The popularity of eGift cards in corporate settings continues to grow, and for good reason: they are perceived by employees as a tangible, flexible token of appreciation tailored to their needs. Much more than a simple symbolic gesture, they offer the freedom to choose what truly pleases, which increases their impact tenfold. This article explores why they are gaining relevance, how they fit into the employee experience, and how personalization can further amplify their positive effects.
Why are e-gift cards becoming popular in businesses?
Electronic gift cards are a perfect fit for new corporate rewards trends. They're convenient, quick to distribute, and offer a great deal of flexibility for both employers and employees.
Accolad eGift Cards allow employees to choose from millions of products, including several in Quebec. Employees can also redeem their Accolad Universal Gift Card for hotel, restaurant, or spa gift cards.
Rather than being limited to a few kitchen items and promotional items, employees can use their gift for home improvement projects, outings, grocery shopping, and many other purposes.
What's more, in a context of increased digitalization, these cards particularly meet the needs of younger employees, who prefer dematerialized and personalized solutions. In addition, they give HR departments the possibility of easily managing rewards without administrative burdens and at a generally advantageous cost.
Employee Experience with Electronic Gift Cards
In Canada, e-gift cards are a popular form of corporate recognition. A 2025 Robert Half survey found that 46% of employees consider gift cards to be one of the most motivating forms of recognition, alongside extra time off or meeting thank-yous.
Cards that offer a choice of multiple businesses are particularly popular: they allow each employee to select a useful or enjoyable reward that resonates with them, which reinforces the feeling of being seen, recognized and truly valued at work.
However, some limitations remain, such as a feeling of impersonality if the card is perceived as too generic or repetitive. This underlines the importance of personalization and the integration of the card into a global recognition approach.
The Differences Between Cash Rewards and Gift Cards
While cash rewards are generally appreciated by employees, they don't always have as memorable an impact as gift cards. Cash is often used for everyday expenses, and this type of reward doesn't necessarily create a memorable moment where the employee feels truly valued.
Conversely, gift cards allow talent to choose between a fun or practical reward, depending on what they truly want. The perceived value of an eGift card reward is higher, as employees associate the reward with a personal experience, rather than everyday expenses.
The Impact of Personalization on Employee Satisfaction
Personalization significantly enhances the positive impact of eGift cards. Tailoring the message, design, or amount increases the value and authenticity of the gesture in the eyes of employees. A sincere word of appreciation transforms a simple gift into a meaningful, human, and emotionally rewarding gesture.
Accolad's turnkey service allows employers to send a gift code and a personalized message to their employees, giving them access to an online rewards store. Employees can then choose what they really want from a selection of more than 100 gift cards, including several from Quebec and Canadian companies.
Our tips for maximizing gift card appreciation
To make e-gift cards a real benefit, we recommend taking the following actions:
- Include a personalized and sincere message that shows genuine appreciation;
- Offer a diverse choice, thus promoting freedom and the pleasure of choosing;
- Ensuring that retail choices align with company values, which helps align culture and have even more impact;
- Integrate cards into an overall recognition strategy to prevent them from becoming mere formal rituals.
A truly appreciated mark of recognition
E-gift cards, especially personalized ones, strike the perfect balance between flexibility and genuine recognition. They create memorable moments that boost motivation and contribute to employee well-being.
By integrating them into a comprehensive recognition policy, companies affirm their commitment to their employees. These thoughtful gestures then become a powerful lever for maintaining a culture of lasting appreciation and shared performance within the organization.
Pascale Hubert
Web Writer