remote teams, HRIS platforms are critical for administering employee benefits, organize employee onboarding, registering annual and sick leaves, keeping the team connected, and making it easy for employees to get the right support, no matter where they are.

For those remote companies who hire globally, some HRIS vendors like Deel, Remote, and Gusto, now allow you to hire people directly through them via EOR (Employer of Record) services.

Here are some of our top picks:

#1 - BambooHR

Employee Management Software BamBooHR
BambooHR Streamline Employee Management Workflow

We used BambooHR for years and liked it for its ease of use, comprehensive toolset, and helpful customer support. BambooHR isn't the cheapest out there, but it does provide a comprehensive offering for small companies to large enterprises.

Key Features: Centralized employee database, Time-off tracking, Performance management modules, and Onboarding and offboarding workflows

Best for: SMBs looking for a holistic HR solution that combines ease of use with a wide range of capabilities.

Click here to check our detailed review of BambooHR.

#2 – Deel HRIS

Deel Global HR

Deel does HR? Yup! The previously EOR vendor decided to invest in a really well-built HR platform that is... wait for it.... FREE for up to 200 people. While we used BambooHR before, we recently switched to Deel as it's simply too good of an offer to pass up.

Features: Employee records, people directory, org charts, time off and expenses, onboarding, payroll reporting.

Best for: Companies up to 200 people who want a free HR management system, especially those with (remote) workers globally.

Click here to check our detailed review of Deel HRIS.

#3 - Paylocity

Paylocity
Paylocity

If you're in the US and you don't want your HRIS to get too fancy and complex, but still be rock solid for Payroll, then Paylocity may be the right choice for you. It's better than some of it counterparts in creating a positive employee experience, but keeps the focus on administrative functions like payroll, benefits, and HR self-service.

Key Features: Payroll and benefits, Performance review cycles, POT management and HR analysis, Compliance and reporting tools

Best for: Small to midsized companies based in the US based companies looking for a no-nonsense HRIS + payroll solution.

Click here to check our detailed review of Paylocity.

#4 - TriNet HR (Previously Zenefits)

Employee Management Software Zenefits
Zenefits Employee Management Software

TriNet HR (previously Zenefits) makes HR administration streamlined and effortless, especially for SMEs who want payroll, time keeping, benefits, and insurance all in one place. The platform focuses especially on benefits and integrates with many third party platforms like this.

The focus is on small and medium sized businesses, as larger companies often find Zenefits hard to do business with.

Key Features: Payroll processing, benefits management, time tracking and PTO, compliance and reporting, employee self-service portal

Best for: SMBs aiming for a hassle-free HR administration experience with a focus on benefits.

Click here to check our detailed review of TriNet HR (Previously Zenefits).

#5- Rippling

Rippling
Rippling

Rippling, the new HRIS unicorn from the founder of Zenefits, is unique in a couple of ways, which make it either a great tool for you, or not.

First, Rippling is highly focused on global and remote teams. Second, Rippling integrates HR, Finance, and IT, putting employees at the core of how the company approaches technology.

If that sounds like a great fit, and you're willing to pay the higher price, Rippling is more than worth checking out.

Features: Employee database, global payroll, attendance and time tracking, performance reviews, employee credit cards and spend limits, IT equipment disbursements globally.

Best for: Global hybrid and remote companies looking to integrate their core technology around a great employee experience.

Click here to check our detailed review of Rippling

Need more options? Check out our review of the best HRIS Software. If you're in HR, also check out our complete 2024 guide to HR software for hybrid and remote teams.

E: Other Employee Management Software

While a core HR system, and employee engagement, performance, and productivity tools will get you 80% there, you will need to complete your people tech stack with specialized tools for specific functionalities.

These are a few categories to consider:

Room Scheduling and Hot Desk Booking Software

OfficeRnD
OfficeRnD

In a hybrid setup, it's critical to make coming to the office enjoyable, or at least painless.

Working with antiquated systems like a paper signup sheet, online spreadsheet, or worse: email threads to book resources at your hybrid office is clearly a no-go.

Fortunately, a whole slew of product geniuses have put their time and efforts toward solving this pain and launched desk booking apps and room scheduling software to book rooms and desks in your hybrid office.

Companies like OfficeRnD, Tactic, and Offisly make it easy and intuitive for people to avoid the ultimate horror: commuting all the way to the office only to find no workspace available.

To see all your options, check out our detailed reviews of the top desk booking apps and room scheduling software.

