How Employee Discounts Work + Best Platforms

In today’s competitive job market, companies are constantly seeking ways to attract and retain top talent. One effective strategy is offering employee benefits and discounts. Among these, employee discount programs stand out as a popular form of workplace perks. But how do employee discounts work, and what are the best employee discount platforms available today? This guide covers everything you need to know about employee perks and discounts, how to set them up, and the corporate discount programs offered by leading organizations.

What Are Employee Discounts?

Employee discounts are special price reductions or perks offered to employees, either by their employer directly or through third-party providers. These benefits may include reduced prices on company products or services, deals on gym memberships, travel, electronics, or even dining.
These staff savings are considered part of a broader category of employee perks and discounts, which help improve morale, encourage loyalty, and support overall employee well-being.

How Do Employee Discounts Work?

So, how do employee discounts work exactly?
There are generally two main types of employee discount programs:
1.    Internal discounts – Provided by the employer on their own products or services. For instance, a retail company may offer 20–50% off store items.
2.    External discounts – Offered through partnerships with other businesses or third-party platforms. This is where corporate discount programs come into play, giving employees access to a wide range of national and local offers.
The process is usually straightforward:
•    Employees log in to a benefits portal.
•    Browse available workplace perks or discounts.
•    Redeem offers by using promo codes or direct links.
Employers may set eligibility conditions, such as employment status or duration, and may track redemption to assess employee interest.

Why Offer Employee Discounts?

Employers that provide employee benefits and discounts report several advantages:
1. Talent Attraction and Retention
Job seekers are more likely to join a company that offers robust workplace perks. Once employed, these staff savings contribute to higher retention rates, as employees feel valued.
2. Improved Employee Satisfaction
Discounts on everyday expenses can boost morale, reduce stress, and increase overall job satisfaction.
3. Increased Brand Loyalty
When companies offer discounts on their own products, employees often become brand ambassadors—leading to better sales and customer experiences.
4. Cost-Effective Compensation
Rather than raising salaries, employee discount programs provide additional value at a fraction of the cost.

What Companies Offer Employee Discounts?

Wondering what companies offer employee discounts? Here are some notable examples across various industries:
•    Amazon – Offers employees discounts on certain items and access to its employee savings program.
•    Starbucks – Provides 30% off beverages and food for employees, plus free drinks on shift.
•    Apple – Offers generous employee pricing on products and partner discounts.
•    Nike – Staff receive significant in-store and online discounts on apparel and gear.
•    Walmart – Gives employees 10% off most merchandise and seasonal bonuses.
These corporate discount programs vary by company, but they all serve the purpose of enhancing employee perks and discounts.

How to Set Up an Employee Discount Program

Now that you understand the value, here's how to set up an employee discount program for your organization:
Step 1: Assess Employee Needs
Survey your workforce to find out what types of employee discounts they would use—travel, electronics, wellness, etc.
Step 2: Choose Between Internal or External Offers
Decide whether you'll offer internal deals, external corporate discount programs, or a mix.
Step 3: Select a Platform
If managing deals in-house is overwhelming, consider partnering with one of the best employee discount platforms (more on that below).
Step 4: Communicate Clearly
Promote the program through onboarding, newsletters, and intranet portals. Ensure employees know how to access and use their workplace perks.
Step 5: Monitor and Improve
Collect feedback and track usage to ensure your employee discount programs remain relevant and effective.

Best Employee Discount Platforms

Choosing the right platform can make or break your employee benefits and discounts strategy. Here are some of the best employee discount platforms for businesses of all sizes:
1. PerkSpot
One of the leading employee discount platforms, PerkSpot offers thousands of national and local discounts on electronics, travel, wellness, and more. It’s customizable, user-friendly, and integrates with HR systems.
2. BenefitHub
A robust platform that includes discounts, rewards, and even payroll-linked savings. Great for companies looking to offer a comprehensive employee perks and discounts experience.
3. Working Advantage
Trusted by over 10,000 organizations, this platform includes exclusive access to entertainment, movie tickets, and shopping deals.
4. Corporate Perks
Perfect for small to mid-sized businesses. It’s free to use and includes a wide variety of corporate discount programs.
5. AnyPerk (now Fond)
Fond focuses on recognition and discounts, making it ideal for companies wanting to combine performance rewards with employee benefits and discounts.

Key Features to Look for in Discount Platforms

When choosing a provider, consider the following:
•    Range of Discounts – The more categories covered (travel, food, tech, etc.), the more appealing it will be.
•    Ease of Use – A smooth user experience encourages participation.
•    Mobile Access – Ensure employees can redeem staff savings on the go.
•    Custom Branding – Your platform should reflect your company culture.
•    Analytics and Reporting – Helpful for HR teams to track usage and effectiveness.

Measuring Success of Your Discount Program

To ensure your investment in employee discount programs pays off, consider these success metrics:
•    Utilization Rate – What percentage of your staff is using the platform?
•    Employee Feedback – Are the discounts valued? Do they help with engagement?
•    Turnover Reduction – Monitor if workplace perks correlate with longer employee tenure.
•    Cost Savings – Measure how much employees are saving collectively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Implementing employee discounts can be straightforward, but these pitfalls can derail your efforts:
•    Overcomplicating Access – If employees need to jump through hoops, they won’t use it.
•    Outdated Offers – Ensure your deals are timely and relevant.
•    Lack of Promotion – Communicate often and creatively.
•    Ignoring ROI – Don’t forget to analyze and refine your employee discount programs.

The Future of Employee Perks and Discounts

As remote work and global teams become the norm, corporate discount programs must evolve. Digital-first platforms, personalized perks, and AI-driven recommendations are leading the next generation of employee benefits and discounts.
Companies are also starting to integrate discount programs into broader wellness initiatives, linking staff savings with financial well-being.

Conclusion

Offering employee discounts is more than a nice-to-have—it's a strategic move that enhances job satisfaction, strengthens company culture, and helps retain talent. By choosing the right platform and aligning it with your team's needs, you can unlock the full value of employee discount programs.
Whether you’re wondering how to set up an employee discount program, or just researching what companies offer employee discounts, one thing is clear: modern workplace perks are not just about fun—they’re about value. And with platforms like PerkSpot, BenefitHub, and Fond leading the way, delivering meaningful employee perks and discounts has never been easier.