Choosing the right performance management tool can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to keep everyone motivated, track progress, and encourage growth.
You know you need software to help set goals, gather helpful feedback, and support your team’s development—but which one really ticks all the boxes?
In this guide, we’ll break down the 11 best tools for ongoing team improvement, making it easy for you to pick the one that will help your team reach its full potential.
Goal Setting & OKR Tools
BetterWorks
BetterWorks is designed to help enterprise-level teams align, manage, and optimize team performance through establishing clear goals, gathering regular feedback, and making data-driven decisions. It works especially well for continued performance management as its interface encourages frequent check-ins and feedback, facilitating regular conversations about progress and challenges.
In addition to that, intuitive dashboards give everyone a clear view of progress which, in turn, boosts company transparency.
Key features include OKR (Objectives and Key Results) tracking, continuous feedback loops, and one-on-one meeting tools to drive team alignment and accountability.
The tool has several modules for different aspects of performance management: Objectives, Feedback, Conversations, Recognition,1:1s, and Insights. It also implemented generative AI and AI recommendations based on past data.
Core Features:
- OKR tracking, goal alignment, performance analytics
- Generative AI and AI recommendations
Pros:
- Excellent goal visualization and hierarchy mapping
- Strong integration with existing work tools
- Real-time progress tracking
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Steep learning curve
- Can be complex for smaller teams
Lattice
Lattice is a performance and goal management tool focused on helping companies set, track, and align goals effectively. It’s known for its flexible goal-setting options, particularly around OKRs, enabling teams to map individual and team objectives.
One of Lattice’s unique strengths is its integration of goals directly into performance reviews and check-ins, ensuring that goals are part of feedback conversations throughout the year, rather than singling out annual reviews. This helps employees stay engaged with their objectives and feel more connected to company-wide priorities.
Lattice has several modules: Performance, Compensation, Analytics, OKRs and Goals, Grow, Engagement, HRIS and Payroll. It is flexible and feature-packed to be of value to both managers, employees, and HR specialists. For fostering continuous feedback, Lattice includes one-on-one meeting tools, enabling managers and employees to discuss progress frequently. It also offers 360-degree feedback, allowing peers and teams to contribute insights into performance, which provides a balanced perspective and promotes a culture of collaboration.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Strong integration with performance reviews
- Regular check-in features
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- Mobile app could be improved
Paycor
Paycor (ex 7Geese) is a performance management and HCM tool built to foster a continuous feedback culture with a heavy emphasis on coaching, goal alignment, and employee recognition. Designed around OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), it helps companies drive team alignment with tools that promote transparency and ongoing progress tracking.
One of Paycors standout features is its robust coaching functionality, which encourages managers to take on coaching roles through frequent one-on-one meetings and feedback sessions. By using structured check-ins, Paycor aims to improve engagement and performance by helping managers focus on employee development rather than just evaluations.
Paycor offers customized solutions for teams in manufacturing, healthcare, retail, education, and nonprofits, although several reviewers note its support lacking and common soft glitches.
Pros:
- Affordable for small teams
- Strong feedback features
- Good visualization tools
Cons:
- Limited enterprise features
- Basic reporting capabilities
- Poor customer support
Workboard
WorkBoard is a performance and strategy execution platform that helps organizations set, align, and achieve strategic goals using a structured Objectives and Key Result framework.
It’s built with large teams in mind. Common workflows include: iteration on key results, transforming tasks into outcomes, and generating ORKs on the fly.
Workboard’s OKR Co-Author module is a standout tool for organizations aiming to streamline their goal-setting and alignment processes. This module facilitates guided input and automation to create OKRs quickly, helping teams avoid lengthy goal-setting discussions and focus directly on impactful results.
Co-Author starts with an “OKR Canvas,” where team members can share preliminary objectives and results, and when ideas are collected, the Co-Author tool generates draft OKRs that then can be refined to meet team standards.
Pros:
- Strong analytics
- Good for scaling organizations
- Automated status updates
Cons:
- Complex setup process
- Requires dedicated admin
Perdoo
Perdoo is another performance management tool and (strategy execution software) that focuses on helping companies define, track, and achieve their strategic goals.
The core of Perdoo’s platform is its goal management module, where teams can set and track both OKRs and KPIs. This module allows team leaders and managers to visualize goal progress and align team members’ objectives with the company’s strategic roadmap. The module includes structured check-ins, encouraging users to regularly update their progress, which helps maintain accountability and momentum.
Perdoo also offers an integrated performance review module, which ties OKR progress directly into performance evaluations. This prompts data-driven reviews by linking individual contributions to broader company results. Perdoo’s Insights feature offers in-depth reports and analytics on goal progress and alignment, and assists managers with actionable insights to guide team resources more efficiently
Pros
- Clean, intuitive interface
- Affordable pricing
- Good educational resources
Cons
- Limited integration options
- Basic reporting features
360-Degree Feedback & Review Tools
Culture Amp
Culture Amp is a comprehensive platform for 360-degree employee feedback, designed to help companies foster continuous employee development and engagement. The tool simplifies collecting and analyzing feedback at various levels within the organization, creating a well-rounded view of an employee’s strengths and areas for improvement.
One standout module in Culture Amp is the Leadership Effectiveness 360 survey, specifically tailored for senior leaders like executives and directors. This tool uses a forward-focused approach to evaluate leadership skills and focuses on traits like resilience, strategic influence, and emotional awareness.
