Alright, HR folks, let's talk. Your end-of-year gifts were supposed to be a mic-drop moment, a grand finale to a year of hard work. But instead of applause, you got eye rolls. Or worse, people taking to social media about how crappy their company's Christmas gift was.
Why? Because that swag bag, with its one-size-fits-nobody approach, totally missed the mark. Your CEO probably doesn’t want to hear this, but their “great idea” that was yet another off-brand Yeti mug with the company logo is as good as landfill.
Let's break down this swag snafu and figure out how to flip those frowns upside down ASAP.
This next section is about all the gifts that missed the mark. If you want to go right to the solution, click here.
Point 1: The 'Meh' in Merch
You thought a $100 voucher for company merch would be a hit, right? Plot twist: it wasn’t. In an era where personal style and comfort reign supreme, limiting your team to a single unisex shirt and pair of pants is like giving a music lover a CD in the age of Spotify. It’s not just about the gear; it’s about giving your team choices that they actually care about. (All of this is made worse if you require them to wear uniforms and they have to spend the money toward new gear. That’s not a gift. That’s a given. Do better.)
Data, but make it fashion:
Diving into the deets from Gallup's latest research, the big reveal is: Casual is king and queen in today's workplace wardrobe. But here's the kicker – it's not just about being casual; it's about craving choices. When employees can strut their stuff in gear that’s authentically them, that's where the magic happens. Job satisfaction? Skyrockets. Office morale? Through the roof. The message is crystal clear: A voucher for the same old company gear? Meh. Letting them jazz up their work wardrobe with their own picks? Now you're talking their language.
Point 2: Swag Overload – The Unwanted Closet Filler
So, your company loves dishing out those branded Yeti, Patagonia, and North Face items, thinking it's the ultimate perk. But let's face reality: your employees' closets are already overflowing with these. Each new item is met with a collective groan of “Not this again…” These gifts, meant to be tokens of appreciation, are turning into dusty relics in the back of the closet. It's not that they're not nice – they are – but when something feels more like a billboard than a thoughtful gift, it loses its charm.
Data Dive:
The corporate gifting market is growing rapidly, with an increasing focus on personalization and quality. According to a 2022 report by Postal, 54% of companies plan to increase their investment in corporate gift-giving over the next two years, indicating a significant shift towards more personalized gifting strategies. The emphasis is on creating more authentic connections, with personalization being a key success factor in gifting strategies.
A survey highlighted by Threadfellows reveals that a majority of the workforce prefers receiving a thoughtful holiday gift over having an office party. How do you win? Everyone wants something different. If only there were a stipend for that…
Business plug and jokes aside, the survey findings also show that employers typically plan on spending around $50-$75 on employee gifts, with a preference for gifts that have a reputation for quality and offer a variety of retail brand assortments. So, it would seem that thoughtfulness is intended, but it isn’t always received that way.
Point 3: The Disappointing Token of 'Appreciation'
Similar to point number 2, the end-of-year ceremony where everyone gets a mug or a generic plaque is more or less a slap in the face. It’s supposed to say, “Thanks for all your hard work,” but instead, it whispers, “Welp… here you go.” These token gifts often miss the mark in making employees feel genuinely valued. In an age where personalization is possible at every turn, sticking to these one-size-fits-all tokens can make your team feel undervalued and overlooked.
Data Dive:
A survey from Robert Half found that most employees prefer monetary recognition, such as cash bonuses. Other popular forms of recognition included promotions, praise from a manager, extra time off, and recognition lunches or dinners. This suggests that employees value tangible and practical acknowledgments that reflect their contributions and achievements. It also indicates that personalization in recognition, allowing employees to choose the form of their reward, can be more impactful than generic gifts.
More importantly, though, recognition should be given in real time and year-round, not just in December. It’s more meaningful to say thanks or “Wow, what a great job on this project” in the moment. And cash is king, always.
Point 4: The Tech Trap - Gadgets Galore But No Personal Touch
It's become a trend for companies to hand out the latest tech gadgets as gifts. It’s like how companies used to hand out Rolex watches. Talk about not knowing your audience. These high-tech toys might hit the right notes for some, but they're just fancy paperweights for others. Not everyone's tech-savvy or even tech-interested. And for those who are, what are the chances they don't already own these gadgets?
Data Dive:
A survey by Custom Ink found that nearly 70% of employees prefer sustainable gifts. This preference aligns with a growing concern for the environment, with 60% of respondents expressing high levels of concern for environmental health.
The 2021-22 Employer Gift-Giving Report provides additional insights. According to this survey, 51% of respondents receive a gift from their employer at least once a year. About 41% of employees are happy with the gifts received, and 49% consider these gifts memorable. However, a significant portion, 42%, have received unwanted gifts from employers, and 56% feel the gifts are impersonal or generic. Interestingly, 57% of employees say they are more likely to be loyal to a company that provides gifts. The report also highlights the importance of personalization, with 27% of employees suggesting more personalized gifts if they were in charge of gift-giving in their organizations.
