As organizations balance remote working, productivity, employee well-being and satisfaction, creating a positive environment and culture is the need of the hour. Office camaraderie is missed by everyone, therefore this is the right time to have a dedicated strategy to engage with employees who are working from home. Digital technologies can be instrumental in significantly improving the employee experience and building engagement in a hybrid work arrangement. 

Digitization of employee rewards and recognition programs can further drive productivity and business results while also boosting employee morale and wellbeing. With continuous evolution in business and employee needs, these programs need to stay effective and relevant. It is recommended that organizations pivot their strategies to orchestrate this digital transformation through rewards and recognition programs.

Here are four digital rewards and recognition strategies to increase employee engagement:

Filling the travel gap with experiential reward – Travel as a reward is a one-of-a-kind experience and cannot be replaced with anything equivalent in these challenging times. However, there is an opportunity for organizations to fill this gap with experiential rewards. For example, digital gift cards for home beauty & wellness services, home deliveries from hyper-local services, or any e-commerce site where employees can opt for no contact delivery. For team engagement, a virtual lunch delivery program could be initiated that enables employees to “get together” remotely while working from home.

Gamification for effective employee engagement – Gamification has become a ubiquitous HR trend - why not gamify the reward and recognition programs? To make the workplace more exciting, rewarding, and collaborative, incorporate employee gamification strategies into non-gaming situations. Create a leaderboard, certificates, and titles for recognition in different areas of employees’ work-life. Making recognition an instantaneous and ongoing affair will also foster interest and drive more effective performance by your employees. Irrefutably, gamification can also make it easier for organizations to quantify and regulate their rewards & recognition programs.

Personalize virtual rewards - The pandemic has pulled the plug on office outings and celebrations. However, it has provided an alternate way to thank team members who make things possible. A personalized reward builds a stronger employer-employee connect. For example, customizing rewards for a bibliophile who would prefer an online eBooks subscription instead of providing a gift voucher from an e-commerce apparel store.

Energizing employees using virtual wellness rewards – With people going beyond their personal and professional commitments, remote working has significantly affected mental well-being. Introducing long-term virtual wellness programs can have an enduring effect on the body and mind. Companies that prioritize employee wellness will create a happier and healthier remote workforce. 

With technology driving our every day, well-thought-out digital reward and recognition programs can make a meaningful impact and a positive difference in employees’ lives. The leadership and Human Resources department have a key role to keep their workforce engaged and motivated; embedding a culture of recognition by adopting a tech-first approach can support your organization well into the future.