Employee engagement is increasingly crucial in the fast-paced work world of today. Remote work is becoming the norm, hence companies have to use creative ideas to keep good morale and promote a friendly workplace. Feedback, sentiment analysis, and general workplace satisfaction improvement all depend on employee engagement technologies. 

Here on this blog, we will discuss Top Free Employee Engagement Tools, their features, and how they may assist companies in raising staff morale by means of efficient remote feedback collecting. We will also show how AgilityPortal could improve your approach to employee engagement.

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The Challenges of Employee Engagement Tools in the Workplace
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What is employee feedback? Employee feedback refers to the information, comments, or suggestions that employees share with their managers or coworkers about performance, behavior, or work-related activities. It serves as a vital tool for fostering communication, identifying areas for improvement, and enhancing workplace dynamics.​

Employee Engagement and Feedback​

 Employee engagement is the emotional dedication individuals have toward their company and objectives. More motivated, productive, and likely to stay with their firm-engaged workers. They provide a good work environment, which finally results in higher performance and better business results. On the other hand, disengaged workers could cause poor morale, high turnover rates, and low production.

• Elevate employee performance - Constructive feedback highlights strengths and pinpoints areas for growth, empowering employees to improve and excel in their roles.
• Foster a culture of transparency - Consistent feedback nurtures open communication, creating a workplace where dialogue flows freely. Effective communication tools play a vital role in supporting this dynamic.
• Increase engagement and retention - When employees feel acknowledged and understood, their job satisfaction rises, leading to greater loyalty and long-term commitment.

Maintaining engagement is vital in a mixed work environment when workers could feel detached or isolated. By means of efficient employee engagement software, companies may track employee attitudes, compile comments, and carry out plans to raise morale.  Cloud Based Intranets For Employee Engagement - UPDATED 2021 - Best Intranet Platforms

Employee Feedback Examples

• Performance Recognition - "Your presentation during the team meeting was outstanding. It was well-organized, and your ideas were innovative and impactful."
• Constructive Feedback - "I noticed the report had a few minor errors. Double-checking the data next time could help ensure accuracy and save time on revisions."
• Team Collaboration Feedback - "I appreciate your taking the initiative to organize our project tasks. It made our collaboration smoother and more efficient."
• Feedback on Workload Management - "You've been handling many tasks lately, and I'm concerned it might be overwhelming. Let me know if there's a way to redistribute the workload or provide support."
• Feedback on Skill Development - "I've seen great improvement in your coding skills over the last few months. Taking on more challenging projects could help you grow even further."

These examples highlight how feedback can be used to recognize achievements, address areas for improvement, and support professional growth.

The Importance of Employee Feedback

Employee feedback is a cornerstone of a healthy and thriving workplace. It is critical in fostering growth, enhancing communication, and building a positive organizational culture. 

Effective feedback provides employees with clarity about their performance, enabling them to identify their strengths and address areas for improvement. Studies show that 65% of employees want more feedback, which helps them feel more engaged and aligned with their roles.
Beyond performance improvement, feedback fosters a culture of trust and transparency. Regular, meaningful exchanges between employees and management promote open communication, encouraging individuals to voice their concerns, share ideas, and collaborate more effectively. Organizations that prioritize feedback report 21% higher productivity and improved workplace morale.

Moreover, feedback is essential for boosting employee engagement and retention. Employees who receive regular recognition and constructive input are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to perform their best work. Feeling valued and understood enhances job satisfaction, strengthening loyalty and reducing turnover rates. Feedback mechanisms also help management stay connected to the workforce, offering insights into employee needs, challenges, and aspirations.

Finally, employee feedback drives continuous improvement across the organization. It is a two-way process that supports individual growth and provides leaders with actionable data to refine processes, policies, and workplace culture. Organizations can create a more engaged, productive, and satisfied workforce by investing in tools and systems that facilitate consistent, constructive feedback.

What are the best ways to collect employee feedback?

Gone are the days when suggestion boxes and annual reviews were the primary methods for collecting employee feedback. Modern organizations now leverage advanced tools and strategies to make feedback collection more efficient, actionable, and insightful—transforming the way we understand the employee experience.

