If you've been thinking about leveling up your performance reviews, then 360-degree feedback might be the game-changer you need.
It's the quickest way to get comprehensive feedback and insight into your employees' performance from multiple perspectives.
Research has proven that 360-degree feedback has long-lasting cumulative benefits on leadership and management in companies that use it. If you want to see those benefits firsthand, you need reliable 360 feedback software.
In this article, we'll review the top ten 360-degree tools, their features, and their pros and cons to help you find the right one for you.
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What is 360 feedback software?
360 feedback software is a tool designed to simplify the process of collecting and analyzing feedback from multiple sources, including peers, managers, direct reports, and sometimes even customers.
When compared to traditional performance review, which is based on a single manager's perspective, 360-degree feedback provides a holistic view of employee performance, strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
You can use 360-degree tools not only to collect feedback but also to automatically analyze and categorize large volumes of feedback, making it easier to spot patterns and address recurring issues.
360-degree feedback is often used alongside performance reviews, helping you get more detailed and accurate reviews, but it can also be implemented separately. It all depends on your business needs.
The biggest benefits of using 360 feedback software instead of relying on a traditional performance management report are saving time, reducing bias, and getting more data, which can help you make informed decisions regarding promotions and employee development.
💡 To learn more and see multi-source feedback in action, check out these 360 feedback examples.
Key features of effective 360 feedback tools
Here is what you get with 360 evaluation tools:
- Confidential and anonymous feedback collection: Choose a tool that allows employees to provide their feedback anonymously and express their opinions honestly without worrying about backlash or negative consequences. This will provide you with more candid and meaningful feedback and better insights, which will lead to a more accurate evaluation process.
- Efficient peer nominations: A good 360-degree tool allows employees or managers to select people who will provide feedback on an employee's performance, instead of feedback being automatically assigned. That way, you can be sure that the feedback comes from people who work closely with an employee who's being evaluated. Their feedback is often more relevant and insightful than the generic feedback you can get from people who don't interact with that employee regularly.
- Real-time data acquisition: Choose a tool that processes feedback instantly after being submitted and provides you with up-to-date information. Having up-to-date insights will help you make informed decisions faster and provide timely responses.
- Team and department analysis: The 360 tool should allow you to analyze the data across teams and departments. With that, you will be able to identify performance trends and areas for improvement on a broader level. This feature helps you address systemic issues and implement targeted development strategies for a team or an entire organization.
But if you really want to optimize and automate feedback collection and analysis, uncover deep insights, and make data-driven decisions quickly, you should look for an AI-powered 360 review software like Effy AI.
Here are five practical reasons that make an AI-based feedback tool superior to traditional 360 feedback tools:
✅ It can quickly analyze large volumes of feedback, identifying patterns, potential biases, and areas for improvement that usually go overlooked by traditional feedback analysis.
✅ It can generate comprehensive feedback summaries with only one click so that you don't have to waste time reading through hundreds of reviews.
✅ It uses natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to interpret feedback just like an HR professional would, recognizing sentiment, context, and recurring themes to provide more accurate data.
✅ It can help you create personalized development plans based on actionable insights that are discovered during feedback analysis.
✅ It provides you with real-time analytics and predictive insights so that your HR teams and managers are always equipped with up-to-date information to support employee growth.
Why are organizations turning to 360 feedback software?
360 feedback is surpassing other types of performance evaluation – and for good reason. Here are the five biggest benefits you can expect if you start using 360-degree software:
- Improved employee development: 360-degree feedback includes self-evaluation, and it provides you with a better insight into employee needs and desires in terms of professional and personal development. This allows you to create personalized development programs that address specific employees' strengths. Check out these employee development plan examples for more inspiration.
- Increased transparency and accountability: 360-degree tools allow you to gather feedback from multiple sources, which encourages a culture of transparency. Employees become more accountable for their actions when they know that their performance is seen through multiple perspectives.
- Improved communication: 360-degree tools encourage a culture of open communication and continuous feedback, which can lead to better workplace relationships and improved team alignment.
