Top 15 employee communications software to boost connection and culture

Between hybrid schedules, frontline teams, and sky-high employee expectations, most companies need better ways to reach, and actually connect with, their people. That’s where employee communications software comes in.

The best platforms don’t just send updates. They help shape culture, build trust, and keep everyone aligned — no matter where or how they work. And when communication is combined with recognition and feedback? That’s when connection turns into real engagement.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the top 15 employee communications software choices for modern workforces. We’ll cover what each one does, where it shines, and how to choose the right fit for your workforce.

Compare platforms at a glance

1. Achievers
2. Workhuman
3. Reward Gateway
4. Bonusly
5. Connecteam
6. Nectar
7. Motivosity
8. Hub
9. O.C. Tanner
10. Awardco
11. Workvivo
12. Workshop
13. PeopleOne
14. Guru
15. Axero

What are the best employee communications platforms?

The best communications platforms help teams stay aligned, connected, and heard. Whether you’re trying to reach frontline staff, scale global messaging, or spark more meaningful dialogue, here’s what to look for:

• Real-time, frequent communication: Think instant messaging, video calls, or urgent alerts — the tools that keep teams talking and responding quickly when it counts.
• Cross-channel reach: Great platforms meet employees where they are: on mobile, email, intranet, digital signage, or even SMS. No matter the device, your message gets through.
• System integrations: Look for platforms that work with your existing tools, so communication fits seamlessly into daily workflows.
• Feedback and engagement: Communication should be a two-way street. Built-in surveys, polls, and employee feedback tools make it easy to listen, learn, and act on what your people are saying.
• Reporting and analytics: Real-time metrics show you who’s engaging, what’s getting missed, and where to adjust for better results.

The strongest platforms do it all — making communication feel less like noise, and more like connection.

The top 15 employee communications software

The best platforms do more than broadcast updates; they spark connection, encourage recognition, and give employees a voice.

We’ve rounded up 15 of the top employee communications software solutions for today’s workplaces. Whether you’re supporting a deskless workforce, scaling global updates, or looking to tie communications to culture, there’s something here for every team. Let’s take a closer look.

1. Achievers

Achievers is a recognition and rewards platform that pulls communication and feedback into one place; turning every message into a moment that connects. From self-serve announcements to mobile push notifications and resource hubs, it’s built to cut through the clutter and keep everyone in the loop. You can schedule content in advance, tailor updates by role or location, and publish in multiple languages — so the right message always reaches the right people. And because it’s all part of the Achievers platform, you can tie communication directly to recognition, feedback, and action.

The result? 2x higher program usage and 5x the impact on engagement, retention, and productivity.

G2 rating: 4.7/5

Key features:

• Resource pages keep essential content in one accessible, centralized location
• Announcements can be created, customized, and scheduled with built-in multi-language support
• Mobile notifications make sure no one misses a message — even on the go
• Recognition and feedback tools are embedded into communications to reinforce key behaviors
• Smart segmentation ensures the right updates reach the right people, every time

“The things I like about the Achievers platform is that it gives a great tool for praising and celebrating others. The tool includes everyone and isn’t just limited to certain people. I can find a colleague, praise them, and share it with the company. I also have the ability to add gifs and make it more personal and fun, so it feels less like a handshake and more like a high five between friends.” — Dan J., Bank Fraud Investigator, via G2

2. Workhuman

Workhuman a suite of recognition and celebration tools aimed at strengthening connection, belonging, and purpose in the workplace. Its platform supports culture-building programs like service milestones, community celebrations, and ongoing feedback. While Workhuman provides robust recognition and performance development features, organizations needing dedicated tools for announcements or broader internal communications may need to look for more robust software.

G2 rating: 4.7/5

Key features:

• Community Celebrations support ERG events, cultural moments, and shared employee interests
• Recognition tools encourage peer-to-peer appreciation and highlight key contributions
• Workhuman iQ provides insights into employee sentiment and recognition trends

“Overall, my experience with the Workhuman system is positive, and I am grateful that our company has chosen to utilize this system as our Reward system. I would love to see the Workhuman system replace other reward systems outside of our standard Annual Merit Increases, used by our company as well.” — Jim, System Engineer, via Capterra

3. Reward Gateway

Reward Gateway | Edenred offers a communications platform designed to keep employees informed and engaged through updates, recognition spotlights, and internal content. It includes tools for posting blogs, videos, and announcements, with options to segment content by role, location, or business unit. Employees can access the platform on desktop or through a branded mobile app, and integrations help simplify distribution across commonly used systems. While it covers a range of core comms features, companies looking for deeper feedback tools or advanced analytics may need additional solutions.