How to Gather Employee Feedback Effectively, and some employee feedback tools examples:

• Intranet Platforms - Integrated intranet systems offer centralized hubs where employees can submit feedback, participate in polls, and engage in discussion forums. These platforms encourage ongoing communication while maintaining transparency across the organization.
• Digital Surveys - Online survey tools enable the collection of anonymous feedback, giving employees the confidence to share their opinions openly. This method uncovers valuable insights that may remain hidden in traditional face-to-face interactions.
• Feedback Apps - Real-time feedback applications are ideal for capturing immediate reactions and suggestions. Whether for project reviews or overall workplace satisfaction, these apps ensure that feedback is timely and relevant.
• One-on-One Meetings - Personalized discussions between employees and managers remain a powerful method for collecting in-depth feedback. These conversations provide context, uncover specific challenges, and foster trust.

The best results often come from combining these methods. By integrating tools like intranet platforms with traditional approaches, organizations can create a comprehensive feedback ecosystem that is accessible, effective, and adaptable to the needs of a dynamic workforce.

Key Features of Employee Engagement Tools

Organizations should take into account the following elements when selecting appropriate engagement tools for improving employee morale:

• Feedback Collection: Surveys, polls, and anonymous methods of employee feedback platform capability.
• Sentiment Analysis: Tools examining employee attitude and offering perceptions of general workplace satisfaction.
• Engagement Tracking: Metrics tracking engagement over time lets companies evaluate the success of their programs.

Communication Channels: Systems that enable open communication and cooperation between management and staff help to guarantee mutual understanding. 

5 Top Employee Feedback Tools

Employee feedback software, employee feedback apps, and employee review tools have become essential for modern organizations aiming to enhance workplace culture and boost productivity. 

These tools empower businesses to gather, analyze, and act on valuable insights from their workforce, driving engagement and satisfaction. 

Whether it's through real-time feedback, customizable surveys, or performance reviews, these platforms provide the structure needed to ensure employees feel heard and valued. To help you find the right solution, here are five of the top employee feedback tools that can transform how you manage feedback and improve overall employee experience. 

Here are our top 5 best employee feedback tools:

​Tool Name	​Key Features	​Pricing (per user/month)	​G2 Rating (out of 5)	​Capterra Rating (out of 5)	​Pros	​Cons
AgilityPortal	​- Intranet platform - Employee engagement surveys - Real-time feedback - Collaboration tools - Document management	Starting at $3 free for 14 days	4.6	​3.5	​Comprehensive intranet solution - Enhances internal communication - Customizable	​-Desktop app basic
​Officevibe	​- Pulse surveys - Anonymous feedback - One-on-one meeting tools - Customizable survey templates - Actionable insights	​Starting at $4	​4.4	​4.7​	​- User-friendly interface - Integrates with Slack and Microsoft Teams - Focuses on employee well-being	​- Limited advanced analytics - Some features require higher-tier plans
Peakon	​- Real-time feedback - Predictive analytics - Employee engagement surveys - Action planning - Multi-language support	​Starting at $7	​4.6	​4.8​	- Advanced analytics capabilities - Supports large organizations - Machine learning insights	- Higher cost for smaller businesses - Implementation can be complex
15Five	​- Weekly check-ins - Goal tracking (OKRs) - Peer recognition - 360-degree feedback - Performance reviews	​Starting at $7	​4.6	​4.7	​- Combines performance management with engagement - Encourages continuous feedback - User-friendly	​- Limited customization in surveys - Some features may be overwhelming for small teams
TINYpulse	​- Anonymous feedback - Weekly pulse surveys - Peer recognition - Culture reports - Integration with Slack	​Starting at $5	​4.4	​4.5​	​- Simple and intuitive design - Encourages frequent feedback - Quick setup	​- Limited customization options - Basic reporting features

Note: G2 and Capterra ratings are based on user reviews and are subject to change. Pricing is as of November 2024 and may vary based on specific plans and features.

Top Free Employee Engagement Tools

1. AgilityPortal

With its whole range of employee engagement solutions and employee communication tools, AgilityPortal enables companies to improve feedback collecting and sharing. Its platform comprises tools for personnel identification, mood analysis, and surveys as well as for By means of AgilityPortal, companies may foster openness and trust, therefore motivating staff members to provide ideas and comments. The simple interface of the platform guarantees that all staff members may interact with it efficiently as it makes implementation and navigation uncomplicated.

