10 Experiential Rewards for Your Employee Experience Platform

In the competitive landscape of today’s business world, attracting and retaining top talent has become more challenging than ever. Employee recognition programs have emerged as a key tool for organizations to motivate, engage, and retain their valuable workforce. Among the various elements that make recognition programs successful, experiential rewards stand out as a powerful way to boost employee morale and performance. In a recent study, it was found that experiential rewards have nearly 4x more impact on the employee experience than any other type of reward. The proof is in the data: experiential rewards can help you improve your recognition program immensely, and we’re here to show you exactly how they can do that.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the concept of experiential rewards, what employees desire in recognition programs, the benefits of offering such rewards, the significance of seeking employee feedback, and how to effectively incorporate experiential rewards into your recognition program.

What Are Experiential Rewards?

Experiential rewards, in a simple and short definition, are non-monetary rewards that provide employees with memorable experiences rather than tangible gifts or cash bonuses. These rewards go beyond traditional incentives and focus on creating moments that employees can cherish and remember for a lifetime.

What Employees Want in a Recognition Program

Recognition programs are only as effective as the rewards they offer. While traditional monetary incentives have their place, a growing number of employees are seeking something more meaningful. In fact, 65% of employees prefer non-cash incentives.?

Finding unique rewards to offer your employees yields immeasurable benefits; however, it can be difficult to find the right platform to help you. With software like Bucketlist Rewards, your organization can create a customized and meaningful employee recognition program where personalized rewards, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, gift cards and branded swag are all part of your program! Bucketlist is the only platform that provides totally personalized rewards and lets you customize your reward selection to make sure employees love it and that it aligns with your brand. From Indoor Skydiving to Nordic Spa days, Bucketlist lets you get creative with rewards! Click here to learn more about what Bucketlist does!

While a recognition program has immense benefits, it’s still important to consider what employees really want to see in their program.?

?1. Personalization

One size does not fit all, and employees understand this better than anyone. In fact, 47% of employees want to receive a personalized reward. They crave recognition that acknowledges their unique interests and preferences. Experiential rewards, such as a food and drinks tour or a spa day, can be tailored to cater to each individual’s tastes. Personalization goes a long way in making employees feel seen and appreciated.

?2. Emotional Connection

Experiential rewards have the power to forge emotional connections. Unlike traditional bonuses, experiences create memories and emotional imprints that last a lifetime. A thrilling adventure or a relaxing spa day can evoke strong positive emotions, strengthening an employee’s bond with their workplace and colleagues. Given that a staggering 97% of reward programs rely only on transactional rewards, experiential rewards offer a unique way to differentiate your workplace. They are a type of relational reward that can bond employees to the workplace and impact their willingness to stay committed and engaged at work.?

?3. Work-Life Balance

Modern employees understand the importance of work-life balance. Whether your employees are in office or working remotely, they appreciate recognition programs that not only acknowledge their hard work but also contribute to their well-being. Experiential rewards like a Nordic Spa Day or a Sunset Sailing Cruise encourage relaxation, providing an opportunity to decompress and recharge.

?4. Shared Experiences

In an era of remote work and digital interactions, many employees yearn for shared experiences. Experiential rewards often involve group activities, such as zipline adventures or airboat swamp safaris. These shared adventures create a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, strengthening the connections between colleagues.

?5. Lifelong Memories

Experiential rewards offer something money can’t buy—lifelong memories. Whether it’s witnessing the beauty of a bioluminescent paddle adventure or conquering a challenging horseback trail, employees cherish these experiences. The memories created become part of their life story, reminding them of their employer’s appreciation.

?6. A Break from Routine

Monetary rewards, while appreciated, can often end up in the same account as the rest of their earnings. Monetary rewards are becoming a routine way to reward employees, and they are starting to become expected. Offering recognition and appreciation doesn’t have to be something that is scheduled, in fact, 46% of employees say that an unexpected reward like a snack, lunch, or thank you note from their bosses would make them feel more appreciated. Experiences can help add to this desire for unexpected rewards. Experiential rewards provide a refreshing break from the routine. They encourage employees to step outside their comfort zones, explore new horizons, and relish life beyond the office.

?7. Fulfillment of Aspirations

Experiential rewards can help employees fulfill aspirations they might not have pursued otherwise. Whether it’s the dream of test driving a supercar or embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure, these rewards bring unfulfilled dreams to life, showing employees that their workplace cares about their ambitions.

Incorporating experiential rewards into your recognition program not only meets these desires but also demonstrates a genuine commitment to your employees’ well-being and happiness. This shift in approach recognizes the value of each employee as a unique individual with distinct desires, providing rewards that resonate on a personal level.?

10 Experiential Reward Ideas

To help you get started, we have curated a list of some great experiential rewards that will give you some ideas and inspiration.?

1. Exotic Car – Supercar Test Drive

Immerse your team in the world of luxury with the Exotic Car – Supercar Test Drive. This exceptional opportunity allows your employees to get behind the wheel of their dream car, choosing from a lineup that includes breathtaking models like the Lamborghini Huracan, Ferrari 488 GTB, and McLaren 720S. Picture your team experiencing the raw power, precision, and elegance of these incredible machines. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will be etched in their memories forever.

2. African Safari Zipline Adventure

Embark on a journey that combines heart-pounding excitement with stunning vistas. The African Safari Zipline Adventure offers a thrilling guided tour that includes traversing five ziplines, with the longest stretching a jaw-dropping 1088 feet and soaring 75 feet above the ground. As your team zips from platform to platform, the world beneath them unfolds in all its natural splendor. From lush canopies to breathtaking landscapes, every moment will be filled with awe and exhilaration.

3. Food and Drinks Tour

Elevate your team’s local experience with a food and drinks tour like no other. This reward offers the chance to explore the culinary and beverage delights of your city, with options that include tantalizing tours of the best food spots or visits to local breweries, craft houses, and intimate, local wineries. Your employees can savour the flavours of their region, sample handcrafted wines, and discover hidden gems, making this an unforgettable journey for the senses.

4. Bioluminescent Paddle Adventure for 2

Delve into a world of natural wonder with the Bioluminescent Paddle Adventure. Your team will set out in kayaks, tandem kayaks, or canoes, embarking on a 2-hour paddle through the enchanting glow of bioluminescent waters. Each stroke of the paddle will create a mesmerizing display of light in the surrounding waters, immersing your employees in a magical spectacle. This adventure is suitable for all skill levels, offering a rare opportunity to witness nature’s luminous beauty up close.

5. Aston Martin Driving Thrill

Let your employees unleash their inner James Bond with the Aston Martin Driving Thrill. This thrilling experience offers the chance to get behind the wheel of an Aston Martin, a symbol of power and finesse. Depending on the venue, your team can select from the V8 Vantage or the DB9, each with its own unique allure. The adventure begins with a comprehensive briefing from a qualified instructor, covering racing lines, driving techniques, and car handling. Your employees will then take the wheel of these high-performance machines, with some venues even concluding the experience with a certificate presentation or a personalized driving analysis.

Don’t miss out on 5 more amazing ideas and a deep dive into the benefits of including experiential rewards in your program. Click here to keep reading!?