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<p dir="ltr">Is email dead in e-commerce?</p>
<p dir="ltr">With <a href="https://influencermarketinghub.com/tiktoks-case-study-for-advertisers/">TikTok ads averaging an 11.8x short-term ROI</a>, <a href="https://www.dash.app/blog/influencer-marketing-statistics">influencer campaigns generating $4.12 for every $1 spent</a>, and <a href="https://www.plivo.com/blog/strategies-for-maximizing-sms-marketing-roi/">SMS delivering up to $40 ROI per dollar</a>, it&rsquo;s easy to think email&rsquo;s time is up.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But here&rsquo;s the truth: email still delivers the highest ROI in digital marketing, with<a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/email-marketing-statistics/"> e-commerce brands earning up to $45 for every $1 spent.</a></p>
<p dir="ltr">So why isn&rsquo;t everyone seeing those numbers? Simple: most aren&rsquo;t using email correctly.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you think you&rsquo;re one of those brands and you want to learn how to use email for the good of your brand, you&rsquo;re in the right place! Read on as in this article, we&rsquo;ll cover:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Why email still delivers strong ROI in e-commerce</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The key benchmarks you should track (and aim for)</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Best practices to boost open rates, clicks, and conversions</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Recommended email service providers</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">By the end, you&rsquo;ll know exactly how to turn email into a reliable sales engine for your e-commerce business.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Why email marketing still works</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Email marketing continues to outperform because it gives e-commerce brands something most channels can&rsquo;t: <a href="https://keefomatic.com/owned-media-1-email-marketing/">an owned channel.</a> This means you&rsquo;re not dependent on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-social-media-algorithms-have-transformed-marketing-singh-nn3wf">algorithms</a>&mdash;the complex rules that decide who sees your content on platforms like Facebook&mdash;or on <a href="https://www.webfx.com/digital-advertising/pricing/">rising ad costs</a>, which increase every time more brands compete for the same audience.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">Once someone signs up for your <a href="https://www.activecampaign.com/glossary/email-list">email list</a>, you can connect with them directly without paying every time and build long-term value across the customer journey. That&rsquo;s why email works especially well for things such as:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Reminding shoppers to complete their purchase. These quick nudges help recover lost sales with minimal effort.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Announcing new products or limited-time offers. These emails build excitement and prompt faster buying decisions.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Following up after a purchase. A simple thank-you, care instructions, or product recommendations can increase repeat orders and customer trust.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Rewarding loyal customers or encouraging referrals. Special perks and incentives keep your best buyers engaged and help attract new ones.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">In short, unlike social media or paid ads, where reach isn&rsquo;t guaranteed and costs can spike overnight, email is direct, measurable, and scalable, making it one of the most dependable tools in your marketing strategy.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">What benchmarks should you aim for?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">So, if email is this powerful, how do you know if yours is actually performing? Aside from the ROI (which was mentioned above), here are <a href="https://www.shopify.com/ph/blog/email-marketing-metrics">five key benchmarks every e-commerce brand should monitor:</a></p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Open rate (15%&ndash;25%): This tells you how many recipients opened your email. It&rsquo;s a direct reflection of how effective your subject lines and sender name are. If open rates are low, your message isn&rsquo;t even making it past the inbox preview.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Click-through rate (CTR: 2%&ndash;5%): A healthy CTR means your email content and call-to-action are compelling enough to drive engagement. If people open but don&rsquo;t click, that&rsquo;s a sign your content might not be aligned with their intent or needs.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Conversion rate (varies by campaign): This is the percentage of recipients who take the desired action after clicking, like making a purchase or signing up for a promo. Campaigns like <a href="https://www.klaviyo.com/blog/abandoned-cart-benchmarks">abandoned cart emails often convert 3x better than generic newsletters. </a>This metric is the most direct link to revenue impact.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Bounce rate (keep it below 2%): A high bounce rate means your emails aren&rsquo;t getting delivered, often due to invalid addresses or outdated lists. This affects not only your deliverability but also your sender reputation. Removing invalid or unengaged contacts regularly helps keep your list healthy and your emails deliverable.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Unsubscribe rate (ideally under 0.5%): If people are opting out at a high rate, something&rsquo;s off. Maybe you&rsquo;re sending too often, or your content isn&rsquo;t meeting expectations. A low unsubscribe rate means your emails are relevant, well-targeted, and welcome in your customers&rsquo; inboxes.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr">Best practices that boost ROI</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The above benchmarks show how well your emails are performing. If your numbers are low, it doesn&rsquo;t mean email has failed; the solution often comes down to strategy. The following <a href="https://sendgrid.com/en-us/resource/email-marketing-best-practices-tips">best practices</a> can help you improve performance where it counts most.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Segment your list</h3>
