11 Performance Management Tools to Accelerate Employee Growth and Development

What if you could not only manage but accelerate employee growth and development? 

Performance management tools simplify this process by providing a platform to collect, analyze and report on employee performance data. They're an efficient way to measure progress against objectives and identify areas of improvement. 

This article will offer a curated list of 11 performance management tools designed to give your employees the boost they need to thrive and provide you with the peace of mind you deserve.

Each tool has been tried, tested, and proven to supercharge employee development. 

Whether you're struggling with setting clear objectives, providing actionable feedback, or tracking progress, there's a tool here ready to come to your rescue.

👩‍💻 What are the different types of performance management tools?

Performance management software falls into different buckets, depending on the area of growth and development you wish to target.

Before we get into specific software vendors, it's worth understanding the following tool categories to support your research. 

Performance appraisal software 

Performance appraisal systems are typically an all-encompassing solution. Some software will include features to collect 360-degree feedback, which allows managers to solicit feedback from employees, co-workers, and team members on individual performance. Other features might include goal setting, performance review surveys, and more.

➡️ Performance appraisal software must suit your preferred strategy. Check out our guide on performance appraisals vs. performance management to find the right fit for your organization.

Feedback and recognition platforms

Feedback and recognition platforms provide a platform for peers, managers, and leaders to deliver praise and meaningful feedback in the flow of work. 

Some platforms allow you to tie rewards to the positive contributions you recognize. 

Goal tracking systems 

Goal-tracking systems focus on creating a clear line of sight between organizational goals, team goals, and individual objectives. Businesses might use them to manage corporate strategy initiatives for large organizations with complex structures. 

Learning and development tools 

Learning management systems support organizations by creating personalized training courses based on employee performance metrics. You can also assign learning resources to individuals, track progress and measure the success of their training programs. 

🛠️ Check out our curated list of 15 top learning experience platforms. Learn how they can help your company. 

Employee engagement and pulse surveys 

Companies can send out short pulse surveys at regular intervals to gather customer or peer feedback useful in creating tailored development plans.

🤩 Check out 13 best employee engagement software to transform the employee experience in your organization.

AI performance management tools 

AI can accelerate your performance management processes by automatically generating feedback, identifying patterns in employee data, and flagging key insights for managers. 

➡️ AI is taking the world by storm; check out the power of AI-based LMSs. 

💻 11 Top performance management tools 

Ready for a breakdown of the best performance management tools in the market? Some of the below 11 options have features in common. But pay attention to pricing, user reviews, and other details that set them apart. 

Zavvy 

Zavvy offers a comprehensive people development tool that companies like Primer, Typeform, Freeletics, and Storyblok already use. 

Zavvy's performance management solution is feature-rich, offering: 

• performance appraisal forms and performance review questions, including qualitative and quantitative fields;
• highly customizable 360 feedback builder for multi-perspective reviews and team–level feedback; 
• 1:1s for development talks and performance check-ins; 
• a library of feedback templates;
• leadership development surveys; 
• built-in performance calibration;
• advanced anonymity settings; 
• hidden questions from the reviewee (for example, Do you want to promote this person?); 
• feedback analytics, including spiderweb, heatmap, etc.; 
• access to previous feedback reviews to better understand employee progress
• goal management.

Zavvy AI is a feature that allows users to save time and work more strategically. Artificial intelligence enables teams to connect the dots between career aspirations, feedback, and relevant training. At 10x faster than your traditional methods, Zavvy AI crafts: 

• personalized career paths;
• engaging training courses;
• actionable development plans;
• performance feedback summaries. 

👥 User experience: Zavvy receives 4.8 out of 5 from the G2 software community, with 9.0 out of 10 for Ease of Use and 9.4 for Quality of Support.

Our platform picks up exceptional reviews, including, "Our lives have been made very easy and smooth with Zavvy. Our continuous performance monitoring method with Zavvy's performance evaluation and management module is now very simple and easy." 

Another reviewer agrees that Zavvy stands out from the competition, "Zavvy's performance review and management module is far more compatible in managing data and building reports than any other competing software we evaluated."

💰 Pricing: Zavvy's Feedback & Performance Management software starts from just $4/4€ per employee/mo, with a minimum package of $300/300€.

