11 Best 360 Feedback Tools (+ How Companies Are Using Them)
360-feedback tools can help businesses gain a more accurate understanding of their employee’s performance. It can also significantly improve how they interact with colleagues and show up at work.
A Your Story @ Work study found that while 70% of professionals in London know they need to speak about their achievements at work to climb the career ladder, only 23% are comfortable doing this, which holds them back. Using the right 360 evaluation tool means you don’t have to rely on employees’ self-reporting performance. It can reflect your employees’ strengths and weaknesses, boosting their self-awareness and confidence.
In this article, we’re exploring the best 360-feedback tools and how companies are effectively using them.
Contents
360 feedback explained
Why conduct a 360-degree feedback survey?
11 360 feedback tools (plus how companies are using these)
How to create a 360-degree employee feedback survey
FAQ
360 feedback explained
360-degree feedback (also known as 360-reviews or peer reviews) is an HR tool used to collect feedback on employees from multiple sources. This includes manager, supervisor, direct reports, team members, and self-assessment.
This type of feedback system is mainly used for more senior members of staff. However, companies are increasingly adopting this approach for all employee groups to eliminate single-source feedback and provide a holistic perspective on employee performance.
Why conduct a 360-degree feedback survey?
There are many benefits to conducting a 360-degree feedback survey:
- Your employees learn more about themselves: 360-feedback gives a more accurate view of an employee’s strengths and weaknesses, which can be used to improve growth and development.
- Employees are more motivated to improve: It’s human nature to care what people think of us, so 360-feedback that encompasses a wide collection of others’ opinions can motivate us much more than a single opinion.
- Helps to combat manager bias: Combining feedback from multiple sources reduces the chance of bias in the process.
- It’s a more inclusive approach: This ties into DEIB practices and policies and can boost employee engagement and foster a sense of ownership.
- Reduces turnover rates: Studies have found that receiving positive 360-feedback can reduce turnover.
- Improves performance evaluation for remote teams: When employees work remotely and don’t have daily interactions with their manager or co-workers, 360-degree feedback can help bridge the gap.
Types of 360 feedback tools you can use
- 360-degree feedback templates: You can use ready-made Word or Google form templates and sample questionnaires if you prefer a do-it-yourself approach. These can be adapted to specific needs and used through various channels.
- Custom software platforms: Many organizations invest in custom software platforms designed specifically for 360-degree feedback. These platforms allow for questionnaire design, data collection, and reporting flexibility.
- Online survey tools: Platforms like SurveyMonkey or Qualtrics can be adapted to create 360-degree feedback surveys. Participants can anonymously submit their feedback online.
- Performance management systems: Integrated performance management systems often include 360-degree feedback features. These systems allow you to consolidate performance data along with other HR-related functions.
- Specialized HR software: HR software solutions, such as Spidergap or Primalogik, may include 360-degree feedback modules as part of their broader suite of tools.
- 360-degree feedback apps: Mobile apps specifically designed for 360-degree feedback are also available. These apps provide users with a convenient way to give and receive feedback on the go.
11 360 feedback tools (plus how companies are using these)
Here are the best 360 feedback tools available on the market today, along with how companies are successfully using them.
1. Trakstar
Trackstar offers a comprehensive performance management tool. It comprises of 360-degree reviews, engagement surveys, goal setting and tracking, improvement plans, automated reminders, and detailed reporting with insights. Reviews can also be customized for different employee groups.
How PNWU successfully used the tool
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) has been using Trakstar’s performance insights to compare how different departments perform and identify groups with significantly lower scores, which can then be looked into and addressed. This data has also enabled PNWU to view performance review scores against goals for each department and ensure that scores remain in line with where the department sits within the University as a whole.
2. SurveySparrow
SurveySparrow’s 360-degree feedback software allows reports to be customized in just a few clicks so you can gain a holistic view of competency based results that identify gaps, strengths, and areas of improvement.
