It’s Not Just Gifting, It’s A Business Strategy

If your idea of employee gifting is about annual holiday gifts, it’s time to rethink the role of gifting in your employee engagement strategy.  Thoughtful and personal gifting at key moments during the employee lifecycle isn’t just a nice to have – it’s a proven retention and motivation strategy.  A powerful tool. A proven driver of engagement, innovation, and collaboration. 

Gifting is about recognition. It’s about fueling performance. When employees feel valued, they don’t just log in and log off, they show up with purpose. They think bigger. Collaborate better. Innovate faster. Our workplace recognition data proves it. 

More Recognition = More Innovation (and a Better Bottom Line)
Let’s talk numbers. When employees feel appreciated: 

• 34% engage more deeply with customers and clients.
• 30% become more creative and innovative.
• 17% are more willing to take on new projects.
• 16% are more likely to collaborate with colleagues.

What happens when appreciation is MIA?  

• 42% of employees report being less productive.
• 30% feel invisible or undervalued.
• 10% cite a lack of recognition as a key factor in disengagement.

The takeaway is clear. Recognition isn’t just about making employees feel good – it’s about driving results. 

How Employee Gifting Increases ROI and Reduces Turnover

Investing in a strategic employee appreciation program that isn’t just about celebration – it’s about boosting retention, morale, and performance.  Employees who feel valued stay longer, collaborate better, and drive better results. 

On the flip side, disengagement costs companies billions in lost productivity. Gallup estimates disengagement costs the global economy at 8.8 trillion annually.

The equation is simple. A well-timed gift can save you the expense of replacing disengaged employees. What is that cost? A Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) study estimates that it can equal six to nine months’ salary per lost employee. 

Where do you start? By making gifting a proactive part of your employee experience strategy. 

‍How to Create an Effective Employee Gifting Strategy to Boost Engagement

‍Build Belonging From Day One

You have one chance to make a great first impression with new hires. Enhance engagement and connection by welcoming new employees and customers with a curated onboarding kit. 

85% of employees take pride in wearing a company’s branded swag. It’s a simple but powerful way to build camaraderie from the start. A personalized onboarding gift sets the tone for a strong workplace relationship. 

Do Not Let Birthdays Go Unnoticed

Birthdays in the workplace matter. Our study shows that 90% of people report that receiving a birthday gift makes them feel valued. Worried about the manual work and human brainpower required to remember every birthday? Automated gifting integrations make it seamless for you and fun for your employees. 

Show Appreciation Often

Saying “thank you” at work isn’t just polite, it’s a powerful engagement tool. Recognition for big wins and small gestures builds morale and engagement. Gift gratitude, whether it’s a cup of coffee for a job well done or a big dinner at their favorite restaurant for a major achievement. 

‍Mark Milestones

Milestones matter. Whether it’s an employee’s work anniversary, a company milestone or the start of a new partnership, acknowledging key dates fosters connection and pride. 

‍Recognize Life Outside of Work 

Celebrating personal milestones strengthens relationships. Send gifts for weddings, new babies, graduations, and personal achievements to foster deeper connections. 

‍The Takeaway? Make Gifting A Business Priority. 

A well-timed, thoughtful gift is a key employee engagement strategy that enhances workplace culture and boosts retention. It’s about the lasting impact. Gifts make employees feel seen, valued, and motivated. That’s what drives retention, productivity, and innovation. 

Wondering whether adding gifting to your employee appreciation program is worth the investment? Remember this: the cost of replacing a disengaged, undervalued employee is far higher than the cost of a well-placed thank-you gift. 

You’re not just giving gifts. You are showing appreciation. Your business, and your employees, will thank you for it. 

Want to see elevate your employee engagement strategy? Let’s talk.

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