Workhuman's CASE STUDY

Human capital is often touted as the most valuable asset in any organization. Yet, how many companies genuinely invest in recognizing and nurturing this asset? As we’ll explore in this case study of Workhuman—formerly known as Globoforce—the answer to this question holds the key to long-term business success.
Founded in 1999, Workhuman has become a benchmark for how to drive organizational performance, engagement, and employee well-being through innovative human applications and social recognition solutions. Let us walk you through the remarkable journey of this Dublin-based company and delve into what makes their approach so special.

The Genesis of Workhuman

It all began in the late '90s when the internet was still in its nascent stages. Workhuman ventured into the increasingly important realm of employee recognition, creating solutions that tapped into the fundamental human desire for appreciation. By 2000, they had released their first SaaS platform which leveraged cloud computing to offer scalable, easily customizable human recognition solutions.
What makes Workhuman unique is not just their cutting-edge technology, but their mission-centric focus: to create human-centric work cultures. According to a Gallup report, companies with strong recognition culture see a 22% increase in profitability and a 10% to 20% increase in productivity. Workhuman has effectively woven this insight into the core of their business strategy.

The SaaS Model: Building Block of Exemplary Growth

At the heart of Workhuman's success lies their robust cloud-based SaaS model. This subscription-based model has been instrumental in ensuring steady revenue streams while offering a cutting-edge solution to their clients. Companies like GE, Cisco, and LinkedIn entrust Workhuman for their employee engagement and performance management needs. The SaaS model allows for frequent updates and continuous support, ensuring that clients always have the most effective tools at their disposal.
In 2022 alone, Workhuman saw a double-digit percentage increase in their subscription revenue, solidifying their position as a leader in the employee recognition space (Statista, 2022). With over 5 million users across more than 160 countries, the platform's global reach is undeniable.

Customizability: The Key Differentiator

One feature that makes Workhuman stand out in a crowded market is the customizability of their platform. Each organization is unique, and Workhuman understands this profoundly. Whether it’s a Fortune 500 company or a burgeoning startup, their platform can be tailored to meet specific needs.
Customization ensures that the recognition and rewards programs are aligned with the company’s culture and core values, making them more effective. For instance, Boston-based software company HubSpot leveraged Workhuman's customizability to launch their "Spotlight" recognition program, which led to a 40% increase in employee engagement (HubSpot Case Study, 2021).

A Suite of Human Applications

Workhuman’s product suite is a one-stop shop for all things related to employee well-being and organizational culture. Their portfolio includes solutions for recognition, performance management, life events, and conversations—all designed to celebrate the worth of every individual in the organization. These features not only improve employee morale but also have a tangible impact on business outcomes. According to a report by Deloitte, companies with effective recognition programs experience 31% lower voluntary turnover (Deloitte, 2021).
The "Conversations" feature, for example, facilitates continuous feedback between employees and managers, eliminating the need to wait for annual performance reviews. Real-time feedback helps employees make timely improvements, thereby increasing productivity across the board. In a survey conducted by Workhuman in 2021, 80% of users reported a direct positive impact on their performance due to continuous feedback (Workhuman Research, 2021).

Consulting Services: A Holistic Approach

Workhuman is not just a software provider; they offer a comprehensive suite of consulting services to help companies maximize the use of their platform. These services include program design, educational communications, and customer support. This hands-on approach ensures that clients can seamlessly integrate Workhuman's solutions into their HR ecosystems.
For example, when pharmaceutical giant Pfizer wanted to implement a global recognition program, Workhuman’s consulting team collaborated with them to design a system that resonated with their employees across different cultures and regions. The result? A 25% increase in employee satisfaction and a significant boost in productivity (Pfizer Case Study, 2020).

Human-Centric Innovation: The Future

Innovation is the lifeblood of Workhuman. Their partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) for enhanced data performance is a case in point. By leveraging AWS technologies, Workhuman has substantially improved the scalability and reliability of their platform. This technological edge enables them to handle large volumes of data effortlessly, providing real-time analytics that help companies make informed decisions.
Another groundbreaking innovation is their "Social Recognition" feature, which integrates seamlessly with existing HR systems, offering a holistic view of employee engagement and performance metrics. "Every employee deserves to be recognized for their contributions. Our platform ensures that no effort goes unnoticed," says Eric Mosley, CEO of Workhuman (Harvard Business Review, 2021).

The Impact: Beyond Numbers

The true measure of Workhuman's success lies in the positive social impact they create. Recognizing employees not only boosts morale but also fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, self-actualization and belonging are critical for human well-being, and Workhuman's platform excels in fulfilling these psychological needs.
Emotions play a significant role in the workplace. By reducing anxiety and fostering wellness, Workhuman’s solutions create a more inclusive and productive work environment. "Feeling valued is a fundamental human need," says Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer from Stanford University. "Companies that provide this will always outperform those that don’t" (Stanford Business Review, 2022).

Conclusion

Our deep dive into Workhuman’s journey reveals an impressive blend of technology, innovation, and humanity. From a small startup to a global leader in human applications, Workhuman has redefined how companies approach employee engagement, recognition, and performance management. Their SaaS-based, customizable platform, coupled with their unparalleled consulting services, offers companies a comprehensive solution for nurturing their most valuable asset—their people.
In a world where business success increasingly depends on how well a company can engage and retain its employees, Workhuman stands out as a beacon of how to do it right. By aligning business goals with human values, they have created a model of sustainable success.
If your organization is looking to cultivate a positive work environment, enhance employee engagement, and drive performance, then perhaps it's time to take a leaf out of Workhuman's book.