Reward Gateway's Employee Engagement Solution (Review) - 2026

Written by
Rodrigo Vázquez-Mellado
HR and B2B software analyst and advisor, tech writer and editor, former conversational designer
January 28, 2026
Contributing Experts
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Reward Gateway

4.3 (305)
Reward Gateway
Reward Gateway

Reward Gateway Versus the Competition

Reward Gateway is an employee engagement platform that combines employee rewards, recognition, communication, surveys, wellbeing, discounts, and analytics in one unified, branded hub.

If you're ready to get a Reward Gateway demo, we suggest getting in touch for a look at the product and quote. Otherwise, read on!

Ratings

4.3

Ease of Use

4.6

Best For

Distributed teams looking for a feature-rich solution incorporating communication, analysis, employee engagement, and surveys.

Key Differentiator

Varied reward options, including Amazon products, customizable e-cards, and experiences. Separate module purchasing is available. 24/7 customer support.

Price

Starts at £6/user/month

Free Trial

Yes

PROS

  • Remarkably good customer support due to their 24/7 help desk team and multiple communication channels
  • Varied rewards including products from Amazon, customizable ecards, and experiences
  • You can purchase modules separately if you prefer it

CONS

  • No free trial
  • The “Reward Gateway for Small Business” version is only available for companies in the UK and Australia

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Reward Gateway Review

Both as a product and as a company, Reward Gateway strives to be a catalyst for employee satisfaction. That’s why their platform has grown to feature modules from each pillar of the employee experience; benefits, rewards and recognition, communication, engagement, and wellbeing. 

Let’s start with rewards and recognition. This part of their platform is built with the aim of helping you create a comprehensive rewards program that can cater to frontline employees and the C-suite alike. The idea is to celebrate all contributions, which is why their system is multi-directional. Managers reward employees, team members can congratulate each other, and they can also recognize their managers, for instance. 

As far as rewards go, they have a variety of redemption options via their Amazon partnership. You can also create customized e-cards which are helpful when you need to send something instantly (or set it up on autopilot). Their catalog also features experiences, which makes it one of the most varied reward offerings we’ve seen during our month-long research into this software category. 

The rewards variety certainly helps when creating a recognition program for a distributed team, which is a perk we’ve seen frequently highlighted by their user base. Adding to this, features like a real-time recognition feed and commenting do shine via the mobile app. This makes Reward Gateway a good bet for teams with frontline workers, as there are few companies in the rewards space that have decidedly catered to this type of workplace too. 

Speaking of a recognition feed, this is where the rewards module meets the communication one. Reward Gateway also lets you create a company feed where you can post branded blogs, photos, and videos for everyone to see. News and updates can be sent to the whole company or segmented audiences. As in some social media platforms, these posts can also be scheduled in advance.  

Of course, this is all supposed to help the broader company goal of keeping people connected. But how can this be measured and then optimized? Within the same tool, Reward Gateway offers a custom survey builder and a constantly-evolving library of templates. This helps HR leaders and managers gather employee feedback, which in turn pumps into the SmartInsights™ Analytics Engine.

This latter part of the tool is where all the data on how people are using the platform is collected in various real-time dashboards. These dashboards are designed to help you quickly identify insights into what is working best in regards to employee recognition and engagement. Managers can consult metrics like recognition participation, reactions over time, and use of each communication channel, for a single team, a division or department, or the whole company.

Finally, thanks to their recent MoveSpring acquisition, Reward Gateway are now also able to offer activity-based software for employee wellbeing. 

What users think of Reward Gateway

Reviewer's Rating
9/10

While using Reward Gateway, I used it every day. The employee engagement platform was customized to our organization and enabled us to provide regular newsletters, formal and informal recognition in a public setting, and wellbeing initiatives for our staff. We customized an exit interview equivalent to understand why employees were leaving and how we could improve. The platform allowed us to engage and connect with our remote workers and included job vacancies and opportunities for staff. Management and executives appreciated the analytic function, which showed their return on investment and tracked team performance.

