Slovakia
Before the end of the calendar year, the same scenario always repeats itself: HR departments are finalizing evaluations, rewards, and plans for the next year. And at the same time, they have to solve the eternal question of what to give employees to make it meaningful?
A bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, or another promotional item with a company logo has long since lost its appeal. Today's employees crave something that has personal value to them - a gift that they choose themselves according to their own wishes.
"A gift should be a thank you and a sign of appreciation. However, if it is not personal, it loses its power. On the contrary, employees will greatly appreciate it when they feel sincere gratitude for their work, for someone noticing and appreciating it," explains Lívia Bachratá, Director of Public Affairs at Edenred.
The universal is surpassed
Corporate items or the same gift packages usually seem impersonal to everyone. Just like bonuses, which have financial value but do not bring the employee experience or joy. And yet it is the emotional value of the gift that determines whether it will have a real effect.
"A year-end reward in the form of a gift has a different meaning for an employee if it is personal - given with recognition, name, praise. And even more so if the employee has the opportunity to decide what it will be," continues L. Bachratá.
Custom gift
HR departments are faced with the challenge of how and what to gift employees so that it is reasonably priced, does not cost a lot of time and energy, and at the same time, the gift has its effect. More and more companies are therefore choosing the Benefits wallet on the Edenred card - an electronic form of gift vouchers.
Employees especially appreciate the freedom of choice. They can choose what to convert their reward into because it makes them happy. One for wellness, another for sports, a book, a concert or a new gadget. From the HR department's point of view, this is a solution that saves time and administration, because everything is done digitally, without papers, orders or distribution of packages. In addition, it saves the company money, because the funds on the card are exempt from taxes and contributions if they come from the social fund or are provided as a non-cash benefit of up to €500.
The added value is also the immediate availability and convenient use of benefits. The card works with Google Pay and Apple Pay payments and, thanks to a wide acceptance network, it can be used practically anywhere in Slovakia. "Our data shows that up to 94% of employees appreciate the opportunity to choose their own benefits. And up to 99% of them find this type of remuneration motivating to better performance," added by L. Bachratá.
A gift that has lasting value
Employees remember much more than just the specific gift. They remember the feeling. The feeling of appreciation. When a company gives them a gift that gives them freedom and trust, it sends a clear signal: we trust you, you deserve it.
Such a gesture supports motivation, loyalty, and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for the current work environment.
"At a time when it is important for companies not only to attract but also to retain quality people, even seemingly small attention can play a big role. A thank you that has both financial and human value is an investment in the future of the company," concludes L. Bachratá.