This tool also helps reveal employees’ hidden strengths and blind spots and craft personalized development plans for each item of feedback collected. Assessments can be tracked in the employee portal, and the manager and admin dashboards ensure that the whole team stays informed.
How GCMMF successfully used the tool
Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF) in India needed to strengthen its employee training and development programs to create a culture of continuous improvement. Specifically, they wanted to empower employees to be aware of and voice their own training and development needs and identify the areas where additional skills were most required.
SurveySparrow helped to manage the diverse range of 360-degree feedback groups, and offered real-time response tracking (for immediate decision). Employees were better able to understand their strengths and areas for improvement, and customized training programs and workshops were designed to help foster employee development.
3. Spidergap
Spidergap is a 360-degree feedback tool that allows you to set goals, lean on support from the company’s feedback experts, review the impact for your employees, and demonstrate the ROI to your team. There are best practice templates to use and customize, and the feedback process can easily be monitored and managed regardless of scale. Spidergap also worked closely with hundreds of HR directors, managers, and employees to design simple and easy-to-understand functional reports.
How Sony Computer Entertainment successfully used the tool
Sony Computer Entertainment previously used external consultants to run 360 surveys on an ad hoc basis, which took a lot of time and money and meant it was not available for all staff. Running and managing 360 feedback surveys with Spidergap has not only led to significant cost savings, but employees value the 360 feedback reports.
In particular, the way that priorities are presented removes the need to “defend” themselves against constructive feedback, and employees feel comfortable sharing their reports with leaders and peers which provides greater support of their development plans.
4. Synergita
Synergita’s Perform features include simplified performance evaluations, identifying high-potential employees and supporting talent growth, using data to make informed decisions for performance reviews, and offering continuous feedback and coaching to ensure employees are always improving.
How Eruvaka successfully used the tool
Eruvaka’s manual performance management processes made it difficult to maintain transparency, employees didn’t understand how their performance was evaluated, there was limited data analysis and the burdens of unconscious bias and unnecessary admin.
With Synergita, Eruvaka were able to create a standardized framework and template for goal setting were available which helped employees, increase transparency, facilitate regular performance reviews, spot key trends, and make data-driven decisions.
5. Leapsome
Leapsome allows organizations to use their best-practice templates or create fully customizable 360-degree reviews. Review cycles can be automated to save time, everything can be found in one place in a dashboard, and feedback can be exchanged between anyone at any time without waiting for a formal review cycle.
6. Lattice
Lattice is an HR software that offers a performance management system. This includes goal setting, real-time feedback, performance reviews, and employee development tools to build a culture of continuous feedback and growth and boost performance across the board.
How Muck Rack company successfully used the tool
Prior to leveraging Lattice, Muck Rack’s employees were not receiving consistent feedback from managers and peers, and they needed a system to standardize their ways of working and improve communication and transparency. Following the adoption of Lattice, the company now has a more holistic approach to performance management. Employees know what to expect (and when), and performance reviews are predictable and fair for all.
7. Primalogik
Primalogik ‘s 360-degree feedback tool includes customizable emails, automatic reminders, the ability for employees to request additional feedback from coworkers, and real-time tracking. A clear, accurate picture of an employee’s performance and behavior is painted and provides clarity on how they can improve and what managers and peers most value them for.
8. ClearCompany
ClearCompany enables companies to simplify and customize the review cycle and save time. With pre-built templates, best practices, and automation, review cycles can be launched quicker and more effectively. Employees can complete reviews on mobile devices and in a language of their choice.
The tool helps increase the alignment of employees and managers on key goals and priorities as well as success metrics, and employees can see how their performance contributes to the success of the company.
How The Towbes Group successfully used the tool
The Towbes Group relies on a large team of remote workers. In order to retain skilled technicians and develop them into future leaders, the company knew they needed a strong performance management system. ClearCompanu’s performance tools helped them create an efficient online process that reduced their papertrail and workload.
