Why Employee Gift Certificates Are So Popular

Employee gift certificates can help energize a company’s recognition program, and if the latest research is any indication, many companies need that shot of energy — and employees crave it.

Two themes have emerged in recent years in workplace recognition research: employees overwhelmingly feel under-appreciated by their bosses, and yet experts say the most effective recognition — frequent, specific, timely — is more affordable and efficient than any elaborate holiday soiree or luxury gifts. Certainly no company intends for their employees to feel undervalued, yet the research is an indication that too many companies still don’t value a culture of appreciation and others are sinking resources into recognition programs that don’t work, all the while leaving their employees cold. The result? Poor retention, lackluster performance and lost opportunities.

Don’t get stuck using a lack-luster recognition program. Here are five reasons employee gift certificates bring vibrancy and effectiveness to your employee recognition program.

1. Easy

Employee gift certificates are easy to buy and easy to share, even with a distributed workforce. Recipients love the flexibility of a gift they can choose to use when, where and how it works best for them. There’s no need to guess what the recipient wants, no need to purchase wrapping paper and get tangled up in tape and miles of ribbon, and no need for storage space of bulky items or refrigeration.

Gift certificates can be delivered in person by managers or company leadership, tucked in with a handwritten note of ‘thanks” or distributed through payroll accompanied with a letter of appreciation.

2. Affordable

Gift certificates can be purchased to fit any budget. Once in the hands of the lucky recipient, a gift certificate offers real value. Gift certificates don’t depreciate, and everyone can use them for their full value. (The same can’t be said, for instance, of a sweater that doesn’t fit or a frozen turkey that’s the wrong size for someone’s family.)

3. Meaningful

Right now you’ve probably got a corner in the basement full of dusty, “it’s the thought that counts” gifts. Nice in theory, not so nice in practice. The genuine expression of gratitude behind any gift is most important, naturally, but everyone still loves a gift they can actually use. In today’s economy, a practical gift that can be shared with the family is especially meaningful and appreciated. Gift certificates put the power of choice and practicality in the hands of the recipient.

4. There when you need it

Did your assistant ace his prep for a presentation, or has your sales staff done a particularly superb job meeting goals this month? Gift certificates can be stashed away for moments like these, there when you need them most. This type of specific, on-the-spot recognition not only makes employees feel valued and appreciated, but also raises the satisfaction and productivity levels of the whole work group!

It’s also the preferred recognition method of the youngest generation of workers. Among Millennials, 80 percent said they prefer on-the-spot recognition over formal reviews, “and feel that this is imperative for their growth and understanding of a job,” according to Dan Schawbel, branding expert and author of “Promote Yourself: The New Rules for Building an Outstanding Career.”

5. Perfect for peer-to-peer recognition

Employee gift certificates are a convenient reward to offer in peer-to-peer recognition programs. This recognition method is quickly growing in popularity due to its effectiveness in the workplace. After all, who knows your employees better than their coworkers? Peer-to-peer recognition provides a meaningful way for coworkers to show and earn respect with each other, a major motivator according to the YouEarnedIt Blog’s “5 Tips, 3 Approaches for Encouraging Peer-to-Peer Recognition.”

You don’t need a huge budget to build a culture of appreciation where employees love the company and give their best work. Employee gift certificates are an easy, affordable and effective way to share workplace gratitude and celebrate employees.

For more ideas on how to build a culture of workplace appreciation, download and share our FREE eBook, “Workplace Gratitude” now.

About gThankYou, LLC

Turkey Gift Certificates and Turkey Or Ham Gift Certificates by gThankYou! are two of America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any Brand (Turkey or Turkey Or Ham), at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.

gThankYou, LLC provides company leaders with a variety of easy, meaningful and affordable ways to recognize and reward employees, holiday time or anytime. gThankYou! Certificates of Gratitude and our free Enclosure Cards are personalizable including incorporating your company logo. And, nearly all orders ship same day.

gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Contact: Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658.
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