How Incentivizing Employees’ New Year’s Goals Helps Your Company Thrive

The start of a new year gives employees a clean slate to refocus on their health, habits, and professional growth. Employers who support these efforts see measurable benefits: higher engagement, stronger retention, and healthier, more productive teams. According to Gallup, employees who feel supported in their wellbeing are 4.4 times more likely to be engaged at work and significantly less likely to experience burnout.

This makes New Year’s goal-setting an ideal opportunity for organizations to spark motivation and reinforce a culture of recognition. The right incentives can keep employees on track and remind them that their personal progress matters to the organization’s overall success.

Why Goal Setting Matters for Organizational Health

When employees set and maintain goals, their productivity and wellbeing rise. Health-related goals such as improving diet, reducing stress, or adding movement into their daily routine can lead to fewer sick days and increased energy. Financial and career-focused goals can also reduce stress and help employees stay more present throughout their workday.

How to Support Employees as They Work Toward Their Goals

Employees deliver their best work when they feel appreciated and supported. A New Year’s Goals Incentive Program doesn’t need to be complex. Focus on simple, consistent touchpoints that reinforce progress and celebrate small wins:

• Incorporate check-ins during weekly meetings or one-on-ones.
• Give employees a place to set and share their goals, whether through internal surveys or team discussions.
• Offer monthly incentives tied to progress.
• Send reminder emails or team updates to keep motivation high.

One of the easiest rewards to administer is an eGift card. It requires no physical handling, delivers instantly, and meets the needs of remote and hybrid workforces. According to Fiserv, gift cards continue to be a highly requested reward in incentives programs.

Tools like the Engage2Reward™ Gift Card Ordering Platform make it simple to send digital gift card rewards in bulk or individually, with access to more than 250 leading retail, dining, wellness, and lifestyle brands. Employers can distribute rewards by email or text, track delivery, and customize programs in minutes.

For maximum flexibility, the Engage2Reward™ Choice Card lets employees choose from 250+ eGift brands to match their goals and interests. A single reward can stretch across multiple brands, giving employees the freedom to personalize their recognition experience.

Gift Card Rewards That Fuel New Year’s Goals

1. Physical Health and Fitness

Supporting health goals strengthens immune systems and reduces time away from work. Reward employees with brands that help them stay active or build healthier routines.

Try gift cards from: Athleta, adidas, Under Armour^®, REI, The Vitamin Shoppe^®.

2. Mental Wellness

Stress management, mindfulness, and emotional wellbeing continue to rank among the top employee priorities. Encourage relaxation, balance, and mental reset moments throughout the year.

Great options include: Barnes & Noble, Spa & Wellness by Spa Week, Spotify Premium Subscription.

3. Everyday Spending and Financial Goals

Financial stress affects productivity and focus. Help employees stretch their budgets with rewards that cover essentials or ease day-to-day expenses.

Consider cards for: CVS^® gift cards, Target, Walmart, Lowe’s^®, AutoZone^®.

4. Family Time, Hobbies, and Entertainment

Personal passions and family time contribute to a happier, more fulfilled workforce. Recognizing these goals shows employees that their whole selves matter.

Popular choices: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Best Western^®, Hulu, Disney, Nintendo, Pets Choice Card.

5. Career Growth and Productivity

Many employees use the new year to refocus on professional development. Support their workspace upgrades, skill building, and productivity habits.

Strong options: Staples, Microsoft Office 365 Home 1-yr Subscription, or the flexibility of an Engage2Reward Choice Card.

Start the New Year Strong with Better Incentives

A successful New Year’s incentive strategy rewards progress, encourages healthy habits, and builds loyalty. When you deliver rewards that align with personal goals, employees feel valued not only for what they do but for who they are.

Create your free account on the Engage2Reward Platform to access more than 300 gift physical and digital gift card brands, send digital rewards instantly, and empower employees to choose the rewards that matter most to them.

Contact our team today to learn more.