New Go Anywhere Gift Card research highlights a growing preference for experiences over traditional workplace gifts, particularly among younger employees.
What makes an employee feel genuinely valued? For younger workers in particular, the answer may increasingly be an experience rather than another physical gift.
New research commissioned by the Irelandhotels.com Go Anywhere Gift Card found that 67% of employed 25 to 34 year olds would feel more valued by their employer if they received a hotel gift card rather than a physical gift of the same value. This was the strongest preference recorded across any age group surveyed.
And the trend extends beyond younger employees. Across all employed respondents surveyed, 57% said a hotel gift card would make them feel more valued than a physical gift of the same value, rising to 61% among women.
Experiences over things
The findings suggest that when it comes to employee recognition, the value of a reward is not just about how much is spent. What employees get to do with it matters too.
Experiences give people something to anticipate and the freedom to choose something that feels personal to them. For one employee, that might mean a weekend on the Wild Atlantic Way. For another, it could be a spa retreat, golf getaway, great meal or a few days away with family and friends.
Rather than choosing one physical gift and hoping it appeals to everyone, an experience based reward allows each employee to decide what their own reward looks like.
What the research found
The nationally representative research found:
- 67% of 25 to 34 year olds would feel more valued receiving a hotel gift card from their employer than a physical gift of the same value.
- 57% of employed respondents overall said the same.
- 61% of women surveyed would feel more valued receiving the hotel gift card.
- The figure rises to 64% among respondents living in Munster.
The survey involved 1,000 adults in Ireland, with these findings relating specifically to respondents currently in employment.
Making recognition feel personal
One of the challenges for employers is finding a reward that can work across different ages, interests and lifestyles, while still feeling thoughtful.
The Go Anywhere Gift Card from Irelandhotels.com is accepted at over 400 hotels and guesthouses across Ireland, giving employees the freedom to decide where and when they would like to enjoy their reward. From city stays and coastal escapes to spa breaks, golf trips and countryside getaways, the experience is ultimately theirs to choose.
Cards are also valid for five years from the date of purchase, giving recipients plenty of time to plan something that suits them.
Give a reward they will genuinely value
As businesses look at how they recognise performance, celebrate achievements and thank their people, the research offers a useful reminder: the most meaningful reward is not necessarily another thing. Giving employees the freedom to choose an experience of their own can turn a simple thank you into something far more memorable.
Discover corporate gifting with the Irelandhotels.com Go Anywhere Gift Card and give your team the freedom to choose their own experience.