Organizations looking to boost employee engagement with an employee recognition program can be faced with lots of vendor options with platforms of various features, rewards, and user experiences. The introduction of new technology to a workforce can bring with it several challenges. Here are a few common complaints and features to look out for when shopping for new employee recognition platform providers:
With so many applications, tools, and technology available for business and consumer use, it can be cluttered and confusing for users to switch between various platforms–platforms for work in particular. Employee recognition platforms should be customized to an organization’s branded look and feel to seamlessly transition employees and managers into a familiar digital environment.
An employee recognition platform should integrate with system intranets (think Microsoft SharePoint, Jive, Confluence,)) and human resource management systems (HRMS) which house employee benefits, payroll info, etc. Platforms should also easily integrate with third-party communication tools like Slack to seamlessly onboard employees onto a familiar system and sidestep an overwhelming adoption process.
Keep the accessibility and scope of a platform’s reporting power in mind when comparing employee recognition platforms. From sales data and enterprise resource planning (ERP) to point issuance and redemption data, the Rewardian platform allows for on-demand, one-click analytics.
Look out for transparency when trying platform demos; keep an eye on the ease of use–from onboarding new employees and building programs to daily use as not only a manager or budget owner but the employee as well. An engaged employee is, after all, a large contributor to the productivity, morale, and even bottom line.
New employee programs are difficult enough to pitch and internally develop, much less launch and sustain. Look out for a platform that integrates messaging and a proprietary content management system (CMS) to make communication, reminders, and announcements simple and intuitive. For example, the Rewardian platform uses triggered behavioral email automation to mimic the user experience employees and managers are accustomed to. A platform equipped with machine learning saves time by anticipating user behavior and creating a personalized reward shopping experience. Think Amazon and its timely order confirmation emails, or an airline’s punchy travel reminder newsletters.
