In 2026, performance management has evolved beyond annual reviews into continuous, AI-enhanced processes that boost engagement, align goals, and drive measurable results. With hybrid/remote work standard and talent retention critical amid economic shifts, top platforms integrate goal tracking (OKRs), 360-degree feedback, real-time check-ins, analytics, and development tools. Many leverage AI for personalized insights, bias reduction, and predictive analytics.

This 3000-word guide ranks the 20 best performance management software for 2026, based on aggregated data from G2, Capterra, Gartner Peer Insights, SoftwareReviews, and expert sources like Betterworks, Lattice, and People Managing People (as of early 2026). Rankings consider user ratings, features (continuous feedback, OKRs, integration), scalability (SMB to enterprise), pricing, ease of use, and real-world impact (engagement uplift, retention gains).

Whether you’re a startup needing simple check-ins or an enterprise requiring HCM integration, these tools lead the pack.

1. Lattice – Best Overall for Continuous Feedback & Engagement

Lattice tops many 2026 lists (G2 4.7/5, Capterra high scores) for its unified platform blending performance reviews, engagement surveys, goal alignment, and growth tools.

Key features: OKR/ goal tracking, 360 reviews, 1-on-1 agendas, pulse surveys, AI-driven insights. Pros: Intuitive interface, strong analytics, high adoption. Cons: Pricing starts at ~$11/user/month; steeper for small teams. Best for: Mid-market to enterprise building feedback cultures. Clients praise its role in boosting engagement and reducing turnover.

2. 15Five – Top for Weekly Check-Ins & Manager Coaching

15Five excels in continuous performance (G2 4.6/5) with weekly pulse questions, OKRs, high fives, and coaching tools.

Key features: Weekly wins/challenges, objective tracking, 360 feedback, reporting. Pros: Easy adoption, manager empowerment. Cons: Less robust for complex enterprise needs. Best for: Teams prioritizing regular touchpoints. Users report improved alignment and morale.

3. BambooHR – Best All-in-One HR with Strong Performance Module

BambooHR (Capterra Shortlist leader, high G2) integrates performance into full HRIS for seamless reviews, goals, and e-signatures.

Key features: Custom review cycles, self-evaluations, 9-box grids. Pros: User-friendly, affordable (~$10-15/user/month). Cons: Less advanced AI/engagement than specialists. Best for: SMBs wanting integrated HR. Ideal for growing companies.

4. Betterworks – Enterprise Powerhouse for OKRs & Alignment

Betterworks leads enterprise lists (Betterworks own rankings) with robust OKR cascading, continuous check-ins, and talent insights.

Key features: Goal alignment, calibration, AI recommendations. Pros: Scalable, data-driven. Cons: Higher implementation effort. Best for: Large orgs focused on strategic alignment.

5. Leapsome – Best for Performance + Engagement Combo

Leapsome shines in Europe/US (frequent top lists) with reviews, OKRs, learning, surveys.

Key features: 360s, meeting tools, analytics. Pros: Modern UX, comprehensive. Cons: Pricing on request. Best for: Growth-stage companies.

6. PerformYard – Streamlined Reviews & Feedback Loops

PerformYard focuses on simple, customizable reviews and continuous feedback.

Key features: Goal setting, 360s, automated workflows. Pros: High customization, strong support. Cons: Narrower scope. Best for: Teams ditching spreadsheets.

7. Culture Amp – Employee Experience & Performance Leader

Culture Amp combines engagement surveys with performance tools.

Key features: Custom templates, insights, development plans. Pros: Deep analytics. Cons: More engagement-focused. Best for: Culture-first orgs.

8. HiBob (Bob) – Modern HRIS with Integrated Performance

HiBob offers performance within dynamic HR platform.

Key features: Reviews, goals, feedback, lifecycle tools. Pros: Great for global/hybrid teams. Cons: Broader than pure performance. Best for: Fast-growing companies.

9. Workleap – AI-Powered Structured Management

Workleap (formerly GSoft) uses AI for feedback, goals, recognition.

Key features: Continuous tools, analytics. Pros: Structured yet flexible. Cons: Emerging in some markets. Best for: Teams wanting AI assistance.

10. Deel – Global Teams with Payroll + Performance

Deel integrates performance for distributed workforces.

Key features: Reviews, goals, compliance. Pros: Global payroll tie-in. Cons: Payroll-heavy. Best for: Remote/international.

11. Small Improvements – Simple, Meaningful Interactions

Small Improvements prioritizes feedback and reviews.

Key features: Continuous feedback, OKRs. Pros: Easy use. Cons: Less feature-rich. Best for: SMBs.

12. Engagedly – AI-Powered All-in-One

Engagedly offers OKRs, reviews, learning.

Key features: AI insights, talent tools. Pros: Comprehensive. Cons: Interface dated in spots. Best for: Mid-market.

13. Profit.co – OKR-Focused with Task Integration

Profit.co ties OKRs to tasks/performance.

Key features: Goal tracking, dashboards. Pros: Affordable. Cons: OKR-centric. Best for: Objective-driven teams.

14. Paycor – Mid-Market HCM with Performance

Paycor integrates talent development.

