Experiences instead of things for employee rewards

Successful organisations know that recognition and rewards play a huge part in minimising staff turnover and boosting productivity. But let's face it, not all rewards are created equal. So, what's the best way forward? Experiences! In this article, we'll explore why including experiences in your reward programme can be a trailblazing step and share tips on how to do it without breaking the bank.

Published
Experiences instead of things for employee rewards

Why experiences should be part of your recognition programme

Here’s the thing about experiences: they’re memorable and personal, and everyone loves them. Including experience-based rewards in your programme offers some significant benefits:

Employees value them highly (who doesn’t love a weekend getaway, cooking class or massage?)

They add variety and personalisation to your reward options

They create lasting positive vibes, boosting both engagement and retention

Now, let’s look at why experiences are such a hit.

There’s a clear preference for experiences over stuff

Lately, people are moving away from things in favour of experiences. Why? Because experiences improve well-being, create lifelong memories and don’t contribute to the clutter (or landfill!) as stuff does. This shift started with millennials, who are more focused on wellness and the environmental impact of consumerism. Now a full-blown trend across all ages, influencing everything from birthday gifts to everyday purchases.

Offering more choice makes all the difference

Giving employees more options for rewards is a no-brainer. Sure, some may still want a cash bonus to help cover expenses, but others might prefer an experience that lets them recharge or try something new. When you offer experiences, you show you’re thinking beyond the obvious.

Imagine being able to say, “I thought you might enjoy the spa treatment, but feel free to pick from these other rewards!” It’s all about making your employees feel seen and valued for who they are.

Team-building through shared experiences

Now, here’s where experiences really shine: team-building. Organising a shared experience for your team can help build stronger connections in a fun setting. Whether it’s an escape room challenge, a cooking class or a zip-lining adventure, shared experiences give your team the chance to bond and make memories outside the office.

The lasting impact of experience rewards

Here’s the beauty of an experience-based reward: it might be short-lived, but the effects are anything but. Whether it’s a travel adventure, a festival or a new skill like bread-making, these experiences create lasting memories. Employees often share these moments on social media, giving your company an extra positive buzz.

And don’t underestimate the power of anticipation! Offering an experience that happens in the future, like festival tickets, gives employees something to look forward to, boosting both morale and retention. Plus, experiences that can be shared with family make your organisation a favourite topic around the dinner table.

Ready to level up your rewards programme?

The best place to start is by reviewing your current rewards programme. Ask your employees what they value most – it’s likely experiences will be top of the list. You might even be able to negotiate discounts or special deals with local experience providers, or tap into partnerships with suppliers to sweeten the deal.

The Boost employee benefits platform makes it easy to offer a wide range of perks, including amazing experiences like a BookMe adventure, or a family outing at Butterfly Creek. You can customise the app-based platform to include your own rewards and your company’s logo.

Keen to get started? Check out the Boost employee benefits platform and see how easy it is to elevate your rewards programme.

Return to Blog