Two-thirds of younger workers say experience-based rewards make them feel more valued, according to new Go Anywhere Gift Card research.
Irish employees are increasingly placing greater value on experiences than physical workplace gifts, with new research showing a growing preference for rewards that offer travel, flexibility and memorable experiences.
A nationally representative survey of 1,000 adults in Ireland, commissioned by the Go Anywhere Gift Card, found that 57% of employees would feel more valued by their employer if they received a hotel gift card rather than a traditional physical gift of the same value.
“ Employees increasingly appreciate experience-based gifts that give them the opportunity to create memories, discover new places and enjoy something they can genuinely look forward to”
The trend is particularly pronounced among younger workers. Some 67% of respondents aged 25 to 34 said they would feel more valued receiving a hotel gift card instead of a conventional workplace gift, making it the highest level of support recorded across any age group surveyed.
The findings come as younger consumers continue to favour experience-led spending. Research from Fáilte Ireland cited in the study found that Gen Z travellers take an average of three trips annually.
Workers want memories, not merchandise
Women were also more likely to favour experience-based rewards, with 61% stating they would feel more valued receiving a hotel gift card compared with a physical gift of equal value. Regional sentiment was strongest in Munster, where 64% of respondents said they would feel more valued by such a reward.
The Go Anywhere Gift Card is redeemable at more than 400 hotels and guesthouses across Ireland, offering recipients the flexibility to choose the destination and timing of their stay.
Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson for the Go Anywhere Gift Card said: “Recognition is most meaningful when people receive something they genuinely value. Our research shows that employees increasingly appreciate experience-based gifts that give them the opportunity to create memories, discover new places and enjoy something they can genuinely look forward to.”
The spokesperson added: “This is especially true for Gen Z and millennials, who are increasingly drawn to rewards that support travel, discovery and unique experiences over traditional physical gifts. Giving people the freedom to choose when and where they enjoy a hotel stay makes a reward feel far more personal and thoughtful.”
The research points to changing expectations around employee recognition as companies seek new ways to reward and engage staff. Experience-led incentives are increasingly being considered alongside traditional gifts, vouchers and branded merchandise as employers place a greater emphasis on wellbeing, work-life balance and personal choice.
According to the study, employers looking to recognise achievements, improve engagement or reward teams are increasingly exploring flexible rewards that allow employees to choose experiences that suit their own interests and schedules.
The survey findings relate to respondents currently in employment and are based on a nationally representative sample of 1,000 adults in Ireland.
👉 No tech background needed to bring your business into the AI age! Secure your scholarship to complete the certification at no cost. Apply now and get started!
-
Bank of Ireland is welcoming new customers every day – funding investments, working capital and expansions across multiple sectors. To learn more, click here
-
For support in challenging times, click here
-
Listen to the ThinkBusiness Podcast for business insights and inspiration. All episodes are here. You can also listen to the Podcast on:
-
Spotify
-
SoundCloud
-
Apple
