As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, millions of individuals were compelled to labor remotely. This shift was formerly assumed to be transient, but research indicates that it is here to stay. According to a Gartner survey of CEOs, 80 percent plan to allow staff to work remotely part-time, while 47 percent plan to allow them to work remotely full-time.
However, there is some good news! For many employees and employers, this is a welcome change. Employees are getting the remote-office model that 72% demand, and employers are getting a remote workforce that is expected to be 40% more productive than their in-office counterparts!
A remote-first workplace, however, is not without its drawbacks. Out of the workplace, cultivating a culture of employee appreciation is difficult, but not impossible. Thankfully, it's possible thanks to a simple yet effective strategy: corporate gifting.
Before we get into how to build this desired culture through corporate gifting, it's important to first understand why it's so appealing.
Why is company culture important?
Many businesses are unaware of how crucial culture is to their employees. Sixty-five percent of millennials consider business culture to be more important than pay. With this in mind, it's critical to maintain a healthy culture that fosters a sense of shared belonging, values, and vision among employees.
Why is a culture of employee appreciation the goal?
When employees feel appreciated, they become more engaged, loyal, and productive. At the same time, turnover is declining. A culture of employee appreciation is crucial to corporate success, especially now during the Great Resignation, when many workers are quitting in pursuit of positions that are better in line with their beliefs!
Let's look at how we might achieve a company culture of employee appreciation now that we know it's necessary. Accepting two key realities is the first step.
In a remote-first society, cultivating an appreciation culture looks different.
Maintaining a culture of appreciation will necessitate a significant investment of time and effort.
With these realities in mind, we recommend following in the footsteps of tech behemoths and other organizations and engaging in corporate gifting.
Corporate gifting isn't a new notion, but it has taken on new significance in the age of the internet. A meaningful link between employee and employer can be established through a physical gift that cuts through the digital noise.
Though the premise is simple, it is easy to get it wrong. Follow these five steps to ensure you design the ideal corporate gift:
Showcase Your Core Values — Make a donation that reflects the principles that are most important to your business. Are you committed to promoting diversity and inclusion? BIPOC-owned businesses are the only ones we use. Are you looking for a way to give back to your community? For your present, look for small, local businesses.
Include High-Quality Items — No one wants useless trinkets. Consider what your staff would like, want, and require. Coffee, candles, and sweet sweets are a few of my favorites.
Branding is Crucial – When it comes to corporate branding, your employees already know where they work, so there's no need to go overboard. The sweet spot is 1-2 branded items.
Include a thoughtful message — remember, the purpose is to show appreciation! Although a handwritten note is always appreciated, if you have a large team, consider including a QR code that leads to a video message from the CEO. Make the most of this opportunity to interact with all staff one-on-one.
Don't Be Afraid to Get Creative - Think outside the box! Gifts allow you to have some fun while also surprising your staff. Add an unexpected addition or a fun, quirky item to make it unforgettable! For instance, a disco ball puzzle as part of a game night present!
Still, sound difficult to pull off? Don't be hesitant to hire someone else to help you. Brands that specialize in corporate gifts in Chennai are eager to assist you in fostering a culture of gratitude!
