GiftCard Partners Blog

Smoking at work is not what it used to be. In the days of Don Draper, it was something everyone did, all the time, whether they were at work or home. Now, it's difficult to find a restaurant that even has a smoking section. According to a recent SHRM study that addresses smoking at work, employers have smoking cessation programs on their minds. According to the survey, 47% of responding employers restrict their employees smoking in some way during working hours.

Wellness challenges are becoming all the rage at workplaces across the country and are encouraging employees to become happier, healthier, and more energetic at work.

Requiring little to no investment, the challenges help to promote a supportive, positive climate of camaraderie and fun.

Incentive programs play a critical role in driving employee performance, engagement, and retention. But managing one internally can be time-consuming and complex—especially for HR teams juggling multiple priorities. That’s why outsourcing certain aspects of your incentive program can be a smart, scalable solution.

2015 gift card sales in the U.S. reach $130 billion, a 6% increase over 2014.

2015 gift cards sales are just the beginning as gift card sales are predicted to reach $160 billion by 2018. E-gifting had the largest increase, rising to 26% in 2015, representing $7.1 billion in volume. E-gifting is also expected to support the overall payment industry growth. Long-term prospects for e-gifting remain promising as more payment services become mainstream and plastic cards make the switch to digital.

For brands with a gift card program, third-party distribution is not just a retail placement tactic. It is a growth channel.