5 Ways To Integrate Gifting Into Your Corporate Culture

Every week I talk with companies that are struggling to build camaraderie amongst remote employees. Here's how you can integrate gifting into your corporate culture to create a more engaging and cohesive workplace.

1. Incorporate Gifting into Onboarding

The onboarding process is your company's first impression for new employees. Integrating gifting here can significantly impact a new hire's integration and sense of belonging. Consider gifts that reflect your company's culture and values, perhaps items that are unique to your brand. These gifts not only welcome new team members but also introduce them to the essence of your corporate identity from day one.

Step 1: Identify key touchpoints in the onboarding process where a gift would make a meaningful impact, such as the first day, the end of the first week, and the completion of the first month.

Step 2: Select gifts that reflect your company's culture. For example, if your company values sustainability, choose eco-friendly items.

Step 3: Personalize the gifts where possible. Including the new employee's name or a welcome message from the team can make the gift more special.

Step 4: Gather feedback from new hires about the onboarding gifting experience to continually refine and improve this aspect of their welcome.

2. Celebrate Milestones

Acknowledging personal and professional milestones underscores an individual's value within the organization. Whether it's a work anniversary, promotion, or personal event like having a baby, these milestones are perfect opportunities for gifting. Personalized gifts add a special touch, showing that the company pays attention to individual employees' lives and accomplishments.

Step 1: Create a system to track significant employee milestones, including work anniversaries, promotions, and personal achievements.

Step 2: Develop a range of gift options that align with different types of milestones to ensure appropriateness and personal relevance.

Step 3: Involve team leaders or managers in the gifting process, giving them the autonomy to choose or suggest the most suitable gifts for their team members.

Step 4: Follow up with employees after they've received their milestone gifts to gauge their impact and gather suggestions for future improvements.

3. Establish Regular Gifting Moments

Why wait for a special occasion? Embedding regular gifting moments into your corporate calendar can keep the team spirit high. This could be as simple as an 'Employee of the Month' award, seasonal gifts, or even random acts of appreciation. One of my favorites is celebrating cultural heritage months throughout the year as a way to spark excitement and conversation throughout the company.

Step 1: Develop a calendar of gifting moments throughout the year that align with your company's schedule and culture, such as quarterly recognitions or cultural heritage months (Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Pride Month, etc.).

Step 2: Partner with a gifting service like Joyful Co to help curate unique gifts for your employees

Step 3: Schedule these gifts to be delivered directly to your employees at home.

Step 4: Evaluate the frequency and reception of these regular gifting moments to ensure they remain exciting and meaningful.

4. Encourage Peer-to-Peer Gifting

Fostering a culture where employees feel empowered to appreciate each other can enhance team dynamics and create a more supportive work environment. Initiating programs where employees can nominate colleagues for gifts or providing a small budget for peer-to-peer recognition can encourage everyone to participate in the culture of appreciation.

Step 1: Set up a peer-to-peer recognition program, providing guidelines and a simple platform for employees to nominate colleagues for gifts.

Step 2: Allocate a specific budget for peer-to-peer gifting, ensuring that all employees have an equal opportunity to participate.

Step 3: Encourage sharing stories behind the peer-to-peer gifts in team meetings or internal communications to inspire others and reinforce the value of recognition.

Step 4: Monitor the participation and impact of the peer-to-peer gifting program, making adjustments as needed to maintain its effectiveness and relevance.

5. Gather Feedback and Iterate

Like any strategic initiative, the effectiveness of your gifting program should be monitored and refined. Solicit feedback from employees to gauge the impact of your efforts. Are the gifts resonating with the recipients? Do they feel more valued and recognized? Use this feedback to tailor your gifting strategy, ensuring it remains relevant, appreciated, and aligned with your company's objectives and culture.

Step 1: Develop a feedback mechanism, such as surveys or focus groups, to collect employees' opinions on the gifting program.

Step 2: Analyze the feedback to identify trends, preferences, and areas for improvement.

Step 3: Use the insights gained to make informed adjustments to the gifting strategy, ensuring it aligns with employees' desires and company goals.

Step 4: Communicate any changes or enhancements to the gifting program to the employees, showing that their input has been valued and acted upon.

Integrating gifting into your corporate culture is an ongoing journey, not a destination. By continuously assessing and refining your approach, you can ensure that your gifting program remains a powerful tool for building a positive and engaging workplace. Remember, it's the thoughtfulness and intention behind the gesture that counts, transforming simple gifts into meaningful experiences that employees will cherish.