GiftCard Partners Blog

Employee engagement has been a stated leadership priority for years, but HR teams are under growing pressure to prove that engagement and wellness initiatives deliver measurable business value. Budgets are scrutinized more closely, finance leaders want outcomes they can quantify, and employees expect programs that actually support their well-being.

Workplace wellness is a $6 billion industry. In today's age of technology, millions of American employees are sitting at their desks for hours on end. Behaviors like these have led to a growing rate of chronic diseases like obesity, high blood pressure, stress, exhaustion, and absenteeism, just to name a few. Implementing workplace wellness programs has become a vital piece in both maintaining and improving employee health. The Society for Human Resource Management (commonly known as SHRM) released a 2015 Employee Benefits Report that discussed the uphill trend in implementing workplace wellness programs, addressing preventable and chronic disease programs in particular. RAND Corporation also released a brief on wellness programs, titled  "Do Workplace Wellness Programs Save Employers Money." It took a closer look at the two most common components of a wellness program:

Healthcare HR Week, observed from March 10 to 14, 2025, is a time to honor the indispensable contributions of human resources professionals in healthcare organizations nationwide. These dedicated individuals manage complex challenges daily, ensuring the seamless operation of our healthcare system.

Even when budgets are tight, appreciation doesn’t have to be. In fact, during periods of change or economic pressure, thoughtful recognition becomes even more essential to maintaining morale, trust, and team cohesion.

The side hustle is no longer a fringe activity; it’s a defining part of the modern workforce. According to SurveyMonkey’s Workplace Culture and Trends report, nearly three in four employees (72%) either have a side hustle or are considering one. While side hustles can spark creativity and growth, they also present challenges for employers — from retention risks to engagement gaps.