Employee Reward and Recognition 

Transform Your Workforce

Employee reward and recognition programs are an important aspect of any company’s overall strategy for building a positive and engaged workforce. By recognising and rewarding employees for their hard work and contributions, companies can boost morale, improve retention, and foster a culture of appreciation and recognition.

However, designing and implementing an effective employee reward system can be a complex and time-consuming process. That’s where we can help.

"People work for money but go the extra mile for recognition, praise and rewards."

Available Modules
Take a look at the ways you can reward and recognise your employees, from birthdays to employee of the month.
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Gift Cards
Alongside our catalogue of over 100 top retailers and brands, we offer our very own Gift Card solution.
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Seven Simple Steps
We've outlined the 7 essential steps to starting an employee reward and recognition program.
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The Latest Trends
The latest trends in employee reward and recognition platforms.
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Reward and Recognition Statistics
Take a quick look at some statistics when it comes to rewarding and recognising employees.
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FAQ's and Challenges
Find the answer quickly, in our frequently asked questions and common challenges of employee recognition section.
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Employee Milestones
Milestone awards provide an easy opportunuty for your company to express gratitude.
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Types of Employee Rewards
Take a look at an overview of our comprehensive online catalogue.
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Incentive Travel & Events
Out of office, anyone? Treat your employees to some much deserved fun and time away from the office.
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Ruth Haslam - Head of Reward

"Their customer service is excellent; quick to respond to our needs and changes. Early on we had some major redesign issues which they managed calmly, professionally and promptly. They were able to tailor the system to work with our company culture and offered support across a number of changes including the introduction of a US friendly version of the site."

Employee Recognition Program

Our expertise in employee rewards helps you identify and implement the most effective reward and recognition strategies, provide guidance on program design and implementation, and offers access to a wide range of rewards and incentives that can be customised to meet the needs and interests of individual employees. This can help maximise the impact of your reward and recognition programs and ensures that they are aligned with your company objectives.

Hover over the icon to see what Ruth Haslam, Head of Reward, has to say about working with us.

Our Complete Reward And Recognition Solution

AVAILABLE RECOGNITION MODULES

THANK YOU'S

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

BIRTHDAYS

WORK ANNIVERSARIES

INSTANT RECOGNITION

AWARDS

Activate is a comprehensive online platform that offers a range of powerful tools for employers looking to enhance the employee experience. The platform provides a one-stop solution for employee recognition, benefits, wellness, and discounts, making it easy for employers to provide their workforce with the resources they need to stay engaged, motivated, and healthy.

THE 7 ESSENTIAL STEPS TO STARTING AN EMPLOYEE REWARDS PROGRAM

STEP ONE

DEFINE YOUR GOALS

Start by pinpointing what you aim to achieve with your employee recognition programme. Clear objectives set the foundation for success.

STEP TWO

CONNECT WITH COMPANY VALUES

Examine how your company’s core values can seamlessly integrate with the recognition programme. This alignment boosts employee engagement by making the rewards more meaningful.

STEP THREE

SET CLEAR CRITERIA

Establish specific, attainable benchmarks that employees must meet to earn recognition. These criteria should directly support your programme’s overarching goals.

STEP FOUR

INVEST IN DIGITAL TOOLS

Implementing an employee recognition programme requires more than just planning—it demands the right digital infrastructure. Partnering with experts like us ensures you have the necessary tools and insights for a smooth rollout.

STEP FIVE

3..2...1... LAUNCH

After our initial consultation, we'll create a plan that aligns the platform with your values and objectives. We'll work with you to maximise your portal's potential and assist with its launch.

STEP SIX

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

With your programme in place, ensure that recognition becomes a continuous practice within your organisation. Consistency is key to maintaining momentum and engagement.

STEP SEVEN

ASSESS AND ADAPT

Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your programme. Gather feedback from employees and adjust your strategies as needed to keep the initiative vibrant and impactful.

EMPLOYEE REWARD AND RECOGNITION TRENDS

A fresh wave of employee recognition trends has transformed the workplaces into vibrant, engaging environments.

Here’s what’s catching the spotlight!

Personalised Rewards

Tailoring recognition to individual preferences.

High-Frequency Recognition

Celebrating small wins regularly.

Data-Driven Recognition

Using analytics to pinpoint and reward top performers.

Remote and Hybrid Recognition

Adapting rewards for flexible work setups.

Gamification

Injecting fun and competition into achievements.

Peer-to-Peer Recognition

Encouraging colleagues to applaud each other.

Eco-Friendly Rewards

Embracing sustainability in appreciation efforts.

Wellbeing Initiatives

Prioritising holistic employee wellness and mental health.

QUICK STATS ON EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

Of companies say that recognition increases employee retention - meaning less time and money spent on recruitment!

More profitable! That's right, companies with a highly engaged workforce are around 20% more profitable than those without.

Employees are 2.7 times more likely to be engaged if they believe they will be recognised for their contribution and commitment.

Of employees say an increase in recognition and rewards would make them more loyal to their employer.

Of the workforce are more likely to repeat an action they’ve received recognition for in the past, with 81% of employees saying would work harder if they felt more appreciated.

Is the average increase in team performance when a successful employee reward and recognition program is in place.

EMPLOYEE REWARD AND RECOGNITION: FAQ'S

What is the best reward system for employees?

The optimal reward system for employees hinges on a balance between financial incentives and personalised recognition. A combination of performance-based rewards and non-monetary rewards such as flexible working hours and professional development opportunities can maximise motivation and job satisfaction. Emphasising a culture of appreciation and open communication will also enhance the effectiveness of our reward system.