What do you like about Reward Gateway?
  • The customization allows us to align the platform with our business needs and add various functions.
  • It is very easy to navigate and integrate with our internal systems.
  • The analytics provide transparency and the ability to drill down to see our return on investment and identify areas for improvement.
  • The ability to communicate with the entire organization and engage with remote workers has been transformative.
Why did your organization buy Reward Gateway, and how long have you used it for?

The organization I worked for purchased Reward Gateway to improve employee engagement, organizational culture, and staff retention. There was a noticeable issue with culture and engagement, which became evident as staff left the organization and cited these factors as reasons for leaving. The executives approved funding to implement Reward Gateway as a solution to enhance the employee experience and improve culture and retention. Reward Gateway has allowed the organization to streamline communications, provide rewards and recognition, and improve overall employee satisfaction. I used this tool for one year during my tenure at the organization.

What do you dislike about Reward Gateway?
  • Removing a staff member is not user-friendly and could be improved.
  • Some staff reported difficulties in settling canceled retail transactions.
  • More local retailers for rewards would be preferred.
How is Reward Gateway different than their competitors?

Reward Gateway stood out for its ease of integration with our internal systems and data transition. The platform's customization, user-friendliness, and robust reporting capabilities made it the best choice. Other platforms were clunkier, more difficult to transition to, and more expensive with less functionality.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Consider the price for the functionality provided; Reward Gateway offers a lot at a reasonable price. Evaluate the customization options to ensure it aligns with your organization’s values and user-friendliness. The tool's ease of integration and data transition, along with outstanding customer service, simplifies the implementation process.

How has Reward Gateway changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Yes, the reporting was of concern. However, there has been improvement in this area, and in speaking to people who currently use the platform, they have also commended Reward Gateway on the improvement in their reporting.

What specific type of user or organization is Reward Gateway very good for?

Reward Gateway is excellent for medium-sized organizations looking to increase employee engagement and culture. It helps set the organization apart from competitors and contributes to staff retention.

What specific type of user or organization would Reward Gateway not be a good fit for?

Small businesses may find the costs outweigh the benefits. Additionally, dedicated employees are needed to manage and update the platform's content.

Reviewer's Rating
8/10

We use Reward Gateway daily as part of our employee engagement strategy. The platform is the core of our recognition measures, with a system in place for both peer-to-peer and manager-to-non-manager recognition, supporting employee achievements and effective efforts throughout the organization. Employees redeem recognition points daily for their contributions, which can be exchanged for benefits such as gift cards and unique experiences.

The employee discount feature offers exclusive discounts and cash-back offers from many retailers. We also rely on the well-being programs provided by Reward Gateway, which offer resources on physical, mental, and financial health to support our employees' overall well-being.

The communication tools are used for company news, updates, and surveys to gather important employee feedback. Analysis of engagement analytics helps us monitor and measure the efficacy of our recognition and rewards programs, allowing for data-driven improvements.

What do you like about Reward Gateway?

Reward Gateway is easy to use for both employees and administrators. It's highly configurable, allowing us to customize recognition programs and rewards to meet specific organizational needs. The platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including recognition, rewards, well-being programs, and communication tools, which helps simplify our HR processes and increase overall engagement.

Why did your organization buy Reward Gateway, and how long have you used it for?

We purchased Reward Gateway to help improve our employee engagement and recognition because there was a gap in providing formal and meaningful rewards and recognition for our employees. We've had it in place for approximately two years. Reward Gateway was chosen for its platform capabilities in combining recognition, rewards, employee discounts, and well-being programs. The organization believed it would add significant value. Additionally, the ability to configure the platform and gain data-driven insights has been a crucial feature for our needs.

What do you dislike about Reward Gateway?

The platform is not cheap. The extensive features require professional training for proper use. Integration with existing HR systems can be challenging and may require additional effort from developers.

How is Reward Gateway different than their competitors?

