Nectar vs. Matter Comparison: Pricing & Reviews [2024 Guide]

Sam Lepak
September 13, 2024
4 Min Read
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Artur Stotch

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Choosing the right recognition platform can be challenging for businesses seeking to strengthen their fundamental values and increase employee engagement. Organizations are seeking solutions that make employees feel valued while driving their goals of building high-performing teams. Matter understands these needs, providing a platform with easy integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams and featuring customizable kudos cards and automated Feedback Friday to establish a culture of ongoing engagement and recognition. By comparing Nectar vs. Matter, this guide will assist you in determining the instrument most compatible with the company's objectives.

Nectar HR vs. Matter: Overview comparison

Understanding each option's unique strengths and focus areas is essential when choosing a recognition platform. While both Nectar HR and Matter aim to improve workplace culture through employee recognition, Matter stands out with its deep integration into daily workflows, emphasis on frequent and meaningful recognition, and robust automation capabilities.

Matter is designed as a Slack-first and Teams-first platform, seamlessly embedding recognition into employees' daily tools. Its unique weekly resetting coin system encourages ongoing participation, ensuring frequent and genuine recognition. Matter also offers extensive HRIS integrations with over 250 platforms, ensuring employee data is always up-to-date for timely recognition. With features like automated Feedback Friday reminders and customizable rewards, Matter simplifies the process of building a high-performing culture.

Nectar HR, in comparison, offers a more traditional points-based system where employees earn points that accumulate over time. While it provides flexibility with a customizable rewards catalog, Nectar HR lacks the same level of integration and automation found in Matter, making it less effective for organizations looking for seamless daily recognition built into their existing communication tools.

Nectar HR vs. Matter: Features

Nectar vs. Matter: Matter Platform
Nectar vs. Matter: Matter Platform

Matter's features:

  • Deep integration and seamless use: Matter is built to work directly within Slack and Microsoft Teams, ensuring acknowledgment becomes an inherent component of regular interactions and workflows. This connection eliminates the friction sometimes associated with recognition programs that require separate logins or additional processes.
  • Quick setup and robust automation: Matter's platform can be implemented in minutes, not days, offering a rapid time to value. With automated features like Feedback Friday and birthday/work anniversary celebrations, Matter minimizes manual tasks, allowing HR teams to focus on strategic initiatives.
  • Unique weekly coin system: Matter's innovative coin system resets weekly, encouraging employees to participate regularly and keep recognition fresh and meaningful. This is a significant advantage over systems that allow points to accumulate indefinitely, which can reduce engagement over time.
  • Comprehensive HRIS integration: Unlike Nectar HR, which integrates with fewer HR platforms, Matter supports integration with over 250 HRIS systems, including ADP, BambooHR, Gusto, and Workday. This allows for automatic synchronization of employee data and ensures timely recognition of key milestones.
  • Diverse and customizable rewards: Matter offers a variety of reward options, from digital gift cards to donations and custom-branded rewards. This flexibility allows organizations to tailor rewards to their values and employees' preferences.
Nectar vs. Matter: Nectar Platform
Nectar vs. Matter: Nectar Platform

Nectar HR features:

  • Traditional points system: Nectar HR uses a points-based recognition model where employees earn points that can be accumulated and redeemed for various rewards. While this system offers flexibility, it may not promote frequent recognition like Matter's weekly coin system.
  • Customizable rewards catalog: Offers a diverse catalog of rewards but lacks some of the unique customization features Matter provides, such as branded rewards aligned with company values.
  • Limited integration options: While Nectar HR integrates with popular tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams, its integration capabilities are not as extensive or seamless as Matter's, potentially requiring more manual effort and reducing ease of use.
  • Basic automation features: Nectar HR includes some automation features, such as milestone celebrations, but it does not offer the same level of automated reminders and engagement tools as Matter.