Users receive access to: 

• 5+ feedback survey templates; 
• 360 feedback builder (360, upward, downward, peer, self, etc.); 
• performance reviews; 
• feedback analytics (9-box grid, skills matrix, etc.); 
• 1:1 check-ins, including templates;
• Connection with a development plan and career frameworks. 

Note: Zavvy's pricing is modular, and the Performance Management software fits well with the Skills & Development, Internal & External training, and Engagement & Analytics modules. Feel free to customize your package according to your requirements. 

Trakstar 

Trakstar is a performance management software designed to connect all aspects of the employee lifecycle. It streamlines performance review processes, helps companies set and track goals, provides continuous feedback, and facilitates 360-degree feedback.

Trakstar offers the following tools and features: 

• performance reviews;
• engagement surveys;
• goal setting and tracking;
• 360-degree review feedback; 
• automated reminders;
• detailed reporting with insights.

👥 User experience: Trakstar achieves 4.3 out of 5 from G2's software user community. Positive reviews highlight that the software is an all-in-one solution for engaging, growing, and retaining talent. 

One user describes what they like best about Trakstar, "The 360 degree feedback and ongoing notes that can be taken on the spot, housed in a centralized location, to make performance reviews better. With the ability for employees to go into the system to view comments shared by their managers and to see the percentage completed for any goal set forth will assist our internal employees to continue growing in their role." 

💰 Pricing: Custom pricing is available on request. Your quote will include: 

• implementation and support; 
• unlimited storage; 
• reporting. 

Lattice

Whether you prefer to run quarterly, project-based, or annual reviews, Lattice adapts to your needs. 

The platform offers comprehensive performance management software with modern features like continuous feedback loops, 1:1 templates, and 360-degree feedback.

By incorporating input from managers, colleagues, direct reports, and employee self-appraisals, Lattice's performance reviews provide a well-rounded profile of each employee's performance. Additionally, Lattice supports project-based reviews for contractors or employees taking on occasional work. 

👥 User experience: As one of the best-known performance management tools in the market, it's no surprise that Lattice achieves 4.7 out of 5 from G2's user community. 

However, some recent reviews mention some product delivery delays, which have impacted their experience of the software. "Unfortunately, Lattice has had some pretty bad misses on their product roadmap and delivery. They made some lofty promises (getting weighted review score calculations out by Jan 2024, launching hidden talent reviews in Q2, enabling group 1:1s in Q2, etc.) that have ALL been postponed, delayed, or the launch was very disappointing, in my opinion."

💰 Pricing: Lattice allows companies to purchase modules such as "Grow," which includes individual development plans, 1:1s, and performance management integration priced from $4 per person/mo. Bundles are also available at a discount — for example, Performance Management + OKRs + Goals costs $11 per person/mo. 

ClearCompany 

ClearCompany is a talent management and performance management software solution. It provides a suite of HR tools to help organizations attract, hire, and retain top talent while optimizing employee performance. 

ClearCompany's performance management module allows businesses to support the unique company roles by customizing: 

• review cycle workflows;
• questions, including formats and scales;
• participant communications. 

👥 User experience: Clear Company achieves a healthy 4.6 out of 5 from G2 users, with reviews like this suggesting that customers find the platform intuitive. "I use the performance management and recruiting tools heavily and find them both easy to navigate and understand."

Getting into the specifics, one user highlights some minor improvements the company could make to the interface: "There are minor changes I'd make in very specific areas, such as reducing the white space on the performance review form to make the view shorter and reposting to job boards with one click."

💰 Pricing: ClearCo. promises transparent pricing built for your business. Yet, prospective customers must contact ClearCompany for a custom quote to better understand its pricing model.

Motivosity 

Motivosity is primarily an employee engagement and recognition tool, but it also encourages professional development by enabling managers and direct reports to: 

• Understand career objectives. 
• Create and implement progression plans. 
• Track internal promotions. 
• Support managers in becoming mentors. 
• Provide meaningful feedback. 
• Set relevant and achievable goals.

👥 User experience: Motivosity achieves 4.7 out of 5 from the G2 user community, with reviews highlighting the central performance management capabilities of the platform, which are integral to the employee experience for remote workers.

There are limited negative reviews, some of which suggest that the platform could benefit from additional features. 

