How to show employee appreciation with gifts that engage

KEY POINTS

• Showing employees their work is appreciated is critical post-pandemic.
• Corporate gifting is becoming an increasingly popular way to reward hard work.
• Curated gifts can be more impactful and improve retention.

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It’s no secret there has been a major shift in the job market in the past few years.

Companies are fighting hard to not only hire but keep employees. An excess of open positions across many job sectors means workers have more options and more bargaining power.

Job market shifts work values

Employers posted a record 11.5 million job openings in March. That’s two jobs for every person actively looking for work in the United States.

Now more than ever, it’s important for employers to show their appreciation. The coronavirus pandemic was a catalyst for many workers to rethink their priorities and goals. For many, that includes their job.

Simply recognizing an employee for a job well done can go a long way. A recent Gallup/Workhuman survey found that when a company makes employee appreciation part of their strategy, employees are 56% less likely to look for a new job.

Increasing employee engagement

The pandemic has also changed the game for corporate gifting. With more employees working remotely, employers are looking for ways to bridge the gap. The act of sending a gift provides an easy way to connect and improve morale.

B2B company Quantum Metric recently teamed up with Sendoso and HiThrive to launch an interactive digital program to reward employees with points for a job well done. Those points can then be cashed out for Quantum Metric’s branded merchandise.

Within three months employee engagement with the program was at nearly 100%. “It’s helped us deliver a unique and fun experience for our team members while fulfilling our vision for next-level employee rewards,” says Quantum Metric’s Director of People Ops Alana Fallis.

Thoughtful gifts to make employees feel valued

If gifts aren’t part of your human resources or people teams strategy to improve retention and build brand loyalty, now is the time to change that.

Extra days off, company swag, and gift cards are quick and easy. But thinking outside the box can make an even bigger impact. Sendoso’s automated gifting platform helps companies select, ship, track, and analyze their corporate gifting strategies with a simple click of the mouse. Look for opportunities to show employees you care beyond Employee Appreciation Day.

Where to start? Here are five meaningful gift ideas to reward great work and spark some joy.

1. Dinner on the house

At the end of a long work day, coming up with an exciting dinner idea isn’t top of mind for most people. Remove some of the stress with an unforgettable dinner gift box.

Tasty Ribbon offers many great options, all curated and sourced from artisans in Italy. Their “Night-in Dinner Kit” includes everything you need for an appetizer, dinner, and dessert.

2. Satisfy their sweet tooth

A sweet surprise is a surefire way to show appreciation. Especially when it comes in the form of mind-blowing cookies or brownies.

Send bundles by the dozen or in funky, fun care packages with Wunderkeks. From tried-and-true classics like chocolate chip and double peanut butter to specialties such as birthday cake cookies and coconut pecan brownies, there’s something to appeal to everyone.

3. Encourage self-care

Finding time to unwind can be a struggle. Send the gift of a relaxing spa night at home to help boost moods and morale.

Teak & Twine’s “The Spa Day” gift box includes premium skincare products, bath salts, and a candle. Everything needed for a night of luxurious self-care.

4. Set them up for game night fun

There’s no doubt that lighthearted fun away from screens can be a great way to refresh. So why not send the gift of games?

Modern gifting company Knack Shops offers a “Fun and Games” box stocked with seven different options for game night. You can also create your own custom box with games and puzzles of your choosing.

5. Help them spruce up the home office

Many companies saw a big shift toward employees doing some or all of their work remotely during the pandemic. For many, that trend will continue for the long run. Help your employees liven up their work space and remind them they’re appreciated at the same time.

A plant is a great way to elevate a home office. Lively Root delivers beautifully potted plants, like their best-selling money tree. It’s not only aesthetically pleasing but among the many pet-friendly options to choose from.

Stay competitive with an employee appreciation program

The simple act of showing employees they are a priority ultimately improves a company’s bottom line. Less turnover means less time and money spent backfilling positions.

A consistent, genuine recognition of a job well done promotes a sense of belonging and camaraderie, even with a remote workforce.

If you’re ready to take your employee recognition program to the next level, Sendoso can help. Request a demo today and explore the best employee gifting options on the market.