50 Best Personalized Reward Ideas for Recognizing Employees

Tailor employee recognition to individual preferences with these personalized reward ideas, from unique experiences to wellness.

September 11, 2024
Press the button to generate random icebreaker questions.
There are 300 more icebreaker questions at the bottom of the article
How would you describe your job to a five year old?
What season would you be?
What is a weird food you have tried? Would you eat it again?
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Would you go in the mother-ship with aliens if they landed on Earth tomorrow?
What is your favorite season?
Do prefer working from home or the office?
What is your earliest memory of this job?
What is the best thing you have bought so far this year?
What is the earliest book you remember?
If you had to move to another country, which one would you choose?
You are the best criminal mastermind in the world. What crime would you commit if you knew you would get away with it?
What is your favorite movie genre to watch?
What was the last thing you ate?
What person from history would you add to Mount Rushmore?
What is a weird fact you know?
What is your favorite part of working from home?
Were the Spice Girls a good team?
Imagine you can instantly learn any language. Which would you choose?
If you could live in any state, which state would you pick?
Which fictional team is the best team of all time?
What did you want to be when you grew up?
What do you usually eat for a quick lunch?
What simple food will you never eat?
Show us the weirdest thing you have in the room with you right now.
Would you rather stay at a hotel or an AirBNB?
What is your favorite movie genre to watch?
Are you more productive in the morning or at night?
Who is someone in your community that makes a difference?
Who was your most unique pet?
Choose one famous person from history you want on your team during a zombie apocalypse.
What is a good way to give back to the community?
Which song could you listen to over and over again?
Is Hugh Grant funny?
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
Would you want to have an imaginary friend today? Did you have one as a child?
What actor or actress would you want to play you in the movie about your life?
What is the best super power?
What is your New Years resolution?
You can only eat one food again for the rest of your life. What is it?
What is the best work holiday?
What is the first gift you remember receiving?
Would you rather join Metallica or Backstreet Boys?
What is the best example of a community you have seen?
What is an easy way to do something nice for someone?
Show us your phone background and tell the story behind why you picked this image.
What was your first job?
Pick any band to play at your funeral.
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life, what would you pick?
Which superpower would you give to your arch enemy?
What is the most obscure superpower you would want?
What emoji best describes how you are feeling right now?
If you could live in any country, which country would you pick?
Would you rather live in a city or a town?
What is your favorite holiday?
What is something you accomplished as part of a team?
What is your standard office lunch?
What is your most used phone app?
What is your favorite season?
Have you ever won something as a team?
Imagine you are a professional baseball player. What is your introduction song?
Beach holiday or ski trip?
Have you ever been to a funny comedy show?
Would you rather live at the North Pole or the South Pole?
What is your favorite song to sing?
If you could live in any state, which state would you pick?
Imagine you could teleport anywhere. Where would you go right now?
What is the most unusual job you have heard of?
What was the last thing you ate?
You can visit any fictional time or place. Which would you pick?
What do your family and friends think you do all day?
What movie do you wish you could watch again for the first time?
Show us your most-used emoji.
What was the most unique style or fashion trend you ever embraced?
What movie defined your generation?
You are stranded on a remote desert island. Are you alone or with your worst enemy?
What is your favorite knock-knock joke?
Have you ever told someone Santa is not real?
Do you know how to speak more than one language?
On a scale of 1 – 10, how much of a team player are you?
What is your #1 recommendation in this city?
What is your favorite holiday?
What bucket list item do you most want to check off in the next six months?
What is your favorite mythical creature?
What was the first way you made money?
If you could be great at any Olympic sport, which would it be?
Which song could you listen to over and over again?
When did you start liking/hating mushrooms?
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Do you take your PTO all at one time, or another way?
Which show do you remember most from your childhood?
Which beverage goes best with pizza?
Would you want to have a personal assistant follow you around everywhere and do what you asked of them?
Have you ever met your idol?
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Would you rather live 100 years in the past or 100 years in the future?
What is your hobby?
When you are alone in the car, what volume is the music at?
Imagine you no longer have to work. How would you spend a Tuesday?
What is your favorite type of sandwich?

