Over the last few years, remote and hybrid work models have become standard practice across industries. In fact, as of 2024, nearly 30% of all full-time employees work remotely, 63% have flexible work arrangements, and 16% of U.S. companies are fully remote. While the urgency of the 2020 pandemic may have subsided, keeping remote employees engaged, connected, and motivated remains a top challenge for HR teams and organizational leaders.
At GiftCard Partners, we’ve been remote-first since our inception—and we’ve learned a lot along the way. As one of NABR's "Best & Brightest Companies to Work For" for 11 years running, we have a wealth of insight on what makes a remote organization successful.
Here’s what you can do to drive engagement and motivation in a remote environment in 2025 and beyond.
1. Prioritize Culture Over Presence
Just because employees aren’t physically present doesn’t mean culture takes a back seat. In remote settings, intentional company culture-building is even more important. That means scheduling regular team touchpoints, fostering peer recognition, and creating virtual rituals, such as Friday wins, Slack shoutouts, or remote coffee breaks.
Leverage tools like the Engage2Reward™ Gift Card Ordering Platform to send out personalized appreciation rewards in real time. Instant gift card deliveries can recognize both individual and team efforts, reinforcing positive contributions even at a distance.
2. Invest in Connection and Communication
Zoom fatigue is real, but so is isolation. 69% of remote workers say they’d feel more connected if their managers checked in more frequently.
To strike the right balance, create a framework for consistent communication that doesn’t overwhelm employees. Use asynchronous updates when possible (project tools, recorded briefings) and reserve meetings for collaborative work or social connection.
3. Promote Flexibility and Autonomy
Remote work thrives on trust. Rather than micromanaging, give employees clear goals and the autonomy to meet them in the way that works best for them. Flexibility is not just a perk—it’s a retention tool. A Gallup report found that 9 out of 10 of remote-capable employees say they would prefer to work remotely or in a hybrid model indefinitely.
4. Support the Whole Person
Home and work life blend more than ever in a remote environment. Support your employees not just as workers, but as individuals juggling family, health, and personal needs. Thoughtful gestures, like gift cards that benefit their families or wellbeing, can make a big impact.
Imagine rewarding your employees with personalized gift cards:
- DoorDash or Instacart: Supports work-life balance with easier meal prep or delivery.
- CVS Select+® Gift Cards: Offers wellness-focused spending options while staying compliant with program guidelines.
- Hulu or Dave & Buster's: Promotes downtime, recreation, and family connection.
- Chewy® or PetSmart: Acknowledge the role furry coworkers play in remote routines.
5. Recognize Contributions Consistently
Employee recognition is a powerful motivator, and it’s easy to overlook in virtual settings. Build a rhythm of reward into your employee experience: monthly milestones, team goals, or spontaneous thank-yous. Digital gift cards delivered through the Engage2Reward Platform make it seamless to show appreciation, even across time zones.
Insight: Teams that feel recognized are 4x more likely to be engaged in the workplace.
Final Thoughts
Remote work isn’t just a logistical shift—it’s a cultural and emotional one. Leaders who prioritize communication, recognition, and human connection will unlock the full potential of their remote teams.
The Engage2Reward Gift Card Ordering Platform helps organizations deliver motivation at scale with bulk ordering, custom branding, and secure, flexible digital delivery options. Whether you’re recognizing performance, supporting wellness, or celebrating team wins, we make it easy to reward your remote workforce meaningfully.
Contact us today to started engaging, rewarding, and motivating your workforce.
