Gifting Digital Rewards to Employees This Holiday Season

As we approach the holiday season, the traditional office party is no longer the primary way to celebrate and thank employees. Many companies are opting for more flexible, digital solutions to recognize employee contributions, particularly in the era of remote work and distributed teams. With budgets often tightened and in-office camaraderie difficult to replicate, digital rewards—especially eGift cards—are emerging as the go-to solution for end-of-year employee appreciation.

In fact, the United States gift card market is booming, expected to grow to $267.3 billion by 2028. This trend is largely driven by the rise in remote work and the convenience of digital rewards. If you're a manager or HR professional looking for a seamless way to engage and reward employees this holiday season, here are a few key trends and strategies to consider.

Building a Strong Holiday Culture—Virtually

The holiday season has traditionally been a time for team bonding through in-person events like office parties, potlucks, and gift exchanges. But in the current workplace environment, where many employees are remote, it's essential to find creative ways to foster company culture from afar.

Here are some ideas to bring the holiday spirit into your remote office:

• Host virtual holiday events: Consider organizing virtual activities such as a trivia night, holiday-themed talent shows, or virtual wine tastings. These events are budget-friendly and provide a fun way for employees to connect from home.
• Offer additional PTO: The end of the year can be a hectic time, and offering extra time off allows employees to recharge and return with renewed energy for the new year.
• Send personalized gifts: Surprise employees with customized gifts or company SWAG they can enjoy from home. Small gestures like meal delivery services for their families can add a personal touch.

Why eGift Cards Are the Perfect Holiday Reward

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to thank employees during the holiday season is with eGift cards. Unlike traditional holiday bonuses or physical gifts, digital gift cards offer a level of flexibility that employees truly appreciate. In fact, research shows that 85% of employees prefer receiving gift cards over other types of rewards.

The benefits of eGift cards include:

• Instant delivery: With eGift cards, there's no need to worry about shipping delays or physical distribution. They can be delivered instantly to an employee's inbox, making them ideal for last-minute holiday gifting.
• Customizable amounts: You can tailor eGift card values to match different budgets, allowing for personalized rewards that acknowledge individual contributions.
• Brand variety: Tools like the Engage2Reward™ Gift Card Ordering Platform offer access to over 300 gift card brands, from popular retailers to dining and entertainment options. And with the Engage2Reward™ Choice Card, employees can choose the brand that best fits their needs, whether it's for a family treat, home improvement, or wellness.

Moreover, eGift cards offer more lasting impact compared to cash bonuses. Rather than blending into routine financial obligations, gift cards give employees the chance to create lasting memories with their loved ones. Whether it's a night out or a special purchase, the experience holds more emotional value.

Making Employee Recognition Easy with eGift Cards

The Engage2Reward Platform simplifies the process of ordering and distributing digital gift cards, ensuring a seamless experience for both employers and employees. This holiday season, organizations can instantly deliver gift cards at the click of a button, making it easier than ever to show appreciation. With an intuitive user interface, bulk ordering options, and a wide variety of gift card brands, the platform provides everything businesses need to create meaningful employee rewards programs.

As Thanksgiving and the holiday season draw near, there's still time to incorporate eGift cards into your employee engagement strategy. Whether you're recognizing a top sales performer or simply saying "thank you" to the entire team, eGift cards provide a versatile and impactful way to celebrate.

Conclusion

This holiday season, rethink how you engage and reward your employees. From virtual celebrations to personalized digital rewards, the holidays present an opportunity to create meaningful experiences for your team—regardless of where they're working. With platforms like Engage2Reward, delivering thoughtful and memorable holiday rewards has never been easier.

Now is the perfect time to plan your holiday employee gifting program. Register for a free account on the Engage2Reward Platform and explore the many options available to reward your team this season.