Betterworks unveils AI-native NextGen performance platform

Betterworks has launched a new version of its performance management platform, called NextGen, with more than 400 new features.

The company said the release centres on an AI-native foundation and new tools for managers and HR teams. It said the product design reflects requests from existing customers. Betterworks also said it has made changes to how the platform handles performance signals from day-to-day work.

"Performance enablement is entering a new era," said Doug Dennerline, Chief Executive Officer, Betterworks. "The big question facing every organization today is how to enable people to perform and upskill in ways that fuel the company's next phase of growth-and how AI can provide the intelligence and scale to make that possible."

"That's why we built Betterworks NextGen: to lay the groundwork for the next wave of innovation where intelligence amplifies the human side of performance by dramatically improving the quality, timeliness, and personalization of the insights and support employees, managers, and HR teams receive."

AI in workflow

Betterworks described the update as an attempt to make AI part of day-to-day performance activity, rather than a separate layer. The company pointed to goals, feedback, conversations and development activities as data sources it uses to form a view of performance over time.

The company said AI has shifted from novelty to expected infrastructure. It said organisations want systems that turn data into direction, with sharper decision-making and clearer prioritisation. Betterworks said it has changed how its platform connects and interprets signals. It said the aim is clearer progress tracking and earlier identification of friction.

Controls and governance

Betterworks said the platform includes controls for responsible AI use. It said administrators can switch AI features on or off by department, region or group. It positioned this approach as a way to manage phased rollouts and address regional compliance requirements. The company also said administrators get visibility into usage.

Complex structures

Betterworks said the new platform is designed for organisations that do not operate in a simple hierarchy. It said it supports multi-geo environments and matrix management structures. It also said multiple leaders can contribute to goals, feedback and performance evaluations.

The company said this can create a broader view of performance. It also said it reduces friction for managers and avoids additional process overhead.

External feedback

Another area of the release is external feedback. Betterworks said the platform can collect structured input from customers, partners and other external collaborators. It said the approach does not require those contributors to have full access to the platform.

Betterworks said this expands the performance signal beyond internal reporting lines. It said the additional signal can feed into goals, feedback and development conversations.

Manager workspace

Betterworks introduced a new manager interface called the Manager Command Centre. It described the workspace as a consolidated view of team performance. It said the workspace brings together goals, feedback, recognition and actions.

Betterworks said the unified view replaces previously siloed signals. It said the workspace gives managers a more immediate way to see what requires attention. The company also said it forms the basis for more AI-driven coaching and decision support as the product evolves.

Performance summaries

The release also includes Performance Summaries. Betterworks said this feature synthesises goals, feedback and achievements into a narrative view of performance.

Betterworks said the summaries surface themes, progress trends and development insights. It said this reduces recency bias and streamlines review preparation. It also said it shifts performance conversations away from manual compilation work.

HR tech context

Betterworks referenced a broader shift in HR technology expectations, with AI becoming more embedded in workforce processes. The company also pointed to changing skills needs and rapid organisational change as pressures on established performance management cycles.

Fosway Group commented on this shift in performance management approaches.

"Betterworks have taken a bold step to meet the new performance challenge. Through their re-platforming and ambitious roadmap, they are breaking away from the past and reimagining a future with total workforce intelligence, advanced workforce planning, and precise skills insight. The aim is to provide data-driven perspectives that enable radical advances in individual, team, and organisational performance, especially in a workforce comprising both people and AI," said David Perring, Chief Insights Officer, Fosway Group.