No matter how much an employee might love remote or hybrid work, we’ve yet to replicate the full-time camaraderie and culture that comes with sharing office space with your bosses and peers. Throughout the pandemic, employee rewards and recognition were embraced to boost spirits and remind workers that they’re part of a larger community. But as the economy falters, are those coveted perks on their way out?
In the U.S., the marketplace for non-cash rewards and incentives is a $90 billion industry encompassing gift cards, merchandise and other “prizes” used to bolster productivity and connection at an organization. For Blueboard, a startup that helps employers provide personalized, experience-based rewards to its workforce, business boomed during the pandemic — and the demand for these offerings has yet to slow down.
