New research, backed by the York Gift Card, suggests this could boost workplace motivation.
The study indicated that 94 per cent of employees believe their organisation’s support for local businesses is important.
A further 97 per cent said they would feel more motivated if their company showed care for the local community.
Driven by York BID, the York Gift Card is part of a broader Town & City Gift Card initiative.
The research, conducted by Miconex, surveyed more than 4,000 employees, organisations, and consumers.
The York Gift Card, redeemable at more than 330 businesses in the city, offers choice, which was key for 89 per cent of surveyed employees.
Gift cards are a popular choice of reward, with 83 per cent of employees preferring a £50 tax-free gift card over £50 cash through payroll.
The research also highlighted opportunities to enhance staff motivation through seasonally based and unexpected rewards.
According to the study, winter is the least motivating time of year for staff, with only 14 per cent of people feeling most motivated at this time of year.
Half of the respondents said they do not feel valued by their employer, and 69 per cent think their employer’s reward and incentive offering could be improved.
In October, the York Gift Card introduced software enabling organisations to send digital ‘Town & City Gift Cards’ to multiple recipients simultaneously, either immediately or on a set date.
Carl Alsop, operations manager of York BID, said: “Support for local is at an all-time high with employees.
“They want to support local and if their company shows their support for local too, it makes them feel more positively about their firm, boosting motivation.”
