Environmentally Friendly
According to EY’s 2024 State of Stability report, 81% of Irish businesses have increased their focus on sustainability over the past year. This has risen by 19% since 2022. One benefit of choosing a digital reward over a traditional physical gift card is that digital gift cards are more environmentally friendly. As no plastic is needed for a digital card, there is no carbon footprint involved in creating the reward or physical waste that needs to be processed once the gift amount has been spent. Not only does this reduce any potential plastic pollution, but it also cuts down on the greenhouse gases needed to produce the card in the first place.
The more sustainable and environmentally friendly nature of the digital gift card would appeal to environmentally conscious employees, increasing demand for the gift.
Switching from a plastic gift card to a digital one may seem small in the grand scheme of things, but with the Irish gift card market set to continue expanding with a projected CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 6.1%, making an environmentally friendly choice and reducing the amount of waste will become increasingly important and make a significant difference.
Accessibility
Since the gift card is digital instead of plastic, it can be more appealing and accessible to a wider audience with fewer restrictions, such as location or when it can be spent. The ability to use the card online and in physical stores is a great option for consumers as it can offer them more choice. It provides consumers with increased options in how to redeem their rewards, no physical restrictions such as shipping or delivery barriers, and 24/7 availability due to being restricted to a shop’s opening hours.
The ability to spend online also enables consumers to use any accessibility aids that they require that may not be available in store.
Ethical
As well as the environmental side of digital rewards, digital rewards can also have an ethical aspect to consider, with options that can appeal to eco-conscious individuals.
By having the ability to use your reward to donate to charitable causes, digital awards can also give users an ethical option that promotes the ‘social good’, respects individual’s values and beliefs, and can encourage conscious consumerism – shifting the focus from consumption of materials to contributing to social causes. With OptionsCard.ie, consumers are able to support a number of local and global charitable causes such as Goal, Concern and Clean Ocean Plastic.
By choosing a more sustainable and ethical digital reward, you’re proving to your employees that your company is committed to sustainability in various facets of the business, even in the finer details like rewards. Through considering this simple yet effective tool – that is often overlooked – you are attracting eco-conscious talent to your company and promoting a work culture that promotes environmental, accessible and ethical responsibility.
Undoubtedly, there are many different and overlapping elements to think of when looking for a digital reward. A key takeaway is to trust your gut. If you need more information about a company’s sustainability practices or ethical guidelines, ask for it. The right digital reward for your business is out there & waiting for you!
