Employee expectations continue to shift as organizations compete for talent. Leaders look for ways to build cultures that support growth, recognition, and connection. Employee rewards software helps you link recognition to meaningful development opportunities. This supports stronger engagement and reduces turnover.
Recent MentorcliQ research shows that employees who participate in mentoring programs are 50% less likely to leave their organization compared to those who do not. When paired with thoughtful recognition practices, rewards systems reinforce the behaviors that drive retention.
What Is Employee Rewards Software?
Employee rewards software helps organizations manage structured recognition and incentives.
The Oxford Dictionary of Business and Management defines a reward system as a set of mechanisms that provide recognition and benefits to reinforce positive performance and behaviors.
These platforms give HR teams structured tools to acknowledge achievements, track participation, and offer meaningful incentives that support engagement and performance.
Key Features of Employee Rewards Software You Should Look For
Organizations need employee rewards software that supports fair, simple, and measurable recognition systems. The right features help you reduce administrative strain, maintain consistency across teams, and connect recognition to skill growth and development.
Points-Based Recognition
This feature lets companies assign points for accomplishments or behaviors. It gives employees flexibility to redeem points for items that matter to them.
Peer-to-Peer Recognition
This allows employees to recognize colleagues directly. It builds connection across teams and supports inclusive cultures.
Rewards Marketplace
A curated catalog of gift cards, experiences, or merchandise offers employees choice. This increases participation and perceived value.
Automated Workflows
Automated prompts and approvals reduce manual work. HR teams save time and maintain consistent reward processes.
Analytics and Reporting
Analytics connect recognition activities to engagement, retention, and performance results. Leaders use these insights to guide investments.
12 Best Employee Rewards Software for Strengthening Workforce Engagement
1. MentorcliQ
MentorcliQ is an industry-leading employee development platform that integrates recognition with structured learning, mentoring, and ERG participation. You can align rewards to milestones such as mentoring matches, program completion, and skill development. Its comprehensive automation reduces administrative work and supports global workforces with consistent, equitable recognition.
Key Features:
- Integrated Development Rewards: Links recognition to mentoring and ERG participation to reinforce skill growth and inclusion.
- Robust Analytics: Shows how recognition and development activities contribute to retention and performance.
- Automated Program Management: Reduces manual coordination for mentoring, ERGs, and rewards.
Best for: Large enterprises and organizations planning to scale employee development and recognition.
2. Bonusly
Bonusly offers a simple points-based system that encourages frequent peer recognition. Its interface helps teams maintain steady engagement.
Key Features:
- Peer Recognition Feed: Public messages reinforce positive behaviors.
- Rewards Marketplace: Broad redemption options appeal to diverse employees.
- Team Insights: Highlights participation trends for HR.
Best for: Small to mid-sized teams that want a straightforward peer recognition tool.
3. Awardco
Awardco partners with major retailers to offer a wide rewards selection. It connects recognition programs to performance goals.
Key Features:
- Custom Reward Programs: Supports service awards, incentives, and peer recognition.
- Amazon-Backed Marketplace: Offers thousands of redemption options.
- Analytics Dashboard: Tracks usage and recognition activity.
Best for: Organizations wanting a flexible rewards catalog.
4. Kudos
Kudos provides a recognition platform that emphasizes culture-building. Its messaging system supports values-based recognition.
Key Features:
- Values-Linked Recognition: Connects rewards to company values.
- Reporting Tools: Shows recognition patterns across teams.
- Engagement Surveys: Complements recognition data.
Best for: Culture-focused teams wanting to tie recognition to values.
5. Guusto
Guusto focuses on simple gift-card-driven rewards. It offers budget controls for managers and HR.
Key Features:
- Gift Card System: Provides flexible reward options.
- Manager Budget Controls: Helps leaders manage spending.
- Slack Integration: Supports fast recognition.
Best for: Teams that prefer gift card-only recognition systems.
6. Motivosity
Motivosity supports quick peer recognition across teams. It adds manager tools that strengthen feedback.
Key Features:
- Peer Recognition: Simple acknowledgments across teams.
- Manager Coaching Tools: Helps supervisors improve engagement.
- Community Feed: Builds connection.
Best for: Organizations focused on manager effectiveness and recognition.
7. Nectar
Nectar centralizes recognition in a simple rewards system. It offers easy integrations to support daily use.
Key Features:
- Peer Recognition Tools: Supports ongoing culture-building.
- Rewards Catalogue: Includes merchandise and digital rewards.
- Automated Milestones: Sends service anniversary acknowledgments.
Best for: Organizations that need easy integrations with HR systems.
8. Reward Gateway
Reward Gateway combines recognition, rewards, and employee benefits in one platform. It helps teams celebrate achievements while offering flexible incentive options.
Key Features:
- Recognition Tools: Supports peer and manager-led acknowledgments.
- Benefits Portal: Offers employee discounts and perks.
- Analytics: Tracks recognition and engagement activity.
Best for: Organizations seeking a unified platform for recognition, rewards, and employee benefits.
9. WorkTango
WorkTango unifies recognition and engagement insights. It links employee input with actionable incentives.
Key Features:
- Unified Feedback + Recognition: Connects input to action.
- Points-Based Rewards: Flexible redemption options.
- Engagement Insights: Tracks team sentiment.
Best for: Organizations wanting recognition woven into engagement measurement.
10. Terryberry
Terryberry focuses on service awards and milestone programs. It gives leaders structured ways to celebrate contributions.
Key Features:
- Service Award Programs: Structured to celebrate tenure.
- Recognition Walls: Public spaces to highlight achievements.
- Reward Option Variety: Merchandise and experiences.
Best for: Organizations prioritizing milestone recognition.
11. Augeo
Augeo provides configurable incentive and loyalty solutions. It supports complex engagement needs with flexible rewards.
Key Features:
- Custom Engagement Programs: Tailored to business goals.
- Rewards Marketplace: Includes travel, merchandise, and events.
- Data Insights: Tracks participation.
Best for: Enterprises with complex incentive needs.
12. Achievers
Achievers reinforces values through structured recognition. It supports global teams with broad reward options.
Key Features:
- Values-Driven Recognition: Connects acknowledgments to culture.
- Global Rewards Catalog: Supports distributed teams.
- Engagement Insights: Helps leaders track program impact.
Best for: Large organizations seeking global functionality.
Benefits of Employee Rewards Software
Employee rewards software connects recognition, development, and performance, giving organizations a structured way to motivate participation while reducing administrative effort.
Increased Engagement
Employee rewards software supports consistent recognition. When people see their contributions acknowledged, they participate more in development programs such as mentoring and ERGs.
Higher Retention
Recognition linked to growth experiences drives loyalty. MentorcliQ data shows strong retention improvements when recognition reinforces development habits like mentoring participation.
Stronger Culture
Rewards systems encourage inclusive behaviors. Peer recognition and consistent acknowledgment support belonging across teams.
Improved Performance Alignment
Leaders tie rewards to actionable goals. This reinforces the behaviors that matter for business results.
Reduced Administrative Work
Centralized tools cut manual tracking. HR teams redirect time toward strategic development initiatives.
Supporting Leaders Through Strategic Recognition
Employee rewards software helps leaders shape culture with clear signals about what the organization values. When tied to development, recognition reinforces the behaviors that build long-term success. HR teams gain measurable insights and save time through automation.
MentorcliQ helps organizations connect recognition with learning, mentoring, and inclusion. This gives employees a development path supported by meaningful acknowledgment.
Book a Demo with MentorcliQ to learn how your organization can build stronger, scalable mentoring programs.
