Let’s be honest, employees are the real heroes behind any successful business.
They put in their best every day to help you reach your business goals. But too often, their hard work is overlooked and not given the thanks it deserves.
This can lower their spirits and productivity, and might even push them to look for jobs elsewhere.
That’s why it’s super important to make saying ‘thank you’ a big deal at your workplace.
By letting your workers know that you value and thank them, you can build a great place to work, get everyone more involved and excited, and in the end, help your business do better.
But we get that thinking of ways to thank your workers can be hard.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of 20 gifts that are sure to make your workers feel special, no matter how much money you can spend or what kind of business you run.
So, let’s get started!
Why Underappreciated Employees Are Bad News for Productivity
Let’s get real for a moment.
No one wants to work for a boss who doesn’t show any appreciation for hard work and dedication.
It’s just a fact of life.
We all want to feel valued and recognized for our efforts. When employees feel underappreciated, it can lead to a whole host of problems that can seriously impact productivity.
Think about it, if you’re putting in your best effort day in and day out, but your hard work goes unnoticed and unappreciated, how long do you think you’ll keep that up?
Eventually, that lack of recognition will wear on you, and you’ll start to think, What’s the point?
And who can blame you?
Employees are tired of going above and beyond without any recognition or acknowledgment. It’s demotivating, and demoralizing—and it can seriously impact team dynamics.
After all, employees are humans too, and a little appreciation can go a long way in boosting their spirits and keeping them motivated to perform at their best.
Don’t underestimate the power of showing your employees some love and appreciation.
20 Employee Appreciation Gifts to Promote a Healthy Workplace
I get it. Coming up with gift ideas can be difficult—especially if you have many employees. This is why we compiled a list of employee gifts in different categories.
So if you’re ready to take your gift-giving to the next level, hold on to your pen and paper(or keyboards) because you’re gonna need it.
Here are the best employee appreciation gifts for different categories:
5 Employee Appreciation Gifts On a Budget
We’ve established that showing appreciation to your employees is important, but what if you’re working with a tight budget?
Here are 5 employee appreciation gifts that won’t cost you an arm and a leg:
1. Handwritten Notes
Sometimes, a simple handwritten note expressing your appreciation can mean more than any expensive gift.
Take the time to write a heartfelt message to each of your employees, and watch their faces light up with joy.
2. Coffee or Tea
Who doesn’t love a good cup of coffee or tea? Treat your team to their favorite brew, and they’ll appreciate the gesture more than you know.
3. Personalized Desk Accessories
You don’t have to spend a fortune to give your team members a personalized gift.
Consider getting them a customized desk accessory, like a mouse pad or coffee mug, with their name or a motivational quote on it.
4. Gift Cards
Gift cards are a great way to show your appreciation without breaking the bank.
Choose a gift card to a local coffee shop, restaurant, or bookstore, and your employees will feel valued and appreciated.
5. Employee Recognition Programs
Setting up an employee recognition program is a great way to show your team members that you value their contributions.
It doesn’t have to be expensive—consider awarding a “Star Employee of the Month” certificate or a small prize for outstanding performance.
Remember, it’s the thought that counts when showing appreciation, and these budget-friendly gift ideas will help you do just that.
5 Employee Appreciation Gifts for the Whole Team
Now that we’ve covered budget-friendly employee appreciation gifts, let’s talk about team appreciation gifts.
These gifts are a great way to boost team morale and show your appreciation for everyone’s hard work.
1. Catered Lunch
Who doesn’t love free food? Treat your team to a catered lunch or breakfast to show your appreciation. It’s a great way to bond as a team and enjoy some delicious eats.
2. Team Building Activity
Plan a fun team-building activity, like a bowling night or escape room challenge, to show your team that you value their teamwork and collaboration skills.
Plus, it’s a great way to break up the monotony of the workweek and have some fun!
3. A recognition board or wall in the office
Celebrate your team’s achievements with a dedicated recognition board or wall in the office.
This not only shows your appreciation but also encourages team members to recognize and celebrate each other’s successes.
4. A group donation to a charity of the team’s choice
Give back to the community by letting your team choose a charity to support as a group.
This not only helps those in need but also fosters a sense of teamwork and shared values among your employees.
5. Company Swag Bags
Create company swag bags filled with fun goodies like water bottles, pens, notebooks, and other branded items.
It’s a great way to show your team that you care about them, and they’ll appreciate the thoughtfulness of the gift.
5 Unique Employee Appreciation Gifts
Looking for something a little more unique to show your appreciation for your team?
These five employee appreciation gifts are sure to make your employees feel valued and appreciated in a one-of-a-kind way.
1. Meal Delivery Subscription
Show your gratitude by providing your employees with a meal delivery subscription service.
This will take the stress off their daily meal planning and give them a well-deserved break during their busy workdays.
2. Spa Day
Give your team the gift of relaxation with a spa day or massage gift certificate. It’s a great way to show your appreciation for their hard work and help them unwind and recharge.
3. Volunteer Day
Arrange a volunteer day for your team to give back to the community.
It’s a great way to show your team that your company cares about making a positive impact and gives them the opportunity to bond over a shared experience.
4. A chance for a new experience
Treat your team to a unique experience, such as a hot air balloon ride or a wine-tasting tour. Or you can treat them to an experience they’ll never forget, like tickets to a concert, a sports game, or other fun events.
This not only shows your appreciation but also gives your team members a chance to bond and make memories together.
It’s a memorable way to show your appreciation and create lasting memories with your team.
5. Customized Gifts
Give your team a customized gift that reflects their interests and hobbies, such as a customized skateboard or a personalized cookbook. It shows that you care about their passions and interests outside of work.
These unique employee appreciation gifts are sure to make your team feel valued and appreciated in a special way.
5 Meaningful Employee Appreciation Gifts
If you’re looking for employee appreciation gifts that will make a lasting impact on your team’s morale, then these meaningful gift ideas are for you.
These gifts not only show your appreciation for your team’s hard work but also demonstrate that you understand and value their well-being.
1. Wellness Gifts
Show your team that you care about their health and well-being by giving them wellness gifts such as a yoga mat, fitness tracker, or healthy snack subscription. These gifts encourage a healthy lifestyle and show that you prioritize their overall wellness.
2. Time Off
Give your team the gift of time off, such as an extra day off or a flexible schedule. It shows that you understand the importance of work-life balance and prioritize their well-being.
3. Personalized Awards
Create personalized awards for each member of your team, highlighting their unique strengths and contributions.
It’s a great way to show your appreciation in a meaningful and personalized way.
4. A chance to attend a professional conference or networking event
Give your team members a chance to network and learn from others in their industry by offering them the opportunity to attend a professional conference or networking event.
This not only shows your appreciation but also keeps your team up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices.
5. A promotion or recognition for a job well done
Finally, there’s no better way to show your appreciation than with a promotion or recognition for a job well done. This not only shows your appreciation but also incentivizes your team members to continue to go above and beyond in their work.
These meaningful employee appreciation gifts show your team that you value their well-being and contributions beyond just their work performance.
Make Employee Appreciation a Priority in Your Workplace
In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive work environment, it’s easy to overlook the value of employee appreciation.
We’ve seen how important it is to appreciate our employees and how it can directly impact productivity and engagement. But it’s not just about patting them on the back—it’s about going the extra mile with thoughtful and meaningful employee appreciation gifts.
Whether you choose to implement budget-friendly options like personalized thank-you notes or more elaborate gestures like team outings and mentorship opportunities, the key is to make sure your employees feel seen and heard.
So It’s time to take action and prioritize appreciation in our company culture.
Get out there and show your team some love today!
