Best Employee Pulse Survey Tools
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PRODUCTS
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BUYER'S GUIDE
Buyer's Guide
By Olivia Edens, Technical Content Writer at SelectHub
Businesses depend on relationships, from coworkers to clients, and without feedback opportunities for improvement are constantly overlooked — that’s where employee pulse survey software comes in!
If you’re dealing with low workplace engagement or want to get a better read on what your team thinks, pulse surveys are a great place to start. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll cover how pulse survey tools benefit businesses, key selection considerations like price and features, and what questions you should ask during your search.
Executive Summary
- Employee pulse survey software extracts employee feedback systematically without jeopardizing information integrity.
- The key features of an employee pulse survey solution are survey questionnaire automation, quality management, risk management, reporting and integration.
- Employee pulse survey tools benefit businesses by developing employee understanding, gathering real-time employee data, influencing the bottom line and effectively handling dynamic workforce requirements.
- An essential first step in determining the best software for you involves asking vendors any potential questions you may have before making a purchase.
What Are Employee Pulse Survey Tools?
Employee pulse survey software is an employee feedback measurement application with more comprehensive check-ins for mapping, recording and evaluating the employee experience throughout their career.
A pulse survey streamlines feedback and effectively monitors essential daily processes, key components of a workforce listening strategy. When paired with a reward system, pulse surveys significantly boost employee retention and productivity.
Primary Benefits
Develop Employee Understanding
Hearing out your employees’ feelings and opinions creates a positive work environment and a culture of transparency. Constant pulse programs provide concrete, structured staff insights. Using convenient survey generators, in-product competence and intuitive personnel directory maintenance equips your business for success.
Gain Real-time Employee Data
Engage with staff performance regularly with real-time employee data and analytics. Even the most diverse organizations can quickly acquire deep insights into their workforce by leveraging consistent survey data and reports. Scale your business requirements with data management solutions.
Influence the Bottom Line
Turn your observations into actions with constructed action-planning tools and data-driven information. With employee feedback, you can quickly narrow down issues and create solutions. Simplify implementing and tracking improvements, enhancing your business’s bottom line.
Handle Dynamic Workforce Requirements
Just like your processes adapt as your business grows, the needs of your staff will change over time. Pulse survey tools enable businesses to scale and respond to changing employee needs with real-time workforce understanding.
Key Features & Functionality
Survey Questionnaire Automation | Use context-based ideas and machine learning skills to design relevant questionnaires and collect quick employee feedback. Identify survey metrics and automate the entire employee survey cycle. |
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Survey Quality Management | Optimize survey quality by recognizing incomplete data and substituting appropriate values. Good employee surveys are objective-driven. Conduct quality surveys frequently revealing patterns in behavior and opinion that yield insightful results. |
Candidate Communication | Facilitate effective candidate communication and engagement with automated invites, reminders and confirmations. Share important information, including real-time updates and interview preparation materials with interviewees. |
Risk Management | Risk management shows how well your action plans are working or if it’s time to update processes. Controlled techniques collect, incorporate and process employee survey data reducing risks like high turnover rates. |
Reporting | Reports from employee pulse survey tools enhance the understanding between managers and teams. Get a holistic picture by comprehensively assessing how a person answered the pulse survey and efficiently compare results with all staff members. |
Integration | Make data-driven judgments and consistently collect employee input with seamless third-party integration, helping determine what works best for the organization. |
- Applicant Tracking Systems
- Assessment
- Attendance Tracking
- Automated Scheduling
- Background Check
- Behavioral Assessment Tools
- Benefits Administration
- Bookkeeper
- Call Center Workforce Management
- Candidate Relationship Management
- Caregiver Payroll
- Certification Tracking
- Certified Payroll
