Performance Management

What Performance Management Tools Are Available In Australian HR Systems?

Wraps up in 7 Minutes

Author: Gavin Altus

Published On August 26, 2025

If you’re running a business in Australia, you’ve probably discovered that managing employee performance isn’t as straightforward as it once was.

You need systems that comply with Australian employment law whilst actually improving your team’s performance.

The good news? The Australian performance management software market has evolved dramatically.

Today, there is a variety of solutions that range from simple feedback tools to comprehensive platforms that handle everything from goal setting to compliance documentation.

But, with so many options available, how do you choose the right performance management tool for your Australian business?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What are Performance Management Tools?

Performance management tools are software platforms designed to help you streamline, automate, and improve how you manage your employees’ performance throughout the year.

Rather than relying on spreadsheets, paper forms, or ad-hoc conversations, these tools provide structured systems for setting goals, tracking progress, conducting reviews, and supporting employee development.

At their core, performance management tools serve several key functions for your business. They help you establish clear performance expectations by providing templates and frameworks for goal setting that align individual objectives with company targets.

They facilitate regular feedback through automated reminders, structured one-on-one meeting templates, and continuous feedback mechanisms that replace traditional annual reviews.

These platforms also streamline the review process by automating review cycles, managing 360-degree feedback collection, and providing analytics that help you identify performance trends and development opportunities.

Australian businesses are particularly valuable because they can embed compliance requirements directly into their processes, ensuring they meet Fair Work Act obligations whilst improving employee engagement.

Top 5 Performance Management Tools for Australian Businesses

Let’s dive into the top five performance management tools available for Australian businesses, each offering different strengths depending on your organisation’s size and specific requirements.

1. Sentrient – Australia’s Premier All-in-One Solution

When you’re looking for a performance management solution designed specifically for Australian businesses, Sentrient stands out as the clear leader.

With over 600 Australian customers already using the platform, Sentrient has proven its effectiveness across diverse industries and company sizes.

What makes Sentrient particularly appealing is its Australian ownership and deep understanding of local business needs. You’re not dealing with a global platform trying to adapt to Australian requirements – you’re working with a solution built from the ground up for businesses like yours.

The platform combines performance management with compliance and governance features, giving you an integrated approach that saves time and reduces complexity.

Key Features:

Customisable performance reviews with automated cycles
360-degree feedback system with anonymous multi-source input
Goal setting and real-time tracking with cascading functionality
Learning and development plans linked to performance
Employee engagement surveys and pulse checks
Built-in Australian legal compliance features

Unique Advantages:

Australian-owned with local support
Integrated compliance management
Quick implementation (deployable in minutes)
Seamless integration with KeyPay, Xero, and MYOB

2. ELMO Software

If you’re looking for a proven Australian success story, ELMO Software represents one of the most established players in the local market.

As a publicly listed company (ASX: ELO), ELMO serves over 3,000 organisations and 2 million end users across Australia and New Zealand, giving you confidence in its stability and market position.

Key Features:

Comprehensive OKR and goal management systems
360-degree feedback with automated workflows
Strong mobile capabilities and cloud-native architecture
ISO 27001:2022 certified for security
Deep Australian compliance knowledge

Unique Advantages:

Public company stability (ASX: ELO)
Proven track record with 3,000+ organisations
Enterprise-level security certification
Comprehensive Australian market knowledge

3. Employment Hero

For small to medium businesses seeking transparent pricing and comprehensive HR integration, Employment Hero offers an attractive proposition.

With over 200,000 organisations globally and a strong Australian presence, the platform has built a reputation for serving the SME market effectively.

Key Features:

OKRs and goal setting are integrated with HR functions
One-on-one meeting facilitation tools
Performance reviews with 360-degree feedback
Native integration with Australian payroll systems
AI automation features

Unique Advantages:

200,000+ organisations globally with a strong Australian presence
SME-focused approach with transparent pricing
Comprehensive HR integration beyond just performance
Strong local market understanding

4. Culture Amp

If your organisation prioritises advanced analytics and research-driven insights, Culture Amp brings a science-backed approach to performance management.

Originally founded in Melbourne, the company has grown into a global leader while maintaining a strong Australian market presence and understanding.

Key Features:

Sophisticated performance analytics and benchmarking
Research-driven survey methodologies
Predictive performance insights
Comprehensive reporting and talent calibration tools

Unique Advantages:

Science-backed approach with advanced analytics
Originally Melbourne-founded with Australian roots
Global benchmarking capabilities
Research-driven methodology

5. BambooHR

Rounding out our top five, BambooHR represents a strong international platform with growing Australian support and local compliance awareness.

If you’re part of a multinational organisation or prefer platforms with global best practices, BambooHR offers proven performance management capabilities with Australian adaptation.

Key Features:

Continuous feedback and peer review systems
Goal tracking with performance analytics
Customisable review cycles and templates
Strong HRIS integration capabilities
Mobile-optimised interface

Unique Advantages:

Strong international presence with Australian partner support
Proven track record with global best practices
Comprehensive HRIS integration
Mobile-first design approach

Conclusion: Why Sentrient Leads the Australian Market

After evaluating the available options, Sentrient emerges as the optimal choice for Australian businesses seeking comprehensive performance management solutions.

As an Australian-owned company, Sentrient ensures a deep understanding of local business needs and regulatory requirements that international platforms often miss. The integrated compliance approach includes built-in Fair Work Act compliance, privacy protection, and audit trail capabilities without requiring additional modules or configuration.

Most importantly, Sentrient provides exceptional support through a local Australian support team with industry expertise and responsive customer service that understands your business context and challenges.

In a nutshell, Sentrient offers the perfect combination of Australian compliance expertise, advanced performance management features, and cost-effective pricing.

Ready to Transform Your Performance Management?

Contact Sentrient today to schedule a personalised demo and discover how it can address your specific business requirements whilst delivering measurable improvements in employee engagement and organisational performance.

FAQs

1) What are the legal requirements for performance management in Australia?

Australian businesses must comply with the Fair Work Act 2009 requirements including procedural fairness, seven-year record retention, and proper documentation for performance improvement processes. Your system must support unfair dismissal protection through clear expectations and documented processes, whilst adhering to Australian Privacy Principles for employee data handling.

2) What features should Australian businesses prioritise in performance management systems?

Essential features include Fair Work Act compliance, integration with local payroll systems, continuous feedback mechanisms, 360-degree reviews, goal tracking, mobile accessibility, and comprehensive audit trails. Local Australian support and regular legislative updates are also crucial for compliance.

3) How long does it take to implement performance management software and see results?

Implementation varies from minutes (Sentrient) to several weeks for complex enterprise solutions. Most Australian businesses see initial benefits within 30-60 days, including time savings and improved feedback frequency. Full ROI typically appears within 6-12 months through reduced turnover, improved engagement scores, and streamlined review processes.

4) Should Australian businesses choose local or international performance management platforms?

Local platforms like Sentrient offer built-in Australian compliance, local support, and competitive pricing. International platforms provide advanced features and global benchmarking, but may require additional configuration for Australian requirements. For most Australian SMEs, local solutions offer better value and compliance assurance, whilst larger enterprises may benefit from international platforms’ advanced capabilities.