AgilityPortal stands out for its emphasis on constant feedback, which lets companies routinely learn about employee morale. Using these realizations can help management make wise choices that increase employee retention and happiness. AgilityPortal is your employee feedback tools free fro 14 days.

Why pick AgilityPortal

• AgilityPortal stands out as a comprehensive employee engagement platform designed to streamline feedback collection and sharing. Its suite of features enables companies to identify employee needs, gauge workplace morale, and foster a culture of transparency and trust. These capabilities make it an excellent choice for organizations looking to improve employee engagement while gathering actionable insights.

Features of AgilityPortal

• Employee Feedback Tools -  Collect and analyze employee feedback effortlessly through surveys and pulse checks. Includes tools for mood analysis and feedback tracking to monitor workplace morale.
• Personnel Identification - Helps recognize key contributors and identify areas where employees need support.
• User-Friendly Interface - Simplifies implementation with an intuitive design, ensuring all staff can easily navigate and engage with the platform.
• Real-Time Feedback - Enables continuous insights into employee morale, allowing management to make informed, timely decisions.
• Survey Capabilities - Customizable surveys that empower employees to share their ideas and concerns in a structured manner.

Integrations

• AgilityPortal integrates seamlessly with third-party applications, ensuring it fits into your existing workflow. From communication tools like Slack, Zoho, Google, Zoom, ZenDesk and Microsoft Teams to performance tracking systems, its integration capabilities allow for smoother adoption and better data synchronization across platforms.​

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2. OfficeVibe

Another great tool with an eye on employee involvement via communication and feedback is OfficeVibe. The website offers a free edition so companies may send weekly pulse surveys to evaluate staff attitude and morale. The easily comprehensible dashboard shows the outcomes, which enables managers to see areas needing work.

Apart from questionnaires, OfficeVibe provides tools to enhance team collaboration and thereby promote a good working environment. Its easy-to-use design makes it available to all staff members, therefore motivating them to take part in the engagement activities. OfficeVibe is a great tool for companies trying to raise involvement and compile useful comments.

Why we Picked Officevibe

• Officevibe is a versatile employee engagement platform that prioritizes building strong connections within teams. It excels in facilitating communication and feedback through its intuitive tools, helping organizations foster trust and transparency. Designed to support employee well-being and engagement, Officevibe empowers teams to share insights and collaborate effectively, making it a go-to solution for modern workplaces.

Integrations

• Officevibe integrates seamlessly with popular collaboration platforms like Slack and Microsoft Teams, making it easy to incorporate into existing workflows. Its compatibility with HR systems ensures a smooth flow of data and efficient feedback analysis.​

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3. Peakon

Peakon is a dynamic employee feedback tool that offers insights into employee involvement by means of sophisticated analytics. Through the free trial of the platform, companies may investigate its capabilities including sentiment analysis and real-time feedback collecting.

Peakon's strength is in its capacity to examine data patterns, therefore guiding companies toward employee sentiment and any problems before they become more serious. The emphasis of the platform on ongoing feedback guarantees that companies may change to fit the demands of their staff and raise morale gradually. Peakon provides insightful analysis and statistics for businesses trying to improve their engagement approach.

Why we Picked Peakon

• Peakon is a leading employee engagement platform designed to help organizations gather meaningful insights into employee experiences. Known for its data-driven approach, Peakon enables companies to make informed decisions by continuously tracking workplace sentiment. Its robust analytics and easy-to-use tools make it a top choice for organizations aiming to improve employee satisfaction and engagement.

Integrations

• Peakon integrates seamlessly with various HRIS (Human Resource Information Systems) and collaboration tools, such as Workday, Slack, and Microsoft Teams. These integrations ensure that data flows smoothly between systems, making it easier for managers to analyze insights and act on feedback.​

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4. 15Five

Combining performance management with feedback collecting, 15Five is an employee engagement tool The free edition of the software lets managers do weekly check-ins and compile staff comments. This ongoing feedback loop encourages open communication and gives staff members value.

Apart from gathering comments, 15Five offers tools for performance management, thereby acting as a flexible instrument to raise staff morale. Using 15Five will help companies build a culture of ongoing learning and appreciation, hence raising general employee happiness.

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5. TinyPulse

TinyPulse specializes in gathering staff comments via short, anonymous questionnaires. The free trial of the software lets companies send out pulse polls to evaluate staff morale and get ideas.