Remote employees are now given real-time updates on their progress, managers can respond quickly, and reviews are more focused and relevant. Comprehensive performance data is accessible through a range of reports which enables The Towes Group to track employee progress and hire the best candidates.
9. PerformYard
PerformYard’s performance management toolkit enables organizations to drive high-quality performance conversations through employee appraisals, 360 reviews, quarterly check-ins, and one-to-ones.
Continuous and relevant feedback is formalized, requests for feedback can easily be made, and data and reports can illuminate performance trends in your workforce and inform your HR decision-making.
How Cline Family Cellars successfully used the tool
Cline Family Cellars used to conduct performance reviews on an ad-hoc basis and struggled to standardize reviews.With PerformYard, they have created a standardized performance management process that aligns employees goals with the values of the company.
Every employee now has regular reviews and facetime with their manager. All information is tracked and stored in one system. Feedback is also tied to compensation decisions which has increased incentive and help employees turn feedback into improved performance.
10. iSpring
iSpring’s 360-degree performance appraisal feature can be adjusted to the competency model used in your organization. This tool comes with a helpful guide if your team is new to the 360 feedback approach. iSpring automates everything from sending out surveys to preparing final reports.
Results can be compared to your ideal employee so you know where extra training and development is needed. Everything remains anonymous and confidential, and only LMS admins can see who has reviewed who.
11. Peoplebox
Peoplebox is a tool that enables 360-degree reviews, OKRs, and 1:1s right within Slack/Teams. The setup takes minutes, and you can choose from expert-built templates or create your own questions. Everything your employees and managers need to write accurate reviews can be found in the dashboard, including goal updates and previous reviews.
How Khatabook successfully used the tool
Khatabook was struggling with an unstructured employee performance review process and the admin effort required to run performance reviews. They also lacked a system to monitor progress and follow up. With peoplebox, they have saved thousands of hours implementing a 360-degree performance review within Slack.
The intuitive user interface meant that no training was required. Reviews are now completed on time by all employees and there is better alignment between performance and company goals.
How to create a 360-degree employee feedback survey
Here are some tips on how to create an effective 360-degree feedback survey for your organization:
- Set clear goals. Begin by getting clear on what you want to achieve with your feedback survey
- Ask the right questions. Keep them simple and specific, and use clear language.
- Give clear instructions. This includes the goal of the survey and how to complete it in the best way; for example, make it clear that comments should be constructive.
- Include a self-assessment section. Employees can assess themselves and feel involved in their feedback process
- Get managers involved. Getting managers involved from the start can boost their commitment to the process and ensure they act on results
- Keep it short and sweet. This will prevent people from getting tired or frustrated before they’ve completed the survey.
To find the right 360-degree feedback tool for your organization, make a list of your needs and wants, any systems you’re currently using, and the goals you wish to achieve through using this tool.
Don’t be afraid to trial a few different tools to see which one works best at your organization before fully committing.
To sum up
360-degree feedback can help employees and organizations learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of the workforce and the most crucial areas for improvement. It also offers a more holistic view of performance and can encourage employees to act on their feedback and boost their performance.
Using the right 360 feedback tools can help you automate the feedback process, reduce admin and paper trails, and simplify the entire process, leading to higher engagement and greater employee satisfaction.
FAQ
A 360-degree feedback tool is a software designed to help HR streamline the employee performance management process and collect valuable data on employee’s strengths and weaknesses.
360-degree software is another term used for a feedback tool. It’s a program that can be installed onto your company computer’s or used in the cloud to manage the employee performance management process.
Like all HR methods and processes, there are disadvantages to the 360 feedback approach. It can be time-consuming, unreliable, and subjective, and it can provide vague feedback. Therefore, in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment, this approach can sometimes be seen as outdated. HR should always be looking for more efficient and effective ways to measure and improve employee performance and provide opportunities for development.
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