There's one thing that no business can live without: a dedicated team. Your employees are crucial to your business's success, and one of the best ways to keep your team happy is to demonstrate how much you value their efforts.

While team appreciation shouldn't be limited to the holidays, the season of giving is a perfect time to say thank you to your employees for everything they do in meaningful, tangible ways. 

This holiday season, consider going beyond "traditional" employee gifts with creative initiatives that allow your gratitude to shine through. 

Not sure where to get started? We can help! Take a look at our suggestions for making your team feel appreciated below.  

#1: the gift of quality time 

Striking a healthy work-life balance is more important than ever. A good work-life balance has significant benefits including improved mental health, less chronic pain, reduced hypertension, and more.

As if those tangible health benefits aren't enough, here's something to consider: your team's wellbeing is directly linked to their productivity, job satisfaction, and likelihood to stay with your company over time. 

According to one study, "Employees with high wellbeing perform better and lead happier, more fulfilled lives at the office and otherwise. And when recognition is part of leaders’ wellbeing efforts, the outcomes and ROI are extraordinary." 

So how can you support your team's wellbeing? 

• Offer Additional PTO: During the months of November & December, a little extra time off can go a long way. Gifting employees with more time off can help your team navigate the challenges of holiday travel, gift shopping, shifting schedules, and get some well-deserved quality time with their families. With more time to focus on their personal lives, your team will show up to work undistracted and ready to dive into their projects.

• Lean In To Hybrid Schedules: Another option for companies is to introduce a more flexible hybrid structure during the holiday season. Even for employees with existing hybrid schedules, allowing teams to work half-days from home or work entirely remote during busy holiday weeks could make all the difference for reducing stress.

• Say it With Money: Providing bonuses is a great way to show appreciation and help your workers with any extra economic pressures during the holidays. Want to really make your team feel valued? Don't save bonuses just for special occasions; incorporate employee recognition and rewards all year to help your team become more engaged and attract top talent. 

#2: The Gift of Giving Back 

If you want to say thank you to your employees while bringing everyone closer together for the greater good, consider volunteering this season. Host a holiday-themed volunteer session that allows everyone to participate. Your team will feel good about themselves as they give back to the community, and you can all have a lot of fun together.

Volunteering can also be good for your brand, as you become known in your industry as a company that values and shows up for community. Consider polling your employees to ask which charities or organizations they would be most interested in helping, and make an effort to form lasting relationships with organizations that resonate with your team. 

Alternatively, you can encourage employee participation through equitable giving. If you don't want to volunteer in person, your team can select a charity to donate to each year on behalf of your business. When busy holiday schedules make organizing a group effort impossible, charitable donations are a great way to give back and bring people together in the season's spirit. 

#3: custom Thank You Gifts

Everyone wants to feel valued, and thoughtful appreciation gifts are an impactful way to show your team they matter. Showing recognition and gratitude can go a long way in boosting your company culture, improving morale, and forming deeper connections with your team. 

If you want to give a tangible thank you gift, consider small-but-meaningful personalized gifts. Holiday swag bags can be personalized for each employee and include practical items that will remind your workers how proud you are to have them on your team. Take it one step further by stocking a custom store with swag options. That way your team can pick their gifts from a curated collection customized for them! 

Finally, don't forget the power of a heartfelt, handwritten thank you note. One study showed that over half of employees surveyed felt that a personalized note from their boss made company gifts even more special. Doing something personal takes a holistic approach to gift-giving and will go a long way with employees who might otherwise feel "unseen." 

Need swag inspiration? Here are a few of our favorite gift picks:

• Custom Tech Gadgets: Noise-canceling headphones, custom Bluetooth speakers, and accessories like portable chargers are thoughtful ways to recognize your team for a job well done. If you have the budget, consider splurging on the premium versions of larger items - perhaps Bose over-ear headphones for your hybrid employees, Airpod Pros to help filter out distracting noises for your in-office crew, or JLB waterproof Bluetooth speakers for your road warriors. Smaller gifts, like charging cables, clip-on speakers, and travel earbuds, all slip easily into holiday swag bags for employees!

• Cozy WFH Gifts: Soft blankets and glowing candles put us in a cozy state of mind, and we're certain that your employees will feel the same way! Encourage self-care and help your team avoid burnout with thoughtful home gifts like soft and fluffy throw blankets, comfy custom socks, an essential oil diffuser, or spa accessories like a plush robe and sleep mask. Want to offer next level comfort to your team? Consider a Therabody Theragun Elite as the ultimate thank-you gift. 

• Snacks & Sweet Treats: Food gifts are one of the simplest ways to show your employees that you appreciate them. Make it easy by sending a grocery gift card near the holidays, or take it to the next level with a brownie points gift set, smore's party in-a-box, or a fun popcorn tower. 

 ⭐ Got a long gift list? Let us make your life easier. We'll handle every part of your gifting program, from concept to fulfillment and distribution!

#4: Throw a Holiday Office Party or Happy Hour

Who doesn't love a holiday party? It's a fantastic way to relax and have fun with your team while showing appreciation for another year of hard work. By hosting your get-together during office hours, you're also giving them a well-deserved break to celebrate the season and each other. 

These get-togethers are great for team bonding, but they serve double-duty by showing your employees they deserve to relax and have fun. Consider hosting a holiday party before giving your workers an extended break or a few extra days off; they'll appreciate it more than you know!

Bonus: Does planning a holiday party seem daunting? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Swag Planning. 

#5: send handwritten thank-you cards 

Whether you're giving your employees a handwritten card or want to include a simple and sweet note of thanks on a more significant gift, there are a few things to keep in mind that make your card more personal and meaningful. Use these tips to write a perfect card that expresses your gratitude: 

• Use different words of appreciation

• Be specific with examples of gratitude

• Touch on any particular points that make that employee stand out

• Thank them for a great year

By showing warmth and personality in whatever you write, your employees will appreciate that you took the time to create something just for them. 

The holiday season is a great excuse to show extra appreciation, but it should remind you how important it is to recognize your workers year-round. Compliment them on their hard work, give them credit for their accomplishments, and give them a sense of ownership and responsibility for everything they've tackled on their own or as part of a team. 

As you can see, there's no shortage of ways to say thank you to your team this holiday season. The best thing you can do is to keep things personal. By showing each individual how much you care, no matter how you do it, they'll be able to show your business the same gratitude through their continued efforts. 

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