<p dir="ltr">One-size-fits-all emails are a quick way to lose engagement. This is why you should segment your list based on customer behavior, like purchase history, browsing activity, or location. A returning customer should see different offers than a first-time visitor. Tailoring your message makes each email more relevant and more likely to convert.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Build lifecycle emails</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Set up automated emails that follow where someone is in the buying journey. For instance, you can start with a welcome series for new subscribers. Then create messages for people who browse but don&rsquo;t buy, leave items in their cart, or complete a purchase. These emails are timely, personal, and usually perform better than one-off promos because they meet the customer at the right moment.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Test subject lines and timing</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Your subject line is your first impression; if it doesn&rsquo;t catch attention, the email won&rsquo;t get opened. Try different approaches: ask a question, highlight an offer, or use personalization. Test your send times too. Some audiences respond better in the morning, others at night. The goal is to find out what gets your audience to open and click, not just what feels right.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Optimize for mobile</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Most emails are now opened on phones, <a href="https://porchgroupmedia.com/blog/100-compelling-email-statistics-to-inform-your-strategy-in-2023/">with mobile accounting for over 40% of all email opens in 2025.</a> If your message doesn&rsquo;t load fast or format correctly, you&rsquo;re losing readers before they even scroll. Use large fonts, a single-column layout, and buttons that are easy to tap. Always keep your main call-to-action visible right away.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Track and improve</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Don&rsquo;t just send emails and forget about them. Keep an eye on the key metrics mentioned above, as well as revenue per email, and average order value (the average amount a customer spends when they buy from you). This helps you see which emails are bringing in results and which ones are falling short. Reviewing performance regularly lets you fix issues early and make smarter decisions that lead to more sales.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Recommended email service providers</h2>
<p dir="ltr">You may know what to watch for in your email performance, but those benchmarks won&rsquo;t mean much if you&rsquo;re using the wrong tools. You need an email service provider (ESP) that works especially well for e-commerce brands, such as:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.klaviyo.com/">Klaviyo:</a> Built for e-commerce with deep integrations for Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. Great for advanced segmentation, product-triggered flows, and real-time revenue tracking.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://mailchimp.com/">Mailchimp:</a> Best for smaller brands or beginners. It&rsquo;s easy to use, has strong templates, and offers basic automation and analytics without a steep learning curve.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.omnisend.com/">Omnisend:</a> Also designed specifically for e-commerce. Comes with built-in tools like product pickers, cart abandonment tracking, and SMS/email integration.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.drip.com/">Drip:</a> Ideal for brands focused on personalization and multichannel marketing. Strong visual flow builder and advanced tagging for behavior-based targeting.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">If you're currently using a basic email tool&mdash;like Gmail, Outlook, or a platform that wasn&rsquo;t built for e-commerce&mdash;you&rsquo;re likely missing out on features like automation, segmentation, and performance tracking. Each of these ESPs supports the best practices we covered earlier and gives you the data and automation needed to scale your email revenue.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Email still delivers&mdash;but only if you treat it as a revenue channel, not just a place to send announcements. The brands that see real ROI are the ones who take it seriously: they segment their lists, build automated journeys, and continuously test what works.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you&rsquo;re just getting started, focus on your top three core email journeys: a welcome series for new subscribers, reminders for abandoned carts, and post-purchase follow-ups. Nail those, and the returns will come.</p>

The ROI of Email Marketing in E-commerce: Benchmarks and Best Practices

<p dir="ltr">Is it getting harder to keep customers engaged? Are your once-reliable promos suddenly falling flat? Do you need a new way to attract the attention of your customers?</p>
<p dir="ltr">Well, one thing you need to know is that it&rsquo;s not entirely your fault. Shoppers today are constantly hit with ads, discounts, and loyalty programs, <a href="https://diggrowth.com/blogs/marketing-mix-modeling/saturation-effects-in-marketing-mix-modeling/">making that kind of marketing less noticeable.</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">What actually grabs attention now? <a href="https://www.ronsela.com/attention-marketing/">Experiences that feel different.</a> <a href="https://mediacat.uk/how-can-brands-get-our-attention-these-days/">People respond to something they can take part in:</a> a challenge, a reward system, or a sense of progress that keeps them engaged over time.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you're looking for a way to grab attention and hold it&mdash;to build real customer engagement that leads to deeper loyalty&mdash;retail gamification might be the edge you need.