Additionally providing a special tool for staff members to acknowledge and value one another's efforts is TinyPulse's "Cheers for Peers." This function promotes a good workplace and team member cooperation. TinyPulse is a great choice for companies trying to swiftly collect comments and raise morale.

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Strategies for Using Employee Engagement Tools Effectively

Organizations should take into account the following tactics to optimize the efficacy of these engagement solutions for remote employees: 

Establish Clear Objectives

Establishing clear objectives is critical for leveraging employee engagement platforms effectively. 

By defining specific goals, organizations can focus their efforts on outcomes that matter most, such as raising morale, collecting actionable feedback, or improving communication. Research shows that companies with clear objectives for employee engagement initiatives experience a 23% increase in employee performance. Without well-defined goals, even the best tools can fail to deliver meaningful results.

When objectives are clear, businesses can align their employee engagement platform's features with these goals. For instance, if the focus is on improving communication, tools like real-time messaging or collaboration platforms become priorities. Similarly, if gathering employee feedback is the goal, pulse surveys and analytics tools take center stage. This strategic alignment ensures that the platform is not just another expense but an asset driving tangible improvements in the workplace. 

Encourage Participation

Active participation is the cornerstone of a successful employee engagement platform. 

Encouraging staff members to use these tools ensures their voices are heard, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative work environment. A study by Gallup reveals that organizations with highly engaged employees experience 21% greater profitability, highlighting the direct link between participation and business outcomes.

To drive participation, it's essential to communicate the value of these tools clearly. Employees should understand that their feedback contributes to creating a positive work atmosphere and improving the organization's overall culture. When employees see the tangible impact of their input—such as enhanced communication, better recognition, or problem resolution—they are more likely to stay engaged. 

Strategies to Boost Engagement

• Offer training sessions or demonstrations to show how the tools work and their benefits.
• Encourage leadership and managers to actively use the tools, setting a precedent for the team.
•  Introduce incentives or recognition programs to reward consistent tool usage.
• Share how feedback from the platform is being used to implement changes or improvements.
• Use mobile-friendly platforms to include deskless or remote workers seamlessly.

Act on Feedback

Collecting employee feedback is only the first step; the real impact comes from taking meaningful action based on the insights gathered. Acting on feedback demonstrates that an organization values its employees' input, fostering trust, and a sense of belonging. Studies show that employees are 4.6 times more likely to perform their best work when they feel their voices are heard and their suggestions are acted upon.

To create a feedback loop that drives engagement, it's crucial to analyze the data, identify actionable areas, and implement changes transparently. Sharing updates about improvements based on employee suggestions reinforces the importance of their participation and builds confidence in the process. For example, if feedback highlights communication gaps, introducing more robust tools like chat integrations or enhancing team meeting structures can address the issue effectively. 

Benefits of Acting on Feedback

• Employees develop trust in leadership when they see their input driving real change.
• Staff are more likely to participate in future surveys when they see their feedback leads to action.
• Proactive adjustments based on feedback create a more positive and productive workplace.
• Using real-time feedback ensures leadership decisions are informed by employee needs and sentiments.

By acting on feedback and closing the loop with employees, organizations can cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, trust, and collaboration. Would you like examples of how to effectively communicate changes inspired by feedback

Regular Check-Ins

Regular check-ins are a cornerstone of effective employee engagement. By using tools to schedule frequent one-on-one or team meetings, organizations create an environment of open communication where employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and progress. Studies reveal that employees who meet regularly with their managers are 3 times more likely to be engaged at work, highlighting the value of consistent interactions. 

Benefits of Regular Check-Ins

• Regular check-ins provide a platform for employees to express concerns or offer suggestions without fear of judgment.
• Frequent conversations help build trust and improve the rapport between employees and management.
• Real-time discussions allow for immediate identification and resolution of challenges.
• Constructive feedback during check-ins empowers employees to refine their skills and stay aligned with organizational goals.

How to choose the best employee engagement tool for your team

Selecting the ideal employee engagement tool can seem overwhelming, given the vast array of options available. However, the process becomes more manageable and effective by focusing on your team's specific needs and aligning tool features with your organizational goals. According to a study by Gallup, organizations with highly engaged employees experience a 21% increase in profitability, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right tool to drive engagement.