Attracting and retaining top talent requires more than just a paycheck these days. Personalized employee rewards are one of the most effective ways to show appreciation while boosting motivation and job satisfaction. When employees feel that their contributions are valued and their personal preferences are acknowledged, it creates a sense of belonging and fosters loyalty within the organization.

Why Personalized Rewards Matter

Unlike generic rewards, personalized employee rewards acknowledge individual preferences, achievements, and personalities. Tailoring rewards based on what motivates each team member can have a profound impact on engagement and productivity. Here are the top reasons why personalized rewards make a difference:

  • Higher Engagement: Employees who receive rewards aligned with their preferences are more engaged and motivated.
  • Boosted Morale and Loyalty: Personalized recognition helps employees feel valued, which improves job satisfaction and retention.
  • Unique Contributions Recognized: When rewards reflect an individual’s specific achievements or interests, it sends the message that their unique contribution is recognized.

The Benefits of Personalized Employee Rewards

Implementing personalized rewards can transform workplace culture. Here are the key benefits:

  • Stronger Relationships: Personalized rewards foster stronger connections between employees and management, enhancing communication and trust.
  • Increased Motivation and Productivity: When employees are rewarded for their efforts in a meaningful way, they are more likely to stay motivated and perform at a high level.
  • Valuing Unique Contributions: Personalized rewards show that each employee is valued for their individual efforts, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.
  • Promoting Inclusivity: Tailoring rewards to individual preferences promotes a culture of respect and inclusivity.

How to Select Personalized Rewards

When selecting personalized rewards, consider the following criteria to ensure the reward is meaningful and impactful:

  • Align With Interests and Hobbies: Choose rewards that reflect the employee's personal interests, such as hobbies or activities they enjoy outside of work.
  • Support Professional Development: Offer rewards that help employees grow in their careers, whether through training, mentorship, or networking opportunities.
  • Offer Flexibility: Tailor rewards to employees’ needs, offering options such as remote work setups, flexible hours, or time off.
  • Be Culturally Sensitive: Ensure that rewards are inclusive and respectful of cultural differences, reflecting the diverse makeup of your workforce.

Top 50 Personalized Employee Reward Ideas

To make it easier to choose the perfect reward, we’ve divided ideas into categories: Experiences, Wellness and Self-Care, Professional Development, Tangible Gifts, and Work-Life Balance Rewards.

Experiences

For employees who value memories and adventures over material items, consider offering them unique experiences:

  1. Personalized weekend getaway for two.
  2. Customized team-building adventure or retreat.
  3. Tickets to a concert, sporting event, or theater performance they love.
  4. A subscription to a hobby class like painting, cooking, or photography.
  5. Private guided tour of a museum or local attraction.
  6. Dinner at a top-rated restaurant catered to their culinary preferences.
  7. Virtual or in-person escape room experience.
  8. A personalized city tour or cultural experience (food, history, art).
  9. Helicopter ride or hot air balloon experience.
  10. Exclusive wine-tasting event or brewery tour.

Wellness and Self-Care

To show that you care about your employees’ health and well-being, consider offering personalized wellness rewards:

  1. Personalized fitness or wellness coaching session.
  2. Spa day with treatments tailored to their preferences.
  3. Tailored home office ergonomic upgrade (standing desk, ergonomic chair).
  4. Subscription to a mental wellness app (Headspace, Calm).
  5. Customized meal delivery plan (healthy, gourmet, or based on dietary needs).
  6. Yoga or meditation classes personalized to their fitness level.
  7. At-home massage service or gift certificate.
  8. Personalized skincare or grooming package.
  9. A session with a personal trainer or nutritionist.
  10. Virtual or in-person wellness retreat.

Professional Development

Help employees grow in their careers with rewards that support their professional development:

  1. Sponsorship for a course or certification in their field of interest.
  2. Mentorship or coaching sessions with industry leaders.
  3. Tickets to conferences or networking events relevant to their career.
  4. Personalized learning subscription (MasterClass, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning).
  5. Professional book bundle tailored to their career goals.
  6. Membership to a professional organization or association.
  7. Custom career development plan designed with HR.
  8. One-on-one coaching for public speaking or leadership development.
  9. Access to an exclusive industry seminar or workshop.
  10. Company-funded side project or innovation opportunity.

