GiftCard Partners Blog

Contrary to popular belief it’s not always about the amount you spend on your holiday workplace gifts that shows how much you appreciate your employees hard work throughout the year. Breaking the bank need not be a concern when choosing the best way to thank employees this holiday season. Entrepreneur’s Margie Zable Fisher highlights some creative, thoughtful, fun and cost efficient gift ideas in several categories:
Food-
Two words sum up this category:
Sweet Tooth. Holidays are the time of year to indulge in the sweeter things in life. Try giving a box of fine chocolates or a basket of cupcakes from a local bakery, they’re sure to please.
Stress relief- Everyone is a little stressed out this time of year. Give them something to soothe their nerves. Herbal teas or aromatherapy products make great gift baskets.
Technology- It’s impossible to go anywhere and not see someone with an iPhone or iPad. Help employees protect their gadgets with cool cases or accessories.
Gift Cards- Some people are just impossible to shop for and that’s the beauty of gift cards. Give the gift of a night out of the kitchen with gift cards to
The Cheesecake Factory or help out with everyday purchases with gift cards to
CVS/pharmacy.
Check out more great gift ideas from Entrepreneur’s ‘Holiday Gift Ideas Under $50: Thirty thoughtful employee gifts for small businesses on a budget.’

Retaining employees and creating a community with a loyal dedicated workforce doesn't have to be expensive. Optimizing your rewards budget, and leveraging non-monetary employee recognition can help you achieve these goals without breaking your budget. Here are 3 effective tips for retaining satisfied and devoted workforce for less.

Damaging storms, tight finances as we approach the holidays, and stressful political and economic times…what can we do to ease the burdens? Although it’s not always possible to give holiday bonuses during the tough times, there are less expensive things we can do to help our employees’ families. When offering cash bonuses, it’s difficult to decide if the dollar amount hits the spot for the employee. However, a gift card for a full family meal or 2 at
Boston Market, will hit the spot. Research tells us that 61% of employees would be satisfied with a $25 gift card, and 88% of employees would be satisfied with a gift

A recent survey by Parago, a benefits consulting company, of 600 employee nationwide, has shown that your year-end employee rewards may cost less than you think. Taking the time and budget during the holiday season to thank your employees can go along way and according to Parago's survey 61% of employees would be satisfied witha $25 gift card, and 88% of employees would be satisfied with a gift card of $100 or less.

Using a total reward system for employees can benefit an employer as well. Offering rewards and incentives, as well as professional development opportunities for employees, helps control employee rewards cost as well as enhancing employee satisfaction. Incorporating even small rewards such as gift cards for a family meal at the Cheesecake Factory, or a shopping trip at Whole Foods Market or CVS/pharmacy, in addition to regular benefits and compensation can go a long way in keeping employees satisfied and content in their jobs. Here are 4 ways a total rewards strategy can benefit your employees, as well as your business.