10 Reasons Why E-Commerce Plugins Fall Short for Employee Rewards

Some employee recognition and rewards platforms utilize e-commerce shopping sites such as Amazon or Best Buy as their rewards marketplace fulfillment provider. While leveraging these e-commerce giants as a third-party employee rewards provider may seem like a good idea, this approach often fails to deliver a comprehensive employee engagement experience.

Outsourcing fulfillment to industry giants may seem convenient initially, but it inadvertently disrupts the seamless connection between the employee recognition process and the actual reward experience. It's important to acknowledge that employee rewards play a crucial and inseparable role in the overall employee recognition strategy.

When employee recognition platforms like Applauz handle the entire process internally—from initiating recognition to carefully selecting and delivering rewards—they establish a more meaningful and personalized employee engagement strategy. Our holistic approach reinforces the notion that employee rewards are not just an add-on, but rather an integral part of the journey, greatly enhancing employee appreciation, motivation, and fostering a positive workplace culture.

10 Reasons to Avoid E-commerce Plugins for Employee Rewards

1. Lack of Customization Options: E-commerce plugin stores may offer a wide range of products, but they often lack crucial customization options needed for a personalized shopping experience that aligns with your company's brand and enhances the overall recognition program.
2. Limited Brand Alignment: Using e-commerce plugins for reward fulfillment may not align well with a company's branding strategy. The vast and diverse range of products available may dilute the impact of a carefully curated rewards program that reflects a company's values and culture.
3. Interface Disconnect: The interface of e-commerce plugins is designed for general consumer use, leading to a disconnect when employees use it for a corporate rewards program. A dedicated rewards fulfillment solution can offer a more seamless and branded user experience tailored to the company's preferences.
4. Reduced usability and Customization: E-commerce plugins may not provide the level of control and customization desired for a rewards program. Issues related to personalized packaging, branded insertions, and after-sales support may impact recipient satisfaction.
5. Data Privacy and Security Concerns: Specific data privacy and security concerns may arise when using e-commerce plugins for rewards fulfillment. Utilizing a dedicated platform enables better control over data and ensures compliance with privacy policies.
6. Increased Service Complexity: Relying solely on e-commerce plugins means a company is dependent on an external second platform to fulfill an essential component of its employee engagement strategy, posing administrative challenges and increasing the risk of service interruptions and reduced program satisfaction.
7. Perception of Tailored Rewards: Employees may not perceive e-commerce plugins as providing a tailored and thoughtful reward experience. However, a dedicated rewards fulfillment solution enables companies to craft a distinctive and memorable experience for their employees, aligning with the company's brand and enhancing employee perception of the organization.
8. Limited Aspirational Rewards: E-commerce plugins may offer fewer aspirational rewards from highly recognized brands, limiting the appeal of the rewards program.
9. Lack of Local and Experiential Rewards: E-commerce plugins often fall short in providing local and experiential rewards, limiting their offerings to tangible goods. A dedicated rewards platform understands the importance of cultural nuances and individual preferences.
10. Data and Security Compliance: When companies utilize e-commerce plugins for rewards fulfillment, they often encounter data privacy and security concerns. However, opting for a dedicated platform like Applauz provides better control over company data and its usage.

Conclusion: Choose Tools Designed For The Job

In summary, the importance of selecting tools tailored to the task of employee recognition cannot be overstated. While e-commerce plugins may offer convenience, they frequently fall short of delivering the level of customization and options essential for effective recognition programs.

Platforms like Applauz provide a dedicated solution that not only seamlessly integrates recognition and rewards but also streamlines administration processes. What sets Applauz apart is its curated marketplace, meticulously selected to bring real value to a company's employee recognition and rewards initiatives.

Unlike third-party e-commerce plugins, Applauz boasts a wide array of employee reward choices, from branded merchandise to travel experiences, lifestyle experiences, custom company perks, and more, fostering a culture that values and motivates employees. With Applauz, organizations can take their employee recognition endeavors to a higher level, driving increased engagement, productivity, and overall success.