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Want to know more? Read on as we explore the following:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">What retail gamification is and how it works</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Examples of brands doing it right</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Actionable strategies to get started</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Common mistakes to avoid</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">At the end of this article, you&rsquo;ll understand how gamification boosts engagement, and why that matters for long-term growth.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">What is retail gamification?</h2>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.tokinomo.com/blog/gamification-in-retail">Retail gamification</a> uses game-like elements&mdash;such as points, badges, progress bars, and challenges&mdash;in a shopping or brand experience. It&rsquo;s not about building full games, but about adding simple, familiar mechanics that encourage participation.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://mando.co.uk/mcdonalds-monopoly-evolution/">McDonald&rsquo;s Monopoly</a> is a classic example. Each time a customer buys select menu items like a large fries or McFlurry, they receive a peel-off game piece tied to a Monopoly property. Some pieces offer instant wins like free food or merch; others form sets that unlock major prizes, from cash to vacations. More recently, the campaign has gone digital, with in-app code scans and bonus chances through "digital peels."&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.starbucks.ie/rewards">Starbucks Rewards</a> is another standout. Customers earn &ldquo;Stars&rdquo; for every transaction. These Stars accumulate to unlock tiered benefits, like free drinks, early product access, and birthday rewards. To boost activity, Starbucks often adds time-limited challenges like &ldquo;Buy 3 iced drinks this week for 50 bonus Stars,&rdquo; pushing repeat purchases and higher engagement within a set timeframe.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Many modern retail apps use similar tactics such as daily check-ins, digital scratch cards, progress trackers, or spin-to-win mechanics to keep customers interacting, not just transacting.</p>
<p dir="ltr">What sets gamification apart from basic promos or loyalty programs is the level of engagement. It&rsquo;s not just a one-time discount; it gives people a reason to interact repeatedly, even when they&rsquo;re not ready to buy.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Why gamification works and how it drives results</h2>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.smartico.ai/blog-post/gamification-retail">Why exactly does gamification work in retail environments?</a> Below are the key drivers.</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Psychology: When users earn points, badges, or complete levels, they get an instant feeling of reward&mdash;and that keeps them coming back. These small wins trigger the brain&rsquo;s motivation system, making users want to repeat the action. The more progress they see, the more engaged they stay.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Behavior shifts: <a href="https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/12/09/how-gamified-user-experiences-shape-the-customer-journey/">Gamification breaks up the customer journey into small, repeatable actions</a> like daily logins, streaks, or challenges. This creates habits, which turn casual users into regular ones. As customers return to complete tasks or unlock rewards, engagement naturally increases.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Emotional layer: <a href="https://neilpatel.com/blog/emotional-marketing-to-facebook-ads/">People are more likely to engage with brands that make them feel something</a>, whether achievement, recognition, or belonging. Badges, leaderboards, and social comparisons add emotional weight to every action. That emotional pull makes users stick around and interact more often.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Data angle: Gamified systems track what users enjoy, how often they return, and what keeps them engaged. Brands use this data to tailor future experiences, surfacing the right offers at the right time. When <a href="https://www.salesforce.com/blog/personalized-marketing-guide/">content feels personal and timely</a>, users are more likely to engage again.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Word-of-mouth: <a href="https://www.messangi.com/gamification-marketing/">Gamification gives users a reason to share</a>, whether it&rsquo;s showing off a badge or inviting friends for extra points. These shareable moments amplify brand visibility and encourage new user participation. More social sharing means more engagement from new and existing customers alike.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">ROI of gamification</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Here&rsquo;s the most important part: what&rsquo;s the ROI of gamification?</p>
<p dir="ltr">Retailers aren&rsquo;t adopting it just for fun; they&rsquo;re doing it because it works. When implemented well, gamification increases engagement, lifts sales, improves retention, and boosts productivity across teams. It turns customer attention into action, and action into measurable business results.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.storyly.io/post/5-stats-that-prove-gamification-boosts-retention">Customer acquisition has grown by up to 700%</a> for brands using gamified strategies, with <a href="https://www.idomoo.com/blog/gamification-in-retail-the-interactive-trend-driving-loyalty-and-sales/">engagement and loyalty rising by as much as 30%</a>. <a href="https://www.beeliked.com/blog/gamification-market-trends-2025">Sales revenue has increased by 30%</a> in some cases, and gamified apps have <a href="https://adact.me/blog/gamification-marketing-statistics/">boosted customer retention by 22%</a>. Internally, companies using gamification have seen 50% productivity gains and up to 7x improvements in profitability.