- Objective evaluation: Incorporating multiple viewpoints is the best way to reduce the bias that often happens when you gather feedback from just one source. Bias often isn't intentional – it happens to most people on a subconscious level, shaping their opinion without them even realizing it. On the positive side, 360 evaluation tools help you minimize it and provide constructive feedback instead of criticism. Click here to discover some constructive feedback examples.
- Informed decision-making: Detailed analytics from 360 feedback tools help HR directors and managers make data-driven decisions regarding promotions, training, development opportunities, and overall talent management. Click here to learn more about 360 feedback for managers.
💡 If you want to dig deeper, click here to learn how to conduct a performance review.
How we evaluated and chose the best software
We based two-thirds of this evaluation on reviews from the past year on platforms like G2, Capterra, and Trustpilot, which assessed the software based on:
- Ease of use
- Advanced features
- Integrations
- Value for money
We also reviewed release notes, where available, to analyze all the new features that these tools introduced over the past year.
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Top 10 360 feedback software
Here is our selection of the best 360 feedback tools on the market, based on our findings:
1. Culture Amp
Culture Amp is an employee experience management software that can be used to manage employee performance, engagement, and development.
Pros:
- Across the board experience: The platform goes beyond 360 feedback, and it can be used for broader employee performance and engagement management with features like pre-made surveys and development planning.
- Powerful analytics: Its detailed reports allow you to identify patterns, risks, and opportunities quickly so that you can make educated decisions. You can also benchmark your employee data against current industry standards, helping you understand your performance better.
- User-friendly: The tool has a modern interface that's relatively intuitive for both administrators and respondents.
Cons:
- Cost: It's on the pricier side, which may be out of the budget for smaller businesses.
- Customization issues: While users agree that Culture Amp has a lot of worthy features, they also note that it's not fully customizable. Deep customization may require additional effort and training.
- Integration setup: Integrating Culture Amp with other HR software can be complex, and it may require professional services.
2. SurveyMonkey 360
SurveyMonkey is one of the most popular survey platforms, often associated with ease of use and a variety of templates. It has a 360 review template, but also templates for other types of surveys, including engagement surveys, Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS), and customer satisfaction surveys.
Pros:
- Ease of use: SurveyMonkey stands out for its ease of use, plenty of pre-made templates, and intuitive survey design. Surveys are both easy to create and distribute, even if you haven't done that before.
- Flexibility: Over 20 question types, including checkboxes, rating scales, A/B tests, and the ability to upload images and files. The variety of 360 feedback questions makes it easy to customize the feedback process based on your needs and employees' preferences.
- Reliability: SurveyMonkey is a well-known brand with a stable platform that many people are familiar with and that some of your employees have probably already used at some point.
Cons:
- Not specialized: As a tool that's designed for general use and not exclusively for 360 feedback, it lacks advanced performance management features that you can find in dedicated 360 feedback tools.
- Limited depth: Reporting and analytics are solid, but the platform doesn't provide in-depth performance data as dedicated performance review tools.
- Add-on necessity: You may need to integrate additional modules or third-party tools to get a full 360 feedback experience.
3. Lattice
This people management software can be used for performance management, goal-setting, and employee development.
Pros:
- Integrated suite: Lattice combines tools like performance reviews, goal-tracking, 360-degree feedback, and career development programs.
- Intuitive interface: Interface is fairly similar to social media, and as such it’s simple and fun. Employees and managers can easily adapt and navigate.
- Real-time feedback: Lattice has tools for ongoing communication that enable real-time feedback and praise, which can complement the traditional performance review process.
Cons:
- Depth in 360 feedback: While the tool is overall powerful, some users mentioned that the 360 feedback isn't as deep as in some dedicated 360-degree tools.
- Customization Limits: You're somewhat limited when it comes to the advanced customization of question templates and review cycles compared to some other more flexible tools.
- Pricing structure: You have to purchase many add-ons if you want to fully access all of its features. That's why Lattice may not be cost-effective for small businesses or those looking for a simple 360 feedback system.
