As Christmas looms on the horizon, the perennial issue about what to offer employees as an incentive or gift comes with it. The essential consideration when choosing a gift is that an uninspiring reward or gift can not only fail to motivate but it may even de-motivate employees just as the end of year or New Year sales push starts. Giving recipients choice through gift cards is the best way to avoid this.

The frequency with which we receive unwanted gifts and the effectiveness of gift cards as a solution for sales incentives was highlighted by an international survey, YouGov, into gift giving trends. This research reveals that giving gift cards or vouchers is one of the best ways to avoid becoming the giver of an unsuitable reward or unwanted gift this Christmas. Among the findings are:

Putting aside this debate about what to give, Christmas gifts and rewards play a valuable role in business.

According to Gert Tuppinger, CEO of Accor Services, “Provided that the gift is wanted and appreciated, an additional incentive at Christmas has a strong motivational and recognition value and can make an enormous positive impact on end of year sales and performance in the New Year.

"Christmas is often a time of year when the headlong rush into the season of goodwill can make everyone forget about the individual. Therefore, it is the perfect time to inspire them."

"The perfect solution for most people is to give them the chance to choose their own reward. Our own Accor Services multi-store Compliments gift card for instance gives choice whilst still carrying a high value look and feel."

"With the introduction of Compliments pre-paid cards, the additional flexibility that these offer really opens up this market once again. Couple it with personalised branding and your Christmas incentive really makes an impression!"

Request information on the Christmas awards available from Accor Services