Holiday gifting in the workplace often sparks debate—while many recognize its potential to influence employee loyalty, it is often mismanaged. So much so that around 70% of employees claim that they received gifts they did not use or want.
Still, there is no doubt that a well-planned holiday gift can cement an employee’s sense of belonging and worth within a company. The question is: how do you do it?
In this article, our expert team in employee engagement will unpack the nature of holiday gifting for employees and explore how you can use it to create lasting value for your team.
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Why Is Gifting Important for Employees?
In a corporate environment, gifting is essentially a physical acknowledgment of the relationship between employer and employee. They reflect thoughtfulness, consideration, and an awareness of the individual’s role within the larger organization.
For employees, gifts act as reminders that their contributions matter. While raises and bonuses have their place, they are transactional by nature. Gifts, on the other hand, bring an element of personal connection to the table, especially when they are well-considered.
Timing is another crucial factor. During the holidays, when many reflect on relationships and professional purpose, a thoughtful gift reinforces a company’s acknowledgment of its people more so than numbers on a payroll.
How Holiday Gifting Enhances Employee Engagement & Retention
For starters, a holiday gift creates a moment of shared experience. Whether it’s branded apparel, custom kits, or thoughtful tokens, these items help employees feel connected to the larger group. This is particularly relevant when gifts involve company branding. High-quality items, like premium jackets or travel mugs, often turn employees into informal brand ambassadors.
Gifts are retention tools as well. People don’t stay with companies just for the paycheck; they stay because they feel valued. A memorable holiday gift—something that resonates on a personal level—can make them more likely to stick around during challenging times.
Interestingly, the gifting process itself can also help strengthen relationships. For example, inviting employees to weigh in on the items available in a company store, or allowing them to customize their gifts are great ideas.
Benefits of Businesses Gifting Their Employees
The impact of clever holiday gifting can be way deeper than you think—here are some ways it can make a positive impact on your business:
- Recognition That Sticks: A thoughtful gift can leave a lasting impression, especially when paired with other forms of acknowledgment. For example, featuring an employee’s photo on a social media channel can amplify the emotional resonance of the gift.
- A Boost to Workplace Morale: Employees work better when they feel appreciated. Holiday gifting becomes a physical token of thanks that can lift spirits and improve the workplace atmosphere.
- Stronger Organizational Identity: Branded gifts don’t just advertise the company externally—they also reinforce an employee’s sense of affiliation. This is particularly valuable in sectors where uniformity or collective identity plays a role.
- Increased Retention: By investing in meaningful gifting, businesses reinforce a culture of care, reducing turnover. Employees who feel seen and valued are less likely to seek greener pastures.
- Internal Advocacy: When employees are genuinely pleased with their gifts, they naturally share their positive experiences with peers and on personal platforms. This creates organic goodwill that extends beyond the workplace.
Holiday Gifting Ideas for Employee Engagement: Our Top Picks
We at BrandScape have always maintained that the goal here is to balance practicality with personal touch. So here are some fresh ideas to inspire your next holiday gifting session:
- High-End Branded Gear: Instead of generic branded items, consider investing in co-branded merchandise. A Patagonia jacket or a Yeti travel mug with your company’s logo next to the brand’s speaks volumes about your regard for quality.
- Personalized Recognition Kits: Assemble kits tailored to individual preferences—think luxury blankets, premium notebooks, or artisanal holiday treats. Add a handwritten note from leadership for an extra layer of authenticity.
- Reward Points Systems: Offer employees points they can redeem for items of their choice from a curated collection. This not only gives them agency but also increases engagement with company programs.
- Tech Gadgets That Help at Work and Home: Items like noise-canceling headphones, wireless chargers, or smart desk organizers are practical yet thoughtful. They signal that you care about making life easier both on and off the clock.
- Experiences That Resonate: Try offering vouchers for experiences—like a family dinner at a favorite local restaurant or a ticket to an event. Such gestures emphasize the value of their time and personal life.
- Wellness-Oriented Gifts: Gifts like weighted blankets, ergonomic cushions, or subscriptions to wellness apps will also reflect your investment in their health and happiness.
- Curated Employee Stores: Some businesses build entire gifting programs around online stores where employees can choose branded or unbranded items. And if you can include luxury or niche brands, you will make your gifting even better.
Conclusion
What separates impactful and forgettable holiday gifting from is your thoughtfulness. You must put the employees’ preferences first, and everything else second.Ultimately, it’s all about nurturing a workplace culture where employees feel valued, appreciated, and satisfied. And if you feel that the task of setting up a company store is too big for you, reach out to a team of online company store experts like BrandScape. We will take all the responsibility on, leaving you only to reap the rewards of the best online company store for employees.
