Chloe scans her company’s employee rewards catalog during a coffee break, pausing at the KitchenAid mixer she’s been eyeing for months. No price comparisons, no dozen open browser tabs of reviews—just a few decisive clicks, and it’s scheduled for delivery. For Chloe, rewards should be simple: see it, want it, get it.
Chloe may not be real, but her mindset is. She represents a common type of employee—one who values speed and convenience when redeeming her desired merchandise. We call her “Convenience Chloe.” Alongside Loyal Logan and Flexible Frankie, she’s one of three key personas that shape successful employee rewards programs. By understanding these personas, companies can design recognition experiences that resonate with them.
In this article, we’ll examine the psychology behind Convenience Chloe’s approach to rewards. By understanding Chloe’s motivations and behaviors, companies can design reward experiences that keep her engaged and enthusiastic—turning everyday recognition into meaningful moments that reinforce her connection to the organization.
Why employee reward catalogs matter for employee engagement
Every successful company knows one thing: engaged employees make all the difference. When people care about their work, they perform better and help drive company success.
That’s why forward-thinking companies invest in recognition programs. Through meaningful rewards—including merchandise and gift cards—organizations can show their appreciation for great work. When employees feel truly valued, they stay motivated and committed to helping the company succeed.
Now, when given the choice, most employees prefer gift cards over merchandise, picking them about 60-70% of the time. The 30%-40% of employees, like Convenience Chloe, prefer merchandise. They offer important insights into different ways people like to be recognized. So who exactly is Convenience Chloe and what makes her unique?
Who is “Convenience Chloe?”
Meet Convenience Chloe, the employee who values a well-curated catalog and an easy redemption process.
“With just a few clicks, she can choose exactly what she wants from the employee rewards catalog without getting stuck comparing endless options,” says Alex Rogow, Employee Engagement Practice Lead at Virtual Incentives.
She wants a smooth, simple experience that lets her quickly find and claim what she wants. Whether browsing electronics or home goods, Chloe expects clear categories and easy searching—just like modern e-commerce platforms.
While other employees might spend time comparing different retailers or building loyalty with specific brands, Chloe focuses on getting the reward she wants with minimal steps. She values convenience over price and likely already has the reward she wants saved in her favorites..
Behavioral variations
Chloe’s approach to rewards comes in different flavors. Sometimes, she’s spontaneous, using her points on impulse buys—like a fancy blender that catches her eye. Other times, she’s patient and strategic, saving up for big-ticket items like a KitchenAid mixer or a Weber grill.
The rewards catalog feels like a playground of possibilities. On one hand, it lets her indulge in fun, guilt-free splurges she wouldn’t normally buy with her paycheck. On the other, it fuels her satisfaction in holding out for that one perfect reward. Whether she’s acting on excitement or playing the long game, Chloe enjoys the freedom to choose how she treats herself.
Why Chloe values an employee rewards catalog
Most people want gift cards—who doesn’t love the flexibility they provide??
But Chloe prefers merch, and to her, the benefits are even better. Let’s explore why.
Convenience factor
Chloe’s favorite part of the reward system is how easy it is to use. She loves that she can choose exactly what she wants from the employee rewards catalog without getting stuck comparing endless options. Merchandise rewards let her enjoy her achievement right away.
Think of it like ordering from your favorite online store—but this time, the items are a reward for all your hard work. No overthinking, no stress. Just pure enjoyment of being recognized for your efforts.
Lasting impact
Tangible rewards create a powerful, lasting connection that benefits both the employee and the company. A KitchenAid mixer or Weber grill becomes a constant reminder of professional achievement. Every time Chloe uses her reward, she reconnects with her hard work and the company’s appreciation. It’s more than just an item—it’s a trophy that tells a story.
These rewards morph everyday moments into meaningful experiences. When friends ask about her new appliance, Chloe gets to share how her company values her contributions. This turns her into a genuine company ambassador, creating a narrative of recognition that extends far beyond a simple transaction.
Potential shared experience
Merchandise rewards become more than just personal perks—they turn into family moments.
“Convenient Chloe might not be making this decision independently. She may be making this decision with her partner, her spouse, her family,” explains Rogow. “These rewards become a shared experience.”
Families often gather together to explore reward options, making the selection a shared adventure. Parents can even use this as a chance to teach kids about how hard work leads to rewards.
When the family uses that new grill at weekend barbecues or the mixer during holiday baking, the reward becomes part of their family story. It’s a unique way that employee recognition can extend into personal life, making employees feel even more connected and appreciated.
Strategic employee rewards catalog curation
For Convenience Chloe, a great rewards catalog is all about user experience. She wants a catalog that feels like her favorite online shopping site—easy to navigate, with clear categories and a simple search function. The key is offering a diverse range of popular items that appeal to different tastes, from the latest electronics to stylish home goods and accessories.
Successful incentive programs avoid the pitfall of personal bias. It’s important to focus on creating a selection that truly excites workers across different demographics and interests.
Technology makes this easier than ever. Modern reward platforms can track what employees like, send notifications when they’ve earned enough points for a desired item, and even offer personalized recommendations. These smart features make the reward experience feel tailored and exciting, turning point collection into an engaging journey of anticipation and choice.
Creating the ultimate employee rewards catalog
While gift cards remain the most popular choice for 60-70% of employees, successful recognition programs cater to Convenience Chloe, who prefers an employee rewards catalog that offers a range of merchandise and a seamless experience.
Understanding Chloe’s preferences helps companies design recognition programs that keep her motivated and engaged. And, by similarly understanding personas like Loyal Logan and Flexible Frankie, organizations can create reward experiences that resonate with every employee’s unique style.
A well-designed, persona-driven rewards program makes employees feel valued and inspired to continue striving for success, driving engagement, motivation, and retention—ultimately benefiting both the individual and the organization.