Gowling WLG launches blockchain-based peer-to-peer recognition scheme

Gowling WLG, London

International law firm Gowling WLG has introduced a new blockchain-based peer-to-peer recognition scheme for 1,178 UK employees working at its London and Birmingham offices.

The Gowling WLG Reward Token scheme (GRT), launched on 2 July 2018, was designed internally to educate employees about blockchain technology and help staff to earn and share rewards.

Available for all UK-based staff, regardless of seniority, the scheme has now been rolled out across the business following a successful pilot period.

The scheme enables employees to set up a GRT wallet, which is the blockchain platform for transferring employees’ custom cryptocurrency tokens. Tokens are then exchanged between employees using the GRT app in recognition of work achievements and successes. Tokens can be used to collect a free drink in the on-site restaurants at the London and Birmingham offices, or they can be re-gifted to another employee.

Exchanging tokens is done on an anonymous basis and tokens can be sent to anyone within the business from any employee. Upon registering to use the scheme, employees receive two tokens and a transfer amount for redeeming and gifting tokens.

The scheme was communicated to staff using a news story published on the staff intranet, via emails, and by leaving literature and refreshments on every floor of both office locations.

Jody Jansen, head of architecture and innovation at Gowling WLG, said: “We’ve been piloting the GRT scheme now for a few months and the feedback has been fantastic. Our primary aim has always been to educate people about what blockchain is, and what it can do, but we also recognised the opportunity to use it as a way of saying thanks to individuals who are helping make a difference across the firm.”