Unlike similar tools that focus on one or two areas, Reward Gateway offers an all-in-one solution, making it easier to manage and improving engagement across the board. The platform is user-friendly for both employees and managers and offers high levels of customization to align with our branding. Constant upgrades ensure it remains relevant and scalable as our company grows.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Key criteria include the features offered to meet recognition, reward, well-being, and communication needs. Ensure the platform allows easy customization according to organizational needs and branding. Check the integration capability with existing HR systems to ensure seamless functionality. Consider the cost and scalability of the solution. User-friendliness and support services are also crucial for smooth implementation and operation.

How has Reward Gateway changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

Reward Gateway has expanded its features beyond recognition and rewards to include well-being programs, communication tools, and engagement analytics, making it a comprehensive platform for organizations with diverse needs.

What specific type of user or organization is Reward Gateway very good for?

Reward Gateway is ideal for organizations aiming to improve employee morale, satisfaction, and overall engagement through a structured and multifaceted approach.

What specific type of user or organization would Reward Gateway not be a good fit for?

Companies with complex integration needs may need additional solutions or tools that would cover all their needs, and they may not find Reward Gateway to be the best fit.

Reward Gateway Alternatives:

C.A. Short Company

C.A. Short Company does not include traditional employee engagement features such as pulse surveys or sentiment analysis, but its recognition workflows are robust, and its fulfillment services offer an excellent level of customization to help companies foster morale and appreciation across distributed teams.
Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4.5 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5
Visit Website

C.A. Short Company

C.A. Short Company does not include traditional employee engagement features such as pulse surveys or sentiment analysis, but its recognition workflows are robust, and its fulfillment services offer an excellent level of customization to help companies foster morale and appreciation across distributed teams.
Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4.5 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5
Learn More

Connecteam

Connecteam’s platform is mobile-first, user-friendly, and packed with tools to drive engagement, including surveys, polls, rewards, recognition, chat, news feed, skills development courses, and much more.
Popularity Score
4.5 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.6 / 5
Visit Website

Connecteam

Connecteam’s platform is mobile-first, user-friendly, and packed with tools to drive engagement, including surveys, polls, rewards, recognition, chat, news feed, skills development courses, and much more.
Popularity Score
4.5 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.6 / 5
Learn More

Deel

While Deel is best known for global payroll, they have expanded into a comprehensive system enabling HR teams to manage and engage international employees and contractors.
Popularity Score
4.4 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5
Visit Website

Deel

While Deel is best known for global payroll, they have expanded into a comprehensive system enabling HR teams to manage and engage international employees and contractors.
Popularity Score
4.4 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5
Learn More

Workleap

Workleap is a thoughtful, feedback-first platform that supports people managers in building trust, surfacing concerns, and celebrating wins. While not the most fully featured tool for recognition or goal tracking, it’s an excellent choice for organizations looking to elevate engagement through better conversations, smarter feedback loops, and ongoing team development.
Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4.3 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5
Visit Website

Workleap

Workleap is a thoughtful, feedback-first platform that supports people managers in building trust, surfacing concerns, and celebrating wins. While not the most fully featured tool for recognition or goal tracking, it’s an excellent choice for organizations looking to elevate engagement through better conversations, smarter feedback loops, and ongoing team development.
Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4.3 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5
Learn More

Nectar

Nectar’s employee engagement module doesn’t try to be everything at once. Instead, it focuses on doing the essentials well: collecting employee feedback, protecting anonymity, and making participation easy. If you're part of an HR team trying to run meaningful surveys without getting buried in complexity, this platform has real appeal.
Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.5 / 5
Product Score
4.3 / 5
Visit Website

Nectar

Nectar’s employee engagement module doesn’t try to be everything at once. Instead, it focuses on doing the essentials well: collecting employee feedback, protecting anonymity, and making participation easy. If you're part of an HR team trying to run meaningful surveys without getting buried in complexity, this platform has real appeal.
Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.5 / 5
Product Score
4.3 / 5
Learn More

Who shouldn't buy Reward Gateway

With no free trial and having to get in touch with their team in order to get a demo of the tool, we believe Reward Gateway wouldn’t be the best fit for smaller companies wanting a quick tool that they can set up themselves and try expediently.

