Retaining employees is on the minds of most leaders amid an unprecedented number of people leaving their jobs. Here’s how to show great employees that they are appreciated and, hopefully, help retain them.
The last few years have been chock full of upheaval and unexpected situations, and nowhere is that more evident than in our work lives. With shutdowns, difficult run-ins with clients and customers, and “The Great Resignation” prompting people to decide to leave their jobs, employers want to show their employees that they are appreciated. Many dedicated workers have had to pivot and take on different roles, work longer hours, and cover staff shortages.
One way to show appreciation is by giving them gifts beyond logoed swag but thoughtful gifts they will love.
- Money or Gift Cards
Keeping it simple is the best thing to do when gifting employees. When asked, people say they prefer monetary gifts over anything else. Monetary gifts could range from pay raises to gift cards to favorite restaurants or specialty stores.
- Technology Gifts
As technological advancements accelerate, people clamor for the latest and greatest in tech devices. Great tech gifts include phones, tablets, Kindles, or more personalized items like Ember mugs and the temperature-controlled coffee mug.
- Food and Drink
Opinions vary on whether food items or drinks are good gifts or not (memories of Clark Griswold’s Jelly of the Month Club come to mind). But, thoughtful food or drink items like high-quality steaks or cheeses are likely to be highly appreciated.
- Self-Care Packages
With the difficulties of the last year and a half, allowing employees to practice some self-care, whether with spa packages or massage gift cards, lets them know you care about their well-being and their ability to take some time to relax.
- Books
Books can be personalized gifts, especially for small teams where the managers know the employees well. You can gift each employee a gift that speaks to who they are as a person or what they may enjoy doing outside of work.
- Experiences or Classes
Now that things are opening up again, gifting experiences like concerts or theater events gives people an opportunity to do those things again after a long time stuck at home. Another great option is offering classes, allowing your employees to learn something unrelated to their jobs, like cooking or art.
- Essentials for Work From Home Employees
With so many employees working from home, giving them items to make their at-home offices comfortable and cozy is a great idea. Items can range from ergonomic office chairs to noise-canceling headphones.
- Subscription Services
Another appreciated gift for people stuck home more often than not are subscriptions for streaming services such as Netflix or Hulu. Other subscription services such as meal kits allow employees to get a little something shipped to them monthly, the good ‘ole “gift that keeps on giving.”
- Give the Gift of Travel
Stuff employee stockings with travel gift cards from airlines or travel agents. Travel gifts let employees plan fun trips and getaways to look forward to.
- Time off!
One of the best gifts you can give employees who may be taking on extra work and hours is some time off. If you can spare it, give employees hours to spend away from the office.
Gifts alone won’t guarantee the retention of great employees, but putting thought into gifts is guaranteed to be noticed. Purchasing appropriate and personal gifts is a great way to show your employees that you care about them and see how hard they’ve worked over the past few years of unprecedented times at work and home.
