GiftCard Partners Blog

It may be a new year, but that hasn’t erased the employee burnout or safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether a business is operating remotely or managing under new safety protocols to bring back an in-person workforce, employee absenteeism remains a costly challenge to employers.

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.

As we approach the holiday season, the traditional office party is no longer the primary way to celebrate and thank employees. Many companies are opting for more flexible, digital solutions to recognize employee contributions, particularly in the era of remote work and distributed teams. With budgets often tightened and in-office camaraderie difficult to replicate, digital rewards—especially eGift cards—are emerging as the go-to solution for end-of-year employee appreciation.

While there's no vaccine for COVID-19, there is one for influenza. With the possibility of a new surge of COVID-19 in the fall and winter, health experts and officials are encouraging early flu shots to avoid what has been dubbed a "twindemic"—a severe flu season combined with a new wave of COVID-19.

As states begin to open back up after COVID-19 shut-downs, employees are gradually returning back to work in offices. For many, this transition may be unsettling.