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Some campaigns have reported <a href="https://yukaichou.com/gamification-examples/gamification-stats-figures/">ROIs as high as 560%</a> &mdash; proof that gamification doesn&rsquo;t just perform well, it scales. With the global gamification market <a href="https://www.amplifai.com/blog/gamification-statistics">projected to reach $49 billion by 2029</a>, the message is clear: gamification is one of the most cost-effective, high-impact growth tools available today.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Gamification strategies used by leading brands</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Ready to implement gamification but not sure where to start? Try out these core strategies that have been adopted by major brands.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Points and tiered rewards</h3>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://ozemio.com/blog/reward-system-gamification/">Points-based systems</a> reward users for completing actions such as purchases, referrals, and even app logins. When paired with tiered levels, the system creates a sense of progression: the more you engage, the more you unlock. This setup keeps customers motivated to spend and interact just to reach the next reward tier.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.sephora.com/rewards">Sephora uses this strategy in its Beauty Insider program</a>. Members move from Insider to VIB to Rouge, with each tier unlocking perks like birthday gifts, early product access, and exclusive events. The higher the status, the greater the sense of achievement&mdash;and the stronger the pull to stay loyal.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Challenges and missions</h3>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://blog.tubikstudio.com/gamification-in-ux-missions-and-challenges/">Challenges and missions</a> give customers a goal to work toward. Challenges are usually time-bound tasks, like completing a certain number of actions in a week. Missions are broader, ongoing goals that break larger behaviors into smaller steps, like completing a profile, trying new features, or exploring different product categories.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.nike.com/help/a/nrc-challenges">Nike Run Club uses challenges</a> to prompt users to hit running milestones within a set time. Meanwhile, apps like <a href="https://strivecloud.io/blog/gamification-examples-boost-user-retention-duolingo/">Duolingo</a> structure missions as a series of actions that guide users through the platform, rewarding consistent progress. Both formats build habit, encourage repeat use, and keep customers engaged even without a purchase.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Leaderboards and badges</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Gamification becomes even more powerful when users can see how they stack up. Leaderboards introduce friendly competition, while badges offer a visual record of achievement, both of which tap into motivation through recognition and social proof. These mechanics help customers feel progress, not just make purchases.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.storyly.io/post/best-gamification-practices-to-boost-user-engagement">Fitbit</a> uses these tools to great effect. Users track daily steps, compete with friends, and unlock badges for hitting milestones like &ldquo;Longest Streak&rdquo; or &ldquo;Marathon Distance.&rdquo; It turns self-improvement into a game and turns data into motivation.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Interactive campaigns</h3>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://dreamfarmagency.com/blog/interactive-campaign/">Interactive campaigns</a> use game-like mechanics&mdash;such as scanning, unlocking, or collecting&mdash;to make the shopping experience more active and goal-oriented. They go beyond traditional marketing methods like banners or discount codes by encouraging participation and rewarding users for completing small tasks.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.ienhance.co/insights/ikea-marketing-strategy">IKEA</a> applies this through in-store QR hunts, where customers follow prompts and scan codes to reveal offers or complete missions. Some locations offer rewards for visiting specific departments or completing the full trail. These simple mechanics turn shopping into a light game and keep people engaged throughout the experience.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Implementation pitfalls to avoid</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Gamification can be powerful, but only when executed with care. Here are <a href="https://www.litmos.com/blog/articles/gamification-mistakes">key mistakes</a> to watch out for:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Avoid gimmicks that don&rsquo;t offer real value: Spinning a wheel or collecting badges means nothing if the rewards feel cheap or disconnected from what users want. Make sure every mechanic serves a purpose and gives customers something meaningful in return.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Don&rsquo;t ignore user experience: Clunky navigation, confusing rules, or too many steps will push people away. Your gamified system should be simple, intuitive, and easy to access across devices.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Tailor the experience to your audience: What works for a fitness app won&rsquo;t necessarily work for a luxury retailer. Design your mechanics, tone, and rewards based on what motivates your specific customer base.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Be transparent about data and rewards: If you&rsquo;re collecting user behavior or offering incentives, make the terms clear. Ambiguity around privacy or reward conditions can quickly erode trust.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion&nbsp;</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Gamification works because it transforms customer engagement into something active, rewarding, and habit-forming. It taps into human motivation&mdash;progress, challenge, recognition&mdash;and turns everyday interactions into meaningful experiences that build loyalty over time.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you're looking to increase retention, drive conversions, and create a stronger connection with your audience, now is the time to try it. Start small, focus on value, and build a system that keeps customers coming back.</p>

Retail Gamification: How Brands Are Using Interactive Strategies to Drive Engagement

<p dir="ltr">Feedback at work is essential. Why? Well, for one thing, <a href="https://www.culturemonkey.io/employee-engagement/employee-feedback-statistics/">70% of employees</a> say it improves workplace culture. <a href="https://www.gallup.com/workplace/357764/fast-feedback-fuels-performance.aspx">80% feel fully engaged</a> when they receive meaningful feedback weekly. Additionally, <a href="https://buildempire.co.uk/employee-feedback-statistics/">41% have quit a job</a> because they didn&rsquo;t feel heard, showing just how deeply feedback ties into retention and morale.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Still, creating a culture where feedback is timely, meaningful, and acted on is difficult. While many say regular feedback is beneficial, <a href="https://joingenius.com/statistics/employee-feedback-statistics/">only 50% act on it</a>, often because it lacks clarity or practical guidance. At the same time, <a href="https://www.oak.com/blog/employee-feedback-statistics/">65% want more feedback from managers</a>, while <a href="https://explodingtopics.com/blog/employee-feedback-stats">20% don&rsquo;t feel safe enough to share their own</a>, fearing it won&rsquo;t be valued.&nbsp;</p>
<p dir="ltr">In short, when feedback isn&rsquo;t specific, two-way, or followed through, engagement drops, trust erodes, and growth stalls, no matter how much feedback is encouraged.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Wondering how to build feedback into your company culture for real? Read on as we cover the two things you need to know:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Four key principles that hold the culture together</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">A clear, realistic plan to roll it out across your team</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">At the end of this article, you will know how to build a workplace culture where feedback is normal, actionable, and valued.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">The four pillars of a real feedback culture</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Building a strong feedback culture doesn&rsquo;t happen by accident. Let&rsquo;s take a look at <a href="https://sparkplug.app/blog/how-to-use-four-pillars-of-employee-engagement-to-drive-business-success">the core elements</a> that shape how feedback is given, received, and acted on.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Psychological safety first</h3>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.leaderfactor.com/learn/psychological-safety-in-workplace">Psychological safety</a> is the foundation of any real feedback culture. It means employees feel safe to speak up, ask questions, or raise concerns without fear of judgment or retaliation. But in many workplaces, that safety is missing. A survey by the Institute of Business Ethics found that <a href="https://www.corporatecomplianceinsights.com/news-roundup-october-17-2024/">43% of employees fear retaliation</a> if they speak up, and <a href="https://cmmonline.com/news/survey-reveals-employees-fear-of-speaking-up">another survey</a> shows that nearly 50% of those who did report concerns faced negative consequences.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Further research shows that <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/when-employees-are-afraid-to-speak-up-organizations-suffer">only 1% of employees feel extremely confident speaking up in high-stakes situations.</a> That level of hesitation reflects a clear lack of psychological safety and trust in how feedback will be received. When people don&rsquo;t feel safe, they&rsquo;re less likely to raise issues, contribute ideas, or ask for support&mdash;all of which limits team performance and learning.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9819141/">It&rsquo;s on leaders to change that.</a> Psychological safety grows when managers listen without defensiveness, own their mistakes, and make it clear that speaking up won&rsquo;t come at a cost. Without that foundation, no feedback system will lead to real change.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Make feedback regular</h3>
<p dir="ltr">One-off reviews don&rsquo;t build a feedback culture. Regular, ongoing feedback helps employees stay aligned, correct course early, and feel supported. Companies that adopt continuous feedback loops <a href="https://psico-smart.com/en/blogs/blog-the-role-of-continuous-feedback-in-fostering-a-culture-of-psychological-safety-insights-and-strategies-181335">see 21% higher profitability and 14.9% lower turnover.</a></p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://align4profit.com/a-4-step-process-to-create-psychological-safety-during-feedback/">Frequent feedback also reduces fear.</a> When it&rsquo;s part of weekly 1:1s, retros, or project wrap-ups, it feels normal rather than confrontational. This consistency creates safer environments where people are more open to giving and receiving input.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://psychsafety.com/giving-feedback-with-psychological-safety/">Timing matters as much as frequency.</a> Feedback is more effective when it&rsquo;s given soon after the event, while details are still clear and emotions are grounded. When feedback is delayed or vague, <a href="https://trainingindustry.com/articles/performance-management/delivering-feedback-in-an-environment-of-psychological-safety/">it loses impact and can feel more like criticism than support.</a></p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Focus on behaviors, not traits</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Feedback is most useful <a href="https://surveyconnect.com/faqs-about-360-degree-feedback/how-is-behavioral-feedback-different-from-performance-feedback/">when it targets what someone did, not who they are.</a> Calling out actions and their impact keeps the conversation objective and easier to act on. In contrast, comments that sound like personal judgments often trigger defensiveness and shut down learning.</p>