Nectar HR vs. Matter: Integration options

Matter integration:

  • Slack and Microsoft Teams: Matter's deep integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams makes recognition a seamless part of daily workflows, promoting high engagement by reducing user barriers.
  • HRIS integration: Matter integrates with over 250 HRIS platforms, allowing for automatic synchronization of employee data. This capability ensures timely and accurate recognition, supporting meaningful organizational engagement.
  • Automated feedback and survey tools: Matter's integrated survey tools within Slack and Teams enable organizations to gather employee feedback effortlessly, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

Nectar HR integration:

  • Basic integration capabilities: Nectar HR offers integration with Slack, Microsoft Teams, and a limited number of HRIS platforms. However, it lacks the depth and automation of Matter's integration, potentially leading to lower adoption rates and engagement.
  • No dedicated feedback tools: Unlike Matter, Nectar HR does not offer integrated feedback or survey tools directly within the platform, missing an opportunity to engage employees and gather valuable insights seamlessly.

Nectar HR vs. Matter: Pricing and plans

When evaluating Nectar HR and Matter based on their pricing and plans, it's important to consider how each platform's pricing structure aligns with your organization's needs and budget. Both platforms offer tiered pricing, but Matter provides a more flexible and cost-effective range of options that deliver substantial value across different organizational sizes.

Nectar vs. Matter: Matter Recognition
Nectar vs. Matter: Matter Recognition

Matter pricing and plans

Matter offers several pricing tiers designed to cater to various organizational needs, from small teams to large enterprises:

  • Free forever plan:some text
    • Cost: $0 per user per month.
    • Ideal for: Small teams and startups looking to create a culture of recognition without any initial cost.
    • Features:some text
      • Unlimited users.
      • Access to Feedback Friday and kudos with a limit of 5 kudos per channel per week.
      • 9 default kudos templates with options to create custom kudos that align with company values.
      • Thirty days of analytics history.
      • Integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams.
      • Email and live chat support.
      • Security features, including single sign-on (SSO) support.
  • Basic plan:some text
    • Cost: $1 per user per month (paid once a year).
    • Features:some text
      • All features in the free forever plan.
      • Unlimited kudos recognition.
      • Advanced analytics with unlimited history.
      • Customizable Feedback Friday prompts.
      • Seamless integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams.
      • Enhanced customer support through email and live chat.
  • Pro plan:some text
    • Cost: $3 per user per month (paid annually).
    • Features:some text
      • All features in the basic plan.
      • Advanced HRIS integrations with platforms like ADP, BambooHR, and Workday.
      • Access to peer-to-peer feedback tools.
      • Gift card rewards are available in over 100 countries.
      • Custom company-branded rewards.
      • Automated birthday and work anniversary celebrations with rewards.
  • Pro + surveys plan:some text
    • Cost: $5 per user per month (paid annually).
    • Features:some text
      • All features in the pro plan.
      • Automated pulse surveys and employee net promoter score (eNPS) capabilities.
      • Rewards for survey completions.
      • Custom surveys with advanced delivery options and analytics.
  • Enterprise plan:some text
    • Cost: Custom pricing tailored for large organizations.
    • Features:some text
      • All features from the pro + surveys plan.
      • Additional enterprise-level customization and support.
      • Advanced integration capabilities and priority customer support.

Advantages of Matter's pricing:

  • Flexibility and scalability: Matter's pricing offers a range of options suitable for organizations of any size, ensuring you only pay for what you need.
  • Comprehensive free plan: Matter's free forever plan provides significant value with unlimited users and essential features, which is ideal for small teams or organizations beginning their recognition journey.
  • Advanced features at a lower cost: Matter includes more advanced features—such as automated surveys and extensive HRIS integrations—at lower price points, offering superior value compared to Nectar HR.
Nectar vs. Matter: Nectar Recognition
Nectar vs. Matter: Nectar Recognition

Nectar HR pricing and plans

Nectar HR also offers tiered pricing, but its plans may not provide the same flexibility or feature set as Matter:

