Let’s be frank, the world where our dining tables became our desks has fundamentally changed how we work. For those of us in HR, keeping team spirit and morale high in a dispersed workforce isn’t just a challenge; it’s a core strategic priority. This shift away from the traditional office isn’t just about location, it’s about mindset. And within this new reality lies a fantastic opportunity to rethink how we reward, recognise and reconnect with our people in ways that genuinely matter.
If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that our people are everything. Those leaders who leaned into empathy quickly discovered that a strong culture isn’t built on office perks like ping-pong tables or Friday pizzas. It’s forged through thoughtful gestures, authentic connection, and incentives that acknowledge employees as whole people, not just workers.
So, here are some inventive, people-first ideas for rewards. They’re designed not just to tick a box, but to cultivate a genuine culture of appreciation, no matter where your team logs in from.
Creative Rewards That Truly Make an Impact
In-Home Cooking Experience with a Professional Chef
In a world of digital overload, why not offer something genuinely authentic? A live, guided cooking session with a chef provides a welcome pause from the screen and gives your team a chance to stir up their creativity, quite literally.
Volunteer Day (or Team Volunteer Project)
We all know that a sense of purpose is a powerful motivator. Giving your staff a paid day to support a cause they’re passionate about is a brilliant gesture. You could even coordinate a team volunteering event to combine social impact with building stronger team bonds.
LinkedIn Recommendation from a Leader
This one is simple yet incredibly powerful. A public endorsement from a manager is more than just a pat on the back; it’s a real career catalyst. A thoughtful, sincere recommendation on LinkedIn shows you truly believe in their potential and can significantly boost their professional standing.
Team GIF Challenge
Sometimes you just need to inject a bit of fun into the week. A friendly competition is perfect for this. Set a theme, divide people into teams, and challenge them to a GIF-off. Adding Uber Eats vouchers for the winning team is a nice touch, blending fun with a tangible reward.
Year-Long Fitness Subscription
Wellbeing is about more than just physical health, especially when working remotely. A subscription to a fitness platform can support everything from home workouts to mental resets, helping your people maintain focus, energy and clarity.
£25 TaskRabbit Credit
Let’s face it, sometimes it’s the small life-admin tasks that drain our energy; building flat-pack furniture or that forgotten grocery run. A bit of credit for a service like TaskRabbit can lift a small weight off someone’s shoulders, allowing them to stay focused on what matters.
Custom Zoom Background with Photo & Quote
Celebrate your team’s personalities with a bespoke Zoom background. Creating one that reflects an employee’s character, perhaps featuring a favourite quote, is a playful and highly personalised way to acknowledge their unique contribution to the team.
Flexible Hours for a Week
Trust is one of the most valuable things you can offer. Granting a team member the autonomy to set their own schedule for a week demonstrates that you respect their personal rhythms and trust them to deliver.
Dance-Off with the CEO
Yes, you read that right. A light-hearted virtual dance challenge that includes senior leadership is a fantastic way to break down hierarchies and cut through the monotony. It’s a brilliant reminder that we don’t always have to be so serious at work.
Time for a Passion Project (25%)
Allow your people to dedicate a portion of their time to projects that genuinely excite them, whether it’s related to innovation, community work, or pure creativity. This fosters incredible engagement, a sense of ownership, and often results in brilliant new ideas for the business.
Handwritten Note to Their Family or Partner
Recognition feels even more special when it’s shared with the people we care about. A handwritten note sent to an employee’s partner or family, thanking them for their support, is a deeply human gesture that extends gratitude beyond the workplace.
Annual Spotify or Apple Music Subscription
Music can set the entire mood for a productive day. Gifting a subscription to a streaming service allows your team to create their own soundtrack for their work, whether they need to focus, find a moment of calm, or power through a deadline.
Spotlight in the Company Newsletter
Don’t underestimate the power of public recognition. A feature in a company-wide communication shines a proper spotlight on great work that might otherwise go unnoticed. It sends a clear message, “Your contribution is seen and valued”.
Two-Hour Recharge Lunch
Give your team explicit permission to properly pause. Extending a lunch break to a full two hours encourages people to step away from their desks without guilt, whether it’s to run errands, enjoy a walk, or simply have a slow meal.
Subscription to an Online Learning Platform
Show that you’re invested in your team’s future. Providing access to platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Udemy helps your people develop new skills and stay relevant, demonstrating a clear commitment to their professional growth.
Grocery Delivery Service
For anyone trying to balance work deadlines with domestic life, taking one more errand off their plate can feel like an enormous relief. A voucher for a grocery delivery service is a practical, thoughtful and genuinely helpful reward.
Executive Coaching or Mentoring Session
Offering access to senior leadership for a one-on-one session is an invaluable opportunity. It can open doors for career development, provide strategic insight, and forge a stronger human connection across the organisation.
Home Office Upgrade Fund
A proper ergonomic chair, a second monitor, or even just better lighting can make a world of difference. Investing in your team’s home workspaces shows you care about their comfort and their productivity in equal measure.
Surprise Muffin & Coffee Delivery
A simple way to bring a bit of the office breakroom feel to their home. A small, unexpected delivery of treats fosters a sense of connection and is a lovely way of saying, “We’re thinking of you”.
At-Home Dinner Delivery
Send a special meal for an employee to enjoy with their family or flatmates. This is more than just dinner; it’s the gift of quality time, sponsored by the company as a clear sign of appreciation.
So, What’s the Real Philosophy of Recognition Now?
While the last few years certainly disrupted our old routines, they also sharpened our understanding of what truly good leadership looks like. Recognition is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ perk; it is a foundational pillar of a strong and resilient company culture. It doesn’t matter if your team is spread across time zones or working different hybrid schedules; these ideas are more than just feel-good gestures. They represent a tangible commitment to valuing your people as individuals.
By choosing incentives that are built on humanity, flexibility and a desire for growth, we build what all great organisations are striving for: a culture where appreciation is both systemic and sincere.
