Consistent and impactful recognition programs are a proven method of improving employee engagement, performance, and retention throughout the year. But as the year draws to a close, businesses are looking for meaningful ways to celebrate and express appreciation to employees and clients for their year-long efforts. One of the most effective strategies for elevating year-end celebrations is incorporating gift cards into your recognition and holiday gifting programs.
Not only do gift cards offer practicality, but they also carry a significant emotional impact, helping recipients feel valued, recognized, and motivated. This blog post will explore how businesses can leverage gift cards as employee holiday gifts and employee end of the year gifts to create memorable celebrations while boosting engagement.
Emotional Impact of Personalized Gift Cards
When it comes to employee and client appreciation, the emotional impact of personalized, thoughtful gifts cannot be overstated. Employees who feel valued are more likely to stay engaged, which is essential when considering that 59% of the global workforce consists of quiet quitters6. In the U.S., this issue is particularly prevalent among workers under 35. By giving personalized gift cards as part of your employee end of the year gifts strategy, businesses can foster a sense of belonging and gratitude.
Boost employee morale: Personalized gift cards show employees that their efforts are recognized, making them feel valued and appreciated.
Encourage engagement: By addressing individual preferences, gift cards help prevent quiet quitting, fostering deeper engagement and loyalty.
Promote well-being: Gallup found that companies with high employee engagement saw a 68% increase in well-being, which gift cards can support by offering flexible reward options.
Gift cards offer flexibility, allowing recipients to choose what matters most to them. This not only makes them practical but also emotionally impactful, as they can cater to individual preferences. According to BrightPlan, 95% of employees say enhanced benefits and rewards, such as gift cards, would positively impact their work experience2.
The Rise of Corporate Gifting with Gift Cards
In recent years, gift cards have emerged as the top choice for corporate gifts, thanks to their flexibility, ease of use, and ability to cater to individual preferences. Gift cards are the most popular corporate gifts, with an 80% preference rate4. This popularity stems from the versatility they offer, allowing recipients to choose their ideal gift while ensuring companies can provide something of value across various industries.
Personalized yet flexible: Gift cards enable companies to give a thoughtful, personalized gift that allows recipients the freedom to choose something they truly want.
Cost-effective solution: On average, companies spend $42 per gift card in corporate gifting, making it an affordable option that delivers high perceived value.
Boosts employee and client satisfaction: Whether used as employee rewards or client appreciation, gift cards strengthen relationships, demonstrating that the company values its connections.
By incorporating gift cards into corporate gifting programs, businesses can enhance both employee morale and client loyalty while keeping costs manageable. With gift cards leading the charge at an 80% preference rate, companies are increasingly recognizing the benefits of this highly versatile and effective gifting option.
The Engage2Reward™ Choice Card: A Game-Changer for Corporate Gifting
Multibrand gift cards are your secret key to recipient satisfaction. 2024 studies show that while 73% of recipients want them, only 22% received a multibrand gift card. If you’re looking for an efficient, personalized way to give employees and clients the gift of choice, the Engage2Reward Choice Card through the Engage2Reward™ Gift Card Ordering Platform is a standout option. It allows you to customize the gifting experience while providing flexibility for the recipient with access to their choice of top brands.
Custom Branding: Make it yours! Personalize gift card delivery with your company logo and custom digital greeting cards.
Instant Delivery: Send the Engage2Reward Choice Card instantly via text or email!
Access to Top-Name Brands: Offers access to hundreds of renowned brands.
With the Engage2Reward Choice Card, your employees can choose from hundreds of top brands, making it an ideal solution for businesses seeking to give employee end of the year gifts that truly resonate. By using the Engage2Reward Platform, you can easily manage the distribution process, ensuring a seamless experience.
Start exploring hundreds of available gift card brands now!
Strengthening Employee Engagement and Recognition
Holiday gift cards go beyond mere gestures. They help build a culture of appreciation and recognition. According to the Incentive Research Foundation1, the key to maximizing the impact of any reward is to pair it with explicit appreciation, such as a thank-you message. Offering personalized recognition not only reinforces the gift’s value but also solidifies the relationship between employer and employee.
Enhance employee loyalty: Recognition and thoughtful rewards reduce turnover by making employees feel valued.
Boost productivity: Gallup found a 23% increase in profitability for companies with high employee engagement5.
Foster a culture of appreciation: Creating a formal recognition process through gift cards encourages consistent engagement.
Given that low employee engagement costs the global economy $8.9 trillion annually, finding ways to keep employees motivated is critical3. Gift cards offer a cost-effective way to acknowledge accomplishments, enhance loyalty, and improve overall employee satisfaction. By incorporating a strategy that uses employee holiday gifts, businesses can promote a culture of recognition and well-being, contributing to long-term success.
Maximize Your Gifting Impact
As you plan your year-end celebrations, remember that the most successful programs focus not only on practicality but also on emotional impact. Using gift cards as part of your employee holiday gifts and employee end of the year gifts strategy will allow you to express appreciation in a personal, flexible, and memorable way.
The Engage2Reward Platform simplifies this process, ensuring seamless delivery and access to top-name brands. For more information on how to enhance your corporate gifting strategy, check out The Ultimate Guide to Gift Cards and make this holiday season one that truly resonates with your employees and clients.
References:
- “Award Program Value: Evidence White Paper.” Incentive Research Foundation, Theirf, July 2023, theirf.org/research_post/award-program-value-evidence-white-paper.
- “BrightPlan 2022 Wellness Barometer Survey.” BrightPlan, 2022, www.brightplan.com/press-release/brightplan-2022-wellness-barometer-survey.
- Clifford, Catherine. “A Staggering 90% of U.K. Employees Are Quiet Quitting, Gallup Says.” CNBC, 13 June 2024, www.cnbc.com/2024/06/13/a-staggering-90percent-of-uk-employees-are-quiet-quitting-gallup.html.
- “When It Comes To Workplace Incentives, Employees Prefer Gift Cards.” Digital Transactions, 2023, www.digitaltransactions.net/when-it-comes-to-workplace-incentives-employees-prefer-gift-cards/.
- Employee Engagement Drives Growth. Gallup, 2017, www.gallup.com/workplace/236927/employee-engagement-drives-growth.aspx.
- Harter, Jim. “Is Quiet Quitting Real?” Gallup, 13 Sept. 2022, www.gallup.com/workplace/398306/quiet-quitting-real.aspx.