G2 rating: 4.6/5

Key features:

• Content tools for company news, leadership blogs, and multimedia updates
• Segmentation and personalization features to target different employee groups
• Mobile app and integrations with Microsoft Teams and Slack

“A powerful tool for enhancing the company culture overall by providing a platform to recognise the contribution of employees towards their work. It could be a bit pricy for the smaller businesses and also the user interface could seem a bit tricky to use initially.” — Reena, verified reviewer, via Software Advice

4. Bonusly

Bonusly is a peer-to-peer, points-based recognition system, with features like a global rewards catalog, milestone automation, and social elements such as gifs and custom messages. It also provides basic tools for manager support, performance visibility, and internal announcements. That said, organizations looking for deeper analytics, stronger feedback capabilities, or more comprehensive communication tools may find it more limited than broader engagement platforms.

G2 rating: 4.7/5

Key features:

• Points-based recognition and global reward options
• Social-style feed, milestone automation, and shout-outs
• Built-in announcement tool with optional rewards

“When used sparingly, the sense of shared celebration and team unity can wane. When employees see Bonusly being used inconsistently, they might not see its value or may forget about it, leading to a decline in adoption and participation rates.” — Aarica, Learning Specialist, via Capterra

5. Connecteam

Connecteam offers a broad set of tools for scheduling, communication, training, task management, and recognition — all built for mobile and ideal for frontline or deskless teams. Its communications hub includes chat, announcements, surveys, a knowledge base, and even an internal help desk, helping companies manage updates and engagement in one place. Recognition and rewards are part of the platform, but they play a smaller role compared to its broader operational focus.

G2 rating: 4.6/5

Key features:

• Mobile app with chat, surveys, announcements, and event tools
• Recognition and rewards system for employee engagement
• Scheduling, task tracking, onboarding, and document management

“I love how seamlessly the mobile app integrates for clocking in and out. It makes time tracking incredibly convenient and accessible for everyone on our team, whether they’re in the office or out in the field. It wasn’t the most intuitive platform when I first got started, but once I became familiar with the layout and explored its full range of features, I really came to appreciate how powerful and flexible it is.” — Bradley B., Compliance Manager, via G2

6. Nectar

Nectar combines recognition, rewards, nominations, and internal communications tools in one centralized platform. Employees can give shoutouts tied to core values, nominate peers for awards, and redeem points through a customizable rewards catalog. For companies looking for a lightweight but well-rounded solution, Nectar is an option, though organizations seeking deeper integration with performance, engagement, or culture analytics may want to look into more robust platforms.

G2 rating: 4.7/5

Key features:

• Recognition and rewards tied to core values
• Nomination programs for awards and achievements
• Internal comms with drag-and-drop builder and multi-channel delivery

“We use nectar for staff and management to reward employees exceptional work with points. Also, it is useful in terms of keeping employees connected with each other and interested in each other’s work by allowing them to engage in a way similar to social media.” Lisa P., Head of People and Culture, via Select Software Reviews

7. Motivosity

Motivosity offers a customizable, modular platform that combines recognition, rewards, communication, and employee engagement tools. The platform also includes spaces for internal communications, employee events, surveys, and culture-building programs. While it covers both connection and program management well, its analytics and performance tracking may not go as deep as some enterprise-focused solutions.

G2 rating: 4.7/5

Key features:

• Peer-to-peer recognition and customizable reward options
• Internal comms hub with posts, newsletters, and event tools
• Pulse surveys, engagement tracking, and feedback

“While I really enjoy using Motivosity overall, sometimes the experience can start to feel a little transactional — like people are giving appreciation just because they feel they “should” rather than because it’s truly meaningful.” — Verified user in Marketing and Advertising, via G2

8. Hub

HUB a user-friendly intranet platform that brings together internal communications, recognition, and engagement tools in one place. With features like personalized newsfeeds, surveys, and kudos, it helps teams stay connected and aligned. Smart tagging and automated alerts keep content relevant, while mobile access through a progressive web app ensures everyone stays in the loop. HUB also integrates with tools like Slack, Microsoft 365, and BambooHR. For organizations needing more advanced functionality around performance, feedback, or culture analytics, it may need to be paired with other communication-focused tools.

