Epoch’s recent Virtual Employee Experience Roundtable, hosted by Keith, brought together industry leaders to discuss the art and challenges of meaningful employee gifting. The discussion delved into strategies for aligning gifts with company values, overcoming global workforce challenges, setting flexible budgets, and fostering recognition beyond physical items.

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👉 How do we think about gifting as a company?

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TL;DR: Gifting strategies should balance personalization, alignment with company values, and employee preferences.

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Key strategies for company-wide gifting

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• Understanding preferences: Surveys and questionnaires can reveal what employees value most, ensuring that gifts resonate personally. This approach reduces waste by avoiding generic items like coffee mugs and water bottles.

• Offering flexibility: Providing options such as online catalogs, extra time off, or the ability to donate funds allows employees to choose what suits them best. Flexibility accommodates diverse preferences across demographics and roles.

• Aligning with the mission: Gifts should reflect the company’s core values, such as improving work/life balance. Mission-driven gifting reinforces a sense of purpose and connection within the organization.

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👉 How do we handle global workforce challenges?

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TL;DR: Global gifting requires collaboration with vendors and culturally sensitive choices to suit diverse regions.

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Key strategies for global gifting

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• Vendor partnerships: Collaborating with distributors like Snappy, Reachdesk, and Canary streamlines global logistics. These partnerships ensure gifts are delivered cost-effectively and reliably across regions.

• Localized solutions: Using regional warehouses or local contacts can help navigate shipping challenges and customs regulations. Localized strategies make distribution faster and more efficient.

• Cultural sensitivity: Tailoring gifts for specific climates and cultural preferences, such as slippers for colder areas or flip-flops for tropical regions, enhances the relevance of gifts. Engaging local teams to identify preferences ensures alignment with regional expectations.

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👉 How do we budget for gifting?

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TL;DR: Budgets should be adaptable, reflecting the occasion, employee contributions, and company performance.

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Key strategies for gifting budgets

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• Setting standards: Establishing a baseline budget, such as $75 in USD per gift, provides consistency across regions. This baseline can be adjusted for special circumstances or events.

• Adjusting for milestones: Tiered pricing can celebrate anniversaries or tenure milestones, offering more substantial gifts for longer service. Recognizing milestones with thoughtful budgeting creates lasting positive impressions.

• Creating a “delight budget”: Allocating funds for significant life events, such as weddings, births, or personal achievements, adds a personal touch. This budget ensures employees feel valued during meaningful moments in their lives.

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👉 How do we recognize contributions beyond gifts?

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TL;DR: Recognition programs should go beyond material gifts, fostering connection, and celebrating achievements creatively.

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Key strategies for employee recognition

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• Peer-to-peer appreciation: Kudos channels and monthly reward draws provide public acknowledgment and foster a sense of community. Recognition from peers often feels more authentic and meaningful.

• Leadership involvement: Leaders can highlight behind-the-scenes contributors during meetings or announcements, ensuring no effort goes unnoticed. Proactive leadership recognition can motivate employees and enhance morale.

• Creative celebrations: Hosting global virtual concerts, recognizing team milestones like significant project completions, or celebrating unique achievements brings teams together. These events create shared experiences and reinforce a positive workplace culture.

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👉 How do we ensure gifting resonates with employees?

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TL;DR: Effective gifting requires personalization, alignment with the company mission, and a flexible approach to meet diverse employee needs.

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Key strategies for resonant gifting

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• Feedback mechanisms: Regularly gathering input through surveys or discussions helps understand and cater to employee preferences. Feedback loops also ensure gifting remains relevant as employee demographics evolve.

• Mission-driven choices: Gifts that align with the company’s purpose, such as promoting work/life balance, add meaning to the gesture. Thoughtful choices reinforce the organization’s values and priorities.

• Flexible options: Offering a variety of choices accommodates different lifestyles and cultural backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity. Employees value the freedom to select gifts that suit their individual needs.

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Want to be part of the next conversation?

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‍Join the Epoch Employee Experts community, an exclusive, invite-only group for professionals navigating hybrid work and employee experience. Gain access to private discussions, expert insights, and event invitations. Apply here to become part of future conversations!

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