25 Best Employee Rewards Programs to Motivate Top Talent in 2025

In 2025, employee rewards matter more than ever. 

With evolving work environments — such as remote and hybrid workplaces — and shifting employee expectations, a thoughtful rewards program can be a game-changer. 

After all, when employees feel genuinely appreciated, it boosts morale, drives stronger performance, and helps retain top talent in a fiercely competitive market. 

And every business needs to see these benefits.

But it would be a mistake to simply launch generic employee incentive reward programs — an Employee of the Month scheme, with a $20 gift card reward, for example — without considering the needs and desires of individual employees. 

This is because outdated or one-size-fits-all programs often miss the mark — they can feel impersonal, repetitive, or disconnected from what employees actually value.

That's where Esteeme comes in. 

Esteeme offers a fresh, modern take on recognition through gamified rewards, personalized experiences, and seamless integration with the tools your team is already using. 

When employees complete set tasks or participate in events, they are rewarded with badges and coins, the latter of which can be redeemed for tangible real-world rewards in Esteeme's customizable gift shop. 

These rewards could be anything from the latest hot gadgets and experience days to unique, no-cost rewards like coffee chats with leadership — all within a fun and inclusive platform. 

🏆 Esteeme is about more than just rewards; it's about building a culture where everyone feels seen, celebrated, and motivated to do their best. Book a demo here today. 

What Are Employee Rewards Programs?

Employee rewards programs are thoughtful ways companies show appreciation for their team's hard work, dedication, and achievements. 

At their heart, these programs are about making people feel valued and motivated, helping to build a positive and supportive workplace culture.

It's helpful to understand the difference between rewards, recognition, and incentives:

🎁 Rewards are usually tangible — like gift cards, bonuses, or treats — to mark a job well done.

🗣️ Recognition is more personal, such as a heartfelt thank-you note or a public shoutout in a meeting.

⏳ Incentives are designed to encourage future efforts, like hitting a goal or completing a big project.

There are a multitude of benefits to deploying reward programs that make your employees feel valued. 

The major benefits you can expect to see include:

✅ Increased motivation and productivity

✅ Improved employee satisfaction and loyalty

✅ Better retention and reduced turnover

✅ Stronger team culture and morale

However, it's important to note that there are also several challenges when implementing reward schemes. 

Pitfalls to avoid include:

❌ Creating generic or outdated programs that feel impersonal or unfair

❌ Launching a poorly designed system that leads to favoritism or disengagement

❌ Building a rigid scheme that overlooks what truly matters to employees

What Makes a Great Employee Rewards Program in 2025?

We know that employee rewards programs are a must in 2025 — but we also know that not just any old scheme will do. 

So, when you're ready to start creating your employee rewards program, what should you be thinking about?

In other words, how can you ensure you deploy a great rewards scheme?

1. Personalization and Flexibility 🤸‍♀️

Every employee is unique, so a one-size-fits-all strategy is never going to be as effective as a personalized scheme. 

Personalized rewards — whether it's extra time off, a favorite treat, or a meaningful experience — show you truly know and value your people. 

Meanwhile, flexibility ensures the program adapts to diverse needs, making it more inclusive, engaging, and impactful for everyone involved.

Building flexibility into your scheme also empowers you to respond to changing business and employee needs, ensuring sustainability. 

2. Gamification and Motivation 🕹️

Adding game-like elements — like badges and coins, for example — makes recognition feel fun and engaging. 

Gamification taps into human nature — we love to play, we love to win, and when we have a sense of progress and achievement, we thrive. 

Picture sitting down at your desk in the morning. 

What do you do first?

Perhaps look through your inbox, scan your calendar, or make a to-do list for the day. 

There's nothing wrong with these routines per se, but most employees would admit that, after a while, the grind of day-to-day working life can become a little boring. 

Now, imagine sitting down at your desk in the morning and opening the social feed on your rewards scheme platform. 

You've received a badge for helping a team member yesterday, which makes you feel great, and 20 coins, which you'll put towards an item in the gift store you've been eyeing for a while. 

