GiftCard Partners Blog

Retaining talent is extremely important for the success of any organization. After a year of working remotely, employees may not be as engaged as they previously were, and the pandemic has completely changed the corporate landscape into an employees’ market. Employees no longer have to fight for positions or accept jobs they don’t love. They now have the flexibility to get a job anywhere in the United States; all they need to do is hop on a Zoom interview from the comfort of their couch, give notice, and they could decide to leave your organization in a matter of days or weeks. 

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.

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.

The race to keep employees engaged has never been tougher, and organizations that rely only on cash bonuses are leaving real value on the table. Extra pay is appreciated, but it blends quickly into bills and everyday expenses. Non-cash rewards such as gift cards, experiences, and lifestyle perks stand out because they create emotional impact and memorable recognition. In a workforce where only 32% of employees report feeling engaged (5), recognition strategies built on experiences rather than transactions are essential for driving performance and loyalty. 

When we talk about motivating employees, most people immediately think of promotions and cash bonuses. And sure, those have their place. But they're not sustainable motivators for everyday performance or long-term engagement.