Employee Referral Bonus Examples: 10 Rewards That Drive Quality Referrals

Often you don’t need to offer a reward for employee referrals.

Studies have shown that people recommend for emotional and altruistic reasons, such as helping a friend or making their organisation a better place to work.

Also, incentives can be counterproductive as they may encourage unsuitable referrals for the sake of money.

List of the best employee referral reward ideas:

1. Monetary Incentives. Strike a balance between motivating employees and avoiding excessive rewards.
2. Exclusive Event Tickets. Provide opportunities for employees to attend sought-after events, such as front-row seats at a game, VIP access to a sold-out concert, or movie tickets for a premiere. Tailor the rewards to their interests.
3. Culinary Delights. Recognise the power of dining experiences by offering reservations at popular restaurants or providing discounted/complimentary meals.
4. Additional Time Off. Offer extra days off as a way to reward and motivate employees for their efforts, whilst giving them some rest and relaxation.
5. Travel Experiences. Encourage employees who love to travel by travel vouchers so they can enjoy a trip with their family or friends.
6. Relaxation and Wellness. Provide spa vouchers or access to a gym or personal workout sessions.
7. Adventurous Pursuits. Appeal to adrenaline enthusiasts by offering thrilling experiences like paragliding, hot air balloon rides, adventure park visits, or water park passes.
8. Charitable Contributions. Make donations on their behalf, demonstrating appreciation for their values, and also removing any perceived bribery.
9. Social Recognition. Celebrate referrals by providing tangible recognition, such as branded T-shirts, thank-you signs, company newsletter features etc.
10. Department Competitions. Foster a sense of healthy competition by organising contests among departments, with rewards for the winning team. The specific rewards could be tailored based on the department's preferences or goals.

If you need any more information about employee referral programs we’ve got a guide you can download: Getting Employee Referrals and a comprehensive article: Employee Referral Schemes.