It’s common to see companies buying gifts for their clients, vendors, and board members, but many corporations forget to reward their most important asset – their employees. Without them, companies would cease to exist. Don’t forget to reward the people who mean the most to your organization.

Should Employers Give Gifts to Employees?

According to the Harvard Business Review, 46% of employees feel somewhat valued by their organization, and 11% don’t feel valued at all. Giving back to employees can be one way to show appreciation for their accomplishments. 77% of employees report that gifts from their employers make them feel recognized. Many companies see organizational benefits from gifting to employees that don’t always show up on the balance sheet:

·        Boosting Morale: An unexpected gift can create positive emotions for the recipient – it’s scientifically proven.

·        Recognizing hard work: Hours can get long, and work can be stressful. A gift to show appreciation can lift the spirits of those putting in extra time.

·        Improving retention: 88% of employees are willing to stay at a company if they feel appreciated. Gifts to employees can help with showing appreciation.

·        Strengthening relationships: A gift can lead to a conversation, which can morph into improved communication, better teamwork, and a more positive work culture

Check Before You Gift

While there are numerous benefits to gifting to employees, occasionally extenuating circumstances can cause the inability to give gifts to employees. If this is the first time gifting to employees, make sure to check the following before giving out the first gift to make sure of compliance with the organization:

·        Company policies: Before giving gifts to employees, ensure that your company has clear policies and guidelines about gift-giving.

·        Budget: Adhere to a strict budget per employee so individuals don’t feel inequity amongst peers.

·        Cultural sensitivity: Some cultures may have specific traditions or restrictions, and it is important to respect everyone’s cultural values.

Giving The Gifts Employees Want

After deciding to buy gifts for employees and getting the organization's approval, the gifting process is only half complete. Buying the correct gift for everyone can make or break the entire process. Great gifts are high-quality items that people are excited to receive.

Personalizing a gift for everyone takes more time but can have a more significant payoff. Buying a unique, personalized gift requires a comprehensive understanding of that person and their interests. In some cases, every employee may not be understood that thoroughly, without fault to anyone involved.

One way to solve this is to buy quality products each employee will enjoy. The perfect gift is something somebody wants but won’t buy for themselves. Buying all employees the same quality gift can gain all the benefits while reducing the time spent picking gifts, the logistics of ordering from different stores, and the perceived inequity that employees may feel if they receive different gifts.

Logo Gifts for Employees

When picking out employee gifts, consider adding a company logo to items. This can help promote the brand and add a personalized touch. Make sure to utilize logoed items effectively, as they can be more well-received as an onboarding or performance reward rather than a holiday gift. Some gifts are optimized for logo placement. Below are three items to buy that can easily have a logo added.

·        Reusable Drinkware: Drinkware is expansive, from water bottles to branded coffee mugs. Whether you want to go with a name brand like Yeti or Tervis or go the private label route with your company logo, the options are endless and available at almost any price point.

·        Baggage: Toting items back and forth to the office daily can be a headache. Make it easier for employees by giving them company-branded backpacks, laptop bags, or even luggage!

·        Apparel: Give employees a reason to wear the brand with pride. Jackets are just the start of the logo’d gift options. Choose between hats, coats, gloves, and much more.

The 15 Best Employee Gift Ideas

When employees go the extra mile, they should be rewarded in the same fashion. Below are 15 unique, quality gifts that can be gifted to employees.

1. Leather Goods: Spruce up the average workspace with leather goods. Nothing elevates a desk more than a nice leather mouse pad! Whether they work from home or make the daily commute, a leather-bound notebook shows an air of sophistication.
2. Coffee & Tea: This is more than an extra scoop of the break room Folgers. Gift high-quality, specialized coffee and tea to those in the workplace who always need their caffeine kick. A gift basket of goodies like biscotti to accompany the selected beverage makes for a well-rounded gift.
3. Personal Tech: Noise-canceling headphones, wireless speakers, cell phone holders, power banks, and other personal tech items can be great gifts and help employees be more productive in the workplace. New and trending items also include self-heating mugs, digital notebooks, and fitness trackers.
4. Awards: Major accomplishments routinely go unnoticed. Whether an office inside joke or national industry recognition, a customized engraved plaque can make a moment special.
5. Blankets: Not all gifts are one size fits all, but a blanket can be. Blankets range from small fleece ones employees can use to stay warm in their office to large knits their entire family can enjoy.
6. Glassware: Crystal drinkware offers a clean, upscale touch. To elevate your gift, add a bottle of wine or liquor.
7. Charcuterie Board: Make their holiday hosting easy by gifting a premade, ready-to-eat meat and cheese charcuterie board.
8. Work From Home Survival Kit: As working from home becomes more common, it’s important to ensure employees are given everything they need to succeed.     Incorporate items like portable laptop stands, an ergonomic lumbar pillow, notebooks, and more. 
9. Small Appliances: Air fryers, waffle makers, and espresso machines are all examples of small appliances that can add to employees’ kitchens something they might not already have.
10. Personalized Items: Personalized gifts like luggage tags or desk nameplates are smaller items that still show employees they matter.
11. Food: Go beyond the fruit basket. A gift box of steaks or a cookie platter will make employees the star of their next gathering.
12. Gift Boxes: Custom gift boxes are the most customizable gifts. You can mix and match items, pick the favorites of each employee, and add them together in a decorative box. High-end boxes include the ability to add a video or voice recording to further personalize.
13. Succulent Sampler Gift Set: Add some greenery to their home or office. Succulents are easy to mail and easy to care for, giving a convenient way to liven up an employee’s office space.
14. Digital Picture Frames: Whether employees fill their frames with photos of their family and loved ones or fun memories with coworkers, digital frames are an excellent way to personalize an employee's space while still feeling professional.
15. Ways of Life or Company Values: Most companies have a mission statement or core values. Reflect that in employee gifts. For example, gym memberships or hiking equipment can be a great gift for a company that prioritizes health.

Give Them a Choice With ezGIFT™

Go a step further and let employees pick their own gifts. GPS’s ezGIFT™ solution allows the company to have control, but the employees to have the choice. Set up an online store where employees can select any of the gifts picked out by the organization. The gift gets shipped directly to the employee’s doorstep, all handled by GPS.

Ready to create a gifting program to reward employees? Contact GPS today.