Raises matter. In fact, fair compensation is a baseline expectation for today’s workforce. But if you're relying solely on salary increases to drive satisfaction and retention, you're missing the mark and possibly missing opportunities to strengthen employee engagement in more meaningful ways.
According to a 2022 Gallup and Workhuman report, only 23% of U.S. employees strongly agree they get the right amount of recognition for the work they do. Even when salaries are competitive, lack of recognition remains one of the top reasons employees feel disengaged or start looking elsewhere.
That’s because true satisfaction isn’t just about money. It’s about feeling valued.
What Employees Really Want Beyond a Raise
An SHRM study found that the most valued components of a rewards and recognition program include:
- Career development opportunities
- Merit-based raises and bonuses
- A competitive base salary
- Non-financial recognition (like public praise or perks)
- Professional development and training
Raises check just one of those boxes.
To stay competitive in 2025, it’s not just about what you pay employees—it’s about how you engage them.
The Power of Non-Financial Recognition
Non-cash rewards carry emotional weight. A simple “thank you,” a public shout-out, or a small reward can go a long way. When you give employees something they can enjoy outside of work, like a gift card to a favorite restaurant or wellness service, it becomes more than compensation. It becomes an experience.
With the Engage2Reward™ Gift Card Ordering Platform, you can make this kind of recognition easy and impactful. Whether you're rewarding goal completions, celebrating milestones, or encouraging development participation, you can instantly deliver digital or physical gift cards from top brands. You can even personalize reward delivery with custom messages and tailor your program to fit employee preferences, which shows you’re listening—and that builds loyalty.
Reward Thoughtfully, Not Just Generously
Raises are non-negotiable in a competitive job market. But don’t let your reward strategy end there. When paired with career development and personalized recognition, compensation becomes part of a broader, more effective employee satisfaction strategy.
Need help making it happen? Call us today to learn more about how the Engage2Reward Platform can simplify employee recognition and keep your top talent engaged.
