Corporate gifting plays a key role in maintaining good relationships; it helps businesses stay connected with their employees. Through corporate gifts, companies can express gratitude for their hard work. In a recent study, 78% of participants reported being happier at work if they received a corporate gift. It can boost their motivation while maintaining high employee satisfaction.
After the pandemic, the corporate gifting trend increased. Businesses realized it was one way they could substitute the benefits employees had in the office. Before 2019, companies were offering mainly common merchandise, adding only the company logo. Today businesses that want to retain employees need to be intentional with corporate gifts. Choices can range from food baskets to personalized products, eGift cards, or experiences. A market report concluded that 96% of companies in the U.S. prefer giving non-cash rewards as corporate gifts.
In this blog post, we will explore the most common corporate and employee gifting trends and help you choose the right ones to make your staff feel appreciated.
What is corporate gifting?
Corporate gifting refers to businesses giving presents to employees or clients as a gesture of appreciation. These business gifts can be either physical or virtual, like a subscription. Corporate gifts help build strong relationships and thank those who support the business. It is a practice that can help build long-lasting business relationships.
Gift Cards
With remote work becoming the norm, gift cards are a prominent choice for most companies. A study conducted by Coresight Research showed that 48% of companies prefer offering digital gift cards to employees.
Offering a gift card can show the company values the well-being and happiness of its employees. These gift cards can offer a wide range of options like spa days, travel vouchers, cooking classes, online fitness subscriptions, or even tickets to events. Plus, gift cards are a flexible option as companies can let staff choose something they will truly enjoy.
Personalized corporate gifts
Personalized corporate gifts are items individually tailored to each recipient. Making thoughtful choices for each person acknowledges uniqueness and shows appreciation for their contribution. Engraving their name, adding a quote, or ordering a unique print are just a few of the options companies have.
Practical items that resonate with individual hobbies are a great choice too. Think water bottles for those who enjoy working out, notebooks for writers, pet accessories for animal lovers, and the list goes on. These gifts for staff are practical because they can be easily used in day-to-day life.
Sustainable gifts
Sustainable gifts are popular among companies trying to express their environmental consciousness. By choosing a sustainable gift, companies not only promote eco-friendly habits but also contribute to a greener workplace environment. These gifts can often include reusable items like custom tote bags, water bottles, or bamboo travel mugs.
A survey conducted on over 1,000 full-time U.S. employees indicated a preference for sustainable corporate gifts. It concluded that employees who receive eco-friendly gifts have a better perception of the company they work for.
Donation based gifts
Donation-based gifts offer a unique way for companies to express appreciation while making a positive impact. This is an alternative form of recognition, where the company donates money to a charity on behalf of the employee. By choosing donation-based gifts, businesses can promote company values while creating a sense of purpose among employees.
Well-being gifts
Well-being gifts are another corporate gifting trend that gained popularity. It shows your staff that their well-being matters while highlighting the importance of both mental and physical health. These corporate gifts can include subscriptions to meditation apps, organic teas, candles, essential oils, natural products, self-case journals, eye pillows, and more.
Food gift boxes
For gourmands, food gift boxes can be a delightful way to show appreciation to employees. The advantage of food boxes is that they can be customized to suit different dietary preferences. It can include many products, from teas and organic juices to sweet treats or even Prosecco. To highlight the company’s intention, the gift can include a personalized message.
Summing up
In conclusion, exploring corporate and employee gifting trends highlights the importance of offering the right gift to show appreciation and care for employees regardless of whether they are older workers or even younger Gen Z workers. By offering thoughtful gifts, the company can resonate with employees’ values, strengthen relationships, and make them feel like they belong. The choice of gifts should reflect the company’s values, benefiting both employees and the environment, as well as the businesses they support.