G2 rating: 4.5/5

Key features:

• Personalized comms with smart tags, alerts, and newsfeeds
• Peer recognition and milestone celebrations
• Progressive web app and integrations with common workplace tools

“Great for getting news out to the entire business and as a place for 121’s and other meetings to be recorded… It would be great to have automated emails to admin users to let them know a page they are the admin on is expiring.” Bailey, Sales and Marketing Executive, via Capterra

9. O.C. Tanner

O.C. Tanner‘s Culture Cloud platform focuses on meaningful recognition, offering custom awards, service milestones, and peer celebrations that spotlight important moments in the employee journey. It’s a solid fit for companies that value symbolic recognition and want to mark achievements in a memorable way. The platform also supports team rewards and goal-based programs, with consulting services to help bring it all to life. That said, for companies looking for a full internal communications suite — think announcements, content hubs, or push notifications — other platforms may provide more dedicated options.

G2 rating: 4.8/5

Key features:

• Peer recognition and team-based award programs
• Service anniversary tools with customizable Yearbooks and gifts
• Symbolic awards and performance-based Initiatives tracking

“The most helpful is to have several different recognition solutions in one place, where one can pick the best option as preferred. Also the delivery times are very good, and customer support is quick and tries to provide a solution whenever possible.” — Vinicius M., Operations Manager, via G2

10. Awardco

Awardco focuses on streamlining recognition, rewards, and incentive programs across global teams. The platform is known for its flexibility — offering a large reward network, customizable programs, and tools like A-Pay™ cards and AwardCodes™ for offline or deskless employees. While Awardco offers strong support for celebrating employee milestones and managing rewards, it may not include a built-in internal communications suite like announcements, resource hubs, or mobile news updates.

G2 rating: 4.9/5

Key features:

• Customizable recognition and incentive programs with global fulfillment and 300M+ reward options
• AwardCodes™ and A-Pay™ tools make recognition accessible for hybrid and offline teams
• Built-in analytics and ROI tools help track engagement and optimize recognition efforts

“I like the functionally of easily being able to run the platform as an Admin and the ease of use for my employees to recognize their peers. For program capability, there’s room for Awardco to expand its options of programs for its customers. The customer support could be enhanced by offering how to guides for customers to provide to its employees.” — Bianca C., Compensations Analyst Associate, via G2

11. Workvivo

Workvivo is a mobile-first employee experience platform built to bring communication and connection into one place — especially for hybrid and frontline teams. It offers a wide mix of tools, from live video and podcasts to omni-channel updates and peer recognition, helping companies engage employees wherever they are. While it includes some employee listening and recognition features, organizations looking for deeper performance tracking or culture insights may need a more well-rounded solution.

G2 rating: 4.8/5

Key features:

• Omni-channel communication with live video, podcasts, and push notifications
• Built-in translation to 90+ languages for global accessibility
• Mobile-first design with integrations for Microsoft 365, Zoom, Slack, and more

“What I love most about Workvivo is how it brings people together and creates a real sense of connection at work. It makes it easy to share updates, celebrate achievements, and give teammates the recognition they deserve. One thing I don’t love about Workvivo is that it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming—especially in busy organizations where there’s a constant stream of posts and notifications.” — Gazi S., SPS Associate, via G2

12. Workshop

Workshop focuses on internal email and text communications, giving teams an easy way to plan, personalize, and track company messages. Tools like pulse surveys, AI content support, and blackout date controls make it a handy option for streamlined, organized messaging. That said, its features are mostly messaging-focused — so teams that need recognition, engagement tools, or broader digital workplace capabilities may want to pair it with other platforms.

G2 rating: 4.7/5

Key features:

• Internal comms calendar with blackout dates, color-coding, and link tracking
• Audience segmentation and multi-channel publishing (Slack, Teams, SharePoint, SMS)
• In-email surveys and detailed performance analytics

“Work software is well put together it’s perfect for busy work schedule and it’s precise and smooth operating.” — Twaliq, verified reviewer via Software Advice

13. PeopleOne

PeopleOne offers a modern intranet experience, built on Microsoft SharePoint and integrated with MS Teams. Employees can access news, recognition spaces, surveys, quick links, and team-specific content — all through desktop or mobile. Its close integration with the Microsoft ecosystem makes it a good choice for companies already using 365. That said, organizations looking for deeper performance, feedback, or analytics features may need to layer on additional tools.

