How to Build Your Own Workstars
Replace Workstars with a custom build. Social Employee Recognition and Reward Programs
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 51 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Type-safe ORM for complex relational data models
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 51 features
Recognition(9 features)
Complete suite of recognition formats across social, peer-to-peer, manager, team and central
Celebrate employee birthdays with automated recognition
Create and administer company-wide award programs
Managers can spotlight and recognize great performance from their teams
External recognition program for partner appreciation
+4 more in this category
Rewards(8 features)
Configurable voucher, code and card catalogues for reward flexibility
Create and manage your own catalog of incentives and perks
Global digital gift card rewards that employees can choose from
Track and manage expenses for rewards with full flexibility and consolidation of spend
Region-specific reward options and local perks for global teams
+3 more in this category
Analytics(6 features)
Director and leadership level analytics and reporting on engagement metrics
Analytics dashboard showing employee engagement and participation data
Insights into engagement trends, undercover achievers, and corporate value effectiveness
Comprehensive HR analytics showing recognition patterns, culture champions, and value alignment
Manager-level dashboards for viewing team recognition and engagement
+1 more in this category
Security(5 features)
Secure cloud-based hosting meeting all security, penetration testing and accessibility expectations
GDPR compliant data storage and processing
Third-party penetration testing and security validation
Streamlined employee experience with Single Sign On SAML authentication
Two factor administrator access authentication for primary and secondary administrators
Administration(4 features)
Advanced budget tools with employee-awarded micro-bonuses and hierarchy-based approvals
Replicate and manage business hierarchy structures within the platform
Automated hierarchy upload to manage reporting, reward sign off and communications
Self-managed administration platform allowing companies to configure their own settings
Global(3 features)
Automatic cost of living adjustments for rewards in different regions
Multi-currency support for global teams operating in different regions
Multi-language support to serve global teams across different languages
Integration(3 features)
HRIS integrations that automate employee data syncing including new joiners, leavers and role changes
Full API suite for data automation and workflow integrations
Integration with social platforms and workplace tools
Social(3 features)
Social features including congratulations, recognize again, promote, and user profiles
Make recognition visible across the organization through a transparent social interface
Live social feed where recognition posts are shared, visible, and interactive with likes and comments
Cost Calculator
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Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 51 features at very easy complexity.