Key Features to Look for in an Employee Engagement Tool

Survey Capabilities and Feedback Analysis - The tool should enable the collection of employee feedback through customizable surveys and provide actionable insights. This is crucial, as 65% of employees prefer platforms that allow anonymous feedback for honest and constructive input.

Recognition and Rewards - Recognizing employees' contributions fosters motivation and loyalty. Look for platforms offering diverse options for peer-to-peer recognition and rewards, which can boost morale and retention rates by 31%.

Communication and Collaboration Tools - High-performing teams thrive on effective communication. Choose a tool that supports real-time messaging, discussion forums, and file sharing to enhance teamwork and connectivity.

Analytics and Reporting - Data-driven decisions are essential. Tools with robust analytics and reporting capabilities help measure the effectiveness of engagement initiatives, enabling leadership to refine strategies and achieve better results.

Ease of Use and Mobile Accessibility - A user-friendly interface ensures smooth adoption across teams. Additionally, mobile accessibility is vital, especially for deskless or remote employees—70% of whom report feeling disconnected without mobile-friendly tools.

Integration with Performance Management Systems (Optional) - For a holistic approach, consider tools that integrate with existing performance management systems to align engagement efforts with broader organizational goals.

Why These Features Matter

The right employee engagement tool fosters a positive workplace culture, drives productivity, and enhances overall satisfaction. When employees feel valued and supported, they are more likely to stay engaged, collaborate effectively, and contribute to the organization's success. In fact, companies with engaged employees see a 41% reduction in absenteeism and a 17% increase in productivity, according to a report by SHRM.

By prioritizing the features that align with your unique workplace needs and culture, you can select a tool that not only meets your current demands but also scales with your organization for sustained growth and success.

Prepare to Engage with AgilityPortal

The right employee engagement tool has the power to reshape workplace culture, enhance productivity, and fuel business success. Finding the perfect platform starts with understanding your team's unique needs. Whether you aim to streamline communication, celebrate achievements, or collect meaningful feedback, there's a solution designed to meet your goals.

Why wait to transform your workplace? 

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FAQ: Employee Feedback Tools and Survey Q and A

1. What are employee feedback tools?

Employee feedback tools are platforms or software designed to gather, analyze, and act on employee input. 

These tools facilitate communication between employees and management, allowing for feedback on performance, workplace culture, and satisfaction. Examples include pulse surveys, anonymous feedback apps, and real-time messaging systems to enhance engagement and collaboration.

2. How often should employee evaluations be done?

Employee evaluations are typically conducted annually or semi-annually. However, many organizations are adopting more frequent check-ins—such as quarterly or monthly reviews—to provide ongoing feedback and address issues proactively.

3. How often should feedback be given?

Feedback should be given regularly to foster growth and improvement. Best practices suggest offering feedback at least weekly during one-on-ones or team meetings, with additional real-time feedback provided through employee feedback tools as necessary.

4. How often should employee surveys be conducted?

Employee surveys, such as pulse surveys or engagement questionnaires, should be conducted quarterly to keep a consistent pulse on workplace morale. Frequent surveys allow organizations to identify trends and make timely adjustments.

5. How often should employee reviews be done?

Employee reviews, which are more formal than evaluations, are commonly held annually. However, organizations can benefit from incorporating mid-year reviews or quarterly check-ins to ensure ongoing alignment and address goals effectively.

6. How often should employee satisfaction surveys be conducted?

Employee satisfaction surveys should be conducted annually, with supplemental pulse surveys quarterly or biannually. This frequency ensures that organizations can track satisfaction trends and respond to concerns promptly.

Using employee feedback tools to streamline these processes ensures consistency and accuracy, helping organizations foster a culture of continuous improvement and engagement. Would you like recommendations for specific feedback tools? Leave a comment below.

Wrapping up

Maintaining strong morale and getting insightful comments depend on using efficient employee engagement strategies as companies negotiate the complexity of remote work. 

Value-adding tools available on sites such as AgilityPortal, OfficeVibe, Peakon, 15Five, and TinyPulse enable companies to foster a healthy work environment. Using these instruments helps companies improve employee involvement, raise morale, and guarantee that their team feels connected and appreciated.

Organizations wishing to investigate free employee engagement tools could take use of AgilityPortal's tools to enhance communication and support a healthy working environment. Organizations may create a motivated and devoted staff by giving employee engagement first priority, therefore enhancing performance and success in the competitive environment of today.