Alex Olley, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Reach desk.
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Many of us are a little happier towards the end of the year, and I feel like this has to do with the holidays. December is usually the busiest month for promotional gifts, and my business, a promotional gift platform, has found that organizations send more gifts in November and December than the rest of the year. Many employees also hope for these rewards. Nearly 60% of respondents on a Blackhawk questionnaire said they wanted to receive an end-of-year bonus from their employer.
The spirit of generosity comes alive during the holiday season. If you’re generous and want to show your employees’ appreciation with a special gift, here are some tips to make sure you get it right:
1. Make the gift about them.
I will never tire of saying this, but gifting is all about how you make the recipient feel. If you want to create a memorable experience for your people, make sure they are at the center of everything. Personalize your gift by writing a thoughtful message, for example, rather than resorting to self-promotional gifts and uninspired business swag.
2. Choose gifts that showcase your company’s values.
You know what your brand stands for, so make sure the gifts you give your people reflect that. For example, if you strive to be a sustainable business, choose locally produced gifts that are made with sustainable materials and avoid international shipping if possible. If you want to promote diversity, make sure your gifts are inclusive and that you celebrate all the religious observances your people celebrate.
3. Prioritize the timing.
Timing is an essential ingredient in promotional gifts. No one will be overly excited when they come home from their vacation and find an old box of chocolates waiting for them. Plan around people’s free time and office closing times to ensure that gifts reach your people at the right time (especially when it comes to fresh treats).
4. Offer your people the gift of giving.
Give those who have mixed feelings about indulging in more material possessions and treats the chance to support a good cause they care about. There are many charity gift cards that you can offer your employees in lieu of a gift.
5. Let your people choose their own gift.
No matter how well you know your people and how much research and thought you put into your gift choice, nothing beats letting them choose the gift that excites them the most. If you choose to work with a gift platform, consider whether it aligns with your company and employee values and offerings. If you don’t have access to a giving platform or don’t want to use one, consider conducting a survey or quick poll at the next company meeting to get a feel for your people’s preferences. Then plan your donation accordingly.
Just like gifts for loved ones, gifts for employees can be a hit. If you want to spread the joy this holiday season and make your employee gifts a success, do your due diligence and be thoughtful with your gifts.
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