Gifts for Employees
10 Things to Consider When Buying Gifts for Employees
1. Make sure it is appropriate
This is the most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for your employees. You don’t want to get them anything that could be considered inappropriate!
If you are on the fence about a certain item, it is best to go with something else in order to play it safe.
Consider consulting your spouse or another employer to see if they think it is appropriate to give your team.
2. Be aware of any dietary/cultural/religious restrictions
The last thing you want to do is offend an employee, even if it is by accident. While most will be understanding if you get them something they cannot enjoy, you are sure to feel like the world’s worst boss! T
he best way to avoid this is simply to spend time with your employees getting to know them. Remember all the little details- they make a difference!
3. Consider getting everyone the same thing
While each employee you are shopping for is unique, sometimes the best thing to do is to get everyone the same thing.
If you are concerned that your employees will compare their gifts and possibly feel like certain people were gifted something ‘better,’ avoid it all together with the same gift for everyone.
If your can’t think of the perfect gift that will work for everyone, you can always consider gifting something like a giftcard that they can use towards anything they want.
4. Opt for an experience
Why not engage in some team bonding with an experience gift? A great gift idea for your employees is hosting a fun event after work or on a weekend!
Think bowling, trivia night, rafting, or other group activities that you can all enjoy.
You get in on the fun too, and it can help you all grow closer as a team - you can’t go wrong with that!
5. When in doubt, ask HR
If you are seriously concerned about giving gifts to your employees, you can always run the idea by your HR department.
If you run a small business and are essentially your own HR department, use your best judgment, and when in doubt, come up with a different idea!
6. Include remote workers
In the age of technology we are in, many companies have remote workers as part of their staff. In fact, all your employees might be remote workers!
In any case, these workers are just as important to your team and should absolutely be included as well when getting gifts. Don’t forget them!
7. Don’t single anyone out
You don’t need to start any workplace drama, so make sure you aren’t singling anyone out with a gift.
Make sure everyone either gets the same for employees that are of the same value so that people don’t get upset.
After all, everyone on the team is equal, so treat them that way!
8. Consider something that will help them at work
You certainly can’t go wrong with this idea! Is there something your team could use to help work run smoother? Technology gadgets perhaps?
That is an excellent gift idea. There is no fear of this gift being misinterpreted, and best of all, it’ll be put to great use.
9. Food is always appreciated
When in doubt, a nice sweet treat is always appreciated and is a great gift idea for your employees.
As we mentioned earlier make sure you are aware of any potential dietary restrictions, but besides that, a nice food gift is perfect!
To really go the extra mile, consider making the food yourself (office potluck!).
10. Relax!
Finally, don’t overthink it! Your heart and head are in the right place, so don’t stress yourself out trying to find the perfect gift for employees.
They are sure to appreciate that you went out of your way to get them something, and that is what matters in the end.
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