Key features: Reviews, alignment. Pros: Full HCM. Cons: Enterprise pricing. Best for: Mid-sized.

15. Synergita – Cost-Effective Customizable

Synergita offers SMART goals, automated reviews.

Key features: Dashboards, integrations. Pros: Low cost (~$0.35/user). Cons: Less known. Best for: Budget-conscious SMBs.

16. ClearCompany – Talent Management Suite

ClearCompany includes performance, recruiting.

Key features: Reviews, analytics. Pros: Integrated. Cons: Setup time. Best for: Full talent lifecycle.

17. Factorial – Easy Reviews & Analytics

Factorial provides goal tracking, reviews.

Key features: Customizable, affordable. Pros: Intuitive. Cons: Emerging globally. Best for: European SMBs.

18. Workday Performance – Enterprise HCM Standard

Workday excels in large-scale alignment.

Key features: Calibration, insights. Pros: Robust. Cons: Expensive/complex. Best for: Enterprises.

19. SAP SuccessFactors – Global Enterprise Leader

SuccessFactors offers comprehensive tools.

Key features: OKRs, learning. Pros: Scalable. Cons: High cost. Best for: Multinationals.

20. Rippling – All-in-One with Performance

Rippling adds performance to HR/payroll/IT.

Key features: Lifecycle management. Pros: Unified. Cons: Newer in performance. Best for: Tech-savvy teams.

2026 Trends in Performance Management Software

• Continuous over Annual: Shift to weekly/monthly feedback.
• AI Integration: Bias checks, coaching suggestions.
• Engagement Link: Surveys tied to performance.
• Hybrid/Remote Focus: Tools for distributed teams.
• Data-Driven: Predictive analytics for retention.

How to Choose in 2026

• Size: SMBs → BambooHR/15Five; Enterprise → Lattice/Betterworks.
• Needs: Feedback → 15Five; OKRs → Profit.co.
• Budget: $4-16/user/month common; enterprise custom.
• Integrations: Check HRIS/Teams/Slack.
• Trial/Demo: Always test adoption.

These 20 platforms transform performance from chore to growth driver. Select based on culture and goals—strong implementation yields 20-30% engagement boosts.

The property investment in the building occupied by Premier Inn has been acquired by ME Swansea

A prime waterfront hotel in Swansea is under new ownership following a multi-million-pound deal. The property investment covering the 132 bedroom Premier Inn has been acquired by ME Asset Management through its subsidiary ME Swansea.

The exact value of the deal has not been disclosed but was supported with a £9.6m senior loan facility from specialist real estate lender ASK Partners (ASK).

The hotel is let to Whitbread plc under an occupational lease that runs to October 2035. The identity of the seller, represented by Savills, has not been disclosed.

READ MORE: More business rate relief for hospitality firms in WalesREAD MORE: It’s wrong to caricature Welsh firms as being too cautious when it comes to growth finance

Whitbread is paying an annual rent of around £1m per year. On the ground floor there is a near 5,000 sq ft retail unit operated by Tesco.

The property comes under a long-term leasehold agreement with the Welsh Government at a peppercorn rent of £10 per year.

ME Asset Management specialises in repositioning overlooked or underperforming properties through strategic capital investment. Backed by a consortium of experienced property professionals, the business is a new entrant in the operational real estate space.

ME Swansea intends to undertake façade restoration as part of a wider enhancement programme.

Mike Ginsberg, investment manager at ASK, said: “This loan presented an attractive opportunity to finance a well-located, income-producing asset with a strong operator covenant. The long lease to Whitbread provides cashflow visibility, while Swansea’s ongoing regeneration creates compelling demand fundamentals for quality hospitality assets. We were pleased to support ME Swansea on a transaction that aligns closely with our lending strategy.”

Verender Badial, chief executive of ME Asset Management, added: “This acquisition reflects our focus on high-quality, income-producing assets in resilient regional markets. Swansea continues to attract significant inward investment, and the Premier Inn is exceptionally well located. ASK has been an excellent funding partner, and their understanding of value-add and operational real estate enabled us to execute this transaction efficiently.”

ASK has now lent over £2bn since inception providing flexible debt solutions to experienced sponsors across hospitality, residential and wider real estate asset classes.

Pinterest has dismissed two engineers after they created and shared a software tool that identified colleagues who had been made redundant during a recent round of job cuts, according to reports.

The digital pinboard company announced earlier this month that it would cut about 15 per cent of its workforce, roughly 700 roles, as chief executive Bill Ready said the business was “doubling down on an AI-forward approach”. Pinterest did not disclose which teams would be affected by the reductions.

Following the announcement, two engineers wrote custom scripts that accessed internal systems to flag when employee accounts were deactivated, effectively revealing the names and locations of staff who had lost their jobs. The information was then shared more widely, prompting the company to take disciplinary action.

A Pinterest spokesperson said the engineers had “improperly accessed confidential company information” and described the actions as a clear breach of company policy and a violation of affected employees’ privacy. It remains unclear whether the data was shared solely with colleagues inside the business or beyond the company.