Reward Gateway Customers

Samsung, Orbis, KPMG, Five Star Bank, ABC Medical, American Express, Unilever, IBM, McDonald's

Reward Gateway: Notable for its 24/7 Customer Support
visit Reward Gateway

Reward Gateway Key Features

  • Employee recognition: Individual goal-setting, peer-to-peer and manager-to-peer recognition, and social recognition
  • Employee rewards: Redeem points through a rewards catalog, create nominations, ecards, mentions, and more (activity tracking)
  • Employee surveys: Employee NPS, Custom survey builder, and survey templates
  • Employee communications: An internal communications system includes customized blogs, unlimited pages, auto-schedule functionality and segmenting tools as well as a branded employee engagement app
  • Employee discounts: In-store and online instant vouchers, high discount rates to hundreds of retailers, and generous cashback offers
  • Employee wellbeing: A hub for wellness programs, content and goals
  • Engagement analytics: Dynamic data, live views, and detailed insights

Reward Gateway also has capabilities for: 

  • Android and iOS mobile app (SmartSpending)

Reward Gateway Key Integrations

  • Human Resource Information System (HRIS) & Directory: Workday, Microsoft Azure, Ping Identity, BambooHR, SCIM, & more. 
  • Chat & Collaboration Software: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Yammer. 
  • Custom Tools: REST API & SCIM API.

Reward Gateway Pricing

  • You can choose to purchase solutions separately, like only the employee recognition and surveys modules, for instance, or go for the full employee engagement platform. 
  • If you happen to be in the United Kingdom or Australia, they also offer a “Reward Gateway for Small Business” version which is £6 per employee per month, with no lock-in contract.
  • The price is not revealed publicly, which means you would get a custom quote depending on your business size and needs.

Reward Gateway is Best For

Reward Gateway is used in over 23 countries and by companies of varying sizes and industries. It’s best for those that want more functionalities, like a communications hub and a survey tool, from the rewards and recognition platform.

How has Reward Gateway Changed Over Time?

Reward Gateway Implementation

The team at Reward Gateway provides a complete design service for their employee engagement solutions. Times will vary depending on your particular needs.

Reward Gateway Customer Success

To ensure customer success, Reward Gateway has put together a help and training center they call the Reward Gateway Client Academy. Were you to choose Reward Gateway, it would be your ho-to resource to learn how to get more from the tool. They also have a Success Portal where contact is done through an online form.

About Reward Gateway

Having been around since 2006, a remarkable thing about Reward Gateway is that they’ve managed to stay relevant and constantly-evolving as an employee rewards and recognition SaaS tool for more than a decade.

Any company, in pretty much any industry, is going to need some serious drive in order to achieve this. Reward Gateway find that drive in their mission. They believe that engaged employees build better organizations, and there’s a direct correlation between happy employees and a successful company.

According to their research “76% of CEOs recognize that employee engagement is vital to their success but only 24% say they have a highly engaged company”. Hence, their mission statement is all about bridging that engagement gap for companies worldwide. 

Reward Gateway first started in the UK, then expanded into the Australian market. Their success there during their first decade allowed them to become one of the leading employee engagement apps in the US, which has in turn given them a leg up into other markets all over the world.

As of 2022, their HR SaaS product is used by over 5 million users, across more than 2,000 companies, spread out throughout more than 20 countries in almost all the five continents. 

In April 2022, Reward Gateway acquired MoveSpring, an activity-based software solution aimed at improving employee wellbeing.

Company HQ

London

Number of Employees

600+

Year Founded

2006

Amount Raised

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Reward Gateway Alternatives

C.A. Short Company

Best for driving engagement via tailored recognition

Popularity score
/ 5
user score
4.5 / 5
Product score
4.1 / 5
Connecteam

Best staff engagement app for deskless, mid-size businesses

Popularity score
4.6 / 5
user score
4.6 / 5
Product score
4.6 / 5
Deel

Best for managing distributed team engagement in one platform

Popularity score
4.2 / 5
user score
4.6 / 5
Product score
4.5 / 5
Workleap

Best for continuous employee feedback and manager enablement

Popularity score
4.3 / 5
user score
4.3 / 5
Product score
4.1 / 5

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