GiftCard Partners Blog

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), Medicaid/Medicare payers, and community health programs work year-round to improve preventive care compliance. Yet many beneficiaries still skip their annual screenings due to work conflicts, transportation issues, or a lack of understanding about the long-term value of preventive care.

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.

Employee wellness incentives are rewards employers offer to encourage employees to complete specific health, benefits, or wellness activities. Effective incentives connect a meaningful reward to a clear, achievable action, such as completing benefits enrollment, attending a wellness education session, receiving a preventive screening, or participating in a wellness challenge.

Employee engagement is more than an HR metric; it’s a strategic advantage that drives productivity, retention, and workplace culture. According to Gallup, only about 32% of U.S. employees were fully engaged at work in mid-2024, up slightly from previous lows but still leaving room for improvement.

Every new year brings renewed motivation to live healthier, but motivation alone rarely lasts. Research shows that while nearly 48% of adults set wellness goals in January, only around 20% stay on track by mid-year. For many, it’s not the lack of good intentions but the absence of tangible support and encouragement that makes the difference.