GiftCard Partners Blog

Corporate wellness programs are essential for improving employee health, reducing healthcare costs, and increasing productivity. But for these programs to be truly successful, they need more than just good intentions—they need the right kind of incentives. Research shows that offering meaningful rewards, or "carrots," can significantly boost participation and engagement in wellness initiatives. However, one-size-fits-all rewards may not be as effective as offering personalized options. Here are some fresh insights on how to incentivize employees and make your wellness program a success.

The competition for top talent has never been more intense—and what employees expect from their employers is changing fast. While traditional benefits like salary and healthcare still matter, today’s workers want something more: meaningful work, modern workplace culture, and personalized incentives. To attract and retain top performers, organizations must offer a comprehensive value proposition that meets employees where they are.

Employee incentives have come a long way from plaques and pizza parties. In 2026, employees want meaningful recognition at work: rewards that show appreciation, build motivation, and align with their personal values.

According to the Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. And because red blood cells have a shelf life of 42 days (and platelets a mere 5 days), new blood donations are always needed to battle shortages.

Google announced earlier this month that as of August 21st it would suspend support on Google Wallet for gift cards and loyalty cards (often utlizing point systems). This seems like it could be a blow to the gift card industry, like for those who sell bulk gift cards, as it limits the ways gift cards can be distributed and redeemed. However I am scratching my head to figure out if we, the gift card industry should even care that much.