Virtual Workspaces

If you have no office whatsoever, or even for non-office days in hybrid teams, you may miss those water cooler moments and casual collissions.

Well, thanks to group of clever entrepreneurs, this is no longer an issue. Enter: the virtual workspace, with examples like Kumospace, Gather, and Roam

Virtual offices take over all the work our regular mortar-and-brick would do, and then some (you can finally mute coworkers.)

Blending office staples like roaming around, having chats and meetings, or focused worked with others nearby, virtual workplaces also add new features like playing games and celebrations to keep the remote work experience fun.

Check our detailed reviews of five amazing virtual workspaces that will make you forget about the traditional office.

AI Tools

Read AI Coaching for Sales Teams
Read AI Coaching for Sales Teams

Research from Bain shows that AI makes jobs up to 41% faster, and already, 81% of Generative AI users across all age ranges and industries say AI in the Workplace makes them more productive.

In 2024, no company will run without AI, whether you use ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or one of the many legacy platforms that integrate AI into things like HR self-service, performance planning, and productivity optimization.

To get started with AI, check out one of our guides:

Employee Management Software: The Bottom Line

In an era where talent is a company’s most valuable asset, ensuring your team feels valued, engaged, and productive is paramount.

The right employee management software acts as the glue that holds everything together. Remember, over 63% of modern companies say retaining those crucial employees is more complicated than hiring them.

Take the time to research, test out free trials, and land on a tool that resonates with your (and your team’s) unique needs. After all, your team’s engagement will directly mirror your investment in them.

Ready for more? Explore 20 expert secrets to ace managing remote teams and our detailed guide to modern leadership.

For a bit more context, see our detailed answers below:

Who benefits from Employee Management Software?

Almost every team can extract value from employee management software. If you want to remain competitive in today’s ever-changing work environment, emphasis must be placed on the needs of employees.

As teams of all sizes grow, diversify, and embrace newer working models, there will be a pressing need for streamlined processes, improved communication, and sustained engagement.

A modern business needs to provide tailored solutions for varied organizational structures. Whether operating a new startup or an enterprise business, optimized and engaging employee environments are the key to unlocking greater performance and goal achievement.

If U.S.-based employers spend close to $2.9 million per day looking for replacement employees, then finding a way to retain them is crucial to lowering expenses. That includes businesses like:

  1. Early-stage Startups: As startups rapidly expand, agile systems are crucial to introduce structure and digitize manual processes. Given the challenges startups face, the right software can be a game-changer. It emphasizes affordability, quick implementation, and ease of use. With the need to worry about time theft and maximize working hours without constantly monitoring, tools that promote trust become indispensable. If a startup wants to remain agile without breaking the bank, modern digital software suits are necessary for efficiency.
  2. Growing Mid-market Companies: As they scale, they demand unified platforms to harness productivity and oversee complex employee operations. The emphasis here is on data-driven insights, talent development, and consolidating various functions under one roof. Retaining talent becomes crucial, with insights pointing to a whopping 73% of employees considering a job change. Unified systems offer insights that can preempt employee dissatisfaction and turnover.
  3. Hybrid Teams: These teams face a unique set of challenges. Bridging the gap between in-office and remote employees, fostering a sense of community at work, and ensuring everyone feels part of the collective mission are critical. Employee management software aids in bridging these divides. It’s worth noting that good company culture, as Forbes suggests, can skyrocket revenue by as much as four times.

Key Categories and Functionality of Employee Management Software

After diving into the list of the top 15 employee management software, it's vital to understand the key categories that drive their functionalities. These categories determine which software might best suit a company's specific needs.

Performance:

Performance management tools, including those tailored for scheduling staff in a 24 hours business, and performance review software are designed to facilitate employees' regular evaluation and development. They allow managers to set, track, and review employee goals and achievements, ensuring alignment with the company's objectives.

  • Goal Setting: These tools allow you to create specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, ensuring everyone knows their expectations.
  • Regular Check-ins: To promote continuous growth and prevent misalignment, these software often incorporate regular check-in features, fostering consistent communication between employees and managers.
  • Performance Reviews: Periodic reviews help gauge an employee's contributions and help managers provide constructive feedback to guide future performance.

Employee Feedback and Engagement:

To truly understand your team’s pulse, hear directly from team members! This category gauges the workforce's sentiments, feedback, and engagement levels.