Tangible Gifts

For those who appreciate something physical, personalized tangible gifts can make a lasting impression:

  1. Custom-made artwork or a desk item personalized with their name or favorite quote.
  2. High-quality work gear (noise-canceling headphones, smart office tools).
  3. Personalized luxury gift set (gourmet food, premium coffee, or tea collection).
  4. Customized company swag (clothing, accessories) that reflects their role.
  5. Handwritten thank-you note paired with a luxury pen set.
  6. Personalized notebook or planner with their initials.
  7. High-end tech gadgets (smartwatch, tablet) tailored to their preferences.
  8. Custom jewelry or a watch engraved with their name or work anniversary.
  9. Subscription to a monthly box (snacks, books, or tech gear).
  10. Monogrammed leather wallet, bag, or laptop sleeve.

Work-Life Balance Rewards

Show employees that you value their work-life balance by offering rewards that allow them to recharge and spend time with loved ones:

  1. Extra paid time off or personalized schedule flexibility.
  2. Customized remote work setup (tech tools, furniture).
  3. Family-oriented rewards, like theme park tickets or a family dinner voucher.
  4. Personalized holiday or anniversary gift celebrating employee milestones.
  5. Customized sabbatical program tailored to their career and personal goals.
  6. Flexible work hours based on their individual lifestyle or family needs.
  7. Subscription to a streaming service (movies, music, or books) they enjoy.
  8. Personal day or mental health day tailored to their preferences.
  9. Pet-friendly rewards (dog walking services, pet care package).
  10. Home cleaning or organizing service to help with work-life balance.

How to Implement Personalized Rewards

Here are a few practical steps to ensure you effectively gather information on your employees' preferences and budget for rewards:

  1. Conduct Surveys or 1-on-1 Discussions: Regularly check in with employees to understand their hobbies, goals, and preferences. This can be done through surveys, feedback forms, or casual conversations.
  2. Budget for Personalized Rewards: Allocate part of the company’s reward budget specifically for personalized gifts. This ensures you have the resources to tailor rewards without overspending.
  3. Make Rewards a Part of the Company Culture: Personalized rewards should be consistently incorporated into the workplace. This could be part of a recognition program or as part of milestone celebrations.

Building a Path to a Positive Workplace Culture

Personalized employee rewards are a powerful tool for creating an engaged, motivated, and loyal workforce. They demonstrate to employees that they are valued as individuals, not just for their work output. Start small with personalized rewards for your employees, and as you gather insights into preferences, scale up the program. Invest in your organization with a recognition program that fosters a positive workplace culture and attracts and retains top talent. Schedule a demo with Assembly and we’ll help you put appreciation at the heart of your business. 

FAQ’s

What are some affordable personalized employee reward ideas?

Even on a budget, you can offer personalized rewards that resonate with your employees. Consider inexpensive but meaningful options like a handwritten thank-you note paired with a small gift, such as a customized notebook or planner. You can also offer flexible work hours, extra paid time off, or personalized remote work setups. Tailoring the reward to their preferences, like a favorite snack box subscription or a personalized company swag item, can make an affordable yet impactful gesture.

How can personalized rewards improve employee retention?

Personalized rewards help employees feel valued and recognized for their unique contributions, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty to the company. When employees receive rewards that reflect their personal preferences and interests, it strengthens their connection to the workplace, improving job satisfaction. This leads to higher retention rates as employees are more likely to stay with a company that invests in their well-being and career growth through tailored rewards.

What’s the best way to gather employee preferences for personalized rewards?

The most effective way to gather employee preferences is through regular feedback, surveys, or one-on-one discussions. You can ask about their hobbies, career goals, and preferred types of rewards. Offering anonymous surveys can also encourage employees to share their honest opinions. These insights will help you align rewards with their interests and ensure that the recognition feels personal and meaningful.

How do personalized rewards contribute to a positive workplace culture?