<p dir="ltr">For example, saying "You interrupted twice during the meeting, which made it hard for others to contribute" is clearer than "You&rsquo;re always so impatient." The first points to a specific behavior and a visible outcome. The second labels the person and offers no way to improve.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This distinction is key to maintaining psychological safety. When feedback feels fair and actionable, people are more likely to receive it openly. The goal is not to criticize character but to support growth.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Teach how to give and receive feedback</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Most people are expected to give feedback at work but are rarely taught how. That&rsquo;s where these simple frameworks come in:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://www.uab.edu/humanresources/home/images/LearnDev/PerformanceMgmt/_Tools.Learning.STAFF/Feedback_Model_SBI.pdf">SBI or Situation, Behaviour, and Impact:</a> describe the situation, state the behavior observed, and explain the impact it had.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://your.yale.edu/sites/default/files/adviformanagers_usingdesctomakeyourdifficultconversations.pdf">DESC or Describe, Express, Specify, and outline Consequences:</a> useful for setting boundaries while staying respectful.&nbsp;</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><a href="https://letstalktalent.co.uk/blog/using-the-edge-feedback-framework-for-effective-development-conversations/">EDGE or Explain, Describe, Give suggestions, and End positively:</a> ideal for developmental feedback.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">Skill-building also matters. <a href="https://www.radicalcandor.com/blog/fun-feedback-exercises/">Role-playing exercises</a> help people practice tone, phrasing, and delivery in realistic settings. This builds confidence and reduces the fear of giving or receiving feedback poorly.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Finally, <a href="https://tll.mit.edu/teaching-resources/assess-learning/how-to-give-feedback/">feedback should be treated as a dialogue.</a> Encourage people to focus on two or three actionable points, ask clarifying questions, and check for understanding. Following up shows commitment and turns feedback into an ongoing habit, not just a one-off moment.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How to roll it out</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Knowing the principles is one thing, but turning them into real habits across a team is another. It&rsquo;s not a linear process, but here's a general idea of <a href="https://workleap.com/blog/feedback-culture">how to start building a feedback culture that actually sticks</a>:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Start with the willing: Find people who already give decent feedback or seem open to change. Work with them first. Culture shifts through influence, not mandates, so you need early adopters who can model the behavior authentically.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Address the elephants in the room: Every team has feedback blockers, like defensive senior managers. Name these obstacles directly and work around or through them.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Expect setbacks and resistance: Someone will give terrible feedback using your new framework. Others will revert to old patterns when stressed. Have conversations about what went wrong, adjust your approach, and keep going.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Make it safe to practice. Start feedback conversations in low-stakes situations such as project retrospectives or informal check-ins. Build confidence before tackling performance issues or interpersonal conflicts.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Watch for hidden power dynamics: Junior employees may nod along in training but still won't speak up to senior leaders. Cross-team feedback gets complicated by competing priorities. Be realistic about where formal hierarchy or informal influence will limit honest conversations.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Measure what matters: Skip satisfaction surveys about whether people "liked" the feedback training. Instead, track whether people are actually having more feedback conversations, if issues are being raised earlier, and whether you're seeing behavior changes over time.</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Give it a few months: Cultural shifts take time to stick. People need to see that feedback actually leads to changes, that speaking up doesn't have negative consequences, and that this isn't just another initiative that will fade away.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">The goal isn't perfect feedback overnight; it's building enough trust and skill that feedback becomes a normal part of how work gets done.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Feedback culture isn&rsquo;t a switch you flip. It&rsquo;s a habit you build through consistency, clarity, and trust. When feedback becomes normal, safe, and actionable, teams grow stronger together.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Start small. Make it part of everyday work. Lead by example, and let each conversation move the culture forward. If you're serious about building your own, the best time to start is now.</p>

Feedback Culture: How to Build One That Actually Works

<p dir="ltr">Did you know that the way we move &mdash; from personal cars to freight logistics &mdash; is putting immense pressure on our environment?</p>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://transportgeography.org/contents/chapter4/transportation-and-environment/">Transportation contributes roughly 25&ndash;30% of global CO₂ emissions</a>, with road transport as the largest source. It relies heavily on fossil fuels&mdash;<a href="https://www.oneearth.org/renewable-transport/">about 95% of transport energy globally</a>&mdash;making it a major driver of climate change.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But the damage goes beyond carbon. Transport activities release airborne pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that harm respiratory and cardiovascular health. Add to that <a href="https://wearenextmotors.com/en/blogs/blog/consequences-and-impact-of-transport-in-the-environment-in-the-21st-century">noise pollution, runoff from vehicle waste, and habitat loss from infrastructure sprawl</a>. Even aviation and shipping add to the burden, with shipping alone responsible for about 3% of global greenhouse gases. The impact is broad, severe, and still growing.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The solution? A shift toward <a href="https://www.considerate-consumer.com/green-mobility">green mobility</a>: smarter, cleaner, and more inclusive ways to get around.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Want to know more? Read on as we explore:</p>
