Staffbase vs HR Cloud's Workmates - Which One is Better for Your Business?

Human resources has changed drastically since the "olden" days — when piles of paperwork filled the back rooms of offices.

Thanks to modern technology, HR has been completely revamped into a tech-savvy, efficient department that uses cloud-based solutions to manage communication.

However, this growth has led to what people call "a good problem." There are so many features and functionalities to evaluate, it is challenging to feel confident making the right choice for your particular company and situation

In this article, we'll compare Staffbase and Workmates to see how they stack up — and why Workmates is a great Staffbase alternative. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is a Cloud Communication Platform and Why Does My Business Need It?

Simply put, a cloud communication platform is an intranet app that allows a wide variety of functions, including:

• • • Video calls

    • Instant messaging

    • Document sharing

    • Conference calling

    • Collaboration

    • And more

All of these apps can be easily accessed by the employees of the company through an integrated suite of software. It is hosted by the provider on a cloud dedicated server so that it can be accessed at any time by executives and employees alike.

Cloud communication platforms provide vast functionality and tools that your business can use to execute vital actions needed to help your business run efficiently.

The benefits of utilizing a cloud communication platform are endless:

• • • Scalability ensures clear communication no matter how big your business is

    • Flexibility so that your business can run smoothly no matter where your employees are located

    • Frequent updates mean you have access to the latest tools and technology

However, not all cloud communication platforms are built the same. 

As you begin looking for a communication platform for your business, you'll quickly see there are several options on the market. To find the one that fits your needs the best, it's important to do careful research and understand what benefits each one brings to the table. 

Let's take a look at two popular software options: Staffbase and HR Cloud's Workmates.

Similarities Between Staffbase and Workmates

Staffbase and Workmates are both internal communications platforms. They are both built to bring employees of a business together through a streamlined hub. They have quite a few similar functions — let's take a deeper look.

1. Centralized Intranet Solution

Both Staffbase and Workmates are great options when it comes to finding an intranet solution. They both offer a solid platform to conduct business communication actions, including:

• • • Sending out company-wide updates, announcements, and events

    • Providing a central spot for company policies

    • Publishing news in a single spot

    • Tracking insights about employee engagement

    • New hire information

Both solutions allow companies to reach out to their employees through different mediums no matter where they are. These include mobile, desktop, and email. They can receive notifications about the company the way they want to. 

2. Data-Driven Insights

Both platforms also allow you to analyze and understand your different employee groups. Managers can do this by seeing what they engage and resonate with the most.

You can gather further feedback through polls and surveys and get instant data that can allow your employees to be more effective at their jobs.

3. Customization

Both Workmates and Staffbase are highly customizable. They allow you to build your company intranet according to your unique organizational structure. You can customize functions depending on separate departments, locations, or business areas.

Differences Between Staffbase and Workmates

Both platforms have similar core functions, but they differ when it comes to what they focus on. Let's take a look.

1. Internal Communication

Although both platforms focus on simple communication throughout the company, the way they do it is quite different. 

Staffbase focuses more on a top-down communication style. Most functions focus on managers communicating with employees in different ways. This includes:

• • • Employee newsletters

    • A communication app

    • An intranet where workers can get information about news and announcements

However, Workmates allows for a wider range of employee-centric communication and feedback loops. It focuses on decentralizing company communication so that everyone has a voice. Workmates is designed to make communication fun, natural, and productive.

Workmates' personalized newsfeed allows teams to know everything that's going on in the business. This includes new hire info, events, announcements, employee spotlights, and more. Workmates has simpler navigation of employee information and shared content.

Employees are empowered to start conversations on any communications channel they want. They can use Slack, Skype, Google Hangouts, and more. When it comes to collaboration, employees can easily use Workmates to:

• • • Start conversations

    • Post comments

    • Share thoughts

    • Upload pictures and videos

    • Share important documents

Workmates is a great option to keep employees feeling informed, engaged, and valued as part of the team, no matter where they are checking in from.

2. Recognition and Rewards

One unique feature that Workmates has is a powerful tool to recognize and reward employees. Workers can be given digital "kudos" so that their hard work or achievement is recognized company-wide. 

These "kudos" are tracked and can later be redeemed for other prizes such as gift cards, corporate items, or other creative ideas. These are great incentives to:

• • • Keep your employees focused

    • Improve morale

    • Inspire teamwork

    • Align your employees towards common goals and objectives

    • Create a positive culture in your company

According to Gallup, organizations with high engagement do better than those with low engagement by 202%.

3. App Integrations

Workmates offers a wide variety of integration with tools that your business already uses. This includes third-party tools for functions like payroll, performance management, applicant tracking, recruitment, and background checks. 

Some examples of apps that Workmates can integrate with include:

• • • ADP

    • Google Apps

    • Greenhouse

    • Slack

    • Checkr

    • Intuit

    • UltiPro

    • Workable

    • And many more!

Staffbase, on the other hand, is much more limited. They offer integrations for apps like Microsoft 365 and SAP. This might be okay for businesses that have a team dedicated to customizing Staffbase through APIs, but this limitation can be a roadblock for those that don't.

4. Onboarding Experience

Workmates features automated onboarding software. This helps save time and boost productivity. Your business can create a memorable experience for new employees from the start with features like:

• • • Fast and easy onboarding and communication for all parties involved

    • Detailed employee profiles that showcase experience, interests, and expertise

    • Customizable new hire portals that allow them to hit the ground running

    • Automated emails, easy-fill forms, and paperless signing processes

    • Checklists and workflows to keep track of the process

    • Payroll integrations with ADP, HRIS, Ultipro, and Quickbooks

These features help create a seamless, efficient, and unforgettable experience for both employees and hiring managers.

Unfortunately, Staffbase does not have specific onboarding features unless they are built in through customization. This might require dedicated technicians to program it.

5. UX / Interface

When it comes to the user interface, Workmates is more engaging and modern than Staffbase. 

Workmates features a beautiful yet simple interface where employees can:

• • • Personalize their newsfeed

    • Customize their channels

    • Easily see any announcements, chats, and notifications that they need with the click of a button

On the other hand, Staffbase's interface left users wanting.  Reviewers expressed frustration that there isn't an internal employee bulletin board where news and headlines could be easily accessed, for example.

6. Automated Workflows and Customized Forms

Workmates allows you to automate a large portion of time-consuming tasks that come with managing employees. Its easy-to-use tools allow team members to build any kind of project, form, survey, or workflow.

This functionality helps workers save a significant amount of time, freeing them to focus on more important tasks. 

Workmates also provides a powerful form builder that allows users to create just about any kind of form that you may need. After completing the form, team members can create a workflow that has specific permissions, tasks, and alerts connected to it. Anyone involved with the form or process will know exactly what they need to do next.

These workflows include checklists and acknowledgments of completed tasks, so users can ensure that nothing slips between the cracks. 

Workmates Is the Best Staffbase Alternative

Both Staffbase and Workmates feature highly customizable intranet solutions. They allow businesses to communicate effectively with their teams. They both also allow managers to analyze data to help create more effective processes and systems.

However, Workmates has a clear advantage as a Staffbase alternative with other unique features. It includes a more robust internal communication system with recognition and rewards tools. It also features much more application integration with third-party tools. 

Add that to Workmates' automated workflows, improved interface, and onboarding tools, and you have your winner.

If you'd like to see for yourself why Workmates is the preferred cloud communication business software, request a free demo today! .