How Personalisation Is the Key to Benefit Engagement
Imagine giving every employee the same gift.
A bottle of wine, perhaps. Some will raise a toast, others will pass it on to someone else, and a few might quietly wish it had been a gift card instead.
That’s the crux of the issue with traditional employee benefits - they’re often one-size-fits-all in a world where everyone has a different way of feeling valued and recognised for their efforts.
And when it comes to rewards and recognition, how you say “thank you” matters just as much as saying it at all.
Why Personalisation Matters
According to research, 66% of employees said they would leave their job if they didn’t feel appreciated. Additionally, companies with strong recognition programmes see a 31% lower voluntary turnover rate and a 92% engagement rate.
The takeaway? Recognition works, but only when it resonates.
We believe that personalisation is the secret to real engagement. It’s not just about offering rewards. It’s about offering the right reward to the right person at the right time.
Not Just Benefits – Their Benefits
Our platform is built on the principle that people engage most when they feel seen, understood, and valued. That’s why many of our most popular benefits are designed with flexibility and personal choice at their core:
- eGifting
From high-street favourites to niche independent brands, employees can choose digital gift cards that match their tastes - whether that’s daily flat whites, bestselling books, home décor, or tech gadgets. It’s quick, accessible, and instantly rewarding. - Reward Experiences
Some employees crave adventure. Others, downtime. With our experience catalogue, they can pick anything from a supercar drive to a cookery masterclass, hot air balloon ride, or serene spa break. The choice gives the reward emotional value - it becomes a memory, not just a transaction. - Retail Discounts
With a wide range of partner retailers, employees can save on what matters most to them - whether that’s groceries, fashion, tech, or family days out. It’s a simple way to stretch take-home pay in a way that’s personally relevant.
This personalisation doesn’t just create happier employees, it drives deeper engagement. When someone feels that their benefits reflect who they are, they’re more likely to value and use them.
Talk to us
If you would like to find out more about our solutions, get in touch.
Learning Their Language
If personalisation is the key to engagement, then understanding how each person feels appreciated is where it starts.
Some employees light up when they’re publicly praised. Others feel most valued with a tangible reward, an extra day off, or an opportunity to grow their skills.
So, how do you figure out what resonates?
Simple: you ask.
And it’s worth the effort - employees in organisations with formal recognition programmes are 31% less likely to leave. When people feel seen and appreciated in the way that matters most to them, they’re more likely to stay, engage, and contribute at their best.
We can help you move from assumptions to insight by encouraging ongoing, open conversations. Here are a few ways to do that effectively:
- Run annual benefit satisfaction surveys
Regular check-ins give you valuable feedback on what’s landing well and what could use a refresh. Need some help canvassing your team? Our Intelligent Survey service [link to new page] will build a bespoke, branded interactive survey to gather the data you need. - Have real conversations
Interview team members across departments. What makes them feel recognised? What kind of reward actually motivates them? You might be surprised by the answers. - Turn data into action
With our SmartHive platform, it’s easy to see which benefits are being used (and which aren’t). This data helps you refine your approach and offer more of what your people really want.
Want to know more? Get a demo and see how Smart Hive can help with your benefit engagement.
It’s about making it personal. When you listen, learn, and respond, benefits go from ‘nice to have’ to ‘can’t do without.’ That’s when they truly become meaningful.
One Size Fits No One
Personalised benefits are a powerful way to show employees that they’re more than just a number. When people feel recognised as individuals, not only does engagement rise, but so does loyalty, motivation, and a genuine sense of belonging.
It’s a simple truth: people invest more in workplaces that invest in them.
In a world full of standard packages, be the employer that offers choice, voice, and a little personality.
Whether it’s a cinema voucher, a spa break, or simply knowing someone remembered their love for Italian food, the most effective benefits are the ones that feel like they were chosen with them in mind.