Personalized rewards contribute to a positive workplace culture by promoting inclusivity, recognition, and respect for individual preferences. When employees see that their unique efforts are acknowledged, it fosters a sense of pride and boosts morale. This approach also encourages open communication and strong relationships between management and employees, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute to the company’s success.

Browse our Free Employee Recognition Guide

Get the foundational knowledge on creating an employee recognition program that boosts employee engagement and helps them feel valued.

Explore Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Assembly SOC 2 compliant?

Yes, at Assembly, security is a top priority. Each quarter, we have ongoing security work that is everyone’s responsibility. While we maintain a strong security posture, it was important for us to prove to our customers that we do everything we claim to do. This led us to pursue a SOC 2 Type II report that would provide evidence of our compliance with industry gold-standard security practice.

What's the ROI for employee recognition?

There is study after study showing that employee recognition leads to increased engagement. This in return creates an environment where employees are happier and more motivated which increase productivity and reduces voluntary turnover significantly. In order to filled critical roles, companies tend to spend nearly twice the value of an annual salary. Assembly is an investment in your employees that supports your bottom line.

Does Assembly offer longer-term contracts?

Yes, we will offer contracts for companies with longer-term agreements to help larger customers have more certainty around future costs.

The minimum agreement term is a 12-month subscription.

Does Assembly offer onboarding support?

We do and for FREE! Any new customer needing further support to get started with Assembly to ensure you're set up for success can request custom onboarding support. Improving your employee experience is about much more than just using our amazing software; it’s about transforming your business to create a workplace that people love. That’s much easier to do with the personal support and advice from our passionate people experts.

How much do rewards cost?

At the time of redemption (when your employees exchange their points for a paid reward) you'll pay face value. If a reward is a $10 Amazon gift card, your cost will be $10. All paid rewards are billed for on a monthly basis.

The good news is that you don't have to pay for rewards upfront because we only charge you when points are redeemed, not when they're earned.

Does Assembly offer discounts?

We offer discounts or educational or charitable organizations. In order to secure a discount, you'll first need to book a demo with a customer support specialist.

For all other organizations, we are willing to consider longer-term agreements in exchange for discounts. To set up annual plans or longer, you will need to book a demo with a customer support specialist.

How do I cancel my plan if needed?

If you're on a month to month plan, you can go here and cancel anytime. If you're having concerns or need help setting up your account for success, you can always book a demo with a customer support specialist.

If you're on a longer-term custom plan, you'll need to reach out to your customer support specialist to cancel your account or email us at support@joinassembly.com.

What customizations are available?

Great question! You can customize your core values to match your organization's to boost and track alignment. You can change your currency from the 🏆 emoji (our default) to any emoji of your choice. You can swap our logo for your own. You can also set up company culture rewards such as, "Lunch with the CEO," "Buy a book on us," and so much more!

Who can give or receive recognition?

While we recommend a peer to peer set up where anyone in your organization can give or receive recognition, you can set up Assembly however you want. If you need to limit the people who can give or receive recognition, that's perfectly fine and can be done from your Admin, here.

What integrations are available?

Assembly connects to the tools your employees use every day to offer an easy, seamless experience with minimal change management.  

Assembly has integrations with HCM/HRIS systems like ADP, Google, Office 365, and Slack. We also integrate with communication tools like Slack and Teams so you and your employees can access Assembly wherever they work now.

What's your average adoption rate?

That depends on the company's permissions set up. That said, over 90% of the employees on Assembly's platform are recognized on a monthly basis. That means nearly every employee across all of our customers are receiving regular recognition from their peers, managers, or leadership. We're extremely proud of this.

Must rewards be set up to use Assembly?

They are not required. You can use Assembly without having rewards set up. However, we don't recommend it if you intend to have a high adoption and usage rate. You can always keep the costs down by offering internal culture rewards that are fulfilled by you internally.

Are points required to use Assembly?

No, you can remove allowances from anyone or everyone. It's up to you but we do recommend using points whether they're worth a real dollar value or not. Companies that use points have a much higher engagement rate even if those points don't exchange for real dollars.

Could find the answer you are looking for?

Please schedule time with an expert and we will help you to get all your questions answered