You scroll through the platform, committing to events and tasks that will earn you more coins and badges — your to-do list comes together naturally. 

Feels a little more engaging, right? 

In this way, great employee rewards programs can turn everyday tasks into exciting challenges, encouraging consistent participation and fostering a more energized, goal-driven work environment.

3. Timely delivery 🚚

Recognition that's delayed loses its impact. 

Timely rewards — given right after a great performance or act of kindness — create a strong connection between the behavior and the appreciation. 

It reinforces positive actions in the moment, making employees feel seen and valued when it matters most.

4. Cost-Effectiveness And ROI 💰

Remember — rewards don't have to be expensive to be meaningful. 

Offering a mix of paid and free rewards is often the most effective way to engage employees. 

After all, while some employees value rewards with monetary value most, others prioritize boosting their skills or bagging extra time off. 

Indeed, a well-designed program should offer great value by boosting morale, retention, and productivity without breaking the bank. 

How do you know if your program is working?

Measuring ROI helps ensure the program delivers real benefits to employees and the business.

5. Integration and Scalability 🔌

The best rewards programs fit seamlessly into the tools your team already uses.

Integration makes it easier to manage, while scalability ensures it can grow with your company, supporting everyone from small teams to global workforces without extra hassle.

6. Use Of Data And Analytics 📈

Smart use of data helps you understand what's working and what's not. 

Harness the power of data analytics to uncover employee reward trends, highlight top performers, and guide future improvements. 

With real insights, you can constantly fine-tune your program to keep it fresh, fair, and aligned with what truly motivates your team.

25 Best Employee Rewards Programs and Ideas

Ready to get inspired with some employee rewards programs examples? 

Read on for 25 of the most exciting and creative employee rewards programs ideas out there, from steps challenges to desk detoxes. 

#1 Milestone Bonuses

Perhaps the most traditional employee reward, milestone bonuses have stuck around for aeons because they're so effective. 

Indeed, cash or gift card rewards tied to individual or team KPIs are ideal when it comes to motivating high performance.

In the most competitive professions, you might create an all-or-nothing milestone bonus — you either hit your target and get the full amount, or you fail and walk away with nothing. 

But in some work environments, it can be more motivating to set up tiered milestone bonuses, where an employee will receive a certain percentage of the full amount for coming close to the target. 

#2 Referral Rewards

Referral bonuses reward employees for recommending great candidates who get hired. 

When an employee refers a professional to the recruitment team, and that person subsequently joins the team (and usually stays for a set period), the referring employee receives a bonus, like Esteeme coins or gift vouchers.

This is a win-win that encourages quality hires and boosts team engagement.

#3 Esteeme Coin-for-Goal Completion

Use Esteeme to hand out coins to employees for hitting goals, finishing tasks, completing training programs, attending events, or submitting ideas.

When they've collected enough coins, employees can then redeem these coins for tangible rewards in the virtual gift store, choosing whichever prizes speak to them the most. 

Not only does this create a bespoke rewards environment, but it empowers employees to easily keep track of their budget and ROI. 

#4 Innovation Challenges

Innovation challenges invite employees to share creative ideas or solutions.

These innovation challenges can be held in response to specific business problems.

Alternatively, simply throw down the gauntlet to your employees and ask them for innovations that could generally move the business forward. 

Participants often compete in these structured challenges for rewards, recognition, or the chance to bring their idea to life. 

These challenges spark engagement, tap into hidden talents, and encourage a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the organization.

#5 Recognition for Revenue Impact

Recognition for revenue impact highlights and rewards employees who directly contribute to a company's financial success.

For example, you might offer recognition for closing sales, improving processes, or boosting customer retention.

These schemes work well because they connect employee efforts to tangible business outcomes, making recognition feel especially meaningful. 

This kind of reward motivates high performance and helps employees see the value of their role in driving growth, strengthening engagement and accountability across the team.

#6 Top Collaborator Badge

Successful collaboration is essential for any business, but it's not always easy. 

