Here's the Deal

Employee discount programs have become big business. While discounts for phone service, personal computers and theme parks may not be new, the range and reach of discount programs has greatly increased in the past decade with the advent of web-based platforms, more and larger discount players, and a wider variety of offerings. Programs for both an employer's and third parties' products and services are receiving increased attention from HR managers in a difficult financial environment where employers are hard-pressed to reward employees through more conventional means, such as bonuses and salary increases. A fall 2011 Society for Human Resource Management survey of HR managers found that 58% of their employers had employee discount programs. Of those with programs, 51% said their organizations' programs had grown in the previous two years, as measured by the value, types and number of discounts offered. The respondents represented 486 organizations of all sizes.