How do I set up a rewards program for my employees?

To set up a rewards programme for your employees, begin by defining clear objectives that align with your company’s goals. Once we’ve had an initial consulation, we can advise on the most appropriate solution and the modules we would recommend including. Next, establish criteria for earning rewards that are fair and transparent, and choose a mix of both tangible (view our Reward Range here) and intangible (thank you messages, shout outs) rewards. Finally, communicate the details of the programme clearly, as well as the critera to achieve rewards, to all employees and regularly review its impact and effectiveness. 

How do you create a total rewards package?

Creating a total rewards package involves integrating various elements that contribute to an employee’s well-being and job satisfaction. This includes compensation, benefits, work-life balance, performance and recognition, as well as development and career opportunities. We can tailor the package to the needs of your workforce and ensure it supports the strategic goals of your organisation.

How do you reward employees fairly?

To reward employees fairly, ensure that the rewards reflect the effort and achievements of the employees. Establish clear, objective criteria for what constitutes rewardable performance and ensure these criteria are applied consistently across all employees. Regularly review and adjust the criteria to maintain fairness and relevance.

How do you reward staff for hard work?

Rewarding staff for hard work can be effectively done through both formal and informal recognition.  Implementing our employee rewards portal to provide performance-based bonuses, public acknowledgement and personalised thank-you messages can make employees feel valued. Offering opportunities for professional growth and development can also serve as a powerful incentive for continued hard work.

What is the most tax-efficient way to reward employees?

The most tax-efficient way to reward employees often involves making use of allowances and benefits that are exempt from tax, such as pension contributions, childcare vouchers, or cycle-to-work schemes. Share incentive plans (SIPs) or granting shares at a discount can also be beneficial, as these options offer tax advantages both to the employer and the employee.

How do you reward loyal employees?

Rewarding loyal employees can be effectively achieved by offering incremental benefits that increase with tenure, such as additional annual leave, sabbaticals, or loyalty bonuses. Establishing a tiered rewards system can also help, where employees gain access to higher value rewards the longer they stay with the company. Additionally, recognising their dedication through service awards or featured stories can reinforce their value to the organisation.

COMMON CHALLENGES FOR EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION , REWARDS

How do I make sure recognition is personalised?

Leaders tend to recognise employees in ways they themselves prefer. But have you ever asked your team how they want to be recognised? Some appreciate hand-written notes, others value public praise, and some are content with a simple thank you.

We've found that our thank you module is the perfect blend of all 3. It's simple, personal and public without a big announcement! You can even link each thank you back to a core value of the business.

What is the key to maintaining employee engagement in a rewards scheme?

Understand that different rewards motivate different people. Our platfrom allows you to offer over 20,000 items including gift cards, experiences, holidays and the latest tech!

Also, rather than limiting recognition to annual events, incorporate frequent and timely acknowledgements. Immediate recognition of efforts can reinforce positive behaviour and sustain motivation.

We've also found that introducing peer-to-peer recognition increases engagement across the entire platform.

How can I keep recognition consistent for all employees?

Set clear objectives and criteria: Employees should clearly understand how they can earn rewards and what the criteria are. This transparency helps to maintain their interest and participation in the programme.

We recommend aligning our reward system with your company goals and values. This helps to keep consistency across the business, and also provides a solid foundation for how employees can earn rewards.

What is the best way to measure the impact of employee recognition?

Our raft of reports and insights allow you to look at engagement metrics and correlate them with job performance and satisfaction levels to ensure the programme delivers real value.

However, the simplest way is to look employee retention rates. To calculate this, you can:

Choose a time frame to monitor, such as a quarter or year.

Divide the number of employees who remained with the company during that time by the total number of employees at the start of the period.

Multiply the result by 100 to get a percentage.

How often should an employee receive recognition?

There's no 'right' or 'wrong' answer here, but regular recognition can significantly boost employee engagement. Make sure that achievements are acknowledged promptly, and not just for performance but also for qualities that align with your company core values.

Ideally, group projects and major tasks should receive recognition monthly. Meanwhile, outstanding individual performance merits more frequent praise.

How can I get leadership on board?

To foster an outstanding work culture, organisations must educate leaders and team members on the power of recognition.
 
Companies should highlight the art of giving well-rounded and personalised recognition, emphasising its impact and offering practical advice on creating memorable recognition moments for every employee.
 
Take your time to train leadership on any platform you utilise - change starts from the top!

Boost Employee Morale With Gift Vouchers

Lifestyle Gift Vouchers from Active Consultancy are a versatile reward solution offering a huge range of options. From the latest gadgets to weekend breaks, holidays to fitness equipment… there’s a gift card to suit all tastes. Employees can redeem their gift vouchers as a form of recognition, gift vouchers are a great way to motivate and engage employees.

Types Of Employee Rewards 

Choose from thousands of ways to reward employees!

E-Gifts

Short Breaks & Holidays

Tangible Gifts

Bespoke

Experiences

Cashback

Looking for incentive travel?

Expertly Managed Incentive Travel Packages

Travel incentives provide an attractive and memorable reward for employees that can help boost morale, increase productivity, and enhance overall job satisfaction. The excitement of visiting a new place and exploring different cultures can inspire employees to work harder and go the extra mile to achieve their sales targets.

Reward Your Employees With Corporate Events

Give your employees an unforgettable experience! Events can create strong relationships with teams, boost morale, and encourage teamwork and camaraderie. Active offers innovative and customised corporate event solutions that make a lasting impression, whether in the UK or abroad.

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