Recognition That Sticks: Employers Are Using Gift Cards to Build Cultures

The workforce has changed — an email shoutout, or an annual bonus isn't cutting it anymore. For employers navigating tight HR budgets, rising attrition, and the quiet epidemic of disengagement, always-on recognition isn't a luxury — it's a retention strategy. This session dives into how gift card-based reward programs are uniquely positioned to meet both newer and tenured employees where they are — whether they're in the office, at home, or somewhere in between — delivering meaningful, flexible recognition that drives behavior and builds loyalty. Special attention will be given to self-insured employer models, where workforce engagement has a direct line to health outcomes and cost containment. It's time to rethink how we recognize.