Building a Culture of Appreciation & Wellness with CVS^® Gift Cards

Building a culture of appreciation is a business imperative heading into 2026. Organizations that consistently recognize and support their employees experience 31% less voluntary turnover and are 12 times more likely to see strong business outcomes. Yet many companies still struggle to turn appreciation into an ongoing, meaningful practice.

Recent research highlights the gap. Gallup reports that employees who feel adequately recognized are 45% less likely to leave their jobs, but only one in three U.S. workers strongly agrees they received recognition or praise in the past week. As organizations face continued pressure from burnout, economic uncertainty, and evolving employee expectations, recognition programs must be both intentional and practical.

One effective way to elevate your strategy is by incorporating CVS^® gift cards into a structured, scalable rewards program, especially when delivered through a modern platform like the Engage2Reward™ Gift Card Ordering Platform.

Employee Recognition: Making Moments Matter

Employee recognition is about acknowledging specific actions, achievements, or behaviors—whether that’s exceeding goals, stepping up during a busy period, or being a dependable teammate. For recognition to be effective, it must feel timely, relevant, and valuable to the recipient.

Gift cards remain one of the most effective non-cash rewards. According to a Workhuman report, non-cash rewards are perceived to have 3x the value of cash, reinforcing positive behaviors over time.

CVS gift cards are especially effective because they combine flexibility with everyday value. Employees can use them for essentials like groceries, household items, prescriptions, or personal care—making the reward immediately useful, regardless of role, income level, or lifestyle. When recognition feels personal and practical, it reinforces trust and loyalty.

Using the Engage2Reward Platform, organizations can deliver CVS gift cards digitally or in bulk, automate recognition programs, and ensure consistency across teams, all while keeping reward budgets under control.

Employee Appreciation: Inclusive Recognition at Scale

While recognition highlights individual contributions, employee appreciation focuses on acknowledging the collective, often through company-wide moments such as holidays, wellness initiatives, or milestone celebrations.

The challenge with appreciation programs is finding a reward that resonates with everyone. Cash bonuses are quickly absorbed and forgotten, while branded swag often misses the mark. Gift cards offer a more inclusive alternative.

CVS gift cards provide broad appeal because they allow employees to choose what matters most to them. Whether it’s stocking up on weekly groceries, picking up vitamins, or purchasing personal care items, employees control how they use the reward, creating a more meaningful experience.

This sense of choice matters. Research from Deloitte shows that personalized rewards are significantly more effective at driving engagement than one-size-fits-all incentives. A thoughtful appreciation gesture sent through Engage2Reward Platform—complete with a personalized message upon delivery—ensures the experience feels intentional rather than transactional.

Fostering a Culture of Health and Wellness

As wellness becomes central to workforce strategy in 2026, employers are looking for ways to support employee health without adding complexity to benefits programs.

That’s where the CVS Select^® Gift Card stands out. Unlike traditional gift cards, the CVS Select Gift Card restricts spending to eligible health and wellness items—such as over-the-counter medications, wellness products, and personal care essentials. This allows organizations to reinforce healthy behaviors while still giving employees flexibility and dignity of choice.

Wellness-focused rewards align with growing employee expectations. The American Psychological Association reports that 92% of workers say it’s important for their employer to value emotional and physical well-being. Programs that support whole-person health help reduce stress, improve morale, and strengthen workplace relationships.

By pairing CVS Select Gift Cards with wellness initiatives, such as preventive care campaigns, mental health awareness months, or seasonal health incentives, employers can create a culture where appreciation and well-being go hand in hand.

Bringing It All Together with the Engage2Reward Platform

Gift cards are most powerful when they’re easy to manage, secure, and scalable. Powered by GiftCard Partners, the Engage2Reward Platform allows organizations to seamlessly source and distribute CVS Gift Cards and CVS Select Gift Cards while maintaining program control, reporting, and compliance.

As organizations plan for 2026, building a culture of appreciation means moving beyond occasional gestures. With the right tools and rewards, employers can create consistent, meaningful recognition programs that support employees’ everyday needs—and their long-term well-being.

By investing in appreciation through trusted brands like CVS and delivering personalized and flexible rewards through the Engage2Reward Platform, you’re not just saying “thank you.” You’re building a healthier, more engaged workplace that benefits everyone.