What is Employee Gifting?
Humans seek praise and positive affirmations from others - that’s something we all know. Science tells us that praise can increase dopamine levels (the feel-good hormone) in the brain whilst reinforcing a positive self-image. Therefore, it makes sense that employer praise is critical for employees to be happy in the workplace since we spend a large proportion of our day at work. Recognition and praise improves job satisfaction which in turn boosts productivity levels and retention rates amongst employees.
This is where employee gifting comes in. With the dramatic rise in people working from their home office since the Covid 19 pandemic, companies have turned to employee gifting as a way to integrate and motivate their remote teams. Making employees feel like they are a valuable part of the company can bridge the gaps that quickly develop when working remotely. On the surface, employee gifting may simply seem like an ego boost, but executed thoughtfully can have several real psychological benefits.
Benefits of Employee Gifting
Boosts Morale
Adding a boost of positive energy to your team by way of gifting them can go a long way in improving morale across your team, which makes work more enjoyable for both you and your employees. There are multiple occasions that you can give gifts to your employees. This could be on their birthday, at Christmas, when they reach an important milestone or goal, or simply as a way to say thanks for their hard work.
Increases Motivation and Productivity
In a corporate gift study conducted by Swarovski, 80% of employees felt that employee gifts made them feel motivated to meet or surpass their performance targets. A motivated workforce is a productive workforce, and employee gifting is one of the most effective ways to increase productivity among your staff without adding any stress to their work schedules.
Shows Recognition
People crave appreciation for their work and employee gifting is one of the easiest ways to show staff that you value their work. Additionally, it will help to shape a positive workplace culture that is so important for the overall success of a company.
Increases Loyalty and a Sense of Belonging
Studies show that 82% of employees who quit their jobs did so because they did not think they received enough recognition. Staff turnover can set a business back, and recruitment can be arduous. Employees are less likely to leave if they feel valued, and gifting them in recognition of their work is one way to accomplish this. When employees feel a sense of purpose and belonging within a company, they are also much less likely to move on.
Creates Stronger Relationships
Adding a boost of positive energy to your team by way of gifting them can go a long way in improving morale across your team, which makes work more enjoyable for both you and your employees. There are multiple occasions that you can give gifts to your employees. This could be on their birthday, at Christmas, when they reach an important milestone or goal, or simply as a way to say thanks for their hard work.
Increases Motivation and Productivity
In a corporate gift study conducted by Swarovski, 80% of employees felt that employee gifts made them feel motivated to meet or surpass their performance targets. A motivated workforce is a productive workforce, and employee gifting is one of the most effective ways to increase productivity among your staff without adding any stress to their work schedules.
Shows Recognition
People crave appreciation for their work and employee gifting is one of the easiest ways to show staff that you value their work. Additionally, it will help to shape a positive workplace culture that is so important for the overall success of a company.
Increases Loyalty and a Sense of Belonging
Studies show that 82% of employees who quit their jobs did so because they did not think they received enough recognition. Staff turnover can set a business back, and recruitment can be arduous. Employees are less likely to leave if they feel valued, and gifting them in recognition of their work is one way to accomplish this. When employees feel a sense of purpose and belonging within a company, they are also much less likely to move on.
Creates Stronger Relationships
Communication is key to strong professional relationships between management and staff, but gift-giving comes a close second for its ability to create positive feelings between the gift-giver and recipient.
The practice of gifting has existed since the beginning of civilisation. Evidence has found that caveman gifted unusually shaped rocks as a way to strengthen social connection whilst Egyptians buried their dead with gifts for the afterlife. The psychology of gift-giving shows that exchanging gifts is effective at strengthening relationships and showing appreciation which should help to improve workplace performance.
Assists with Onboarding
Employee gifting is particularly useful during the onboarding process as it helps new staff settle in by feeling positive about the company. It also creates a strong bond early on in the relationship.
Entices New Talent
In addition to preventing staff turnover, you will also find that employee gifting can help to entice new talent. A business that embraces employee recognition and corporate gifting will always be appealing to jobseekers checking out employee perks. Many businesses operating in competitive industries struggle to attract new talent. When your business has that edge for enticing the best talent, you can reach new levels of success.
Creates a Positive Atmosphere
Improving performance and creating strong relationships all leads to a positive atmosphere in the workplace. When employees feel valued in their work, impactful in their roles, and close with their colleagues, a jolly office environment is guaranteed. This also runs true for remote teams as long as proper communication and appreciation is executed.
How to Gift your Employees?
Gifting is done mostly through either gifts or cash incentives. According to an article by Psychology Today , giving money generally sends out the message, "I couldn't be bothered to think too much about you, so here you go, please yourself, that's what you are worth to me". Gifts have the edge because they are more personal and tangible, often making fun memories or delightful experiences. Long-lasting gifts can promote sustained positive attitudes towards the company every time the recipient uses the gift.
Your employees are sure to love good quality, thoughtful and relevant gifts, that are as unique as they are. For this reason, it is vital to work with the best corporate gifting companies. A good corporate gifting company will be able to provide custom and personalized boxes to suit the recipient's preferences and interests.
At Carnaby & Vine, you won’t find any of the traditional branded swag that no one really wants. Instead, we design carefully curated, beautifully presented gifts, reflecting your brand in a thoughtful and creative way. Just give us a couple of details about the recipient and the occasion and we will put together a beautiful gift designed especially for them. We are often able to turn around these highly specific gifts within a 24-48 hour time frame. We are intentional with the items we select for each gift and take great care to source high end, quality products from both well-known luxury brands and artisanal, small businesses.
Conclusion
After a difficult two years due to the pandemic, now is time to make your employees feel more appreciated than ever. Showing how much you appreciate them will boost employee morale which will, in turn, will greatly benefit your business. A small act of employee recognition makes a big difference.
As Dale Carnegie, the leadership training expert, points out, “People work for money but go the extra mile for recognition, praise, and rewards.” If you are not using an employee gifting rewards program to motivate your team to perform at their very best, you should seriously consider doing so, and 2022 is the best time to start!