How Sustainable Corporate Gifts Can Boost Staff Morale

Want happier, more engaged employees? The secret might be simpler than you think: a well-timed, thoughtful gift.

According to The Business Research Company, the value of the global corporate gifting market reached a staggering $765.46 billion in 2023 – and this is set to grow. But as corporate gifting becomes an integral part of company culture, businesses must ensure presents not only contribute to employee wellbeing but also minimise environmental impact.

This article explores how giving sustainable corporate gifts can boost staff morale, enhance company reputation, and ultimately benefit your business. From welcoming new starters to seasonal gifting, here's what you need to know.

How Corporate Gift-Giving Contributes to Staff Wellbeing

Corporate gifting is more than just a redundant gesture; it's proven to play a significant role in employee satisfaction, retention, and morale. According to a study by Tremendous, 75% of employees reported that receiving a holiday gift from their employer increased their job satisfaction, with 46% stating that this positive impact lasted for over a year.

But this isn’t without a caveat – gifts that do good are key. In other words: low-quality, unwanted items are out, while eco-friendly, genuinely useful items are in. Research shows that over 80% of businesses have seen an improvement in relationships with employees and clients as a result of this gifting.

The Benefits of Corporate Gifting

Let’s take a look at how gifting can boost morale:

Promotes Wellbeing and Reduces Workplace Stress

Employees who receive gifts feel valued and recognised for their contributions. This fosters a positive emotional connection with their employer, making them more likely to be enthusiastic about their work.

Thoughtful gifts, like wellness boxes, can help employees manage workplace stress. These hampers can include items such as specialty tea, journals and pens, speakers, and water bottles – all gifts to help employees relax and recharge.

Enhances Workplace Community

Corporate gifting also helps to foster a sense of community and teamwork. Whether it’s a personalised welcome gift for a new hire or a holiday package for the entire team, gifts strengthen bonds and create a supportive workplace culture. When employees feel like part of a team, morale skyrockets.

Encourages Employee Retention

Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to stay at a company long-term. Gifting contributes to workplace happiness, reducing turnover and improving overall job satisfaction.

A company's reputation will also increase when employees are happy. Word quickly spreads when companies do good – whether that's with a quick snap on social media or through word-of-mouth. If the gifting is thoughtful, sustainable, and ethical, it demonstrates Corporate Social Responsibility, which strengthens relations with both employees and clients.

What Makes a Good Corporate Gift?

Not all corporate gifts are created equal. While the intention behind gifting is to show appreciation, the wrong choice can leave employees feeling dejected and underappreciated. When choosing what to give, here’s what to consider:

Personalisation and Thoughtfulness

Even if you're buying items in bulk, it's important to think about each of the recipients. Gifts that are engraved and aligned with the people receiving them show that the business truly cares. 

It’s also crucial to avoid any items that could be culturally insensitive. While alcohol is a common gift, it’s not always the right option because of religious or personal preferences. Instead, opt for universally-appreciated alternatives such as a food hamper or sweets. 

Sustainability

Corporate gifting should align with a company’s values – including sustainability. By choosing eco-friendly gifts, businesses can show their commitment to reducing waste and promoting responsible consumption.

Opt for materials like bamboo and organic fabrics, and avoid items that use excessive packaging. High-quality coffee mugs and tumblers make great gifts as the receiver can reuse them over and over again.

Subtle branding

An important – but often overlooked – tip: If you are going to add your branding to gifts, make sure it’s subtle. You want the item (or items) to feel like a gift, not a cheap attempt at promoting the brand outside of office hours. Focus on functionality and avoid tacky company swag that will be quickly binned by the employee.

Types of Eco-Friendly Corporate Gifts

Alongside workplace loyalty, boosted morale, and more, corporate gifts can also encourage a healthy work-life balance. Choose items that employees will use beyond office hours to show that the company truly cares. For example:

• Notebooks and pens for creative employees
• Power banks, earphones, and speakers for tech-savvy team members
• Reusable water bottles for those who love outdoor activities
• Backpacks and laptop cases for team members who travel often

Creating employee hampers is a fun way to show your appreciation. Welcome new starters with gift packs filled with everything they need to settle in: coffee mugs, snacks, and tech accessories. If your employees wear a uniform, supplying personalised apparel over hand-me-down gear is another great way to make your staff feel appreciated.

Welcome kits are also great for remote workers. Sending a token of appreciation can help create a sense of community, even if your business does not operate within a physical workplace. Tech items like power banks, desk tidies, and headphones are particularly brilliant options that staff members will reach for again and again.

Seasonal gifts are excellent, too – particularly in the form of drinks and confectionery. If you're not sure what your employees like, stick to popular items like chocolate or biscuits. Or, protein balls, flavoured nuts, and popcorn are great for health-conscious workplaces.

Boosting Morale Through Sustainable Corporate Gifting: The Bottom Line

The global corporate gifting market continues to grow for good reason: when done right, presents have positive benefits that outlast the gifts themselves. By choosing thoughtful, sustainable options, it's possible to enhance company loyalty, reduce turnover, and, more importantly, boost staff morale. After all, a happy workforce is an engaged workforce.

Ready to take the first step in empowering your staff and transforming workplace culture? Browse The Ethical Gift Box’s full selection of ethical, sustainable merch.