GiftCard Partners Blog

As we edge toward 2026, the workplace is entering a distinct new phase: one shaped less by rapid job-switching than by employees holding on, and more by transformation in how we work than by incremental tweaks. Let’s unpack the major dynamics at play, and what it means for employers, HR teams and employees alike.

The infographic shows a lot about employee expectations when it comes to holiday gifts. For those employers who are doing some last minute planning for employee holiday gifts this year, keep in mind that prepaid cards and gift cards are thepreferred gift. These gifts are easy for employers to purchase, and give flexibility to cater to different audiences. Giving prepaid cards or gift cards allows employers the opportunity to either tailored gifts to certain employees, by giving an 
AutoZone gift card to the car enthusiast, or a 
Boston Market gift card to an employee with a large family. These types of flexible  gifts can also be offered to employees with the opportunity to select the brand of their choosing for their end of year gift. Giving end of year gifts are not expected from the majority of employees, and so by giving even small denomination gift cards this holiday season, employees will view the gesture as a thoughtful way for employers to show extra appreciation at this hectic time of year.

It may sound like an obvious thing to say…”that management needs to be committed to their safety program for it to work”. But, all too often safety programs feel like a pretense to employees and this sets the stage for safety behavior. Real world experiences with safety programs and safety incentives tell us that this is happening all the time. The act of selecting which incentives and rewards will be offered sets the tone for your program. Will you expect employees to feel rewarded for fewer accident reports with a “super-star” coffee mug, or other trinkets? Cash is appreciated and remembered, but you won’t receive discount on cash rewards. Gift Cards are the perfect incentive for safety and corporate rewards and business incentive programs, as discounts are achieved for volume orders. Companies like
GiftCard Partners offer only volume orders and discounts on top gift card brands like
Speedway (Gasoline),
The Cheesecake Factory,
Boston Market,
AutoZone and
many more.  

Employee recognition is a pivotal aspect of fostering a positive workplace culture. It refers to the act of acknowledging and appreciating employees for their contributions, achievements, and efforts within an organization. This recognition can take various forms, ranging from verbal praise to formal awards and incentives. Here's a comprehensive exploration of the definition, meaning, and significance of employee recognition in the workplace.

Employers and managers must be mindful of leading their employees by managing emotions. If employees' emotions are positive in the workplace, employees will be more productive in their positions. Using emotional intelligence when planning leadership and recognition strategies is crucial to maximizing productivity in your organization. Here are 5 tips to lead with emotional intelligence.