As companies look for more creative ways to retain talent and keep employees motivated, gift cards have emerged as a popular choice for employee benefits, rewards, and incentives. In addition, gift cards have also proven to be a powerful tool in consumer marketing campaigns. This article will explore the various benefits of using gift cards in a business setting, as well as the drawbacks and how to purchase them in the UK.

Gift Cards for Employee Benefits and Incentives

Gift cards have become a popular choice for employee benefits and incentives. They provide employees with a tangible reward that they can use to purchase whatever they like, and they can often be redeemed at a variety of stores and restaurants. According to a study by Blackhawk Network, 81% of UK employees are motivated by rewards and incentives, with gift cards being one of the most popular choices.

One of the biggest benefits of using gift cards for employee benefits and incentives is the flexibility they offer. Employers can choose from a wide range of gift cards that can be redeemed at a variety of stores, restaurants, and online retailers. This means that employees can use their gift cards to purchase the items they really want, which can be a great motivator.

Another advantage of using gift cards is that they are easy to administer. Employers can purchase gift cards in bulk, and then distribute them to employees as needed. This eliminates the need for individual rewards programs, and can save employers time and money.

Gift cards can also be a great way to recognise and reward outstanding performance. For example, an employee who exceeds their sales targets for the month could be rewarded with a gift card. This can provide a powerful incentive for other employees to work harder and achieve their own goals.

Using Gift Cards to power marketing campaigns

In addition to their use in employee benefits and incentives, gift cards have also become an effective tool in consumer marketing campaigns. For example, businesses can offer gift cards as part of a purchase promotion, or as a prize in a competition. This can be a great way to attract new customers and reward existing ones.

Gift cards can also be used to drive customer loyalty. By offering gift cards as rewards for repeat purchases, businesses can encourage customers to return and continue to make purchases. According to a study by Prezzee, 72% of consumers said they would return to a store to redeem a gift card, and 61% said they would spend more than the value of the gift card.

Criticism of Gift Cards

While gift cards can be a powerful tool in employee benefits, incentives, and consumer marketing campaigns, there are some negatives to consider as well. One of the biggest drawbacks is that gift cards can be seen as impersonal. Employees may feel that they are being given a generic reward, rather than a personalised one. Additionally, gift cards can be seen as a cop-out, especially if they are used as a substitute for a more meaningful reward or recognition.

Another potential drawback of using gift cards is that they can be lost or stolen. This can be frustrating for employees, and can also reflect poorly on the employer. Additionally, gift cards can expire or lose value over time, which can be a source of frustration for employees who may forget to use them.

Interested in using Gift Cards?

In the UK, there are several companies that offer gift card solutions for businesses. These include Prezzee, Blackhawk Network, Simply Thank You, and Motivates. Each of these companies offers a range of gift card options, as well as customisation and personalisation options.

Prezzee offers digital gift cards that can be delivered instantly to employees via email or text message. The company also offers custom branding options, and a range of gift card options from a variety of retailers and restaurants.

Blackhawk Network offers physical and digital gift cards, as well as customisation options. The company has a large network of retail partners, including major brands such as Amazon, Tesco, and Marks & Spencer.

Simply Thank You offers a range of gift card options, including physical and digital gift cards. The company also offers custom branding and personalisation options, as well as a range of reward programmes to suit different businesses.

Motivates is another UK-based gift card provider that offers a range of gift card options, as well as a variety of customisation and personalisation options. The company also offers a range of reward programmes to suit different businesses.

 

Conclusion

Gift cards can be a powerful tool in both employee benefits and incentives, as well as consumer marketing campaigns. They offer flexibility and ease of administration, and can provide a powerful motivator for employees. However, it is important to consider the potential negatives, such as the impersonal nature of gift cards and the risk of loss or theft.

When it comes to purchasing gift cards in the UK, there are several companies that offer a range of options and customisation. Prezzee, Blackhawk Network, Simply Thank You, and Motivates are just a few of the companies that can provide gift card solutions for businesses of all sizes.

Overall, gift cards can be a great way to incentivise and reward employees, as well as attract and retain customers. By carefully considering the options and potential drawbacks, businesses can use gift cards to their advantage and reap the benefits of this powerful tool.

 

Further reading:

  1. “The Power of Gift Cards for Employee Rewards and Incentives”: https://incentiveandmotivation.com/the-power-of-gift-cards-for-employee-rewards-and-incentives/
  2. “Digital Gift Cards: The Future of Employee Rewards and Incentives”: https://incentiveandmotivation.com/digital-gift-cards-the-future-of-employee-rewards-and-incentives/
  3. “Why Gift Cards Make the Perfect Employee Incentive”: https://incentiveandmotivation.com/why-gift-cards-make-the-perfect-employee-incentive/
  4. “The Pros and Cons of Giving Gift Cards as Incentives”: https://incentiveandmotivation.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-giving-gift-cards-as-incentives/
  5. “How to Choose the Right Gift Cards for Your Employee Rewards Programme”: https://incentiveandmotivation.com/how-to-choose-the-right-gift-cards-for-your-employee-rewards-programme/

These articles provide further information and insights into using gift cards as employee benefits and incentives, as well as tips on how to choose the right gift cards for your specific needs.