Espresa has outlined how an integrated marketplace can support gift cards and other employee rewards. In a guide published on November 1, 2025, the company places marketplace redemption alongside peer recognition, lifestyle spending accounts and non-monetary appreciation.

The guide recommends beginning with employee feedback rather than selecting one reward format for everyone. It suggests asking whether employees want tools for sending appreciation messages, small monetary awards or other benefits, then using that feedback with the organisation’s own programme goals.

For teams operating across countries, Espresa highlights the administrative work created by different languages and currencies. It describes an integrated marketplace of gift cards, branded merchandise and experiences as one way to organise those choices, and refers to a selection of more than 200 vendors in its offering.

Espresa also discusses points-based programmes in which employees can redeem points for gift cards, home-office improvements and other selections. A separate idea is to add funds to a lifestyle spending account. The article presents these as different programme options, rather than requiring every recognition event to carry a cash value.

The examples extend beyond financial rewards. They include public digital appreciation cards, meal delivery, professional development, company merchandise, birthday or anniversary recognition and time for volunteering. Movement challenges can be designed around different abilities and preferences, with participation linked to relevant benefits.

Another use is rewarding selected company activities, such as benefits enrolment, performance reviews or participation in an employee resource group. Espresa recommends keeping the programme adaptable so employers can revise activities and rewards in response to feedback.

The article’s practical focus is on combining the reward selection, recognition tools and administrative process. It does not present an outcome study showing that one catalogue or reward type produces the same retention result across all employers.