  • Surveys & Polls: Tools facilitate anonymous feedback through surveys or quick polls, allowing employees to share their feelings and concerns candidly.
  • Recognition & Rewards: Platforms that offer features to recognize and appreciate employees' efforts, enhancing morale and motivation.
  • Engagement Analytics: This gives managers data-driven insights into engagement levels, helping them take proactive measures to increase overall workforce satisfaction.

Learning and Development:

Continuous learning is pivotal with the rapid pace of change in the modern business landscape. This category ensures employees are always equipped with the latest skills and knowledge.

  • Training Modules: Offering courses, webinars, or workshops to help employees upgrade their skills and knowledge.
  • Skill Tracking: This enables managers to monitor the skill development of their teams and identify any gaps that might exist.
  • Personal Development Plans: A tailored growth path for each employee, ensuring their career aspirations and the company's needs align perfectly.

HR Administration:

The administrative side of HR might not seem as glamorous, but it's a foundational aspect of effective employee management. Tools like HRIS Software help streamline and automate various HR tasks, making the process more efficient.

  • Attendance and Leave Management: Track daily attendance, manage leave requests, and ensure compliance with company policies.
  • Payroll Integration: Automated tools that help calculate salaries, deductions, and other compensations, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
  • Documentation & Compliance: Store essential documents, from employment contracts to compliance certifications, ensuring the organization always stays audit-ready.
Explore the best all-in-one HRIS Software to automate manual HR Administration work, keep all employee data in one place, improve efficiency and compliance.

Employee Management Software Recommendations

Choosing the right tool depends on your team's size, budget, and specific needs. There is no “one size fits all” solution for quality employee management software. The more you can get a free plan or secure a free trial, the better you’ll be able to see if the various tools on this list are right for you. In the meantime, here's a breakdown to simplify things:

  • Top Tools for SMBs: For small and medium-sized businesses new to modern management software, tools like BambooHR and Zoho come highly recommended. They offer all-in-one solutions at an affordable rate, making them well worth the investment.
  • Top Tools for Large Companies: Large companies demand scalability and robust integration. Tools like Culture Amp and Kudos are ahead of the curve, integrating with standard HRIS systems and offering cutting-edge engagement and recognition platforms.
  • Top Tools for Managers: Managers need actionable insights and direct tools. 15Five, known for its engaging check-ins, and Time Doctor, a leader in team time management, empower managers with the information and workflows they need.

Tools for Hybrid and Remote Managers

Speaking of managers were always incredibly important in engaging and retaining top talent.

Why are managers important? Well, Gallup research shows that managers create 70% of the variance in employee engagement scores.

And in the age of hybrid remote and remote work models, managers are not just important, but critical, as they are the only connection between people and their company.  

Unfortunately, our research shows that hybrid and remote employees score their manager a meager 7 out of 10 on how well they manage remotely.

And, as the age-old saying goes: “People leave managers, not companies.”

But while there is a challenge to keep teams motivated, engaged, and productive, there's an even bigger opportunity to lead people-first – especially with the great employee management software out there.

This is why I believe that the tools above can and should be adopted even by individual managers to drive employee productivity, engagement, and retention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Employee Management Software

Q1: What is Employee Management Software?

Employee Management Software is a digital tool designed to help businesses, especially in hybrid and remote work, effectively manage and build relationships with their workforce. 

Q2: Who Can Benefit from Employee Management Software?

Almost all businesses of all sizes can benefit from Employee Management Software. This includes start-ups in their early stages, mid-market companies, and those managing hybrid teams. The software is particularly important for businesses that aim to stay competitive and successfully address the evolving needs of diverse teams and varying work models.

Q3: What Are the Key Features to Look for in Employee Management Software?

When looking for the most suitable employee management software, the key features to consider are Performance Management, Employee Feedback and Engagement, Learning and Development, and HR Administration.

Q4: How Does Employee Management Software Improve Hybrid and Remote Work?

This software is a must-have for efficiency in hybrid and remote work setups, helping to maintain productivity, performance tracking, engagement, and a strong company culture even when teams are not physically co-located.

Q5: How Does Employee Management Software Enhance Employee Engagement?

The software includes features like surveys, feedback mechanisms, and recognition programs that enhance employee engagement. By feeling heard and appreciated, people are more likely to feel connected, engaged, and valued within the organization.

Q6: What are Software Recommendations based on Company size and needs:

Based on company size, budget, and specific requirements, some employee management software recommendations include top tools for SMBs: BambooHR and Zoho; for Large Companies: Culture Amp and Kudos; for Managers: 15Five and Time Doctor.