💰 Pricing: Motivosity follows a modular pricing model, which is simple to understand. 

The following modules each cost $2 per user/mo: 

• Community and Connection; 
• Recognition and Rewards; 
• Manager Development; 
• Employee Insights. 

Choose how many modules you want, then multiply by your headcount for an accurate price.  

Small Improvements 

Small Improvements is a performance management and employee feedback platform that enhances employee development, recognition, and engagement within organizations.

The platform includes the following features: 

• performance reviews;
• 360-degree feedback; 
• goals and objectives; 
• praise; 
• 1:1s for managers and direct reports; 
• feedback requests; 
• insights; 
• pulse surveys. 

👥 User experience: Small Improvements achieves a lower score than many other platforms on our list—4.1 out of 5 from G2 users. 

However, loyal users like the following describe how the tool benefits their company. "Small Improvements is an excellent tool for communicating with supervisors and scheduling things like meetings and performance reviews. It allows the company to send surveys to gauge employee satisfaction and receive feedback on where things can be improved, which helps everyone be more efficient.

💰 Pricing: Small Improvements offers 2 pricing options:

• Performance Starter Pack: from $5 per user/mo. 
• Feedback and Performance Suite: from $7 per user/mo. 

The additional Engagement and Insights Add-on costs $2 per user/mo. 

15Five

15Five is a performance management and employee engagement software that helps organizations create a feedback-rich culture. The platform allows employees to provide regular updates in just 15 minutes per week (hence the name.)

Employees answer specific questions about their progress, challenges, and achievements and share the responses with their managers. Managers can review these updates in about five minutes and respond with feedback, encouragement, or support.

15Five's performance management system features include: 

• integrations with major HRIS systems; 
• self-appraisal and multi-source feedback; 
• granular insights; 
• performance review calibrations. 

👥 User experience: 15Five achieves 4.6 out of 5 from G2's user community.

A People Director describes the issues that the platform solves for their organization as: "Performance gaps, communication about performance across the organization, teams, and individuals. Provides HR and Management visibility to who is having performance discussion, giving feedback, top performers, low performers, etc."

Unfortunately, some reviews also mention poor customer service. 

💰 Pricing: 15Five offers the following pricing: 

• Engage: from $4 per user/mo.
• Perform: from $10 per user/mo. 
• Total platform: from $16 per user/mo.

🔎 Get a more detailed analysis of 15five features and alternative solutions.  

WorkTango 

Kazoo has recently acquired WorkTango and is now known under the single brand identity of WorkTango.

The united platform offers goals and feedback features, including: 

• 1:1 meetings and check-ins; 
• feedback; 
• goals and OKRs; 
• talent reviews. 

👥 User experience: WorkTango (formerly Kazoo) scores 4.6 out of 5 from the G2 user community.

Some reviews highlight that the engagement feature of the platform works better than the performance management feature. "We implemented the Performance Management module with mixed success. The platform itself was quick to get up and running, and the user interface is great. That said, the reporting was lackluster and, at times, seemed inaccurate."

‍However, other reviews mention that it's "a really great tool if you're looking for a one-stop shop for performance management, employee recognition, and culture boost!"

💰 Pricing: WorkTango's Full Employee Experience Platform requires a minimum annual contract agreement of $10,000. 

StaffCircle 

StaffCircle is an employee engagement platform that supports businesses in creating a feedback culture. It enables employees to give anonymous feedback, and managers can respond in real time and measure the impact of their actions. 

The performance management module enables leaders to:  

• Set employee OKRs. 
• Track progress. 
• Gather feedback from employees. 
• Identify and address potential issues early. 

👥 User experience: StaffCircle is another platform achieving 4.6 out of 5 from the G2 user community.

One review describes precisely how their company has benefitted from onboarding this solution. "We didn't have a suitable performance management system, and StaffCircle is supporting our performance development culture and allowing us to promote ongoing continuous performance development feedback and conversations." ‍

Another user explains that the tool has allowed them to finally move away from using Excel spreadsheets. 

There are few negative reviews related to performance management, although one user mentions, "Sometimes the reporting could be a bit simpler, and the settings function can be a little complicated."