  • Plus plan:some text
    • Cost: $5 per user per month (charged annually).
    • Features:some text
      • All features in the standard plan.
      • Advanced HRIS integrations.
      • Custom reward options.
      • Dedicated customer support.
      • Additional admin controls and user management capabilities.
  • Premium plan:some text
    • Cost: $6 per user per month (charged annually).
    • Features:some text
      • All features in the premium plan.
      • Advanced HRIS integrations.
      • Custom reward options.
      • Dedicated customer support.
      • Additional admin controls and user management capabilities.
  • Enterprise plan:some text
    • Cost: Custom pricing based on the company's needs.
    • Features:some text
      • All features in the plus plan.
      • Custom integrations.
      • Priority customer support.
      • Tailored solutions for large organizations.

Limitations of Nectar HR pricing:

  • Higher starting cost: Nectar HR entry-level pricing is higher than Matter's; this may make it less accessible to smaller groups or those with limited funds.
  • Fewer features for the price: Nectar HR lower-tier plans offer fewer features and less flexibility than Matter, limiting the platform's overall value proposition.
  • No free plan: Unlike Matter, Nectar HR does not offer a free plan, which could discourage smaller teams or organizations from trying the platform without financial commitment.

Key takeaways on pricing and plans

When comparing Nectar HR and Matter, Matter clearly emerges as the more cost-effective and flexible solution, offering various features at cheap pricing. Matter's tiered plans are designed to scale with your organization, ensuring you get more value for money. Whether you're a small team looking for a free option or a large enterprise seeking advanced features, Matter offers unmatched flexibility, automation, and integration capabilities, making it the superior choice for employee recognition.

Nectar HR vs. Matter: customer support

Customer assistance is an important consideration when selecting a recognition platform. Organizations need reliable, accessible support to implement and maintain recognition programs effectively. Matter offers a more comprehensive and personalized customer support experience than Nectar HR, ensuring businesses can maximize their platform use.

Matter customer support:

  • Live chat and email support: Matter provides responsive live chat and email support to all users, ensuring quick resolution of issues and assistance with any platform-related questions. This feature is particularly valuable for HR teams and administrators who require timely help to keep their recognition programs running smoothly.
  • Dedicated account management: Matter offers dedicated account management for organizations on higher-tier plans, such as the pro + surveys and enterprise plans. This service provides personalized guidance, helping organizations optimize their platform use and achieve employee recognition and engagement goals.
  • Extensive help center and resources: Matter's robust help center includes articles, tutorials, and FAQs, allowing users to navigate the platform effectively and resolve common issues independently. This resource library is continuously updated to reflect new features and best practices.
  • Onboarding and training: Matter ensures a smooth onboarding process with live team training sessions and custom video tutorials. This approach helps organizations achieve high adoption rates and effective platform usage, making building a culture of recognition easier.
  • Automated and customizable notifications: Matter extends its support through its automated features, such as Feedback Friday reminders and milestone celebrations, which help maintain engagement without requiring continuous manual input. These features reduce the administrative burden on HR teams and ensure no milestone goes unnoticed.

Nectar HR customer support:

  • Email support: Nectar HR provides email support across all its plans, with a typical response time of within a business day. While this level of support covers basic troubleshooting and inquiries, it lacks the immediacy and depth of Matter's live chat option.
  • Help center and tutorials: Nectar HR help center includes detailed guides, articles, and video tutorials to help users use the platform and resolve common challenges. However, it may not be as comprehensive or regularly updated as Matter's resources.
  • Limited personalized support: Nectar HR offers more personalized support, such as custom integrations and additional services, only for higher-tier plans like the enterprise plan. However, this personalized support does not match the extensive dedicated account management that Matter provides.
  • Onboarding and training: Nectar HR offers setup guides and best practices for onboarding but does not emphasize live training sessions or customized onboarding services, which could limit the effectiveness of initial platform adoption.