4. Impraise
Impraise is a performance review software, best for mobile devices. Compared to others from our list, it doesn’t have as strong features. If you’re looking for something quick and easy, Impraise could be your tool. however, be aware that it’s not suitable for more complicated performance reviews.
Pros:
- Real-time interaction: There’s a chat-like feature that you can use to provide instant feedback. It can be especially useful if you’re collaborating with someone and want to make adjustments in real time.
- Mobile-first design: It’s one of the rare tools whose mobile version is more user-friendly than the one for desktop. The app is designed with workers in industries like retail and healthcare in mind who might not have access to a computer or a lot of time to write detailed reviews.
- Engagement focused: Impraise is best used for occasional check-ins, and it helps you improve communication and engagement.
Cons:
- Lack of advanced analytics: It has some analytics, but it doesn't offer the same level of in-depth analysis as some other more comprehensive tools on our list.
- Customization limits: The templates are easy to use, but users mentioned that they lack flexibility and customization options.
- Limited integrations: Impraise has some integrations, but not as much as some other performance management tools.
5. Spidergap
Spidergap is a 360-degree feedback tool with an intuitive navigation and down to point reports.
Pros:
- Simplicity: Their simple interface comes without distractions, so you can focus on things that matter.
- Actionable insights: The tool translates feedback into clear action items. Its reports aren’t only numbers and graphs and instead provide you with tips on how to improve individual's performance.
- Ease of setup: You can start using the tool right away, without lengthy onboarding and employee training, thanks to its intuitive and quick setup. It also provides you with the best practice templates for 360 assessments.
Cons:
- Analytics limitations: Spidergap has a different approach to analytics and reporting, and while its reports are easy to understand, they may not be as extensive as in some other, more complex tools.
- Limited customization: It has fewer options for customizing surveys and feedback forms compared to some other tools.
- Scalability: This tool can be a great option for small and medium businesses, but it’s not the best solution for enterprises. Some users mentioned technical issues when they tried to add a large number of users.
6. Small improvements
Small Improvements is a performance management software for small businesses. It can help you with various things, from 360-degree feedback to employee recognition.
Pros:
- Streamlined process: Small Improvements simplified the performance review process with the goal to make it accessible to small companies that may not have an HR team.
- Affordability: The pricing starts at only $3 per user per month, making it one of the most affordable performance management tools. However, keep in mind that features and customization in that plan are limited.
- Integration friendly: It works well with many common HR systems, including BambooHR and Workday. You can also give Slack feedback directly in team channels or DMs.
Cons:
- Depth of features: It lacks some advanced analytics and reporting functionalities compared to some more expensive platforms.
- Customization constraints: Some users weren’t able to fully customize the review process. They mentioned that the tool could be more flexible..
- Feedback nuances: Some reports mentioned that 360 feedback could be more detailed.
7. Trakstar
Trakstar is a comprehensive suite that consists of four modules (Perform, Hire, Learn, and Insights) that can be used together or individually as a performance management tool, applicant tracking system, or employee development software.
Pros:
- Comprehensive suite: It has a robust set of features, including 360 feedback, goal-setting, performance reviews, employee skills assessment, development programs, and more.
- Flexible templates: Trakstar comes with plenty of customizable evaluation templates that you can adapt to your processes.
- Integration capabilities: It integrates with many HR, business, and communication tools. To mention just a few: BambooHR, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace.
Cons:
- User interface: Some users suggested improving the interface and design to meet the latest industry standards.
- Steep learning curve: While it has a wide range of features, it can result in a steep learning curve, especially during the initial setup.
- Customization intuition: Some users find that tweaking the system to fit their organization's unique needs may require additional effort and time.
8. Reflektive
Reflektive is one of the modern performance and leadership assessment tools that can be used for various forms of performance management: to conduct performance reviews, provide feedback, do employee check-ins, and also for rewards and recognition.
Pros:
- Continuous feedback: It supports real-time, ongoing feedback, alongside periodic 360 reviews. You can request and receive feedback from a particular employee with only one click.
- Customizability: The tool is very flexible when it comes to designing custom review processes and feedback loops.
