Work perks: 4 business card benefits you can use to build team engagement
Looking for ways to keep your staff engaged and motivated? Your business card may have the answers.
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Sometimes the best way to motivate and engage staff is to offer tangible incentives and rewards to high-performing team members.
The perks offered by your business card can be a great resource for these incentives. This way, you're able to reward employees without adding significant expense to your operational costs.
1. Travel rewards
Rewards points are one of the most common features of business cards. Redeeming them for travel is a very popular option.
Whether it's flights or accommodation, many companies use them to offset the cost of business travel.
But if you're in a company that doesn't need to be on the road often, travel can be a great way to incentivise staff.
For example, points earned with the American Express Platinum Business Card can be redeemed for flights and accommodation1.
The Card Member also receives loyalty status benefits with a variety of accommodation providers, which can include a range of dining discounts or VIP perks at your accommodation2.
This sort of reward is best used to recognise a milestone achievement such as an employee exceeding sales targets or reaching a fifth or tenth anniversary with your business.
If it's leveraged correctly, travel incentives help get the most out of your staff throughout the year.
2. Gift cards
Of course, it's good to have a range of smaller items available for discretionary staff motivation too.
A gift card to one of your team member's favourite stores can be a smart way to do this without breaking the bank. In fact, some business cards include this as a rewards feature.
The American Express Platinum Business Card allows you to redeem your Membership Rewards points for gift cards from a range of leading brands3, including JB Hi-Fi, David Jones, Freedom Furniture and more.
A gesture like this for a job well done can go a long way to helping staff members feel more appreciated in their role, and in turn more engaged.
3. Dining out
Whether you're taking the whole team out or offering a special meal for 2 as an incentive, a night out at a great restaurant can be an excellent incentive.
There are a few ways to approach this when you're using your card. Simply paying for it with the card earns additional points, which can then be utilised elsewhere in the business.
Your card may also include dining-related incentives.
For example, the American Express Platinum Business Card provides you with an Accor Plus membership valued at $399. When you enroll, you're able to get up to 50% off dining at partner restaurants4.
Membership Rewards points can also be redeemed for RedBalloon gift cards. RedBalloon offers a range of fine dining experiences which can be great for individuals, couples or even entire teams.
Whichever way you choose to do it, meals could be a good way to reward employees and bring the team closer together as a group.
4. Events and entertainment
The glitz and glamour of concerts and exclusive events get staff on board with a new workplace initiative and encourage additional effort.
Business cards often include these types of incentives too. Generally, they're created and used with the idea of entertaining clients.
But they can be very effective tools for motivating and rewarding staff internally too.
For example, American Express Card Members receive access to a range of member-only experiences. They also receive early access to other events via pre-sale tickets.
Whether you're looking for a discreet way to thank an employee or want to reward your employee of the month, having access to these types of incentives via your business card can be a powerful tool.
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