- Compensation Management
- Computer Based Training
- Construction Payroll
- Corporate LMS
- Course Creation
- Deep Learning
- Direct Deposit Payroll
- E-Learning
- Educational
- Elearning Authoring Tools
- Employee Engagement
- Employee Feedback
- Employee Recognition
- Employee Scheduling
- Enterprise LMS
- Farm Payroll
- Healthcare LMS
- Healthcare Scheduling
- HR Case Management
- HR Management
- HR Software For Nonprofits
- Human Services Software
- Interview Scheduling
- Job Board
- Leave Management
- LMS for Manufacturing
- LMS For Nonprofits
- LMS For Retail
- LMS For Schools
- LMS
- Mobile Workforce Scheduling
- Nurse Scheduling
- Onboarding
- Online Course Platforms
- Online HR
- Online Learning Platforms
- Online Training
- Payroll Compliance
- Payroll
- Payroll Software For Accountants
- Payroll Software For Mac
- Payroll Software For Schools
- Payroll Tax
- PEO
- Performance Appraisal Tools
- Performance Evaluation Systems
- Performance Management Systems
- Performance Review
- Pre-Employment Assessment Tools
- Recruiting CRM
- Recruitment
- Restaurant Payroll
- Restaurant Scheduling
- Sales Commission
- Small Business Payroll
- Social Learning Platforms
- Succession Planning
- Talent Acquisition
- Talent Assessment Tools
- Talent Intelligence
- Talent Management Systems
- Time and Attendance
- Time Clock
- Timesheet
- Training Management System
- Trucking Payroll
- Tutoring
- Video Interview
- Virtual Classroom
- Workforce Management
Software Comparison Strategy
There are a lot of great options when searching for employee pulse survey software. Unfortunately there’s no sorting hat choosing your destinations for you. That’s where having a comparison strategy comes in handy!
Kickstart your comparison by making a list of must-have features you can't go without. Then, ask yourself some determining questions like what's your current system lacking. How could a new employee survey solution fill any gaps? How much training will employees need?
Next, research your vendor. Scope out industry guides, read online reviews and ask colleagues for recommendations. Some vendors provide free trials to try programs before fully committing. Check out our Lean Selection Methodology for more support during your search.
Cost & Pricing Considerations
Some products require an upfront one-time payment, while others use base subscriptions, charged monthly or annually. Most subscriptions use per-user pricing models. Take a look at other common price models for employee pulse services below.
Tiered
Service providers often divide pricing into various tiers, starting with a complimentary or basic version and progressing to a corporate level. Corporate-level solutions are more expensive and appeal to a larger group of people. Tiered structures might also come with extra plugins or customizability choices.
Tiered structures suit organizations looking to develop quickly and forecast actual budget costs.
Pay-per-User
As the name implies, pay-per-user schemes allow suppliers to price software based on the number of individuals who utilize it.
One-Time License
For businesses, one-time licensing is common. Users choose to pay a one-time cost or pay in installments. Vendors may use a tiered pricing approach to split prices into several levels.
The Most Popular Employee Pulse Survey Tools
Now that you know the benefits of employee pulse survey tools, it’s time to get into the best HR tools.
Note: The following are overall HR solutions that contain employee pulse survey capabilities, rather than being standalone applications.
UKG Pro
UKG Pro is a cloud-based HR, payroll and talent management solution with survey data for gauging employee participation, performance metrics and overall engagement.
Simplify tracking employee records with side-by-side comparisons and search filters.
Natural language processing and machine learning streamlines collecting employee feedback from surveys. Ease creating effective surveys with the question library, templates and custom dashboards. Automated reviews, real-time feedback and performance tracking dashboards ensure efficient performance management.
UKG Homepage Dashboard.
Paycor
Paycor is a cloud-based HR solution helping businesses conduct daily HR functions like payroll, time tracking, hiring and career development. Paycor also includes employee pulse survey tools to help gauge employee experiences, detect recurring issues and make improvements that benefit the team. You can streamline collecting employee feedback, view important data for easier decision making and ultimately enhance workplace transparency.
Paycor dashboard.
Dayforce
Ceridian's Dayforce is a cloud-based HR, resource planning and talent management application. Streamline workplace communication and enhance engagement with the TeamRelate survey feature. These surveys make it easy to regularly monitor engagement, provide opportunities for customized coaching and offer a better understanding of communication styles.
