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Why Staff Rewards Matter at the Start of a New Year | SWIRL Gift Cards

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Why it is important to reward staff coming into a new year
Why it is important to reward staff coming into a new year

Why Staff Rewards Are Important When Entering a New Year

A new year brings fresh goals, new targets, and renewed energy. For many businesses, it is also a moment of reflection. Teams have pushed hard through year-end deadlines, busy periods, and long hours. Before asking people to give their best again, it is worth asking a simple question: do they feel appreciated? 

This is where staff rewards make a real difference. Starting the year by recognising effort sends a powerful message. It shows employees that their work is noticed, valued, and remembered. In return, businesses see stronger engagement, better performance, and improved retention. Well-planned employee incentives do not just feel good — they make commercial sense. 

Staff Rewards Set the Tone for the Year Ahead

January sets expectations. When employees feel recognised early in the year, they start with a more positive mindset. Staff rewards help people feel motivated rather than fatigued after a demanding end-of-year period. 

Studies consistently support this. Lucid research shows that engaged employees deliver 21% higher profitability, while organisations with strong recognition cultures report significantly lower staff turnover. These results are not accidental. They come from businesses that actively invest in meaningful employee incentives. 

A simple reward at the right time can shift attitudes from “another long year ahead” to “this is a place where my work matters”. 

Why Staff Rewards Matter More Than Ever for Retention

Replacing staff is expensive and disruptive. Recruitment costs, training time, and lost productivity quickly add up. For many businesses, keeping good people has become harder in a competitive employment market. 

Staff rewards play a key role in retention. Employees who feel appreciated are far less likely to look elsewhere. Research suggests that recognition can reduce voluntary turnover by up to 31%. That is a significant saving for employers, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. 

Thoughtful employee incentives also build loyalty. When employees feel valued, they tend to stay longer, contribute more, and speak positively about their workplace. 

Staff Rewards and Performance Go Hand in Hand

Recognition drives behaviour. When people know that effort leads to appreciation, they are more likely to go the extra mile. Staff rewards give managers a practical way to reinforce the behaviours that support business goals. 

This might include: 

  • Rewarding teams for hitting targets 
  • Recognising consistent effort, not just big wins 
  • Supporting wellbeing and morale during busy periods 
  • Encouraging collaboration and positive workplace culture 

Effective employee incentives do not need to be complex. They need to be timely, fair, and meaningful. 

Why Gift Cards Are One of the Most Effective Staff Rewards

Not all rewards land the same way. Cash bonuses often disappear into everyday expenses and lose their emotional impact. One-size-fits-all gifts can feel impersonal. 

Gift cards continue to be one of the most popular staff rewards because they give employees choice. People can spend them on what they actually want or need, which makes the reward feel more personal and appreciated. 

This flexibility is exactly why so many employers choose SWIRL Gift Cards for their employee incentives. 

SWIRL Gift Cards: Simple, Flexible Staff Rewards

SWIRL Gift Cards are designed specifically for businesses that want a straightforward, reliable way to reward their teams. They work equally well for new year recognition, performance incentives, long service awards, retirements, and special occasions. 

Easy to Order: The ordering process is quick and hassle-free, which is ideal for busy HR, finance, and management teams. 

Fast, Reliable Delivery: SWIRL Gift Cards are delivered efficiently, so rewards arrive on time and without unnecessary delays. 

Nationwide Acceptance: Employees can use their card in a wide range of locations, giving them real freedom of choice. 

Clear Budget Control: Employers decide the value of each card, making staff rewards simple to manage and easy to reconcile. 

Suitable for Every Team: From small businesses to larger organisations, SWIRL Gift Cards scale easily and suit all roles and age groups. 

Staff Rewards Strengthen Your Employer Brand

How you treat your employees affects how your business is perceived. According to apollotechnical, 75% of jobseekers consider an employer’s reputation before applying. A visible commitment to staff rewards sends a strong signal that people matter in your organisation. 

Employees who feel appreciated often become advocates. They talk positively about their workplace, recommend it to others, and stay engaged longer. Over time, consistent employee incentives help build a stronger, more attractive employer brand. 

Make Staff Rewards Part of Your New Year Plan

The best time to recognise effort is now. Starting the year with staff rewards shows leadership and intention. It sets a positive tone and builds momentum that lasts well beyond January. 

By making employee incentives part of your wider people strategy, you create a workplace where recognition is expected, not exceptional. 

Ready to Reward Your Team?

If you are planning your staff rewards for the year ahead, SWIRL Gift Cards offer a flexible, reliable, and well-received solution. Have a look what SWIRL customers have to say about their swirl cards, and place your corporate order today and start the new year by showing your team how much they are valued. 

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