Getting performance management right is a crucial part of running any company. But when HR isn't really your specialism, it can be very hard to know how to begin.
There are so many different software tools out there, each with their own ideas on how reviews should be run. So which do you choose?
In this guide, we'll walk you through the best performance management software on the market, look at their pros and cons, and help you choose the right one for you and your team.
⚠️ Disclaimer: we wrote a guide about performance management software and included our own
First, let me quickly introduce myself – I’m Joe, and I work as a Product Manager for CharlieHR. Ever heard of Charlie? Maybe not. We’re an HR software company that specialises in building a product fit for small businesses and startups in the UK.
In my role, I combine product planning and user research. Speaking to individuals like yourself helps me understand what features they’d like to use – performance reviews, for example (yes, we do have them too!), but also spend my days researching our top competitors.
I just wanted to make you aware before you read on. Carry on to find the insights I gathered over the last few months on the best performance management software in the UK.
Charlie is the perfect system for small companies and startups just getting started with performance management.
We've designed a review process that focuses on what makes a real difference on your team's development, but cuts out all the manual admin that can make running reviews a drain on your time and energy.
Instead, Charlie guides your managers through the review process to make sure every team member gets all the support they need to grow.
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Save time with faff-free review setup: it's quick to set up and easy to launch
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Get your team's progression off the back burner: we've designed a simple review process for small companies
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Stay in the loop (without micromanaging): get a clear overview of progress
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Never chase up again: automatic reminders make sure that reviews get completed
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Get the full picture on your team's progression: unlock a fairer, more complete understanding of individual performance with 360° feedback
✅ Free for 7 days
✅ No credit card needed
✅ Cancel any time
SageHR is an HR system for medium-to-large companies covering their core HR needs, plus (for an added fee) performance management, time off management, shifts and timesheets, expenses and recruitment.
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Goal management: Set specific OKRs for each team and track their progress
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Automated meetings: Book 1-1s through the platform
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360 feedback: get a holistic view of everyone’s performance through the eyes of their peers
Ciphr’s software covers a range of HR needs such as absence management and reporting.
Compared to other Human Resources tools, Ciphr has a stronger focus on training, allowing large, multinational companies to integrate their performance review processes with learning tools. This way, every team, no matter where in the world they’re based, can get consistent training opportunities.
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Configurable workflows: automate probation and performance appraisals
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Reports: measure and report on employee performance
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Learning Management System: available as a standalone tool
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Bespoke learning solutions: Ciphr’s team can help you build learning content in line with your brand
Only available on quote.
Workday is a complex HRMS platform targeted to companies with more than 500 employees.
On top of performance management, it brings together financial, people and operational data — so you can keep everything under control and make the right decisions.
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Career development tools: including performance reviews and opportunity graphs
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Skill analysis: get an overview of what skills your team excels at and what it lacks, so you can inform your hiring decisions
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Goal tracking and 1-1s: set employee goals and schedule meeting directly from the platform
Only available on quote.
Performance management software identifies a series of tech tools that companies use to promote and measure their team’s productivity.
These systems are built to facilitate performance review processes by automating repetitive tasks and making it easier to track performance against set goals.
Learn more about what performance management is in our guide.
Some of the benefits of using performance management software include:
Performance management tools can have an array of different features depending on the needs of their customers.
Company size is a key factor when it comes to choosing the right performance management software, as small companies will have strikingly different needs from big multinationals.
Essential features for companies up to 150 employees:
Features to add when you have 150-300 employees:
Features to add when you have over 300 employees:
Performance management software is an effective approach to guide your team members toward desired outcomes and foster their growth and development.
However, if you’re not ready to invest straight away, there are a myriad of performance management tools and methods you can use:
With Charlie, you have everything you need to manage your team and craft your culture – no HR experience required.
✅ Free for 7 days
✅ No credit card needed
✅ Cancel any time