- Modern integrations: It connects well with popular workforce management software tools like Workday and BambooHR, allowing you to create a more comprehensive performance management system.
Cons:
- Pricing transparency: Pricing details are not completely clear. The price can vary a lot based on the features and the level of customization you need.
- Adoption curve: Some of the features may be overwhelming at the beginning, especially if you haven’t used a 360 feedback tool before. Analytical depth: While it offers solid real-time insights, it doesn't provide as deep retrospective analysis as some other tools.
9. PerformYard
PerformYard is one of the most popular performance management tools among mid-size companies. It can be used for continuous feedback, competency-based reviews, and check-ins.
Pros:
- Structured reviews: The 360 feedback process is clear and structured. The tool comes with automated reminders and workflows so you don't have to start every review cycle manually.
- Dashboard clarity: The dashboards are easy to understand and let you quickly visualize data and track changes over time.
- Mid-Sized focus: PerformYard is most popular among medium-size companies or those looking for a balance between features and ease of use.
Cons:
- Limited integrations: It has fewer integrations compared to some other performance management tools.
- Customization options: Targeting mainly small and mid-size businesses, the tool doesn't offer as many advanced customization features as some enterprise-level platforms.
- Reporting depth: While the reports are clear and easy to interpret, some users mentioned they could be more granular and provide more strategic insights.
10. ClearCompany
ClearCompany is one of the comprehensive talent management tools that can be used throughout the whole employee lifecycle, from sourcing and hiring to performance management and development planning. It's mostly used by large companies and enterprises that have complex needs.
Pros:
- End-to-end talent management: ClearCompany is probably the tool with the widest range of features on our list. It integrates 360 feedback with a broader HR suite, including recruiting, onboarding, and learning management.
- Advanced analytics: The tool offers detailed reporting and analytics with some unique features, such as its liveaboards that provide you with fresh employee data at every moment. Also, you can ask the built-in AI assistant to answer any data-related question.
- Customization and flexibility: Everything can be customized, even for large enterprises with complex procedures.
Cons:
- Complexity: The extensive feature set can be overwhelming for smaller teams or companies seeking a simple 360 feedback tool.
- Cost: ClearCompany mainly targets enterprises, and it has a higher price point than other 360-degree feedback tools, which may not be suitable for every budget.
- Implementation: The initial setup can be time-consuming, because onboarding and integration require a thorough review of training materials.
How to implement 360 feedback
If this is your first time doing 360 feedback, here is how to start it:
- Select the right tool: Choose a tool that's user-friendly and customizable. It'd be good to choose a tool that uses AI, as it can help you automate the process and analyze the feedback collected.
- Design the feedback process: Decide who will be involved (peers, managers, direct reports, self-reviews, etc) and define the criteria and competencies that will be evaluated.
- Customize 360 feedback questions: You can use a 360 feedback template, but make sure to tailor the questions to fit your company and industry.
- Launch the feedback cycle: Send 360 review forms to your employees, alongside the instructions and deadline to complete them. You can also add automatic reminders to make sure they complete them on time.
- Analyze responses: If you don't want to go through a large volume of responses manually, you can use AI to analyze and summarize responses, providing you with actionable insights. Focus on things like key strengths, areas for improvement, and any other recurring topics.
- Provide constructive feedback: After the analysis, you should share the results with the employees, providing them with constructive feedback and advice for improvement.
- Create development plans: Use the data you gathered to set goals and create employee development plans. Find a way to align their aspirations with company goals.
- Optimize and repeat: Set regular 360 feedback cycles to track progress. Some companies do it quarterly or every six months. Use the insights you gather to optimize every next round.
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Conclusion
We hope that this article helped you understand different options and find the right 360 feedback software for you.
As you can see, there are various types of tools, from simple 360 solutions to those combining feedback with other types of performance management.
If you're looking for a user-friendly tool that lets you run 360 feedback reviews in minutes and provides you with actionable AI summaries highlighting strengths and areas for improvement, Effy AI is the right tool for you.
