Online Rewards has proposed fuel gift cards as an employee benefit for organizations managing a return to offices during the 2022 rise in commuting costs. Its June article focuses on the additional expense faced by staff who had previously been working from home.

The company describes fuel support as one possible part of an employer’s response. Other options discussed include flexibility in working hours, hybrid arrangements and incentives for shared travel.

The guidance distinguishes employees who drive from those using public transport. It suggests providing comparable support through a suitable transit benefit or card rather than assuming that every commuter needs the same fuel brand.

Online Rewards points to its Award Code service as a way to let employees choose among fuel electronic gift cards. That choice can matter when the most convenient filling station differs by employee location or route.

For employee reward buyers, the underlying design issue is matching a benefit to a practical cost. A choice-based delivery process can support that match while the employer separately determines eligibility, benefit value and its wider office policy.