U.S. workers are spending $5,620 a year on WHAT?
The answer might surprise some, but for many, it’s not a shock—coffee and lunch. According to one estimate, the average U.S. worker spends around $5,620 to $7,700 annually on these everyday expenses. If you’re thinking this seems high, consider the costs of your daily coffee run and lunch break. They add up fast.
For years, I found myself spending a small fortune on lunches at Boston’s Newbury and Boylston Street spots, in addition to my daily indulgence of chai tea lattes. It’s easy to see how the expense piles up—those quick, seemingly harmless trips to grab lunch or coffee can drain your wallet before you know it.
How Employers Are Helping Curb Daily Spending
Thankfully, employers across the country are recognizing this financial strain and finding ways to help their employees manage it. One effective solution has been offering practical, budget-friendly incentives like gift cards. These small gestures don’t just boost employee morale; they also help offset daily expenses for food, self-care, and even health needs.
Gift Cards: The Practical Incentive
Many companies are turning to practical retailer and merchant gift cards as incentives. These cards offer employees a direct way to reduce their daily spending on things they’d be buying anyway. For example, gift cards to places like Subway® and Starbucks are perfect for cutting down on lunch expenses. Instead of spending $20 to $45 a day on lunch and coffee, employees can use these gift cards and save those dollars for something more meaningful.
Employers are also taking the practical incentive further by offering CVS® Gift Cards. These cards aren’t just for small indulgences; they can be used for necessities like over-the-counter medicines, prescription co-pays, or even travel-sized toiletries for business trips. Offering incentives like this shows employees that their company cares not just about their performance, but also about their well-being.
Why These Incentives Work
These types of practical gift cards not only help employees reduce their out-of-pocket expenses, but they also foster a sense of appreciation. When employees see that their company is thinking about their daily needs, it builds loyalty and trust. Practical incentives have become a simple yet powerful tool for companies to show they care.
And it’s not just about lunch and coffee anymore—many employees are struggling with rising costs for essential items. By offering gift cards to pharmacies, grocery stores, or even transportation services, companies can help alleviate some of the financial stress that employees face in today’s economy.
The Engage2Reward™ Platform: A Modern Solution for Employee Incentives
If you’re looking for a way to help your employees manage their everyday costs while still rewarding their hard work, the Engage2Reward Gift Card Ordering Platform is the perfect solution. With a vast selection of customizable gift card options, you can create incentive programs tailored to your team’s specific needs. Whether it’s for lunch breaks, healthcare expenses, or business travel essentials, the Engage2Reward Platform offers a wide range of gift card choices to help employees save on what matters most to them.
Ready to start supporting your employees while improving engagement? Register with the Engage2Reward Platform today and begin your journey to more practical, meaningful employee incentives.
By taking this step, you'll show your team that you understand the financial challenges they face and that you’re invested in making their lives a little easier. Start saving your employees some cash—and giving them the recognition they deserve—today.