Key takeaways on customer support

When comparing customer support offerings, Matter provides a more robust and hands-on approach. Matter's live chat support, dedicated account management, comprehensive onboarding resources, and automated engagement tools ensure that users can fully leverage the platform to enhance employee recognition. In contrast, Nectar HR support is primarily limited to email and self-service options, with less emphasis on personalized support, which may concern larger organizations or those needing more extensive assistance.

Nectar HR vs. Matter: customer reviews

Customer reviews are a key consideration when evaluating the effectiveness and user satisfaction of recognition platforms like Nectar HR and Matter. Verified reviews provide insights into how well each platform meets user expectations, enhances employee engagement, and supports organizational goals. Matter consistently receives praise for its ease of use, integration capabilities, and impact on workplace culture.

Matter customer reviews:

Matter holds an impressive G2 score of 4.7/5, reflecting its strong user satisfaction. Users consistently praise Matter for its user-friendly interface, deep integration with Slack and Microsoft Teams, and its beneficial influence on employee engagement and company culture. Here are some highlighted reviews:

  • Autumn Amescua, Chief Culture & People Officer at SXSW- "Matter helps us encourage behaviors that align with our company values and can allow us to recognize and reward those who exemplify our values."
  • Sam Udotong, CTO & Co-founder at Fireflies.ai- "Being a high-performance team, Matter helps us take a moment out of our busy day to share heartfelt gratitude with kudos."
  • Taylor Rapp, Director of People & Culture- "Matter helps our employees feel more valued, rewarded, and recognized. It's a very fun and easy-to-use platform that has created a positive experience and engagement for our people while also helping to reinforce our core values daily."
  • Jeff Hagel, President at McInnis & Holloway- "Our company's culture & morale changed overnight! In under 2 months, we've had over 2,000 kudos sent and 80%+ engagement across all employees. Matter has motivated people to participate like no other software we have ever used."

These reviews highlight Matter's significant impact on creating a high-performing culture by facilitating frequent and meaningful recognition. The platform's ease of use and seamless integration with communication tools like Slack and Teams make it a preferred choice for organizations looking to foster a more engaged workforce.

For more insights into Matter's customer reviews, you can visit their G2 page.

Nectar HR customer reviews:

Nectar HR also has a respectable G2 score of 4.7/5, with users appreciating its customizable rewards catalog and flexible points-based recognition system. However, some users have noted integration and user experience limitations. Here are a few representative reviews:

  • Verified User in Government Administration- "It is a nice way to consolidate employee perks and discounts, it is simple and easy to navigate. It highlights all peer praise and when someone is not recognized it is very obvious and people often feel left out/bad. It encourages favoritism."
  • Verified User in Marketing and Advertising- "It's almost like social media to see the things colleagues are writing and praising other colleagues about. Hard to remember to do it before the end of the month."
  • Verified User in Primary/Secondary Education- "An encouraging way to connect with people. It seems like a way to just obtain a reward for sake of false encouragement."

These reviews suggest that while Nectar HR is effective in fostering employee engagement through its recognition system, there are concerns about technical stability and the consistency of customer support.

For more detailed customer feedback on Nectar HR, you can visit their G2 page.

Key takeaways from customer reviews

Matter and Nectar HR receive favorable user evaluations; however, Matter is particularly praised for its user-friendliness, extensive integration capabilities, and capacity to foster a positive, robust workplace environment. Matter's innovative features, such as the weekly resetting coin system and automated engagement tools, are frequently cited by users as game-changers in enhancing employee morale and engagement. While Nectar HR is also valued for its recognition system and reward options, it may face challenges with technical stability and customer support responsiveness, which could be a concern for organizations seeking a reliable, seamless experience.

Nectar HR vs. Matter: which is the right tool for you?

Selecting the right employee recognition platform is crucial for creating a motivated and engaged workforce. When deciding between Nectar HR and Matter, it's important to consider the features and capabilities of each platform and how they align with your organization's specific needs and goals. Here's why Matter stands out as the optimal choice for most organizations.

