In today’s workplace, employee recognition isn’t just about thank-you notes or end-of-year bonuses. Companies are moving away from generic rewards and embracing experience-based incentives that build emotional connections, boost morale, and drive retention. Personalized and thoughtfully executed recognition programs have become a key differentiator for companies looking to attract and retain top talent.
Employees are no longer motivated by one-size-fits-all perks. Instead, they want to feel seen, appreciated, and genuinely rewarded for their contributions. Experience-based recognition taps into that need by providing moments that matter—whether it's a travel getaway, a hands-on workshop, or a shared adventure with colleagues.
A Harris Group study found that 72% of millennials prefer spending on experiences rather than physical goods (Eventbrite, 2014), and Gallup reports that companies with high employee engagement see a 31% increase in productivity and 27% higher retention (Gallup, 2017).
This article focuses exclusively on employee recognition, sharing practical, real-world examples of companies that are making it work.
1. Experience-Based Rewards that Actually Excite
Forget the standard gift card. Companies like Salesforce offer top performers "bucket list" travel experiences, while LinkedIn implemented company-wide "RestUp!" weeks to give employees meaningful time to recharge. These high-impact, curated rewards show employees they’re truly valued and trusted.
What works:
-
Tickets to major events or concerts
-
Luxury hotel stays or weekend retreats
-
Skill-building experiences like cooking, photography, or art classes
Why it matters: Experiences create lasting emotional memories, giving employees a positive association with the company long after the reward. Unlike cash bonuses, which can feel transactional or forgettable, experience-based rewards are talked about, shared, and remembered.
Real-world story: Salesforce launched an internal incentive trip program that rewarded high performers with international travel experiences, which contributed to a noticeable lift in team motivation and peer recognition throughout the year.
2. Peer-to-Peer Recognition That Feels Authentic
Recognition means more when it comes from colleagues who see each other’s day-to-day efforts. Companies like HubSpot run peer-nominated programs that let employees celebrate one another for living the company's values. It builds community, increases visibility, and helps recognition happen more regularly.
What works:
-
Monthly value awards voted by team members
-
Dedicated Slack channels for shoutouts and wins
-
Internal appreciation walls or virtual boards
Why it matters: Peer recognition fosters a culture of appreciation and support. It also empowers employees at every level to take part in shaping company culture, instead of relying solely on top-down recognition.
Real-world story: HubSpot’s peer-to-peer recognition initiative contributed to its consistent ranking as one of Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work, driven in part by employees feeling consistently seen and appreciated by colleagues.
3. Rewards that Support Career Growth
Professional development is one of the most sought-after forms of recognition, especially among younger employees. Companies like Google and Atlassian provide generous learning stipends and opportunities to attend global conferences or join mentorship programs.
What works:
-
Conference and event stipends
-
Access to online courses or certification programs
-
Executive coaching or internal mentorship initiatives
Why it matters: Career-based rewards reinforce that a company sees potential in its people and is willing to invest in their future. This leads to longer tenure, higher job satisfaction, and stronger succession planning.
Real-world story: Atlassian offers employees an annual learning budget and reports that 86% of their staff regularly take advantage of professional development opportunities—contributing to a strong internal pipeline of leadership talent.
4. Personalized Well-Being Perks
Supporting well-being is no longer optional. With burnout at an all-time high, forward-thinking companies are recognizing the value of rest and recovery. LinkedIn's company-wide "RestUp!" weeks, Pinterest's mental health days, and Microsoft’s access to wellness coaching are just a few examples of how companies are innovating in this space.
What works:
-
Paid wellness retreats or spa day vouchers
-
Quarterly mental health days separate from vacation
-
Access to therapy, coaching, or mindfulness platforms
Why it matters: When employees feel cared for as whole people, not just workers, they bring more energy, focus, and creativity to their roles. These programs also reduce absenteeism and increase overall workplace satisfaction.
Real-world story: LinkedIn found in internal surveys that 74% of employees felt more motivated and engaged following the introduction of RestUp! weeks, which gave the entire company time to reset without falling behind on work.
5. Team-Based Experiences That Build Connection
Not all recognition has to be individual. Shared experiences help teams bond, collaborate more effectively, and reduce friction across departments. For example, Atlassian organized a cross-functional step challenge, resulting in new project partnerships that wouldn't have formed otherwise.
What works:
-
Fun offsites that mix learning and leisure
-
Team-building activities like escape rooms, cooking classes, or volunteering
-
Internal competitions with experience-based rewards for the winning teams
Why it matters: Teams that have fun together, work better together. These shared moments create psychological safety and camaraderie—essential ingredients for innovation and long-term performance.
Real-world story: Atlassian’s step challenge improved cross-functional communication and led to more informal collaboration across departments, as reported in a post-event internal pulse survey.
Final Thoughts
Recognition programs shouldn’t be an afterthought—they’re a strategic lever for building loyalty, morale, and productivity. Today’s most effective programs are personal, experience-driven, and built on real moments that matter.
Whether it’s a wellness getaway, a skill-building workshop, or simply celebrating a teammate’s win, companies that invest in thoughtful recognition see the results across every level of the organization.
Looking to level up your employee recognition? Giftory makes it simple to send curated experiences your team will actually love—from spa days to skydiving. It’s time to rethink what recognition can be.