It is highly customizable, allowing organizations to align the survey with their internal leadership needs. Leaders receive a detailed report that includes both quantitative data and qualitative insights, helping them prioritize their development goals
Pros:
- Rich analytics and benchmarking
- Scientific approach to feedback
- Customizable templates
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Can be overwhelming with features
15Five
15Five is a performance management tool that helps teams boost employee engagement and drive performance improvement through structured goal-setting, feedback, and coaching.
One standout feature of 15Five is its Perform module, which facilitates holistic, multi-dimensional assessments that go beyond simple performance ratings. This module incorporates 360-degree feedback, allowing managers, peers, and direct reports to contribute to a view of an employee’s strengths and potential areas of performance improvement. It’s worth mentioning its bias-reducing features like calibrated ratings and competency-based assessments, making evaluations fairer and more objective.
Pros:
- Easy to implement
- Strong focus on employee development
- Regular check-in features
Cons:
- Limited advanced reporting
- Basic performance review features
Reflektive
Reflektive is a performance management and employee engagement platform that integrates with tools like email, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, making it convenient for employees and managers to give feedback, set goals, and have structured 1:1s within their daily workflows.
ONe of the features of Reflektive is its real-time feedback module, which is designed to promote continuous growth through quick, constructive input. Employees and managers can share feedback directly within their workflows. This feature supports recognition of achievements and through a lightweight interface that integrates with tools like Gmail for on-the-spot feedback.
The goal-setting and tracking tool aligns individual objectives with team and company goals.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Strong integration options
- Flexible review cycles
Cons:
- Some features feel basic
- Limited customization
3. Talent Management Suites
Workday
Workday is a highly integrated talent management suite that connects employee performance, development, and HR metrics in one unified platform. Unlike more traditional tools, it prompts companies to make informed, data-driven decisions on talent development by combining workforce data with AI-driven insights.
Workday’s Competency Management module is highly customizable, allowing organizations to configure competency libraries that reflect specific business needs. Integrated feedback module boosts ongoing skill development, and Workday’s competency assessments help inform both hiring and development departments.
Pros:
- Comprehensive solution
- Strong compliance features
- Excellent reporting
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Complex implementation
- Steep learning curve
SAP SuccessFactors
SAP SuccessFactors is a talent management platform that connects every step of the employee experience—from hiring and onboarding to high-performance. With AI-driven insights embedded across its suite, it shapes a skills-first, growth-oriented culture where every employee’s development aligns with business objectives. SuccessFactors brings your data into play with real-time skill matching, career pathing, and AI-recommended development paths, making it easier than ever to identify talent gaps, track progress, and foster real, actionable growth.
An interesting feature within SuccessFactors is the Talent Intelligence Hub, which leverages AI to create personalized growth portfolios for employees. It offers a holistic view of each employee’s skills, preferences, and career aspirations, providing tailored learning paths and career development opportunities. For instance, employees receive customized recommendations for learning modules, project assignments, and mentorships based on their skills and desired career path. This not only improves employee engagement but also enables organizations to address skill gaps in their workforce at scale.
Pros:
- Enterprise-grade features
- Strong integration capabilities
- Comprehensive analytics
Cons:
- High cost
- Complex setup
- Can be overwhelming
PeopleFluent
PeopleFluent is a talent management solution tailored to large and mid-enterprise organizations. It supports a wide range of HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation, succession planning, and learning. It is known for its flexibility, allowing companies to implement it either as individual modules or as a complete suite, which makes it adaptable for complex organizational needs.
One of PeopleFluent’s standout modules is its performance management system with contextual learning. It allows for continuous feedback, real-time goal setting, and personalized action planning and with its integration with contextual learning, provides skill-building resources directly within projects and goals. This feature not only supports employee growth but also helps them apply new skills on the job, developing better learning habits and ensuring hands-on experience.
Pros:
- Good configurability
- Strong analytics
- Mobile-friendly
Cons:
- Interface could be more modern
- Limited integration options
How to Choose an Optimal Performance Management Tool For Your Company?
When choosing a performance management tool, consider the following, most important taits of your company or team:
1. Company size and scalability needs
2. Budget constraints
3. Integration requirements
4. Ease of implementation
5. Required features vs. nice-to-have features
6. User experience and adoption likelihood
7. Support and training requirements
8. Reporting and analytics needs
Effective Implementation Practices For Performance Management Tools
Start with a pilot program. Don’t just dive in headfirst—run a pilot with a small team. Iron out the nuances and get real-world feedback without disrupting the whole company.
Ensure proper training for all users. Sounds obvious, but skipping on training will have dire consequences. Make sure everyone knows how to use it, not just what it’s supposed to do.
Get buy-in from leadership. If leadership’s not onboard, it’s gonna fall flat. Show stakeholders the big wins they’re gonna get.
Create clear processes and guidelines. Lose guidelines confuse people. Map out exactly how and when to use the tool.
Regular review and adjustment. Check in to see what’s working and where the friction is—there’s always something that could run smoother.
Measure adoption and engagement rates. Track who’s actually using it. High adoption? You’re good. If it’s low, you’ve got a problem.
Gather feedback from users regularly. Open the floor for feedback often—this isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation.