HR retention: 10 opportunities to show your employees appreciation

At HR seminars, there is often talk of HR retention, but rarely of employee recognition. And yet, one cannot exist without the other.

Benefits, training, and career plans are important, of course. But without a sincere thank you, expressed at the right time,  the message loses its impact.

As proof, studies by Gallup and the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) show that a well-placed gesture of recognition, such as a Pluxee Gift Card, has strong emotional power: it transforms a token of appreciation into lasting motivation.

Regular, personalized, and visible recognition builds loyalty better than a delayed gratification.

Let's now look at the key moments in a career when recognition can serve your HR retention strategy.

Celebrating loyalty, not just seniority

Every year spent at the company tells a story: one of mutual trust, a shared adventure, and a commitment that grows day by day.

Taking the time to celebrate these milestones (1 year, 5 years, 10 years, or more) is much more than a symbolic gesture: it is a way of saying thank you for each person's consistency, loyalty, and unique contribution.

Thank you for your five years of dedication. Your journey is part of our history. 

HR advice

Create an annual anniversary ritual. A sincere word, accompanied by a small gesture, often leaves a much more lasting impression than a reward that comes months later.

To put this idea into practice, simply provide managers with a message template and a small dedicated budget so that this gesture becomes a natural reflex.

Good to know

Jubilee gifts benefit from a specific exemption regulated by the Direct Taxation Administration (ACD, Art. 115, No. 13 L.I.R.).

Using a Pluxee digital gift card as a jubilee gift simplifies management, guarantees traceability, and ensures recognition in a responsible manner.

Celebrating collective achievements

Behind every collective success, whether it be a project, an audit, or a campaign, there is a shared sense of pride: that of having succeeded together.

Taking the time to celebrate it means recognizing the strength of the collective and remembering that every success is the result of shared energy.

Giving the team a Pluxee Gift Card on this occasion is a way of saying thank you to everyone, without hierarchy, fairly and simply.

This project is thanks to you. Thank you for your dedication and collective energy.

HR advice

Establish a shared success ritual: a time for positive feedback, a few words from the manager, and a digital gift card sent to everyone.

This collective gesture fosters pride in belonging and nurtures a vibrant culture of recognition.

Good to know

Organizations where recognition is regular record up to 31% less turnover  (SelectSoftwareReviews).

Building loyalty from the moment new talent arrives

HR retention does not begin after three years of service, but from day one.

Joining a new company is a decisive moment: it determines how the employee will feel recognized, supported, and engaged.

A welcome pack accompanied by a Pluxee Gift Card immediately lays the foundation for a balanced, human relationship. It's a simple way of saying:

Welcome to the team! We're happy to have you on board. 

HR advice

Combine this welcoming gesture with supportive mentoring, regular check-ins, and small symbolic rewards for initial successes (for example, at the end of the onboarding process).

These small gestures remind us that, even at the beginning, every step counts and that we are never alone in moving forward.

Good to know

Studies by the Incentive Research Foundation show that structured and rewarding onboarding significantly improves employee retention and engagement (Building a Culture of Recognition – IRF).

Honoring the end of careers

A career is much more than a series of years: it is a sum of experiences, successes, and connections forged over time.

Retirement is not just a formality. It is a moment in life. A moment to say thank you, simply, with respect.

Offering a personalized Pluxee Gift Card tailored to the employee's plans (travel, wellness, leisure, culture, etc.) transforms a “thank you” into freedom of choice.

Happy retirement, and thank you for all these years of building our shared home.

HR advice

Before the departure, organize a moment of sharing: testimonials, anecdotes, passing on experiences. This sharing makes the tribute lively and collective.

The presentation of the gift card then comes as a final gesture, both symbolic and personalized.

Good to know

Retirement gifts and jubilee gifts benefit from a specific exemption scheme, regulated by the Direct Taxation Authority (Art. 115, No. 13 L.I.R.).

Using a Pluxee digital card allows you to comply with these provisions while ensuring simple and compliant traceability.

Valuing life moments

Marriage, birth, adoption... These personal moments are milestones that matter as much in life as they do in a career. Recognizing them means remembering that behind every employee there is a person, a story, and emotions.

Giving a Pluxee Gift Card on these occasions is a simple and sincere gesture: “We share your joy, and we are happy to celebrate with you.”

This little note accompanied by a carefully chosen gift creates a lasting human connection.

HR advice

Set up a seamless recognition workflow: an HR notification, a personalized message, and immediate delivery of a digital card.

This responsiveness shows that the company knows how to be there at the right time, with accuracy and attention.

Rewarding the achievement of personal goals

Every achievement deserves recognition, especially when it is the result of constant effort, high standards, or pushing oneself beyond one's limits.

When an employee meets (or exceeds) their goals, immediate feedback has a much greater impact than delayed recognition.

A sincere word, accompanied by a Pluxee Gift Card, becomes an instant sign of appreciation.

Your commitment made all the difference. Thank you for your high standards and thoroughness.

HR advice

Don't just value records, but also visible progress: a partially achieved goal, a successful initiative, an exemplary attitude.

Flexible recognition programs, incorporating personalized gift cards, boost motivation and foster a climate of trust.