Point 5: The One-Off Experience - Missing the Mark on Lasting Impact
Many companies have shifted to gifting experiences - like a day at the spa or a fancy dinner. It's a step in the right direction but still a shot in the dark. While some might revel in these experiences, others may find them out of sync with their interests or lifestyles. An extravagant dinner is great, but what if the employee is a homebody who prefers a quiet night in? The key is in the details and offering choices that cater to diverse preferences.
Data Dive:
The Incentive Research Foundation's study highlighted that nearly half (49%) of respondents listed getting a paid day off among their top three preferences, and another 21% listed it among their next four top preferences. The lowest-ranked recognition approaches included getting a trophy, certificate, or plaque, and receiving company-logoed merchandise. But if you’re going the “experience” route, it can’t be (bet you can’t guess what I’m about to say) a one-size-fits-all approach. This is the perfect opportunity for a “Take a Break” stipend that people can use to take their kids to Disney, go sit on a beach somewhere, or relish in multiple DoorDash deliveries while they unwind in the comfort of their own homes.
Point 6: The Eco-Friendly Faux Pas - Green Gifts That Aren’t Always Gold
Jumping on the eco-friendly bandwagon, some companies opt for 'green' gifts. While this is commendable, these gifts absolutely must be practical and desirable. A reusable straw set or a plant might check the eco-box, but do they resonate with everyone? Like, imagine getting some straws as a thanks for exceeding revenue/sales goals the whole year. Sustainability is critical, but so is usability. Gifts that combine eco-consciousness with everyday utility are the real winners.
Data Dive:
A survey by Custom Ink found that a significant percentage of employees, particularly in the 25-34 age demographic, prefer sustainable corporate gifts aligning with their environmental concerns. But what about your employees outside this 9-year age range? Vantage Circle suggests a range of eco-friendly gift options, such as recycled plastic products, digital gift cards, and stainless steel drinkware, which are both environmentally friendly and practical. If you’re going down this road, maybe combine this approach with another, like those straws AND a food/drink stipend that can be spent on their favorite coffee or adult beverage. Take it to the next level when you can.
Damage Control: Making It Right
Real Talk Time: Send out a no-BS, all-heart email. A little “Hey team, looks like our gift game was more 'miss' than 'hit' this year, and for that, we're sorry.” Honesty is refreshing.
Spill the Tea Session: Set up a chill, no-judgment feedback sesh (I’d also say an anonymous survey, but people never trust those are actually anon). Think of it like a virtual coffee date where everyone can dish out their thoughts on the gift-gate. It’s all about listening and learning.
Make-Good Move: Show you're not just all talk. Maybe swing them a spot bonus, something small yet thoughtful that they can spend to get exactly what they want. It's like saying, “We goofed, but hey, here's a little something to brighten your day.”
Long-Term Fix: Gift Game Glow-Up
Gift Squad: Assemble a diverse crew of employees to be your Gift Avengers. Their mission? To make sure future gifts aren’t a yawn-fest. Have them represent different types of employees in your organization - those who sit at desks, those in the field, those who have been there 20 years, and those who just started. You’ll likely get a lot of diverse opinions, but if they can agree on something, that’s a really great start.
Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Gifts: Scrap the one-size-fits-all nightmare. Roll out a smorgasbord of options – gift cards, experience passes, you name it. Let everyone pick their own brand of joy. And, this is totally self-serving, but a Compt stipend is the most sensible (and tax-compliant) way to do this so you don’t have to stand in front of the gift card wall at Target, tossing them all into your cart.
Shoutouts over Stuff: Pivot to props that matter—more shoutouts, career growth goodies, and maybe an extra day to chill at home. Show love in ways that count throughout the year. Spontaneous recognition in April can be so much more meaningful (and memorable) than the gifts that come every December because the company feels like they have to do something for the people.
Feedback Loop-De-Loop: Keep the convo going. Do regular check-ins on what's hot and what's not in the world of workplace perks, and not just on LinkedIn or at HR conferences. Ask your employees what they like just as often as you ask your HR friends what’s working at their companies.
Spreading the Word
Clear the air with some straight-up chat about the new gift plans. Lay it out like, “We heard you, we're shaking things up, and here's how.” Then, build the hype. Get everyone jazzed about the new plan. It's like the trailer for a movie everyone’s been waiting for – build that excitement!
By keeping things honest, fun, and employee-focused, you're not just fixing a gift mishap – you're building a culture where everyone feels heard and valued. And that, my HR pals, is the real gift.
Like what you're reading? Then you'll looooove our People First Newsletter.