Barriers to collaboration range from a highly competitive team environment and clashing personalities to busy schedules. 

So if you want to encourage collaboration, it's worth attaching some recognition. 

Use Esteeme to encourage and celebrate collaboration by creating a Top Collaborator badge to display on employee profiles. 

You could award this badge monthly to cross-functional team members who go above and beyond.

#7 Weekly Shoutout Draw

This is a super useful scheme for encouraging employees to applaud each other for good work. 

Here's the idea: each time an employee gives kudos or recognition to a teammate, they're automatically entered into a weekly raffle. 

This is a fun and lighthearted way to encourage regular appreciation across the team. 

Not only does it build a habit of recognition, but it also adds a playful incentive that keeps things fresh and engaging. 

Winners might receive a small prize, bragging rights, or even a spotlight moment in the next team meeting!

#8 Caught Doing Great Work

Sometimes, the best recognition comes when it's least expected. 

This rewards program celebrates those spontaneous moments when employees go above and beyond.

Whether noticed by a manager or flagged automatically through platforms like Esteeme, these surprise recognitions make people feel truly seen. 

It reinforces positive behaviors in real time and shows that effort doesn't go unnoticed — even when it's not tied to a big project or goal.

#9 Kudos Chain Reaction

Create a ripple effect of positivity by rewarding employees who consistently recognize and uplift others. 

A 'Kudos Chain Reaction' scheme encourages ongoing appreciation: one act of recognition sparks another. 

After all, when team members see gratitude being shared, they're more likely to join in.

This builds a culture where acknowledgment becomes part of everyday work life. 

Moreover, with platforms like Esteeme, you can easily track and reward those who help keep the chain going. 

Whether it's a small prize, a public shoutout, or bonus points, celebrating the connectors in your team helps keep morale high and relationships strong across departments and roles.

#10 Culture Champion Badge

The Esteeme Culture Champion Badge is a special employee recognition program for employees who consistently embody and promote your company's core values. 

Whether it's teamwork, integrity, innovation, or customer focus, these individuals set a shining example for others. 

With Esteeme, you can automatically or manually award this badge to highlight the employee's impact in a visible, meaningful way. 

It not only honors their contributions but also reinforces what your organization stands for. 

Over time, these champions help shape a stronger, values-driven culture that inspires the entire team to align with the company's mission and spirit every day.

#11 Upskilling Coins

Celebrate employees who invest in their personal and professional development by rewarding them for upskilling with Esteeme coins. 

For instance, you could hand out a predetermined number of coins for completing e-learning courses, certifications, or external training programs.

Handing out coins for upskilling shows that your company values continuous learning and encourages others to grow their skills. 

Recognizing development milestones will help to build a culture of growth, curiosity, and future-focused thinking within your team.

#12 Mentor Match Reward

Offer Esteeme coins or badges for employees who take on mentees or run coaching sessions.

It's important to recognize and reward employees who give their time and expertise to help others grow. 

Whether mentoring a new hire or leading a coaching session, these team members play a vital role in building a supportive, knowledge-sharing culture. 

Rewarding this behaviour not only shows that you value their leadership but also encourages a spirit of collaboration and continuous learning across the organization.

#13 Knowledge Sharing Bonus

Acknowledge and reward team members who take the initiative to share their expertise with others. 

Whether hosting a 'lunch and learn', leading an internal workshop, or circulating best practices, this bonus recognizes efforts that contribute to a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. 

Encouraging this kind of knowledge transfer strengthens team skills and fosters a more connected and informed workplace.

#14 Book Club Rewards

Promote continuous learning by rewarding employees who participate in internal learning or discussion groups — a book club, for example. 

And use Esteeme to gamify the experience.

Members could earn points for reading, contributing to conversations, leading sessions, or simply attending. 

Why reward this type of behaviour?

It encourages professional development, builds community through shared learning, and is a fun and engaging way to spark new ideas and keep everyone growing together.

#15 Cross-Team Shadowing Perk

Encourage collaboration and broaden skill sets by rewarding employees who take the time to engage with another department or function. 

