GiftCard Partners Blog

As employees are challenged with being productive, communicating, and staying motivated working remotely, employers need to adapt engagement programs to address these new conditions.

Many individuals are adjusting to working from home these days due to the coronavirus—even for those of us who worked remotely before, it can be an adjustment to work while your family and others are at home too. 

Today, nurses are on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the world, putting both their physical and mental health in jeopardy to help patients and at-risk populations. Saying thank you to nurses and healthcare workers is more important now than ever. One way we can help them in this time of need is by spreading awareness of their outstanding efforts and providing them with resources they need to help them take care of themselves as they care for patients.

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.

Employee rewards and recognition programs are no longer “nice to have.” In 2026, they’re a core lever for engagement, retention, and performance—especially as organizations navigate hybrid work, tighter budgets, and rising expectations for personalization and impact.