Update info anywhere with mobile access, opt for paperless onboarding and get holistic performance management insights. Compensation and performance metrics are available on a single platform, painting a fuller picture of individual productivity.
Streamline fundamental HR processes.
Questions To Ask
Just like buying a new car, when looking for software, your preferences and needs will vary — don’t get swept up in what’s trending. Keep your requirements close. Narrow down options and simplify your search with the following guiding questions.
Use these questions as a starting point for internal conversations:
- What kind of surveys do we require?
- What types of pulse feedback do we want to collect and analyze?
- What are our present and long-term goals and priorities?
- What are the critical employee aspects?
- Is finding a system that works with our existing framework necessary?
Use these questions as a starting point for conversations with the vendor:
- Is it equipped with robust employee survey information security and consistency automation capabilities?
- Is it capable of delivering built-in analytics?
- Can you link to various additional pulse survey sources?
- What exactly are the support services?
- Do you offer implementation services?
Next Steps
While you can’t read the minds of your employees, you can still get insight into their workplace experience with employee pulse survey tools. Collecting employee feedback based on your specific HR requirements ensures positive changes, leading to better retention and engagement.
Ready to get started? Check out our free comparison report for insight into the top employee pulse survey software. Good luck!
Product Comparisons
Additional Resources
Products found for Employee Pulse Survey Tools
Workday HCM
Workday HCM is a SaaS solution that unifies all aspects of managing the employee lifecycle in a single HRMS. The suite of modules allows organizations to operate globally, run payroll, administer benefits, manage talent and facilitate learning, among other things. While designed for medium and large enterprises, the platform can support the needs of smaller businesses as well. A business process framework provides control for all internal processes. The software is also equipped with audit tools and built-in security capabilities, and it offers mobile apps for flexible access.
UKG Pro
UKG Pro provides a unified, cloud-deployed suite that allows companies to manage human capital at a global scale. It offers an array of core features including payroll, benefits, recruiting, onboarding and learning. Users can also leverage it to manage employee data and files, compensation, time and attendance, performance, and succession plans.In addition to HR-specific capabilities, it incorporates advanced technology such as machine learning and AI, predictive analytics and business intelligence. This helps optimize performance, streamline tasks, improve understanding of the workforce and drive retention.
ADP Workforce Now
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive human resources and payroll management system designed to streamline HR processes. It is typically employed by HR professionals and businesses of various sizes seeking an integrated solution for payroll, benefits administration, time and attendance tracking, and talent management. ADP Workforce Now's key features include automated payroll processing, employee self-service, and compliance management. Users appreciate its user-friendly interface and the ability to simplify complex HR tasks. In comparison to similar products, ADP Workforce Now is favored for its scalability and robust reporting capabilities, making it a reliable choice for organizations aiming to enhance HR efficiency. Pros User-friendly interface Efficient payroll processing Robust reporting Cons Pricing can be high Complex for small businesses Customer support variations
Oracle HCM Cloud
Oracle HCM Cloud provides a suite of applications that enable organizations to build and execute modern human resources and talent management strategies. Its set of modules includes human resources, talent management, workforce management and AI capabilities. These modules help align human resources processes that are supported by local compliance and provide managers with access to a workforce directory, employee profiles and skills information, time monitoring, policy implementation, and employee experience and skill alignment. It also enables talent managers to create a talent-rich applicant pool, recruit and retain quality hires, and execute employee engagement practices.
Zoho People
Zoho People is a cloud-based platform that facilitates labor management activities such as performance evaluation, time and attendance tracking, and expense reporting. As part of a larger product suite, it can seamlessly integrate with the rest of this vendor's recruiting and expense solutions. It also connects with the provider's payroll product, but payroll is only available internationally in India and in the U.S. for California and Texas. Includes support for 12 languages, allowing organizations to manage a global workforce.
SuccessFactors
SuccessFactors combines a set of integrated products to form a complete suite for HCM. The HRIS system enables companies to execute basic human resource functions as well as expand to strategic initiatives and planning to remain competitive. Based in the cloud, uses technology such as AI and machine learning to solve pressing human resources demands. In addition, SAP offers consulting and professional services to help companies implement integrations, deploy HRMS software and more.
