Like a lot of companies, John’s has gone fully remote. He spends his entire day working with his colleagues through Zoom. He’s also been put in charge of getting together some employee gift ideas for everyone to boost company morale. He’s been trying to be stealthy, looking at what his co-workers have in the background. The problem? He notices that every person he works with constantly uses Zoom backgrounds and filters. He doesn’t know what they look like or what’s in their home office. The worst offender? Patricia. She always uses a potato filter. She’s head of accounting, and he finds it hard to take her seriously—let alone figure out what she would like as a small thank you gift.
When his company first made the decision to go remote, John didn’t have an issue with people using Zoom’s fun features. It (originally) engaged people. Now, John basically only speaks to virtual avatars, and he cannot figure out what to get them. HR believes that filters are starting to affect morale and productivity. They hope the small gifts will soften the blow when they put out a company-wide memo that the filters needed to stop.
To help both John and you, we’ve rounded up the best employee gift ideas so anyone can find exactly what their employees need to get back to work and become more productive. Read on to learn exactly what to get your employees right now to boost their morale.
Why is there a need for employee gifts?
Okay, we know what you’re thinking. Here’s another website telling us to buy some things to increase their profit margins. However, we never come without the receipts. Numerous studies show that receiving gifts increases morale. We also know that you’re probably thinking something along the lines of, “I’ll just give them a gift card or some cash.” However, these monetary rewards aren’t going to boost morale like a physical object. Physical items, even if they’re small, make the employee feel like you care and in addition, a gifts on small occasions like employee of the month or employee anniversary can be really positive for any employee.
Furthermore, those little thank you gifts are also more likely to boost employee retention meaning you’re going to get motivated employees who stay with you for years. If that’s not a win-win, we don’t know what is.
5 gift ideas for your employee
Slim Can Cooler
What is it?
Koozies keep your drinks cold while keeping your hands comfortable. These go-to can and tumbler accessories are perfect for those who want to give something simple to their employees that’ll definitely get used.
Why employees will love it
Nothings more frustrating than a drink getting warm due to your hands. A Koozie keeps your drink cool for hours without the heat from your hands transferring to the cup.
Why John likes it
John chooses Koozies because he knows how great they can be when you have a drink and are stuck in a 3-hour Zoom meeting. Rather than disrupting others to get another drink, his co-workers can keep theirs nice and cool.
Laptop Sleeve
What is it?
This padded laptop case is going to help your employees’ hardware withstand even the most intense situations. Water, oil and heat don’t stand a chance with this snug-fitting neoprene laptop case.
Why employees will love it
These are especially great for those who utilize a work laptop. By providing them with a stylish case that’ll actually last, you’ll never need to worry about damage to company hardware again.
Why John likes it
John and his colleagues spend almost all their days on company-provided laptops. He’s been hearing his boss mumbling about how the laptops are coming back in pretty rough shape. He believes the laptop cases will protect company property while looking nice and stylish.
Bag Tag
What is it?
This custom luggage tag is perfect for the employee who needs to frequently travel. Weatherproof and durable, this tag is an excellent small thank you gift.
Why employees will love it
There’s nothing more irritating than going to the airport and not being able to find your luggage. This luggage tag will allow your employees to travel with ease.
Why John likes it
Every year, John’s company hosts a retreat weekend at their headquarters in Seattle. Because his co-workers are based all around the United States, John knows many will need to fly to the event. These luggage tags are an excellent motivator.
Games Kit
What is it?
Can you imagine how many games you can play with a set of dominoes, dice and playing cards? Are you willing to create your own? This portable game set is excellent for the most competitive members of your company.
Why employees will love it
This is excellent for employees with kids or those who just want a few friends over for a game night. Anyone will enjoy this game set.
Why John likes it
Most of John’s colleagues are in their 30s-40s with kids. He also hears about his coworker, a 23-year-old named Liam, hosts some raging parties. He figures this game set will allow people to connect with their loved ones—or make for a fun party game at Liam’s.
Smartphone Holder
What is it?
Smartphones are integral to our lives, and this smartphone holder ensures anyone who drives will have a safe space for their phone.
Why employees will love it
Whether using it for the commute to work or to listen to music on a road trip, this smartphone holder will get regular use. Durable and capable of fitting most phones, this is a must-have.
Why John likes it
John talks to his co-workers every day. When Patricia isn’t a potato, she’s usually driving while talking on her phone. Once she even got pulled over. John hopes a smartphone holder will allow everyone—especially Patricia—to participate in meetings even when they need to be in the car.
How we can help with setting up a store for you by automating the process
Employee swag is an excellent tool to motivate your workers. However, to push your business to the next level, why not open your own swag store where employees can buy all the swag they need. From making your small gift ideas for employees a reality to letting your employees pick the swag of their dreams, we walk you through the entire process of creating a swag store. Learn more here about setting up your swag store and get your employee gift ideas for 2022 ready to go. Oh, and as for John? Well, he discovered Patricia has a gluten allergy, hence her love for potatoes. She hasn’t received a ticket for several months, and she and John will finally meet in Seattle next May.