The scripts targeted internal communication and access tools, according to the BBC, citing a source familiar with the incident. The code reportedly triggered alerts when employee names were removed from internal systems.

Pinterest has been ramping up investment in artificial intelligence to improve personalisation for users and automate tools for advertisers. However, investor confidence has been shaken, with shares down more than 20 per cent this year as markets weigh the competitive threat posed by newer and more advanced AI platforms.

Ready told staff in an internal meeting that while debate and dissent were healthy, employees who fundamentally disagreed with the company’s direction should consider their future elsewhere, according to CNBC, which first reported the firings.

The incident comes amid a broader wave of job losses across the tech sector as companies restructure around AI. Last week, Amazon announced a further 16,000 redundancies worldwide, while Meta said it would cut more than 1,000 roles from its Reality Labs division. Design software maker Autodesk has also confirmed plans to shed around 1,000 jobs this month.

Jamie Young

Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.

When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

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Companies in the private sector added just 22,000 jobs in January, payroll processing firm ADP said Wednesday.

The figure is well below economists’ estimates of a gain of 48,000 jobs. The prior month’s payrolls number was revised lower to a gain of 37,000 from an initially reported gain of 41,000.

“Job creation took a step back in 2025, with private employers adding 398,000 jobs, down from 771,000 in 2024,” said ADP chief economist Nela Richardson. “While we’ve seen a continuous and dramatic slowdown in job creation for the past three years, wage growth has remained stable.”

US ECONOMY EXPECTED TO GROW FASTER IN 2026 DESPITE STAGNANT JOB MARKET: GOLDMAN SACHS

The figure is well below economists’ estimates of a gain of 48,000 jobs. (Angus Mordant/Bloomberg)

Education and health services added 74,000 positions, leading job creation in December. Financial activities added 14,000 positions, while construction added 9,000.

CONSUMER SENTIMENT RISES ABOVE EXPECTATIONS IN JANUARY BUT REMAINS BELOW LAST YEAR’S LEVEL

Education and health services added 74,000 positions in January. (iStock)

Leisure and hospitality and trade, transportation and utilities each added 4,000 jobs. Hiring in natural resources and mining was flat for the month.

On the negative side, professional and business services lost 57,000 jobs. Other services and manufacturing lost 13,000 and 8,000, respectively. Hiring fell by 5,000 positions in information.

Professional and business services lost 57,000 jobs in January. (iStock)

Large businesses – those with 500 or more employees – lost 18,000 jobs in January. Businesses with 50 to 499 employees added 41,000 workers. Establishments with fewer than 20 employees added 30,000 positions, while those that have 20 to 49 workers lost 30,000 jobs. 

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Wage growth in December was little changed from last month. People staying in their roles saw their pay climb 4.5% from the prior year, while pay gains for those changing their jobs fell slightly to 6.4% from 6.6% in December.

The ADP data is typically released before the Labor Department’s nonfarm payrolls report and can differ notably. However, due to the partial shutdown of the federal government that has since ended, the Labor Department said its report would be delayed. The government data was expected to show an increase of 64,000 positions, below the 50,000 reported in December. The unemployment rate was expected to remain at 4.4%.

This article was written by

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand will host the “Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026” from February 4-7 in Hua Hin, promoting sports tourism and honoring Muay Thai’s cultural heritage with various events and activities.

Key Points

• The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will host the “Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026” from February 4-7 at Rajabhakti Park, Hua Hin, aiming to promote sports tourism and celebrate Muay Thai as cultural heritage.
• Activities will include professional matches, traditional rituals, demonstrations, and training in four Muay Thai styles, along with local cuisine, shopping, and concerts. The festival is expected to attract over 18,000 visitors and generate approximately 214 million baht.
• A highlight on February 6, National Muay Thai Day, will feature a traditional worship ceremony and a large performance honoring King Suriyenthrathibodi, recognized as the Father of Muay Thai.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will organize the “Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026” to promote sports tourism and elevate Muay Thai as a cultural heritage on the international stage.

TAT’s Deputy Governor for Tourism Products and Business Nat Kruthasoot announced that TAT, together with Prachuap Khiri Khan Province and partner agencies, will host the festival under the theme “Ultimate Muay Thai Experience” from February 4 to 7, 2026, at Rajabhakti Park in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan.

The event will highlight Muay Thai as Thailand’s cultural heritage and support sports tourism. Activities include professional bouts, exhibitions on traditional ranking rituals, demonstrations and training in the four traditional Muay Thai schools: Muay Chaiya, Muay Korat, Muay Tha Sao, and Muay Lopburi, as well as Muay Thai training courses. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine, shopping, leisure activities, and concerts by renowned Thai artists.

TAT expects the festival to attract over 18,000 visitors and generate at least 214 million baht in economic activity.

A key highlight is scheduled for February 6, 2026, National Muay Thai Day. The program will feature a traditional worship ceremony and the Muay Thai Wai Khru ritual, led by master instructors, followed by a large-scale performance with over 1,500 participants to honor King Suriyenthrathibodi, also known as Phra Chao Sue, who is revered as the Father of Muay Thai.

Source : TAT Hosts Amazing Muay Thai Festival 2026 to Elevate Muay Thai to Global Stage

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