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Employee rewards inspire team members to take pride in their work. However, the usual plaques and primo parking spaces aren’t a seamless fit for every company culture.
Today, we’re letting the spirit of giving take over. We’ll share what makes a reward, well, rewarding, and why it’s only part of the motivation equation. We’ve also got plenty of employee reward ideas for all situations, so no one goes home empty-handed.
Let’s start with the basics.
What are employee rewards?
Employee rewards are gifts, recognition, or opportunities given in celebration of an achievement or milestone. They can also act as incentives. Rewards are valuable, but not always tangible. For instance, you could reward an employee by taking a task off their plate or offering flexible scheduling.
That was self-explanatory, wasn’t it? Sure, but it’s not the whole story, because employee rewards don’t stand alone.
Rather, rewards are part of a strategy to motivate and retain team members in a positive working environment, or, as we know them, employee reward and recognition systems.
Employee reward and recognition systems
Employee of the Month programs are a type of reward and recognition system we’re most familiar with.
In an ideal case, the employee did more than just complete a successful project. There were lots of little actions and behaviors that led up to this achievement. Also, they ideally received praise and positive reinforcement along the way.
As explained in Taco Economy 101: “Recognition is about behaviors and the emotions we experience when we feel seen. Rewards are about outcomes and the gifts we consume when we achieve a goal. Both are vital to cover the full spectrum of how your team feels valued.”
What type of employee rewards work best?
Personalized rewards that are as relevant to the individual as possible will always be the most well-received. That’s why we’re aiming for variety with 35 employee reward ideas on our list.
It can be tempting to bulk-buy rewards in advance, such as a pack of gift cards to a particular restaurant. This does make it easier to make sure rewards are given on time. However, it won’t have the impact and wide-ranging benefits of a reward tailored to your best talent.
How much should I spend on employee rewards?
There is some professional guidance suggesting that companies spend around 1-2% of their payroll on rewards.
This is fine, but bear in mind that sometimes the recipient’s most-loved award won’t cost a thing. Sometimes, what they really want is to leave early on Friday. This is how personalized rewards can be better for the budget than one-size-fits-all gifts.
How do you design an employee rewards system?
Design a successful employee rewards system uniquely suited to your organization, starting with the following steps and tips.
- Define standards–How does an employee earn an award? Determine what achievements and milestones matter most. Factor in performance, years of service, birthdays, special projects, and so on.
- Consider equity–Level the playing field for employees with different roles, responsibilities, or degrees of visibility. Someone whose role isn’t as collaborative or forward-facing may be overdue for a reward.
- Deliver on time–An award won’t have the same impact if it’s belated; it’ll seem like an afterthought. Plan to present it to them promptly. Some of the ideas we’re sharing today can be purchased and gifted electronically within minutes.
- Make it personal–Tailor the award to their needs and preferences, but also ensure they understand exactly why they’re getting it. “Thank you for going the extra mile to help your team with a heavy workload this month,” reinforces positive actions better than “For a job well done.”
35 employee reward ideas for appreciation, retention, and motivation
This list has something for everyone, no matter how well you know someone, what your budget is, or how large or small the achievement.
The following employee reward ideas are also great for asynchronous and in-office teams, with options for individuals and groups alike.
1. Mentorship
Give a promising team member a chance to shadow someone higher up the ladder or lunch with upper management.
2. Certification/continuing education reimbursement
Show your admiration for their professional development by reimbursing your best team members for their new certifications or completed courses.
3. Concert tickets
Want to give a reward they’ll never forget? Send an employee to a show featuring their favorite artist.
4. Charitable donations and volunteer work
Donate to a cause close to the employee’s heart or do good works in their honor.
5. Adventure/vacation fund contributions
Reward great performance by adding to an employee’s designated fund for a special getaway.
6. An afternoon off
As we mentioned earlier, letting someone take off work early is a cost-effective reward they can take advantage of right away.
7. Care packages
Send remote team members boxes full of healthy snacks, self-care products, cozy blankets, gourmet coffee, and more.
8. More PTO
Reward exceptional performance and encourage work-life balance with some additional time off.
9. Fitness classes
Purchase Pilates, yoga, cardio, or strength packages at facilities in their area. Online programs are available, too, if they prefer home workouts.
10. Commuter perks
Oil changes, Uber gift cards, auto detailing, and more are good ideas for employees on the move.
