Disaster Relief and Crisis Response: Using Gift Cards to Support Employees During Emergencies

When disaster strikes—be it a hurricane, wildfire, flood, or personal crisis—employees need immediate, meaningful support. For organizations, providing timely assistance is not just compassionate; it’s essential for business continuity and employee well-being. One of the most effective, flexible, and dignified ways to help employees during emergencies is through digital gift cards.

Why Gift Cards Are a Game-Changer in Crisis Response

Traditional relief methods, such as physical checks, can be slow, logistically challenging, and sometimes inaccessible for displaced employees. Digital gift cards offer several unique advantages:

• Speed and Immediacy: Digital gift cards can be delivered instantly via email or text, ensuring employees get help when they need it most—even if they’re displaced or without access to their usual banking services.
• Flexibility and Dignity: Employees can choose what they need most, whether it’s groceries, fuel, clothing, or home supplies. This autonomy respects their individual circumstances and preferences.
• Accessibility: No bank account or physical address is required for digital delivery, making it easy to reach all employees, wherever they are.
• Scalability: Gift cards can be distributed to individuals or large groups, tracked for compliance, and managed within a set budget.

Assembly’s Gift Card Program: Fast, Flexible, and Free to Start

Assembly’s soon-to-launch gift card program is designed to make disaster relief and employee support easier than ever. Here’s how it works:

• Free to Sign Up: The first tier of Assembly is free, and gift card features are included in all paid plans.
• Self-Service Gifting:
  
  • 1:1 Gift and Card: Send a gift card directly to an employee—completely free.
  • 1 to Many Gift and Card: Send a card to a group, with the option for others to sign, but the gift comes from one person—also free.
  • Automated Gifting: For company-wide or recurring gifting, talk to Assembly’s sales team for tailored solutions.
• E-Cards and Kudo Boards: Create a digital kudo board using templates, customize it, and send it via email or text. Perfect for thank-yous, birthdays, anniversaries, and more.
• Gifting Ideas:
  
  • Send money for employees to choose from Assembly’s entire catalog.
  • Restrict funds to specific categories or curated rewards.
  • Send traditional gift cards or company swag (additional cost).
• Delightful Receiving Experience:
  
  • Recipients get their gift via text or email, complete with engaging animations to celebrate the moment.
  • Employees can easily send a thank-you back to the sender, closing the loop on appreciation.

Implementing a Gift Card Relief Program: Best Practices

1. Plan Ahead

Establish partnerships with a gift card provider like Assembly before disaster strikes. Set clear eligibility criteria and communication protocols so you can act quickly when needed.

2. Communicate Clearly

Let employees know about available support and how to access it. Use multiple channels—email, text, internal platforms—to ensure everyone is informed, especially those who may be displaced.

3. Ensure Inclusivity

Choose gift card options that are relevant to your employees’ locations and needs. Assembly’s broad catalog and customizable categories make it easy to tailor support.

4. Maintain Privacy and Dignity

Handle requests confidentially and respect employees’ privacy. Digital delivery ensures discretion and security.

5. Integrate with Other Support Programs

Coordinate gift card relief with Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), insurance, and other benefits for a holistic approach to crisis support.

6. Track and Evaluate

Use Assembly’s tracking features to monitor distribution, ensure compliance, and evaluate the impact of your relief efforts.

Challenges and Considerations

While gift cards are a powerful tool, it’s important to:

• Understand Tax Implications: Consult with your finance or legal team to ensure compliance with IRS rules for disaster relief.
• Choose the Right Vendors: Work with reputable providers like Assembly to ensure reliability and a positive employee experience.
• Keep Employee Data Updated: Accurate contact information is essential for timely delivery.

The Future of Employee Support

Organizations must be prepared to respond quickly and compassionately to disasters and crises. Digital gift cards—especially through a platform like Assembly—offer a modern, scalable, and human-centric solution that strengthens employee loyalty and organizational resilience.

Ready to empower your team with fast, flexible disaster relief?
Schedule a demo with Assembly today and see how easy it is to support your employees when it matters most.

FAQs

How can companies support employees during a disaster?

Companies can support employees during disasters by providing immediate financial assistance, flexible work arrangements, and access to resources like digital gift cards. Gift cards are especially effective because they can be delivered instantly and allow employees to choose what they need most.

Are gift cards taxable when given as disaster relief to employees?

In many cases, gift cards given as qualified disaster relief are not considered taxable income, but it’s important to consult with your legal or tax advisor to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.

What are the benefits of using digital gift cards for crisis response?

Digital gift cards offer speed, flexibility, and accessibility. They can be delivered instantly via email or text, used for a variety of needs, and don’t require a bank account or physical address.

What is Assembly’s gift card program for employee support?

Assembly’s gift card program allows companies to send digital gift cards to employees for free (on the first tier and all paid plans). Features include 1:1 and group gifting, automated gifting, e-cards, and a delightful, customizable receiving experience.