Also available on:

Future Work - Listen on Spotify
Future Work - Listen on Apple Podcasts
Future Work - Watch on Youtube
TRANSCRIPT

Our latest articles

FlexOS helps you stay ahead in the future of work.

Is Microretirement Your Next Career Move?

Is Microretirement Your Next Career Move?

Feeling burned out? Or simply need a change or a new adventure? Try microretirement.
Is Microretirement Your Next Career Move?

Is Microretirement Your Next Career Move?

Feeling burned out? Or simply need a change or a new adventure? Try microretirement.
Fast, Agile, Ultra-Productive Superteams // Trillion Dollar Hashtag #4

Fast, Agile, Ultra-Productive Superteams // Trillion Dollar Hashtag #4

Future of Real Estate expert Antony Slumbers explores why small, agile superteams powered by AI for unbeatable productivity and innovation are about to emerge – and what to do about it.
Fast, Agile, Ultra-Productive Superteams // Trillion Dollar Hashtag #4

Fast, Agile, Ultra-Productive Superteams // Trillion Dollar Hashtag #4

Future of Real Estate expert Antony Slumbers explores why small, agile superteams powered by AI for unbeatable productivity and innovation are about to emerge – and what to do about it.
The Future of Work Starts with Adaptability: Insights from Kotter

The Future of Work Starts with Adaptability: Insights from Kotter

What if HR led change proactively, not reactively? Tim Reitsma and Nick Petschek explore transforming organizations for the future.
The Future of Work Starts with Adaptability: Insights from Kotter

The Future of Work Starts with Adaptability: Insights from Kotter

What if HR led change proactively, not reactively? Tim Reitsma and Nick Petschek explore transforming organizations for the future.
All You Need To Know About OpenAI Shipmas To Boost Your Workflow

All You Need To Know About OpenAI Shipmas To Boost Your Workflow

Shipmas recap: Facetime with ChatGPT, organize chats into projects, run code in real-time, customize a website in 5 steps, and more.
All You Need To Know About OpenAI Shipmas To Boost Your Workflow

All You Need To Know About OpenAI Shipmas To Boost Your Workflow

Shipmas recap: Facetime with ChatGPT, organize chats into projects, run code in real-time, customize a website in 5 steps, and more.
OpenAI Cofounder Ilya Sutskever: "We've Hit Peak Data." What's Next for AI?

OpenAI Cofounder Ilya Sutskever: "We've Hit Peak Data." What's Next for AI?

OpenAI Co-Founder and Former Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever suggests AI will evolve in these three key ways. Also this week, OpenAI's Shipmas summary, big launches from Google, and more.
OpenAI Cofounder Ilya Sutskever: "We've Hit Peak Data." What's Next for AI?

OpenAI Cofounder Ilya Sutskever: "We've Hit Peak Data." What's Next for AI?

OpenAI Co-Founder and Former Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever suggests AI will evolve in these three key ways. Also this week, OpenAI's Shipmas summary, big launches from Google, and more.
The Paradox of Choice in Generative AI: A Framework for Simplifying Decisions in 2024

The Paradox of Choice in Generative AI: A Framework for Simplifying Decisions in 2024

For the first issue of his newsletter, Anthony Onesto tackles one of the hairiest topics most HR leaders are running into: how to select AI tools.
The Paradox of Choice in Generative AI: A Framework for Simplifying Decisions in 2024

The Paradox of Choice in Generative AI: A Framework for Simplifying Decisions in 2024

For the first issue of his newsletter, Anthony Onesto tackles one of the hairiest topics most HR leaders are running into: how to select AI tools.
The Unbundling and Rebundling of Jobs // Trillion Dollar Hashtag #3

The Unbundling and Rebundling of Jobs // Trillion Dollar Hashtag #3

In the second of our series exploring ten themes that will shape the next decade, Antony Slumbers looks at how every knowledge worker's job is set to change over the next years.
The Unbundling and Rebundling of Jobs // Trillion Dollar Hashtag #3

The Unbundling and Rebundling of Jobs // Trillion Dollar Hashtag #3

In the second of our series exploring ten themes that will shape the next decade, Antony Slumbers looks at how every knowledge worker's job is set to change over the next years.
Are You Seeing Your Employees as Customers?

Are You Seeing Your Employees as Customers?

Treating employees like customers to create a more engaged and productive workforce.
Are You Seeing Your Employees as Customers?

Are You Seeing Your Employees as Customers?

Treating employees like customers to create a more engaged and productive workforce.