Nectar vs. Matter: Matter Rewards
Nectar vs. Matter: Matter Rewards

Why Matter could be the perfect fit for your organization

Matter is specifically designed to seamlessly integrate into the daily workflows of modern organizations, particularly those that rely heavily on Slack and Microsoft Teams. Here are some compelling reasons why Matter is the ideal recognition platform:

  • Seamless integration with Slack and Teams: Matter's Slack-first and Teams-first approach ensures that recognition is effortlessly embedded into your team's daily communication flow. This deep integration means recognizing colleagues feels natural and intuitive, significantly boosting participation and fostering a more connected workplace.
  • Encouraging frequent, meaningful recognition: Matter's unique points-based system, featuring weekly resetting coins, encourages ongoing, authentic recognition. Unlike traditional platforms where points accumulate indefinitely, Matter ensures recognition remains fresh, relevant, and frequent, which is key to maintaining high-performing cultures and consistently engaging employees.
  • Comprehensive automation: Matter excels in automating the recognition process. From Feedback Friday reminders to automatic birthday and work anniversary celebrations, Matter reduces the administrative burden on HR teams while ensuring every employee milestone is celebrated. This high level of automation helps keep the momentum of your recognition program, allowing your team to focus on strategic initiatives.
  • Powerful HRIS integration: Matter integrates seamlessly with over 250 HRIS platforms, such as ADP, BambooHR, Gusto, and Workday. This ensures that employee data is always current, which is crucial for timely and meaningful recognition. Automatic syncing prevents missed opportunities to acknowledge significant employee milestones, boosting retention and satisfaction.
Nectar vs. Matter: Nectar Rewards
Nectar vs. Matter: Nectar Rewards

When might Nectar HR be the right choice?

While Matter offers numerous benefits, Nectar HR could be a suitable option for organizations looking for specific features:

  • Extensive rewards catalog: Nectar HR provides a broad range of reward options, which may appeal to organizations that want diverse reward choices to cater to different employee preferences.
  • Flexible points accumulation: Nectar HR's points system allows points to build up over time. This might suit organizations that prefer a more traditional approach to rewards, focusing on long-term accumulation and redemption.
  • Basic integration options: Nectar HR integrates with popular tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams, and its user-friendly interface can be suitable for organizations that do not require deep integration into daily workflows or extensive automation.

How to determine the right tool for your organization

To decide between Nectar HR and Matter, consider the following:

  • Assess your current tools: Look at the platforms your team uses daily. If Slack or Teams is central to your workflow, Matter's seamless integration will likely enhance adoption and engagement.
  • Evaluate your recognition goals: Determine whether you want a system that encourages frequent, spontaneous recognition (Matter) or allows for long-term reward accumulation (Nectar HR).
  • Consider automation needs: Automated recognition reduces manual tasks and ensures consistency. Matter's comprehensive automation features will significantly benefit your organization.
  • Review reward preferences: Consider what types of rewards motivate your employees. If you prioritize a wide range of reward choices, Nectar HR's extensive catalog may be appealing. However, if you value frequent, meaningful recognition, Matter provides a balanced approach with options for small, frequent, and larger, significant rewards.

Final summary: Why Matter is the clear choice

In today's competitive landscape, where employee engagement and retention are key to building high-performing teams, choosing the right recognition platform can make all the difference. Matter integrates seamlessly with your existing tools like Slack and Teams and fosters a culture of continuous recognition with its unique weekly coin system and automated features. This approach ensures that employees feel valued consistently, leading to improved engagement and a better connection to your company's ideals.

Whether your goal is to reduce employee turnover, enhance employee recognition, or build a high-performing culture, Matter is designed to meet and exceed these objectives. Ready to see how Matter can transform your workplace? Try Matter for free today and start fostering a more engaged, motivated, and productive team.

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