Whether sitting in on meetings, learning workflows, shadowing a day, or understanding cross-functional challenges, this perk supports professional growth and strengthens interdepartmental relationships. 

What's more, recognizing this effort fosters empathy, breaks down silos, and promotes a more cohesive and agile organization.

#16 Mindfulness Master Badge

Support employee wellbeing by recognizing those who actively engage in mindfulness and wellness activities with an Esteeme Mindfulness Master badge. 

For example, you could award this badge for participation in:

• Guided meditation sessions

• Yoga classes 

• Stress management workshops

• Walking or running clubs

• Mental health initiatives 

This is a meaningful way to promote balance, resilience, and self-care in the workplace — while showing that emotional wellness is just as important as professional performance.

#17 Steps Challenge Coins

Similarly, you can encourage physical activity by offering weekly Esteeme rewards for employees who hit movement goals.

Whether this means hitting a certain number of steps or active minutes, employees can use fitness trackers to measure their activity levels. 

This initiative promotes a healthier lifestyle, boosts energy, and fosters friendly competition among colleagues.

#18 No-Meeting Day Pass

A meeting-free day sounds like heaven, right? 

Your employees would most likely agree. 

How about allowing employees to redeem their Esteeme coins for a No-Meeting Day Pass, granting them a guaranteed day free from meetings. 

This highly-valued perk gives team members the time and space to focus on deep work, reducing burnout and increasing productivity, all while promoting a healthier work-life balance.

#19 Desk Detox Box

Surprise employees with wellness-themed reward boxes as a fun reward for participating in events, challenges, or wellness initiatives. 

These boxes can include items like calming teas, stress-relief gadgets, healthy snacks, or self-care tools — perfect for creating a relaxing workspace. 

Not only is this a tangible reward for employee participation, but it should also directly boost wellbeing and promote a healthier, more mindful work environment.

#20 Digital Detox Challenge

This is one we could all benefit from.

Encourage healthier tech habits by gamifying reduced screen time or limiting non-essential app usage, especially after work hours. 

You can use Esteeme to track progress and reward employees who successfully unplug and set boundaries with their devices. 

The benefits of this challenge, in this digitally demanding world?

• Better work-life balance

• Increased focus

• Improved mental wellbeing

#21 Meme Maker Badge

Don't underestimate the power of a bit of fun when boosting workplace morale. 

This is where the Esteeme' Meme Maker Badge' comes in. 

Celebrate creativity and team spirit by awarding these badges to employees who create fun, relatable memes that reflect your workplace culture. 

Whether it's poking light fun at office quirks or highlighting team wins with humor, this badge adds levity, strengthens camaraderie, and keeps internal communication fresh and engaging. 

A little laughter goes a long way!

#22 Virtual Background Challenge

This is another fun one — and it's perfect for remote or hybrid teams. 

Why not inject a bit of levity into your video meetings by hosting themed virtual background contests?

Whether it's 'Vacation Vibes,' 'Throwback Thursday,' or 'Office Superhero Day,' employees could earn Esteeme coins for participating or winning the most creative backdrop. 

Not only will this boost engagement, but it's a great way to showcase the different personalities on your team and get to know each other a little better. 

#23 Office DJ Rotation

Let employees earn the coveted role of Office DJ by participating in challenges or earning Esteeme coins. 

Winners get to curate the team's Spotify playlist for a day or even a full week!

It's a fun way to showcase personal taste, energize the workday, and create a shared soundtrack that brings the team closer together — whether in-office or remote.

And, of course, it's free!

#24 Pet Parade Contest

Who doesn't love looking at adorable snaps of dogs, cats, and all manner of weird and wonderful pets? 

This is just one reason to hold a Pet Parade photo contest — and reward the winners with Esteeme coins. 

Remote and in-office employees can all share adorable snapshots of their furry (or scaly!) friends, with rewards going to the cutest, funniest, or most creative entries. 

You could even theme your photo contest  — for example, the best pet Halloween costume or the best shots of your pet snoozing or exploring nature. 