Dayforce
Dayforce combines all major HR components into a cloud-based, unified HRMS. Suitable for smaller companies that need to manage over 100 employees to enterprises with thousands of employees, this program helps businesses tackle every aspect of the employee lifecycle. Companies can take advantage of professional services, payroll tax filing and standardized implementation processes via Dayforce Activate.
Netchex
Netchex offers web-based payroll, HR, benefits and administrative service software to businesses of all sizes and industries. It’s single-source and facilitates automated pay tracking, tax compliance and analysis. Customize pay rates, frequency and type of payment with individual payout options. The integrated payroll system simplifies payroll for managers and administrators. Employees can easily access payroll information and history from the cloud or mobile app.
PeopleStrategy
The PeopleStrategy suite enables small and medium-sized businesses to manage all aspects of human resources from one cloud-based platform. Its modules cover core requirements (performance, comp planning, onboarding), workforce management, payroll, benefits administration and talent acquisition. Capabilities include applicant tracking, self-service, analytics and reporting. It automates many parts of the administration process and stores information in a single database to eliminate double data entry.
Paycom
Paycom automates a variety of the core tasks necessary for managing and retaining talent. It helps businesses streamline their processes and relieve the burden of unnecessary paperwork, allowing managers to focus on tasks that cannot be automated. Cloud-based deployment provides access to features from any internet-connected device, enabling users to complete tasks even when they’re out of the office. It facilitates tasks such as benefits administration, reporting and more.
CoreHR
CoreHR is a cloud-based solution that provides integrated payroll, people management, workforce management, talent, recruitment and analytics. Designed for midsize enterprises, it supports HR tasks, automates workflows and delivers insights on all aspects of the workforce. A mobile app for iOS and Android devices allows users to take work with them anywhere.
Infor HCM
Infor HCM (formerly Infor Cloudsuite HCM) is a cloud-based product designed to deliver comprehensive capabilities for medium-sized and large organizations. Its core bundle consists of global HR, HR service delivery and talent management. Companies can add on payroll, HCM analytics and workforce management modules on an as-needed basis for extended functionality.
Ascentis
Ascentis offers HCM services to companies of all industries via its cloud-based suite. Its five modules include time and attendance, payroll, HR and benefits, talent, and recruiting. Users can choose to pick individual functionalities or the entire package of services, depending upon their needs.It facilitates process automation for several complex business processes and transactions, reduces the probability of errors, offers real-time analytics, eliminates manual work, and helps talent managers and organizations cater to their human resources and talent management requirements. It also provides ease-of-use through an interface that can be accessed anytime, anywhere on a desktop, tablet or smartphone.
Paylocity
Paylocity is an all-in-one cloud payroll solution that enables organizations of every size to execute administrative tasks such as talent acquisition, time and labor management, and other core processes. Its functionality includes multiple configuration options that allow companies to customize according to their needs.It contains robust security measures such as encryption, real-time backups and secure data centers. It also has a user-friendly mobile app that is compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
PrismHR
PrismHR offers flexible, customizable and efficient solutions to support the comprehensive payroll, benefits and HR management requirements of small businesses and HR service providers. It provides assistive capabilities through the six key modules: platform, payroll, talent, time, employee portal and benefits. Its marketplace offerings include tools for financial wellness, identity protection, time and attendance, voluntary insurance, compliance, consulting services, taxes and more. These add-on capabilities are pre-integrated and give HR providers validated connections.
Sage People
Sage People is a global cloud system that provides workforce analytics, attendance, leave management, talent management and payroll. Designed for mid-sized multinational companies, it can be accessed anytime and on any device. Automation and analytics enable business continuity, increase workforce visibility and boost productivity. It is fully extendable, with the ability to integrate with third-party products.