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The core pillars of sustainable transportation</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">What&rsquo;s stopping wider adoption and how to address it</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">How policy and innovation are driving real progress</p>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Practical steps for individuals and businesses</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr">By the end of this article, you&rsquo;ll know what role you can play in the transition to green mobility.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">The core pillars of green mobility</h2>
<p dir="ltr">What makes green mobility possible? It comes down to three key elements.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Electric vehicles (EVs)</h3>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://8msolar.com/pros-and-cons-of-electric-vehicles-evs/">Electric vehicles</a> are one of the most visible symbols of the green mobility shift. Unlike <a href="https://delta-q.com/industry-news/the-effects-of-internal-combustion-engines-on-the-environment/">internal combustion engine (ICE)</a> vehicles that burn petrol or diesel, EVs run on electricity, producing zero tailpipe emissions. This means they don&rsquo;t emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or other pollutants during use, making them far cleaner for both the climate and air quality.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Over their full lifecycle,<a href="https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/electric-emissions"> EVs still produce significantly fewer emissions than traditional vehicles,</a> especially when powered by clean energy. According to the <a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2024/outlook-for-emissions-reductions">International Energy Agency</a>, EVs can cut lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% compared to petrol-powered cars in regions with a decarbonized grid.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Adoption is rising fast. <a href="https://www.virta.global/global-electric-vehicle-market">As of 2024</a>, there are over 40 million EVs on the road worldwide, driven by falling battery costs, government incentives, and stricter emissions regulations. <a href="https://www.spglobal.com/automotive-insights/en/blogs/2025/01/where-are-ev-battery-prices-headed-in-2025-and-beyond">Battery technology is advancing too</a>: modern lithium-ion batteries are becoming cheaper, longer-lasting, and faster to charge, helping close the gap with traditional vehicles in both cost and performance.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Public transport upgrades</h3>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.clarity.io/blog/how-public-transport-reduces-city-air-pollution">Electrifying public transit is one of the fastest and most effective ways to reduce emissions in cities.</a> Electric buses, trams, and trains produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them far cleaner than their diesel counterparts. This shift improves air quality, lowers noise pollution, and directly benefits public health. Electric buses, for example, <a href="https://blog.ucs.org/jimmy-odea/electric-vs-diesel-vs-natural-gas-which-bus-is-best-for-the-climate/">can emit up to 69% less CO₂ and 99% fewer nitrogen oxides than diesel models</a>.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Cities across the globe are making that shift. <a href="https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/708531625052490238/pdf/Electrification-of-Public-Transport-A-Case-Study-of-the-Shenzhen-Bus-Group.pdf">Shenzhen</a> and <a href="https://ruter.no/en/about-ruter/reports-projects-plans/fossilfree2020/plan-ready-for-transition-to-running-exclusively-on-renewable-energy-in-2020">Oslo</a> have already transitioned their entire bus fleets to electric, significantly cutting urban emissions. Others are following suit, such as <a href="https://www.gillig.com/2025/">Juneau, Alaska</a> (battery-electric buses + new charging infrastructure), <a href="https://itdp.org/2025/01/24/ebuses-are-the-solution-for-public-transport-stmagazine-36/">M&eacute;rida, Mexico</a> (expanding e-bus networks), and <a href="https://cleantechnica.com/2025/03/08/the-end-of-diesel-europes-buses-are-going-fully-electric-fast/">The Netherlands, Finland, and Norway</a> (over 90% of new city buses are now electric).</p>
<p dir="ltr">Beyond having cleaner vehicles, better public transport systems <a href="https://www.iisd.org/articles/deep-dive/road-sustainable-transport">support sustainability by making low-emission travel more efficient and appealing</a>. Real-time tracking, smart scheduling, and contactless payments reduce delays, optimize operations, and improve reliability. The better the experience, the more likely commuters are to choose public transit over cars, multiplying the environmental impact of each trip.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Active and micro-mobility options</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Walking, cycling, and micro-mobility options like e-scooters offer some of the lowest-emission ways to move, especially over short distances. These modes are energy-efficient, reduce congestion, and support healthier, cleaner cities, especially when integrated with public transport for last-mile travel.</p>