Then hold a company-wide vote to determine the winner. 

It's a lighthearted way to boost morale, spark conversation, and connect the team through a shared love for their animal companions.

#25 Random Acts of Kindness Reward

Did you know you can use Esteeme to help make the world (or at least your office) a better place?

Start by recognizing employees who go out of their way to support others.

You can use peer nominations to track small but meaningful acts of kindness — whether it's lending a hand, sharing encouragement, or spreading positivity. 

Reward these gestures with Esteeme coins to show that empathy and generosity are just as valued as performance and productivity.

How to Choose the Right Employee Rewards Program

There are plenty of employee rewards options above — but they're not all going to be the right fit for every company.

So how do you determine which programs will be the most effective for your business, and which will be a waste of time?

1. Define Goals And KPIs

Start by clearly outlining what you want to achieve with your reward system.

This might be boosting engagement, improving retention, or encouraging learning, for example. 

Then, consider which metrics you'll need to use to track progress towards these SMART goals. 

Now, set measurable KPIs to track progress and impact over time.

2. Understand What Motivates Your Workforce

It's no surprise that people are driven by different things. 

Gather feedback through surveys, focus groups, or simply casual chats to find out what types of rewards and recognition resonate most with your team.

3. Segment by roles, departments, and personalities

Customize rewards to fit the unique dynamics of different groups. 

After all, what motivates a sales team is likely to differ from what excites engineers or creatives. 

This means that tailoring matters, even within the same company. 

4. Balance monetary and non-monetary rewards

For best results, include a mix of incentives to appeal to a broader range of preferences.

For instance, your prizes could include bonuses, gift cards, work perks, recognition, flexible hours, or learning opportunities.

5. Ensure ease of implementation and accessibility

Keep your system simple and user-friendly. 

Employees should easily understand how to earn and redeem rewards.

And they shouldn't have to jump through hoops to do it. 

6. Involve leadership for visibility and buy-in

When leaders participate in and endorse the employee rewards program, it adds legitimacy and encourages company-wide engagement. 

Indeed, senior support signals that the program is a priority, encouraging more junior employees to take it seriously. 

7. Test and Iterate

Start small with a pilot group to gather feedback, refine your approach, and fix any hiccups before launching company-wide. 

Iteration leads to a smoother and more successful rollout.

Why Esteeme Is the Best Platform for Employee Rewards in 2025

Esteeme stands out in 2025 as the ultimate platform for driving employee engagement through gamified, culture-aligned rewards. 

Firstly, its fully customizable coins, badges, events, and rewards store allow companies to tailor recognition programs to their unique company culture and goals. 

And with peer to peer recognition a major focus, Esteeme encourages cross-team connection and recognition beyond management.

Furthermore, the platform supports culture-driven recognition with features like values-based badges and even meme rewards, keeping things fun and authentic. 

Seamless integrations with tools like Slack ensure easy adoption, while built-in analytics offer clear insights into participation, motivation, and ROI.

So, what kind of results does Esteeme get?

Room 8 Group launched Esteeme and found that 77% of employees received weekly recognition, and the business saved up to 45% on rewards costs. 

Elsewhere, Roosh Group tripled reward redemptions using Esteeme. 

Scalable for startups and global enterprises alike, Esteeme empowers organizations to build meaningful, measurable, and motivating recognition experiences in today's evolving workplace.

Conclusion

Gamified rewards tap into natural human motivators — like competition, achievement, and progress — to transform routine behaviors into fun, rewarding experiences. 

This approach not only boosts employee participation and demonstrates that your business values its employees but also reinforces desired actions, such as collaboration, learning, or wellness. 

Unlike traditional rewards, gamification creates ongoing momentum and excitement, making employee recognition feel more immediate and meaningful. 

When done right, it drives sustained behavior change, builds positive habits, and helps embed company values into everyday actions, making it a powerful tool for any successful employee rewards program.

🚀 Schedule your Esteeme demo today to see how gamified rewards can transform your team.