Why your employee discount platform is underutilised
Employee discount platforms are a type of employee benefit that provides employees with access to discounts on a wide range of products and services. These platforms are often under-utilised by employees, despite being a valuable benefit that can save them money on everyday purchases. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the reasons why employee discount platforms are under-utilised, and what employers can do to encourage greater uptake of this benefit.
Lack of awareness
One reason why employee discount platforms may be under-utilised is that employees may not be aware of their availability or how to access them. Many employers offer employee discounts as part of their overall benefits package, but they may not effectively communicate this benefit to their employees. If employees are not aware that they have access to discounts, they are unlikely to use them. It's important for employers to make sure that employees are aware of the employee discount platform and how to access it, through clear communication channels such as employee newsletters, email announcements, or through HR representatives.
Employees don't realise the potential savings
Another reason why employee discount platforms may be under-utilised is that employees may not realise the full extent of the discounts available to them. These platforms can offer discounts on a wide range of products and services, including travel, entertainment, technology, and retail purchases. However, if employees are only aware of a few discounts that are relevant to them, they may not realise the full value of the benefit. Employers can help to increase awareness of the discounts available by promoting the platform through regular communications and highlighting specific discounts that may be of interest to employees.
Clunky UI and poor user experience
Another issue is that some employees may find it inconvenient to use the employee discount platform. For example, they may have to remember to use a special code or login to a separate website in order to access the discounts. This extra step can be a barrier to usage, particularly if employees are used to making purchases without having to think about discounts. Employers can help to make the employee discount platform more convenient to use by providing easy-to-use mobile apps or integration with existing shopping platforms that employees already use.
Low Quality Discounts
A final reason why employee discount platforms may be under-utilised is that employees may not perceive the discounts as being significant enough to make a difference. While the discounts available through these platforms can vary, some employees may feel that the savings are not worth the extra effort required to access them. Employers can help to increase the perceived value of the employee discount platform by offering larger discounts or highlighting specific discounts that are particularly valuable.
There are a number of ways that employers can encourage greater uptake of employee discount platforms. Here are a few suggestions:
- Communicate effectively: Make sure that employees are aware of the employee discount platform and how to access it. Provide clear instructions and communicate regularly about new discounts that become available.
- Highlight the value of the discounts: Promote the employee discount platform through regular communications, highlighting specific discounts that may be of interest to employees.
- Make it convenient to use: Consider offering mobile apps or integration with existing shopping platforms to make it easier for employees to access the discounts.
- Offer larger discounts: Consider offering larger discounts or promoting specific discounts that are particularly valuable.
By addressing the factors that may contribute to low utilisation of employee discount platforms, employers can encourage greater uptake of this valuable benefit. By doing so, they can help employees to save money on everyday purchases and feel more appreciated and supported by their employer.