Zenefits
Zenefits is a cloud-based suite that provides integrated HR, payroll and benefits. It’s targeted at small businesses but can be used by organizations with up to 2,000 employees. Key features include time management, performance management, hiring and onboarding, and document management.Users can view the company’s structure via a dynamic org chart, which gives a real-time picture that shows changes to titles, contact info and other system updates. An employee directory centralizes information to facilitate easy collaboration.
Epicor HCM
Epicor HCM helps companies manage their people with automation for HR processes and tools that enable tracking, managing and analyzing all employee information from application to retirement. Through its self-service access, users can personalize the homepage with their company’s tasks and schedules. Executives can access company metrics and get detailed insight into the organization and employee trends. Recruitment management, absence tracking and benefits management provide greater control over time off, staffing, and organizational productivity and efficiency. It can be hosted in the cloud or licensed for on-premise deployment.
talentReef
Talentreef provides SaaS-based social recruiting and talent management solutions, catering to the needs of the hourly workforce in the service industry. It helps organizations streamline their employee hiring, training and talent management operations. Its mobile-first focus helps streamline recruitment processes. It covers numerous processes, including recruitment marketing, ATS and assessments, onboarding and compliance, performance and engagement, training and development, employee self-service, reports and analytics, and integrations. With it, users can improve applicant flow, simplify employee onboarding, ensure compliance and boost employee performance.
ADP Vantage HCM
ADP Vantage HCM, a cloud-based, on-premise and open architect solution, brings together core human resources services through integrated modules that help manage payroll, time and attendance, workforce management, talent management and more. It helps organizations of all sizes across the U.S. improve employee engagement and gain real-time insights to enhance workforce processes and workplace operations. It simplifies office administrative operations, minimizes risks, reduces expenses and provides dedicated guidance to enhance operational efficiency. Talent managers can streamline the onboarding process and synchronize performance with preset goals on a monthly and yearly basis. It also offers a mobile application.
Vibe HCM
Vibe HCM unifies core human resources capabilities surrounding transactions and compliance, along with strategic employee engagement. The SaaS-based software includes recruiting, onboarding, core HR, time and attendance, communication and connection, talent development and recognition, payroll, compliance, benefits management and engagement measurement. It’s suitable for medium and large businesses.There are two different versions of the product available to deploy. Essentials is best for businesses that need to get up and running quickly but want the ability to upgrade in the future. Edge is suitable for those whose complex requirements call for customization and advanced capabilities.
Alight
Alight is a cloud-based human capital management and trade solution provider with a focus on core HR, payroll and benefits. It improves business operations to achieve favorable results for employees by using data analytics and proprietary AI. It also helps employees improve their health and productivity while offering worldwide collaboration. It delivers data-driven insights for better workforce care, helps to increase return on technology investments and streamlines strategic decisions to cater to employee health and financial and retirement needs.
SumTotal
SumTotal is a configurable, unified platform that enables businesses to attract, build and retain talent. Its modules deliver capabilities for talent acquisition, talent development, learning management, talent management and workforce management. It assists organizations with recruiting, mentoring, career path planning, onboarding, continuous feedback, succession planning and more It also provides an ATS that enables employee tracking, from receiving résumés to onboarding. Cloud-based and on-premise deployment is available, and it can be used on smartphones or tablets.
Paychex
Paychex provides payment processing, time-keeping and other general human resource software. They offer this to self-employed users, small businesses, medium business and large enterprise ventures. Buyers can choose from various pricing plans and payment options such as direct deposit, real-time transfers and same-day ACH. Most versions have some core HR management and pay processing functionalities.Based in the cloud, it assists with hiring, onboarding, tax filing, benefits management, business insurance, startup services and more. Users can customize it to meet their specific needs, adding only what they use. This allows administrators to ensure it fits their requirements, whether they be simple or complex.
Kronos Workforce Ready
Kronos Workforce Ready (now known as UKG Ready) is a cloud-based HRM software designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes, across all industries. Users have access to a broad range of features and additional integrations to complete a variety of core human resources tasks. Facilitating management of both full- and part-time employees as well as hourly or salaried employees, it is customizable to meet the specific needs of any business. Users have the option to start with the full deployment of modules or begin with a single module and build from there.
