Consider this your end-of-year alarm clock.
BUZZZZZZZ
It’s now October and the holidays are fast approaching. It’s not too early to start thinking about employee gifts. Here’s a round-up of some great ones.
Best Employee Gifts
Most younger employees will say money is a great gift, but if you add it into their pay checks it quickly diminishes thanks to taxes. Instead, consider these ideas:
Grocery Store Gift Cards
They’re not sexy but they are practical and anymore you can buy an awful lot of different types of products at a grocery store.
Branded Items
If you go this route you should have two things — a company culture that people love to be a part of and a high budget. Buying employees a branded key chain for Christmas is akin to giving them a Christmas pat on the back. There’s not much value in it. If you’re going to give a branded item, go big like a branded, personalized Yeti cup filled with tiny treats, a high-end travel charging station, or an embroidered North Face or Columbia jacket. If you’re going to buy employees a branded gift make sure your company morale is high, otherwise it turns into an office version of those famous souvenir shirts lamenting that someone went somewhere great and all you got was a “stinkin’ ” shirt.
Local Currency
If your community offers a local currency program you can give a gift card that works for everyone. Local currency can be used at a number of community shops and restaurants and fits everyone’s tastes. It also helps local business. It’s a win for everyone.
An Extra Day Off
Yes, we just saw your accountant’s head hit the desk but giving employee’s a bonus day off (or two) always puts a smile on people’s faces. Just make sure they’re able to use it. If your employees are stressed out and don’t feel like they can take the time they already have, this won’t go over well. If a day off is out of the question, try giving them a work from home day every month.
What was the most enjoyable gift you’ve ever given your staff?