💰 Pricing: StaffCircle provides custom quotes depending on your headcount and the modules you require. All contracts are billed annually, with a minimum commitment of $7,000. A handy calculator is available on the StaffCircle pricing page if you want to tot up the costs quickly. 

Primalogik 

Primalogik offers a powerful 360-degree feedback module, simplifying gathering feedback from multiple sources.

Admin users can customize rating scales for evaluation questionnaires and choose the level of anonymity for feedback.

The module's advanced features include enabling managers and admin staff to initiate feedback requests for employees and target specific co-workers for responses. It also enables automatic reminders for timely feedback submissions and real-time tracking of feedback progress. Other features include: 

• setting goals and OKRs;
• detailed analytics and reporting; 
• light check-ins and performance appraisals.

👥 User experience: Primalogik achieves 4.6 out of 5 from the G2 user community. Users mention their gratitude for moving from top-down performance management to a more holistic approach.

One user describes the tool as "A simple to use performance management tool that provides a process for self and management feedback, together with 360 performance capabilities. This software also allows for quick surveys, which my clients use for employee pulse surveys."

💰 Pricing: Primalogik pricing starts at $159 per month for a single user with a 3-month minimum contract or $1,590 per year upfront (with two months free.) Custom quotes are available if you only want to run 360-degree feedback surveys. 

Peoplebox

Peoplebox is an OKR software designed to cultivate a goal-driven culture in hyper-growth startups. The company's performance management module enables HR to align team goals with the company's mission, monitor progress, and prioritize tasks.

Peoplebox also facilitates 360-degree performance reviews and meaningful 1:1 meetings to strengthen manager-employee relationships.

The user-friendly dashboard offers: 

• easy goal setting;
• progress tracking;
• employee feedback;
• in-depth performance analytics.

👥 User experience: Peoplebox achieves 4.5 out of 5 from the G2 user community.

One user describes the platform's benefits. "Peoplebox solves problems in performance management and team collaboration by enhancing performance alignment and fostering a culture of continuous feedback. This benefits users by increasing productivity, improving performance, and promoting a positive work environment." ‍

However, the same review complains that they can't see anything to monitor overall team performance. 

💰 Pricing: Peoplebox provides the following levels of pricing: 

• Talent Management: from $7 per person/mo. 
• OKR Platform: from $8 per person/mo. 
• Full Suite - Professional: from $12 per person/mo.
• Full Suite - Premium: from $15 per person/mo. 
• Enterprise: custom quotes are available.

🌟 What are the key features of a performance management tool?

Multiple tools in the market could handle your performance management processes. But not all of them share the same functionality, so this list of critical features should help you separate the wheat from the chaff.

Here's what to look for during your research process:.

• User interface: Choose a solution with a quick learning curve. Your tool should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and with an interface and menus that appear familiar to your users. 
• Multi-rater feedback: Seek tools with the ability to gather input from various sources, such as peers, managers, leaders, business partners, or customers, to support your 360 performance reviews. 
• Goal setting and tracking: Speed up development progress with a solution that helps you set goals, track progress, and measure results. Your tool should enable managers to follow up on any action plans created from performance reviews. 
• Performance review functionalities: Deliver a comprehensive performance review experience with custom surveys, automatic notifications, progress tracking, and feedback sharing functionalities. 
• Analytics and reporting: Gain valuable insights into growth and development progress by accessing powerful analytics and generating reports to support organizational decision-making. 
• Integrated learning and development options: Avoid tool-hopping by directly integrating learning and development solutions into your performance management software. This way, you can track training progress, measure the success of learning initiatives and create personalized learning pathways for each employee.

🕵️‍♀️ How do I choose the right performance management tool for my organization?

Need help prioritizing the right software tool for your needs?

Considering the factors below, you can make an informed decision and select a performance management tool that best aligns with your organization's goals and requirements.

