As an HR professional, business owner, or leader, you know how important it is to maintain a good relationship with your clients, partners, and employees. And so, the most successful companies have a hidden gem contributing to productivity, innovation, and morale within their workforce; corporate gifting.
There are various reasons why businesses should take advantage of corporate gifting strategies. According to a survey, 94% of employees said they felt more appreciated and motivated when they received a gift from their employer. Moreover, 87% said they were more likely to stay with the company for longer since it improved their morale.
But how can you choose the best gifts for your employees when remote working and hybrid models are becoming the norm in 2023? What strategies can you use to make your gifts meaningful, unique, and aligned with your brand values? In subsequent sections of this article, you’ll learn the corporate gifting strategies that’ll help improve employee morale in 2023.
Corporate Gifting Strategy For Boosting Employee Morale
- Make Your Gift Customizable and Personalized
In the past, one-size-fits-all gifts were the easiest and quickest corporate gifting solution. However, such gifts made employees feel unappreciated since they lacked personal touches or individualization. Fortunately, things are changing for the better. Customized gifts account for over half of corporate gifting, showing that companies recognize the importance of making their gifts meaningful and tailored to the recipient. Nowadays, you can easily personalize gifts for your employees online. For example, Face Gift allows you to add pictures onto mugs, keyrings, or other gifts, so you can gift your employee something as personalized as socks with their pet’s face on them.
Nowadays, it is common for people to want and expect everything tailored to their individuality. And so a gift from their employer, customer, or business partner should reflect these preferences. The receiver may feel more connected to the giver when it includes customized elements.
For example, you can personalize corporate gifts by choosing a service like Purely Gourmet, which offers customizable gourmet products and hampers to your recipient’s tastes and interests. With the help of their gift box creator, you can create a unique gift box for your recipient from an array of gift categories, including chocolates, wines, cheeses, nuts, and more for your gift package.
- Align Your Gift With Your Brand
A corporate gift is an excellent way to reinforce the values and image of your company. Therefore, choosing those that align with your brand’s identity and resonate with your recipients would be best. For example, eco-friendly gifts made of recycled materials are a great idea if your brand commits to sustainability.
This commitment will demonstrate to your employees that you are concerned about the environment and that you practice what you preach. Moreover, in one survey, 70% of respondents across 25 countries said they bought from brands that reflected their values.
On the other hand, if people know your brand for its innovation and creativity, consider gifts that showcase your cutting-edge products or services. Your unique offerings will impress your employees and inspire them to think outside the box.
Selecting gifts that reflect your brand’s personality will strengthen your brand’s recognition and loyalty by creating a consistent and memorable experience for your customers. Nowadays, corporate gifting has grown faster than the rest of the gifting market as more companies realize its potential to boost employee morale and retention.
- Think Beyond the Holidays
Employers typically thank their employees at year-end, but why not have additional events? It is thoughtful to send gifts throughout the year on important dates, such as birthdays, work anniversaries, milestones, and achievements.
It is considerate to send gifts throughout the year on important dates, such as birthdays, work anniversaries, landmarks, and accomplishments. In this way, you can foster a culture of recognition and gratitude within your organization that will keep your employees satisfied and engaged throughout the year.
Also, spreading your gifts over the year prevents you from being predictable or generic. Give your employees unexpected gifts to show your appreciation for their contributions and to celebrate their accomplishments. In addition, you can tailor your offerings according to the season and the occasion, such as sending a warm blanket during the winter, a picnic basket in the summer, or a birthday card tailored to the recipient.
- Follow-Up
Follow-up is often an overlooked step in a corporate gifting strategy. Following up on a gift with a sincere and personalized message that expresses your appreciation and checking on the recipient is essential. This thoughtful gesture helps cement your relationship and encourages further engagement and collaboration.
It is not just the gift that strengthens your connection — the ongoing effort makes it possible to maintain it. Moreover, according to a study by Postal, 89% of corporate gift buyers believe that business gifts bring people closer together.
By following up with your gift recipients, you can show them that you care about their feedback, satisfaction, and well-being. Encourage their involvement by inviting them to share their thoughts, ideas, or suggestions for future projects or initiatives.
The ultimate corporate gifting strategy to elevate employee morale centers around fostering a sense of community. Companies have realized that personalized gifts, such as a Portfolio Page Template to showcase individual achievements, resonate more with employees. Additionally, embracing innovative trends like Additive Manufacturing to create custom gifts further enhances the emotional connection, resulting in a happier and more motivated workforce.
Conclusion
These tips and ideas will create the best corporate gifting strategy to boost employee morale in 2023. The benefit of this approach is that it will not only make your employees feel valued, but you will also enhance your employer’s brand reputation and improve the performance of your business.