Good to know

Studies by SHRM and the Incentive Research Foundation show that organizations that practice immediate and individualized recognition have significantly higher engagement rates.

Bringing corporate values to life

A company's values are only worthwhile if they are brought to life through actions, decisions, and everyday details.

Well-being, mobility, and equality days should not be mere dates on the calendar, but opportunities for everyone to experience consistency between words and actions.

Offering a Pluxee Gift Card aligned with themes such as well-being, sustainable mobility, or culture makes your intention tangible.

Thank you for bringing our values to life every day. This gesture symbolizes our shared commitment.

HR advice

Link each highlight to a specific action and a consistent reward: for example, a bike subscription and a gift card for accessories, or a wellness voucher accompanied by a day dedicated to health.

These initiatives make the company's values a shared experience rather than just words.

Good to know

Research by the Incentive Research Foundation shows that environments where recognition is frequent, personalized, and supported by non-monetary rewards such as gift cards, show significantly higher levels of engagement.

Expressing gratitude during busy periods

Busy periods put teams to the test: tight deadlines, pressure, maximum concentration.

At the end of a rush, saying thank you is not a minor detail; it is a sign of respect and consideration that can sometimes be enough to turn fatigue into pride.

 You have steered the ship through a challenging period. This success is yours. Thank you for your collective commitment.

HR advice

Set up a “post-project week”: a time dedicated to looking back, sharing feedback, and celebrating everyone's hard work.

A message from management, personalized feedback, and a few digital micro-rewards for key contributions are enough to recreate positive energy.

Good to know

Studies compiled by SelectSoftwareReviews show that companies that actively value efforts during stressful times have better retention and more stable engagement levels.

Recognition, even in its simplest form, is a powerful antidote to fatigue and disengagement.

Celebrating milestones together

Summer parties, company anniversaries, seminars, or end-of-year celebrations... these shared moments are much more than just festive occasions.

They foster cohesion, reinforce pride in belonging, and remind us that behind every success there are committed women and men.

Slip a gift card into the invitation, or give it at the end of the event: a simple way to prolong the shared moment.

This gesture transforms conviviality into a lasting positive memory, a symbol of gratitude that everyone carries with them.

Thank you for contributing to this wonderful adventure. This moment belongs to you too.

HR advice

Link each event to an inspiring message from the leader: a vision, a thank you, a shared perspective.

The gift card then becomes a tangible reminder of that moment, a reminder of trust and unity.

 

Rewarding exemplary behavior

Mutual support, listening, initiative, and mediation cannot be measured in a dashboard, but they shape a company's culture every day.

These positive behaviors create bonds, inspire others, and strengthen cohesion.

Recognizing them encourages their natural dissemination within the collective.

A spontaneous message accompanied by a Pluxee Gift Card highlights these everyday gestures and reminds employees of what the company wants to see grow: team spirit, kindness, and shared responsibility.

Your attitude has had a real impact on the team. Thank you for embodying our values every day.

HR advice

Establish a quarterly “Values Award” based on peer voting: everyone can nominate a colleague who best embodies the company's values.

Winners receive a digital gift card: simple, symbolic, and customizable.

Good to know

Studies by the Incentive Research Foundation confirm that non-monetary rewards, such as gift cards, are among the most effective levers for sustaining positive behavior and strengthening HR loyalty (The Value and ROI of Employee Recognition – IRF).

Why it works: focus on gift cards

The facts speak for themselves: gift cards are now the preferred recognition tool for companies.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), it is the number one non-monetary award, used by nearly 38% of employers.

And for good reason: it combines simplicity, personalization, and emotional impact.

Studies by the Incentive Research Foundation confirm this trend: more than 75% of HR managers believe that gift cards or prepaid cards are among the most effective rewards for strengthening employee loyalty and engagement.

Companies are going even further: they are now incorporating these cards into structured recognition programs, with dedicated budgets, appropriate amounts, and careful sourcing.

In summary

The Pluxee Gift Card is practical: simple to implement, well received, and easy to grow.

It is a “thank you” that can be seen, experienced, and remembered.

Conclusion: HR retention is above all a matter of recognition.

Employees don't stay just for a salary or benefits.

They stay because they feel valued, listened to, and recognized.

Recognition gives meaning to work, creates bonds, and builds trust.

Every gesture, every word, every Pluxee gift card becomes a tangible sign of this human connection:

You matter. And without you, nothing would be the same.

Building loyalty isn't about holding people back. It's about making them want to stay because they feel good where they are. It's about building, day after day, a company where everyone feels they belong, valued, involved, and proud to contribute.

Offer recognition that makes a difference

The Pluxee Gift Card is much more than just a gift:

It's a modern, flexible, and responsible way to say thank you to your employees at every key moment in their career.

Easy to distribute, 100% digital, and tax-efficient, it can be easily integrated into your HR routines to transform every gesture of recognition into a positive experience.

Some related articles:

• https://www.pluxee.lu/en/blog/the-keys-to-a-fulfilling-life-at-work/
• https://www.pluxee.lu/en/blog/newcomers-to-luxembourg-our-tips-for-making-connections/
• https://www.pluxee.lu/en/blog/committing-to-a-more-respectful-inclusive-and-equitable-world-of-work/