<p dir="ltr">However, uptake hinges on infrastructure. <a href="https://www.who.int/news/item/09-05-2025-safer-walking-and-cycling-crucial-for-road-safety-and-better-health">People are more likely to walk or ride when they feel safe and supported.</a> That means protected bike lanes, wider sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and dedicated scooter zones, not just painted lines or shared road space. Without these, most people won&rsquo;t make the switch.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Cities like <a href="https://toolsofchange.com/en/case-studies/detail/752">Copenhagen</a>, <a href="https://foromdc.org/en/empresa_economia/paris-presenta-innovador-plan-climatico-2024-2030-para-convertirse-en-una-ciudad-ciclista/">Paris</a>, and <a href="https://thecityfix.com/blog/how-bogota-is-turning-7000-citizen-proposals-into-a-real-plan-to-redesign-a-major-thoroughfare/">Bogot&aacute;</a> have proven the impact. When streets are redesigned to prioritize people over cars, walking and cycling surge, and emissions drop. The path is clear: invest in safe, accessible infrastructure, and low-carbon mobility will follow.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Barriers to widespread adoption</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Despite strong momentum, green mobility still faces major hurdles. One of the biggest is cost. Electric vehicles, charging stations, and clean transit infrastructure still tend to be more expensive upfront than traditional options&mdash;but that&rsquo;s changing fast. <a href="https://www.custommarketinsights.com/report/electric-vehicle-market/">Battery prices have dropped significantly in the past decade and are projected to fall even further</a>. Combined with lower operating and maintenance costs, green mobility is becoming more financially viable over time.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Infrastructure gaps are another issue. In many places, <a href="https://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/study-ev-charging-infrastructure-in-u-s-needs-to-quadruple-by-2025/">charging stations are limited, unreliable, or concentrated in high-income areas</a>, making EV adoption less feasible for the average driver. This discourages people from switching away from petrol-powered cars. Public transport upgrades also face delays <a href="https://optibus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/eBook-2025-State-of-Public-Transportation-Report.pdf">due to complex procurement systems, fragmented governance, or lack of long-term planning.</a></p>
<p dir="ltr">There are also policy and behavioral barriers. Some regions <a href="https://www.trpa.gov/wp-content/uploads/IS-IEC-App-F-AQ-GHG-Study.pdf">lack clear regulations or incentives for green transport</a>, while others face <a href="https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC139792">slow-moving bureaucracies or political resistance</a>. In many cases, <a href="https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2011/05/public-acceptability-of-sustainable-transport-measures_g17a1fd1/5kg9mq56dfs8-en.pdf">public attitudes lag behind</a>, especially where <a href="https://bolt.eu/en/blog/car-as-a-status-symbol/">cars are still seen as status symbols</a> or necessary for daily life.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Still, innovation and policy reform are making a difference. Cities like <a href="https://urban-mobility-observatory.transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/start-emission-free-zones-amsterdam-all-changes-1-january-2025-01-02_en?prefLang=da">Amsterdam</a> are leading the way with EV subsidies, emission-free zones, and urban designs that favor people over cars. This shows that with the right mix of incentives and infrastructure, sustainable transport can scale fast.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On the technology front, <a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2025/electric-vehicle-charging">charging times are dropping</a>, and new models like <a href="https://www.virta.global/vehicle-to-grid-v2g">vehicle-to-grid systems</a> and <a href="https://www.worldscientific.com/worldscibooks/10.1142/q0337">shared EV fleets</a> are gaining traction. Meanwhile, <a href="https://elywhere.com/how-public-private-partnerships-are-powering-europes-ev-charging-infrastructure/">public-private partnerships are helping governments bridge funding gaps</a>, accelerate infrastructure rollout, and scale real-world solutions. These combined efforts are turning ambition into action.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">What businesses and individuals can do</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Systemic challenges may slow progress, but they don&rsquo;t stop it&mdash;and not all solutions need to come from governments or the industry itself. For instance, companies can begin by switching their fleets to electric vehicles, especially for logistics, deliveries, or field operations. <a href="https://www.commuterconnections.org/wp-content/uploads/Incentives-Rack-Card-Final-08-23.pdf">Some organizations</a> are also offering incentives for carpooling, biking, or using public transit, helping reduce emissions from daily commutes while lowering parking and fuel expenses.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Urban planners and developers can design spaces that favor people over cars. That means building walkable streets, safe bike networks, and public transit access into the core of cities and suburbs. Physical infrastructure influences behavior&mdash;and better design leads to greener choices.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On the individual level, small changes add up. Using public transport a few days a week, walking or cycling short distances, or choosing a hybrid or EV when replacing a car can all cut emissions. Supporting policies that prioritize clean mobility or simply being mindful of travel habits matters, too. Behavioral change is just as important as the tech behind it.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Sustainable transportation is a necessary part of climate action and urban resilience. It&rsquo;s not just about replacing petrol cars with electric ones, but about creating systems that reduce emissions, ease congestion, and improve daily life. From clean vehicles to well-designed transit and walkable streets, green mobility offers both environmental and social benefits.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Getting there requires more than innovation. It demands strong policies, public investment, and everyday decisions that prioritize low-impact travel. Whether through planning, business choices, or personal habits, each contribution helps build a cleaner, more sustainable future for how we move.</p>