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Lauren Zahakaylo


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Why Recognition Matters More Than Ever in Retention Strategies

Feb 2, 2026 8:00:02 AM / by Lauren Zahakaylo posted in Motivating Employees, Happy Employees, Employee Recognition, Employee Engagement, Employee Appreciation, Employee Experience

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Employee retention has become more challenging as burnout continues to rise. In fact, 66% of employees report experiencing burnout, making it harder for organizations to keep teams engaged and motivated. When stress goes unaddressed, turnover often follows, especially when employees feel their efforts go unnoticed.

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Remote Work Readiness: Building Productive Hybrid Teams for 2026

Jan 15, 2026 8:00:02 AM / by Lauren Zahakaylo posted in Motivating Employees, Remote Working, Happy Employees, Employee Recognition, Employee Experience

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Remote and hybrid work are no longer temporary solutions; they’re permanent parts of the modern workplace. As organizations look ahead to 2026, the focus is shifting from simply allowing remote work to intentionally optimizing it. Building productive hybrid teams requires the right mix of structure, technology, communication, and culture.

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Kickstarting the New Year: How Small Rewards Boost Motivation in Q1

Jan 8, 2026 11:44:30 AM / by Lauren Zahakaylo posted in Incentive, Motivating Employees, Recognition Program, Employee Recognition, Employee Engagement

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The start of a new year brings fresh goals, renewed energy, and high expectations. But for many teams, that momentum can fade quickly once January settles in. After a busy holiday season and year-end push, Q1 is often marked by burnout, tighter budgets, and long to-do lists. That’s where small, meaningful rewards can make a big difference.

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New Year, New Traditions: Inventive Ways to Ring in the New Year with Your Team

Dec 29, 2025 8:00:01 AM / by Lauren Zahakaylo posted in Incentive, Motivating Employees, Recognition Program, Employee Recognition, Employee Engagement, Employee Appreciation

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The start of a new year offers more than a fresh calendar, it’s an opportunity to reset, reconnect, and reenergize your team. While January is often full of planning sessions and goal-setting, it’s also the perfect time to introduce new traditions that bring people together and set a positive tone for the months ahead.

Whether your team is fully in-office, hybrid, or remote, here are inventive ways to kick off the new year with excitement, intention, and a renewed sense of unity.

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On-the-Spot Appreciation: Last-Minute Rewards for Dedicated Volunteers During the Holidays

Dec 8, 2025 7:59:59 AM / by Lauren Zahakaylo posted in Incentive Program, Gift Cards

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The holiday season brings a surge of volunteer support, from food drives and outreach events to community celebrations. These volunteers give their time generously, often balancing their own busy schedules. Showing appreciation doesn’t have to be planned; quick, thoughtful gestures can have just as much impact.

Here are meaningful, last-minute ways to recognize your volunteers this holiday season.

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From Secret Snowflake to Team Building: Fun and Inclusive Holiday Activities for Your Staff

Dec 3, 2025 9:44:43 AM / by Lauren Zahakaylo posted in Motivating Employees, Holiday, Employee Recognition, Employee Engagement

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The holiday season is the perfect time to bring your team together, boost morale, and celebrate the year’s accomplishments. Whether your workforce is in-office, remote, or hybrid, these fun and inclusive activities will help everyone feel connected.

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’Tis the Season for Self-Care: How to Help Your Team Relax and Recharge Amidst the Holiday Rush

Nov 17, 2025 9:00:01 AM / by Lauren Zahakaylo posted in Health & Wellness, Recognition Program, Employee Recognition, Wellness Program

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As the year winds down, many teams are racing to hit deadlines, close out projects, and prepare for the new year. The holidays can bring excitement but also stress, fatigue, and burnout.

That’s why now is the perfect time for leaders to encourage self-care, balance, and appreciation across the organization. Supporting your employees’ well-being during this busy season doesn’t just lift morale; it drives engagement and retention heading into the new year.

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Jingle Bell Rewards: Gift Card Ideas to Energize Educators During the Holiday Rush

Nov 3, 2025 9:00:00 AM / by Lauren Zahakaylo posted in Holiday Reward, Holiday, Gift Cards, Education Industry

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The holidays are a time for joy, reflection, and, if you’re in education, a whole lot of classroom chaos. From winter concerts to finals prep and festive activities, teachers and school staff give their all to keep students learning and spirits high.

This season, it’s time to give that energy back with gifts that truly make a difference.

Here are a few holiday gift card ideas to help educators refuel, recharge, and feel appreciated for everything they do.

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Appreciating Healthcare Workers: Gift Card Programs for Motivation and Retention

Oct 20, 2025 8:00:01 AM / by Lauren Zahakaylo posted in Incentive, Incentive Program, Employee Recognition, Employee Appreciation

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Healthcare professionals are the backbone of our communities. From long shifts to high-stakes situations, their dedication ensures that patients receive compassionate and effective care every day. Yet, the demands of the healthcare industry also mean burnout, turnover, and retention challenges are common. That’s why meaningful recognition and motivation strategies have become essential for supporting and keeping these vital team members.

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Nurturing Wellness: Embracing the Dimensions of Wellness with Gift Cards for World Mental Health Day

Oct 1, 2025 8:00:03 AM / by Lauren Zahakaylo posted in Incentive, Incentive Program, Recognition Program, Employee Wellness, Wellness Program, Stress Management

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Each year on World Mental Health Day, we’re reminded that wellness is not one-dimensional. True well-being extends beyond just mental health; it’s about nurturing the whole person across physical, emotional, social, financial, and even occupational dimensions. For businesses, this day is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and explore ways to support employees’ well-being in meaningful and sustainable ways.

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