As more workers return to the office after extended remote work, HR professionals are reevaluating the effectiveness of their employee recognition programmes. Traditional rewards often overlook the diverse lives employees lead outside of work, but businesses are coming to understand that experiential gifts acknowledge this reality by offering memorable opportunities for enjoyment with family and friends.
By shifting focus to experiences—whether it’s a weekend getaway, a cooking class, or a cultural outing—companies can deliver more impactful recognition that truly resonates with today’s eclectic workforce.
In a survey we conducted at Tinggly, we found that nearly 90% of 1,000 American workers prefer receiving an experience—such as a spa day, learning a new skill, or a historical tour—over material items. One-third of respondents noted that experiences make their lives feel more fulfilling, while 20% appreciated how these gifts enhance their social media presence, and 18% cited a desire to declutter by avoiding physical items.
Furthermore, 45% expressed a readiness to step outside their comfort zones, with 59% saying they’d consider skydiving if given the chance—even though 30% admitted they’d never attempt it on their own. Interestingly, the most popular choices centered on trips and shared activities, while only 11% leaned toward high-adrenaline adventures like white water rafting.
Offering Experiences
These findings signal a shift in employee values that many HR professionals are already noticing. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in this change. As remote work and hybrid environments have become more common, employees are seeking rewards that not only acknowledge their achievements but also offer opportunities for personal enrichment and social connection outside their work lives.
The benefits of integrating experiential rewards into employee recognition programs extend well beyond the initial thrill of the gift. By offering experiences, companies can foster a stronger corporate culture, enhance employee engagement, and ultimately drive retention. These rewards provide a flexible solution that accommodates diverse preferences—whether an employee dreams of a quiet retreat or a dynamic team-building activity.
Moreover, as organizations increasingly focus on sustainability and mindful consumption, experiential gifting aligns with these goals by minimizing waste and encouraging more thoughtful consumption.
Here at Tinggly, we’ve had many clients tell us they’re looking for ways to make employees feel valued and recognized in a way that goes beyond standard rewards like gold watches, pizza lunches, or a prized parking spot for the month. They were looking for unique, personalized experiences that reflected the company’s innovative ethos while also providing the gifted employee a choice in what shape the reward should take.
Driving Innovation
Another significant benefit of experiential gifting lies in its ability to promote overall employee well-being and stimulate creativity. Unlike conventional rewards that merely mark an achievement, experiences allow employees to recharge, explore new interests, and foster a healthy work-life balance.
Studies have shown that engaging in novel and enjoyable activities like crafting can reduce stress and improve mental clarity—factors that are critical for sustained productivity and innovative thinking. When employees participate in enriching experiences, they not only celebrate their successes but also return to work more motivated and refreshed.
This renewed energy can translate into improved problem-solving skills and a greater willingness to collaborate, ultimately benefiting the company’s bottom line. By investing in experiential rewards, organizations signal that they care about the holistic development of their workforce, creating a positive cycle of engagement, loyalty, and enhanced performance.
Furthermore, experiential gifts encourage employees to step outside routine boundaries and explore new perspectives that can drive innovation. When staff members engage in activities that are entirely different from their day-to-day work, they are exposed to fresh ideas and creative problem-solving approaches. This exposure not only nurtures personal growth but also inspires employees to bring innovative thinking back to the workplace.
Employee Recognition that Matters
As companies strive to maintain a competitive edge, fostering an environment where creativity is celebrated and nurtured can be a powerful catalyst for change. Experiential recognition programs serve as a reminder that valued employees are multifaceted individuals, capable of drawing inspiration from diverse experiences that fuel both professional and personal development.
Effective employee recognition programs must be built on a foundation of genuine value and respect rather than token gestures that fall short in addressing real workplace concerns. Superficial rewards—such as branded treats or generic gifts—are often seen as inadequate, particularly in environments where issues like unfair compensation or toxic management persist.
Instead, HR leaders are encouraged to engage directly with employees to understand what truly matters to them—be it opportunities for growth, flexibility, or fair pay—and to tailor recognition initiatives accordingly. By aligning rewards with the individual needs and values of their workforce, companies can cultivate a culture of meaningful appreciation that resonates deeply and drives lasting engagement.
For HR professionals, the key takeaway is clear: as employee expectations evolve, so too should recognition strategies. Incorporating experiential gifts into reward programs not only meets the growing demand for more personalized and impactful rewards but also reinforces an organization’s commitment to its workforce. By shifting from transactional, material rewards to experiences that enrich employees’ lives, companies can build a more engaged, motivated, and loyal team.
Algimantas Padegimas is the Chief Growth Officer at leading global gift company, Tinggly, where he leads people-focused initiatives across management, marketing, product, and engineering to create meaningful brand experiences that resonate with both consumers and corporate partners.