GiftCard Partners Blog

Most wellness initiatives don’t fail because they lack education, technology, or good intentions. They fail because daily behaviors are hard to sustain once initial motivation fades. App check-ins slow down, medication routines slip, and remote monitoring participation declines. 

Building a culture of appreciation is a business imperative heading into 2026. Organizations that consistently recognize and support their employees experience 31% less voluntary turnover and are 12 times more likely to see strong business outcomes. Yet many companies still struggle to turn appreciation into an ongoing, meaningful practice.

Recruiting and retaining talent isn’t just about compensation and perks anymore. Employers are under increasing pressure to help their people live healthier lives, both because employees expect it and because chronic conditions are a growing drag on productivity and healthcare costs. 

Employee wellness programs aren’t just a nice-to-have anymore—they’ve become a core part of the modern workplace. Today’s employees expect their companies to care about their health and well-being, and smart employers recognize that wellness initiatives pay off for everyone involved.

Sick leave can take a serious toll on your business. Lost productivity, extra coverage costs, and burnout from understaffed teams—it all adds up fast. And while the pandemic spotlighted health like never before, the need for proactive wellness strategies hasn’t gone away.