G2 rating: 4.2/5

Key features:

• MS Teams and SharePoint integration for centralized communication
• Customizable landing pages and knowledge hubs
• Recognition spaces, surveys, and discussion forums

“I love how it ensures universal alignment across teams and makes information sharing very simple. It consolidates all the team tools in one place, which fosters collaboration and provides clear insights about team performance. I don’t have many complaints about PeopleOne, but I think the design can be more user-friendly, visually.” Frances B., Administrative Rep., via G2

14. Guru

Guru blends AI search, a company wiki, and intranet-style announcements into one knowledge platform. Its standout feature is the ability to deliver verified, context-aware answers right where employees work. Teams can document and organize knowledge, automate verification, and share updates through personalized pages. While it excels at surfacing trusted answers fast, Guru may be less focused on culture-building elements like recognition or employee engagement tools.

G2 rating: 4.7/5

Key features:

• AI-powered, role-aware answers delivered in Slack, browsers, and apps
• Custom intranet pages and announcement tools
• Built-in content verification and access control

“I appreciate everything about Guru, but the one challenge I face is with its search functionality. It can be difficult to find information unless the exact title or term is used. Additionally, Guru cannot be used offline; it requires an internet connection to search for information.” — Jhennelyn M., Customer Support, via G2

15. Axero

Axero is a full-featured intranet platform built to streamline internal communication, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. It brings everything into one place — from announcements and documents to team-specific spaces — so employees have a central hub for what they need. While it covers intranet and content management well, it’s more focused on information access than on culture-driving features like peer recognition or engagement tools.

G2 rating: 4.4/5

Key features:

• Robust intranet builder with personalized pages and drag-and-drop design
• AI-powered Copilot for real-time knowledge retrieval
• Extensive integrations, APIs, and permission controls

“While there are always minor UI adjustments or feature tweaks I want to see on any platform, Axero really has done a great job. The only thing I would like to see is some more flexibility in widget configurations, although that is mostly because we’re using this platform for much more than a standard intranet. I’ll add that it’s easy to submit a request to Axero and they’ve been receptive to all our ideas.” Laura, Principal Consultanty, via Capterra

How to choose the right employee communications software

Today’s employees expect more than top-down updates and overloaded inboxes. The best platforms don’t just send messages — they create moments, open conversations, and keep teams connected no matter where they are.

Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing the right fit:

• Make it a two-way street: Communication should be a dialogue, not a monologue. Look for tools that invite feedback — like pulse surveys, polls, and open comment threads — so employees can speak up and be part of the conversation. Achievers’ Voice of Employee solution helps turn that input into real insights and action.
• Tie in recognition: People remember what makes them feel seen. That’s where recognition comes in — it turns company updates into moments of appreciation and alignment. With Achievers, recognition lives alongside communication, making it easy to highlight great work and keep your culture front and center.
• Keep it relevant: No one wants messages that don’t apply to them. The strongest platforms let you target by role, team, or location — so employees only see what matters to them. It’s the best way to cut through the noise and avoid burnout in the workplace.
• Track what’s working: If you’re only measuring open rates, you’re missing the bigger picture. Great platforms surface real-time data on sentiment, engagement, and trends — so you know what’s landing (and what’s not). Achievers gives you self-serve reporting that connects the dots between feedback and outcomes.
• Meet people where they work: If your comms tools feel like extra work, people won’t use them. That’s why it’s key to meet employees where they already are — in tools like Slack, Teams, or Outlook. Achievers delivers software integrations that make staying connected feel natural, not forced.
• Make it work for everyone: Remote, frontline, hybrid — your platform should support it all. That means mobile-friendly access, multilingual options, and the flexibility to reach employees across time zones, devices, and job types.

Communications software that connects — and drives culture

Modern communication is a two-way street. It should connect people, build trust, and reinforce the company culture you’re working hard to create. And when recognition and feedback are built into the same platform? That’s when things really start to click.

At Achievers, we believe communication should move people, not just messages. That’s why our platform ties together communications, recognition, and feedback in one seamless experience. So every message becomes a moment that matters.

Curious what that could look like in action? See the difference employee communications software can make — with Achievers!

See how a leading financial firm leveraged employee connections to drive engagement and collaboration

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