In a world where many gifts are given out of obligation, a personalised approach speaks volumes
Employee satisfaction is fundamental to organisational success. Simple acts of appreciation, in various forms impact employee morale, be it through thoughtful gestures or tokens of recognition. Regular appreciation practices create a sense of belonging that contributes positively to workplace relations. According to a study, a sincere ‘thank you’ from executives can increase employee efforts by 69%.
In another recent global survey, Indian respondents reported their physical health at 81%, mental health at 79%, and social & spiritual health at 78%. These findings reflect the overall well-being of participants and offer insights for employers to contribute to its improvement.
Celebrate the season with festive gifting
With the festive season ongoing, it is an opportune time for employers to leverage appreciation gestures to enhance the well-being of their workforce. A 2023 study found that when employees feel appreciated, they are 2.2 times more likely to excel in their roles. Festivals and gifting go beyond material presents; they convey a message of care and respect for employees to encourage them to be more!
Sustainability and gifting
Gifting is an integral part of the festive season, which, if aligned with business values, evokes a sense of belonging. Corporate gifting in India during Diwali 2022 leaned significantly towards sustainability. Leading organisations like PepsiCo, MakeMyTrip, Livspace, and Dunzo prioritised eco-friendly and sustainable gifting practices.
Green gifting contributes to reducing a business’s environmental footprint. It also helps to educate employees about sustainability and encourages them to make greener choices in their own lives. There’s also a massive shift where 68% of employees seek organisations committed to sustainability.
In 2022, PepsiCo India set an example by leading green gifting. The company collaborated with the sustainable NGO Mitti Cafe to offer eco-friendly hampers. These hampers supported underprivileged people with disabilities, demonstrating PepsiCo’s commitment to its employees and the broader community.
Evolution of digital gifting
The emergence of digital gifting bridges, the physical distance of hybrid workforces, present new opportunities for adding a personal element. Gift cards offer an ideal choice, surpassing the limitations of traditional presents. They allow companies to curate tailored experiences, including meals, gifts, services, and more. This change in gifting strategies adds a contemporary touch for present-day employees and their evolving tastes.
Empowering choice with gifts
Every gift creates a different value proposition for each employee. Recognising this diverse taste in choices, companies are moving away from one-size-fits-all options to gifts that hold personalized value. Such flexibilities send a powerful message that the employees can exercise choice to make decisions that enhance their well-being. It also inspires them to do more.
Quality over quantity gifting
While it may be tempting to shower your workforce with numerous smaller presents, high-quality gifts that leave a lasting impression should always be preferred. It shows that the organisation cares about its employees and is willing to invest in their happiness.
Well-being and work-life balance
A healthy and balanced workforce is happier, more productive, and more loyal to the organisation. As a result, companies are adopting gifts such as cards/ wallets that promote dining experiences outside the home, contributing to an enhanced quality of life. They enable employees to savour shared moments with family while relishing culinary delights at their convenience.
In 2022, companies incorporated experiential gifts such as travel or hotel stays for employees, particularly as the pandemic subsided. Executives from gifting companies like IGP, Ferns N Petals, and Wrapping Happiness emphasised this shift. With many employees working in hybrid arrangements, companies focused on offering personalised gifts to strengthen connections. The rise of remote and hybrid work has prompted companies to view gifts as a means to enhance employee appreciation and engagement.
Thoughtful gifting as a way of nurturing bonds!
In a world where many gifts are given out of obligation, a personalised approach speaks volumes. A Deloitte study suggests frequently surveying employees to grasp their unique priorities, needs, and preferences. This ensures recognition strategies are in sync with the workforce. It also indicates that organisations can strengthen DEI values by using recognition to promote inclusivity. By evaluating recognition practices, they can identify areas for improvement. Recognising patterns in who gives and receives recognition can pinpoint where more progress is needed to foster a truly inclusive culture.
Employers must bear in mind that the significance of a gift is not determined by its size or cost. It’s the thought and care put into selecting the perfect token of appreciation that truly inspires employees to give their best, grow, and work together.
(This article is authored by Abhishek Kurdukar, Sales Director, Pluxee India, a Sodexo enterprise)