Cornerstone OnDemand
Cornerstone OnDemand is a cloud-based talent and performance management product. Together with its subsidiaries, it helps companies cater to their people development and management needs, handling the employee lifecycle from start to end. Five modules support recruiting, learning, performance and content management. It can be accessed from anywhere at any time, regardless of the user’s location or device type.
PeopleGuru
PeopleGuru is a cloud-based solution that provides payroll, time and labor management, benefits management, talent acquisition and performance management. Designed for mid-market organizations, it manages the complete employee lifecycle for a diverse, multi-generational and virtual workforce.
Viventium
Viventium, a cloud-based HRM software for small and mid-sized organizations, enables talent managers, executive leaders and organizations to manage general human resources, payroll, recruitment, time and attendance. It offers flexibility, expert guidance, easy customization and usage, and other facilities to aid HCM needs. Employers can track employee data, run mock audits, create custom action plans, save employment data, run data analysis, develop employee surveys, accept or reject leave requests, add essential candidate information to dedicated profiles and more.
SyncHR
SyncHR is a comprehensive HCM platform that delivers benefits, payroll, time and attendance, talent management, and core human resource management capabilities to mid-market companies. The cloud-based human resource management software automates common tasks and can integrate with other business systems to provide real-time insights across an organization.
Namely
Namely is a cloud-based platform for mid-sized businesses. A suite of connected modules allows organizations to manage payroll, time and attendance, benefits, and talent. It comes equipped with additional features for general HR activities, such as document storage and management, customizable dashboards, and audit trails that help save time, configure employee profiles, track events and activities, and control access.
JazzHR
JazzHR is a SaaS service provider that helps companies find and recruit great employees. Recruitment managers can replace spreadsheets and emails with an ATS that automates, centralizes and streamlines the recruitment process. Companies can leverage it to handle any internal approval processes, post and syndicate jobs to paid and unpaid job boards, add job listings to a hosted company career page, create and share employment offers, request referrals, complete onboarding paperwork, customize reporting and track applicant sources. Features include candidate sourcing and experience, interviews and assessments, applicant tracking, employer branding, collaborative hiring, offers and e-signatures, compliance, and more.
Deltek HCM
Deltek is a human capital management solution that aids in acquiring, training and developing staff. It helps automate expense reporting, manage HR, engage in performance management and professional development and more. Track, analyze and aid employees during the entire life cycle, starting with acquisition and recruiting, hiring and onboarding, and then ending with performance management and encouraging a culture of continuous learning. It comes with several specialized functions for specific industries. Generally speaking, it’s suitable for a workforce’s staffing and budgeting needs.
Paycor
Paycor is a full-service, cloud-based HR system designed to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. It assists with various core HR tasks, including hiring, learning and development, time tracking, and payroll. While suitable for companies across all industries, it can be customized to benefit a variety of specific sectors, including food service and healthcare. Users can manage recruiting, talent acquisition, development, learning and more.
ClearCompany
Founded in 2004 as HRM Direct, ClearCompany offers solutions for hiring, retaining and engaging employees. It’s equipped with capabilities to assist with managing employees throughout every stage of their lifecycle. The end-to-end HR suite provides users with branded career sites, hiring, onboarding and more. It’s suitable for businesses of all sizes in all industries.
JobDiva
JobDiva is a cloud-based Platform-as-a-service (PaaS) for staffing enterprises, incorporating a patent-protected recruiting engine. Its partner ecosystem offers more than 150 integrations that provide robust recruiting and hiring capabilities that assist throughout every phase of the process. Through its implementation, businesses are able to decrease their time-to-hire, engage easily with candidates and grow their organizations.
Fingercheck
Fingercheck is a cloud-based human resources platform that streamlines hiring, time tracking and payroll tasks along with various other HR management tasks. Beneficial for users at all levels, it allows both employees and employers to streamline workflows. It helps automate payroll processes, connects time tracking, payroll and core HR functions, and automatically tracks and compiles relevant data.
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