11. An annual streaming subscription
Spotify, Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV–subscriptions add up. Employees can get daily use out of being rewarded with their favorite streaming service.
12. Special interest gift cards
Gift cards are made much more personal when they involve someone’s number one hobby. Video gamers may love a Steam gift card, home bakers can peruse the King Arthur shop, and so on.
13. Transfer a tough task
Let someone who’s usually responsible for a tedious or stressful project take on a less taxing role this go-round. This reward is ideal for peers who want to show their appreciation for the colleague who always comes through.
14. Book a therapeutic massage
This one’s a classic for a reason. A massage can be massively beneficial for deskbound workers and highly active employees alike.
15. Childcare assistance
Childcare subsidies and other benefits are an invaluable reward for working parents at your company.
16. Plants
Employees who love to garden or are into nature can appreciate and care for a plant that serves as a daily reminder of their employer’s gratitude.
17. Meal plan service
A gift subscription to Blue Apron, HelloFresh, Daily Harvest, or one of the many other available meal services can be a welcome break for a hardworking employee.
18. More remote hours
Allow the star employee to increase their WFH time, if they’d like. This is a great incentive for Employee of the Month programs.
19. Corporate headshot event
Hire a top-rated photographer to update a winning employee or team’s business headshots.
20. Conference trip
If the employee is laser-focused on their career development, send them to represent your company, learn more about their industry, and expand their professional network.
21. Company swag
We’ve come a long way from branded clipboards and mugs. Today’s higher-quality custom hoodies, thermoses, and more help strengthen company culture and are more valued by employees.
22. Financial planning services
Team members who are all about their financial goals may appreciate an appointment with a finance pro who can help them with saving and investment options
23. Game tournament day
A great group reward after a particularly busy time. Surprise the team by letting them know that today’s task is all fun and games. Team up and go head-to-head in games of your choice.
24. Their choice of team-building activities
From karaoke to group meditation, let a team member decide what team-building activities the company tries next.
25. Pet perks
Is your star employee crazy about their pet? Gift them a dog walking service or an appointment at their preferred groomer or veterinarian.
26. Manager for a day
Let a team member flex their leadership skills by offering them a day in charge.
27. Food truck
Congratulate an in-house team by having great cuisine pull up to the office for an al fresco specialty lunch.
28. Gift a unique experience
Use a site like Giftory to reward team members with everything from cooking classes and hotel getaways to museum trips and donut tours.
29. Cleaning service
Winning employees with hectic lives will go wild for this one. Get a gift for a full tidying up from a local house cleaning service.
30. Grocery store gift cards
Give them a break from everyday expenses with the practical gift of groceries. Remember to choose from stores in their area.
31. Public acknowledgment
For some, the best reward is the spotlight. Sing your valued team member’s praises on social media or in company-wide newsletters.
32. Errand running
Peers can do this for a team member they want to celebrate, or you can hire a service. Let their next day off truly be a day off when someone else runs their errands.
33. Equipment upgrades
Updating or upgrading team devices and software supports continued productivity and success while making their jobs run a bit more smoothly.
34. A gift box of their favorite things
As part of your employee reward and recognition plan, have everyone fill out surveys with their favorite color, candy, store, animal, sports team, etc. Then, when it comes time for a reward, it’ll be easy to fill a box with stuff you know they like.
35. A handwritten note
Tack this small, personal gesture onto any reward; taking the time to write about your gratitude can be more meaningful than you know.
Peer-to-peer recognition: The shortcut to accurate, effective employee rewards systems.
Now you have dozens of employee reward ideas. But knowing when to give them, and to whom, takes a bit more work. Outside of the obvious milestones and achievements, look into rewarding the people who keep company morale afloat.
Peer-to-peer recognition tools make this easy. HeyTaco offers leaderboards and analytics, so you can track recognition, seeing who dishes it out and who gets heaps of praise. It’s not just an awards race–it’s an engaging way to grow a team’s confidence, sense of belonging, and appreciation for one another.
Start for free, and get gratifying rewards baked into daily, authentic recognition.
“HeyTaco lets our team send kudos in a tangible, meaningful way. It encourages an awesome team culture where kudos are encouraged and rewarded with gift cards or donations to our team's favorite charities. It's a pretty awesome program, and I would argue some of the best internal peer award systems I've seen.”
– Jennifer K.
