Around 69% of employees will work harder if their efforts are better appreciated, according to TinyPulse. To boost company loyalty and morale, many companies turn to corporate giveaways, often without considering what gifts will resonate with their recipients. Common giveaways like mugs, pens, and calendars are an easy way to show your staff you appreciate them, but they are often thoughtless and highlight your company’s lack of creativity.
Switch it up this year by studying what your recipients find valuable. From giving personalized gifts like custom lanyards and planners to offering practical presents like kitchen utensils or reusable tumblers, here are ten tips on choosing giveaways your employees will love.
Think about your recipient
Are mugs something your employees will find valuable, or will they sit at a sad corner of their cupboard collecting cobwebs? Before deciding on a corporate giveaway, put yourself in the recipient’s shoes. If your gift idea doesn’t excite you, go back to the drawing board by selecting a giveaway that you’ll find valuable and speaks well of your company.
Put quality at the forefront
The age-old adage “it’s the thought that counts” is true, but it should not be used as an excuse to give away low-quality or unusable gifts. Gifting poor quality clothes, defective items, or outdated gifts fished out of your company stock room sends a message to your employees that you don’t value them. Remember, quality gifts don’t have to be expensive; they just have to be useful.
Make it their own
Giving away generic gifts like pens or mugs might raise eyebrows, but personalize them with names, and suddenly the gifts look special. Personalizing your giveaways is a great way to show your employees that you appreciate them individually. Some great personalized gift ideas include custom lanyards, tumblers, jackets, or blankets.
Keep your branding discreet
Adding your brand logo and using brand colors in your giveaways might benefit brand awareness, but don’t go overboard. Adding a massive company logo to wearable gifts like shirts or caps looks tacky and is an easy way to ensure they’re never worn. Keep your logos discreet while focusing on good design.
Err on the side of practicality
The best gifts are often the most useful, so think about gifts your staff will find valuable in the coming years. Will their families appreciate kitchen sets? Will an electronic gadget make their work easier? Thinking about your employees’ pain points is integral to brainstorming the best corporate giveaway ideas.
Prioritize long-lasting products
While your employees will appreciate goodies like snack boxes or self-care packages, non-consumable items like clothes, gadgets, drinkware, and kitchen appliances will provide several years of value. Think about it as a gift that keeps on giving: you’re developing an emotional connection with your employees every time they use your gift, and this positive feeling boosts their loyalty and morale.
Offer experiences
Employee giveaways shouldn’t be limited to material things. One research conducted by Amit Kumar, assistant professor of marketing at the McCombs School of Business, concluded that people have more fun with experiential purchases than material ones, so consider gifting memorable excursions that your staff will treasure for years.
Top tip: Think about your employees’ preferences when considering what experience gifts to offer. Are they adventurous? Sign them up for a cave-trekking tour. Are most of them foodies? Book them a table in a fine dining restaurant. Wellness buffs? Offer vouchers for a luxury spa or gym.
Keep the business setting in mind
Unlike personal gifts, corporate gifts are often limited to what is professional. Your gifts reflect your beliefs and values, and companies must maintain professional decorum when choosing giveaways. With that said, prank gifts, obscene gifts, and gifts that may come off as insulting (such as deodorant or wrinkle cream) are absolutely off-limits.
Extend your gifts to families
While you should consider your employees’ gift preferences, the best companies up the gift-giving ante by considering what their families will find beneficial as well. Shared gifts like kitchen sets, household appliances, and entertainment devices send a positive message to your employees that you value their families too.
Timing is essential
Timing can make or break your gift-giving efforts. For example, consider postponing your giveaway if it was a tough work week with many forced to pull unpaid overtime. Instead of being highly appreciative of your gift, employees might confuse your sudden generosity for bribing, thereby painting your company in a bad light. Always consider how your employees will feel when receiving a gift at a particular time.
Top tip: Use timing to your advantage by giving unexpectedly and away from predictable times like Christmas or New Year. Surprise gifts often make the most impact, so host a giveaway when you land a big deal or feel grateful about your employees’ performance!
Conclusion
Corporate gifts that make an impact are those that are well-planned and carefully considered. They are often chosen with your employees’ preferences in mind, personalized to each individual, and useful for them and their families. Great gifts should show your appreciation while making your staff feel valued!