Even though Employee Appreciation Day may have passed, you don’t need a special occasion to show your teams that you value their contributions. But just in case you do want an occasion, there always seems to be one on the horizon — like Companies That Care Day on March 18.
Companies That Care Day has dual goals: First, and most obviously, for employers to show that they care about their employees, and second, to encourage businesses to do more with their employee and community initiatives. With all the options for online gift cards to send, you can quickly and easily tailor your selections to achieve these goals.
READ MORE: Why Gift Cards Are Better Than Cash Bonuses for Employees
Companies that care give employees the kind of rewards they want. More than 80% prefer to get prepaid cards or gift cards, and 57% prefer to receive them digitally, according to our research. Then it’s just a question of deciding which online gift cards to send to appeal to everyone.
You can, of course, go with a universal option such as a Mastercard or Visa prepaid reward, which can be used to purchase just about anything. But it’s even better if you can let each recipient choose what they want. By using a platform like BHN Rewards to distribute your prepaid and gift cards, your employees will get the opportunity to pick from an extensive catalog of options during the redemption process.
Another possibility is to curate your reward selection according to a theme that complements the day’s goals. Consider, for instance, a wellness theme to show that you care about your employees’ mental and physical health. Related online gift cards to send them could include options for:
Similarly, you could opt for an essentials theme, showing employees that you understand their concerns about everyday expenses. In fact, more than a third of them, according to our research, are worried that pay increases won’t cover the rise in cost of living. Offer gift cards for gas, groceries, and big-box retailers such as Walmart and Target.
Or you could take the opposite approach, instead offering rewards for little luxuries, like dining out or going to the movies, to encourage employees to treat themselves.
In addition to online gift cards, consider giving employees the chance to make a contribution to a cause they care about. Add e-donations to the reward options, or offer an extra reward just for donating. This shows you care beyond your company and even your employees, and you’re committed to helping the community and environment.
Make sure you’re not focusing on online gift cards to send for one particular occasion every year, like Employee Appreciation Day or the winter holidays. Showing that you care should be a year-round initiative, especially since 63% of respondents in our survey would like to receive recognition at least monthly. That means more frequent rewards — even if they’re smaller in value — are important to maintaining a positive culture.
Here are some other occasions to consider adding to your employee rewards calendar:
Also remember to look for occasions specific to your industry, such as National Salesperson Day in March or Teacher Appreciation Week in May.
BHN Rewards offers more than 400 global online gift cards to send your employees throughout the year. Check out our full catalog!
Hannah is a reformed journalist who has more than 15 years of experience and now focuses on content marketing for innovative tech companies.
Hannah is a reformed journalist who has more than 15 years of experience and now focuses on content marketing for innovative tech companies.