1. Organization size: Consider the number of employees and management levels to find a scalable solution that fits your organization's structure. 
2. Industry-specific needs: Identify unique industry requirements to ensure the tool aligns with compliance standards and regulations in your sector. 
3. Specific functionality: Determine essential features like goal setting, feedback, reviews, and reporting that meet your L&D objectives or keep up with the latest trends in performance management. 
4. Budget considerations: Set a realistic budget and explore all-in-one solutions for cost-effectiveness.
5. Integration and compatibility: Choose a tool that integrates well with your existing HR software, such as HRIS systems. 
6. Performance methodology: Select a tool that supports specific methodologies like using OKRs. 
7. 360 and anonymous feedback: Prioritize tools that enable 360-degree feedback and maintain anonymity for sensitive inputs.
8. Real-time and continuous feedback: Look for tools that facilitate ongoing, real-time feedback and performance conversations.

➡️ For more examples of how to improve performance management, check out our impactful case studies on how top companies incorporate continuous feedback into the mix: 

• 📡 Employee performance reviews at Cisco 
• 🅰️ Employee performance reviews at Adobe 
• 🎥 Employee performance reviews at Netflix
• 🤖 Employee performance reviews at Google
• 🎶 Employee performance reviews at Spotify

➡️ Manage your people's performance with Zavvy

Zavvy offers performance management tools to empower employees and managers with the insights they need to achieve their potential. Choose from the following: 

• 📈 Performance review software: Run best-in-class employee reviews, with the option for 360-degree ratings, in-built calibration, anonymous feedback, and more. 
• 🌱 Employee development software: Solve people development by creating customized learning paths for individual team members. 
• 🧮 Skills matrix software: Grow people skills strategically with advanced performance analytics.
• 💪 Learning experience platform: Provide access to a library with hundreds of training courses to bridge the gap between development goals and acquiring skills. 
• 💬 One-on-one meeting software: Set up regular informal get-togethers outside standard performance review cycles as the basis for continuous feedback conversations.

Ready to take the reins of performance management by developing your people and business? 

📅 Take Zavvy for a spin today by booking a free demo.

❓ FAQs

What is your tool to evaluate employee performance?

It's interesting to note which performance management tools other people professionals have selected for their respective organizations. 

Here are three examples: 

1. CrossEngage, a German software company, uses Zavvy to handle its development cycles. Director of People & Culture Silvana Blank says, "Transparency and quality feedback are crucial for us. Zavvy has been instrumental in providing a standardized feedback process that fosters development and growth."
2. Peter Hartnett, General Manager of People & Culture at Australian food company Sanitarium, explains why they moved to Culture Amp: "The system we had in place was one that we had built ourselves, and we used it in a set and forget type of way. We wanted to move to an environment where managers and staff were having continual conversations about performance improvement, and feedback could be added on an ad-hoc basis."
3. Swapna Nair, VP of HR of Indian SaaS company Khatabook, "We've been working with Peoplebox in adopting the OKR and performance review tool. The Performance Review module that Peoplebox has developed by far has to be one of the most easy-to-use tools. Driving the interface through Slack is simply brilliant, especially for a tech product company." 

What tools are used to measure performance? 

Performance management tools can help measure employee performance in various ways, depending on your chosen tool. 

Generally speaking, these are some of the key features and functions most commonly used: 

• Goal setting and tracking: Establish clear objectives that align with organizational goals or individual job roles, and monitor progress against these objectives. 
• Performance reviews: Capture feedback from multiple stakeholders in a structured way, enabling managers to quantify and compare performance. 
• Self-assessments: Allow employees to assess their performance and identify areas for development or improvement.  
• Analytics: Generate reports that track feedback and progress over time, providing insights into individual and team performance trends. 
• Rewards and recognition: Reward employees as they meet their goals or recognize them for taking the initiative. 
• 360-degree feedback: Collect input from multiple perspectives consistently to provide a well-rounded view of employee performance. 

What other performance management techniques are available? 

In addition to using performance management tools, organizations can use several other techniques to manage their employees' performance. Here are some ideas: 

• Provide feedback and guidance regularly: Regular feedback ensures that employees have the information they need to take corrective actions or make adjustments when needed. 
• Use coaching techniques: Coaching can be a helpful way to reinforce desired behaviors and build employees' confidence. 
• Integrate career development: Encourage employees to set goals and take ownership of their careers through mentorship programs or individualized learning paths.  
• Encourage team collaboration: Foster an environment that encourages collaboration and teamwork and rewards employees for their contributions. 
• Boost morale: Promote a positive work culture by recognizing achievements, celebrating successes, and providing incentives such as flexible working hours or rewards.