GiftCard Partners Blog

Employee wellness initiatives have taken many forms over the last 5-10 years. They have ranged from biometric screenings to company exercise groups to discounts on health insurance. Each company does it differently, depending on what is most effective for their specific organization. But according to this Washington Post article, employee wellness is taking a new turn and it's compelling for both employers and employees. Employee wellness is becoming part of company culture. With a growing millennial component to the American workforce, employers are focusing on enticing younger employees with perks and attractive cultural components in the work environment. Wellness programs are shifting to be a component of these types of company culture and positioning efforts. So what does it mean for employers? How can they measure ROI when they take tangible metrics and transition them into the "intangible benefits" so important to difficult-to-please millennial? Here are a few ways:

No one loves hearing they’re wrong or that they’ve made a mistake. Poorly delivered criticism can shake an employee’s confidence or even cause them to disengage entirely. But feedback is an essential part of leadership, and when done well, it can drive growth, build skills, and increase loyalty.

Scaling a business is exciting, but it’s rarely easy. Growth introduces new pressures that affect everyone, from your leadership team to your front-line employees. If it’s not handled thoughtfully, scaling can lead to burnout, turnover, and even a loss of faith in leadership—costing your organization time, money, and momentum.

The start of a new year gives organizations a natural reset point. Employees return with fresh energy, new goals, and a desire for clarity about what’s ahead. But motivation doesn’t sustain itself; it requires intentional structure, thoughtful communication, and environments that support people in doing their best work.

Employee recognition has evolved from a simple pat on the back to a strategic retention tool. Employees who receive monthly recognition are four times more likely to envision a long‑term career at their company. Medium‑to‑large organizations in 2026 face distributed workforces, heightened competition for skilled talent and an expectation for instant, personal and meaningful rewards.