Unbox the Perfect Employee “Thank You” Gift

Today’s smart businesses focus on the entire customer journey, rather than one-off sales. Don’t forget: your employees are on a journey with your company, too. Research shows that feeling appreciated — which comes from recognition from others — is one of the top three drivers of employee engagement.

Cash and paycheck bonuses were customary rewards at one time. But a cash bonus doesn’t carry the same weight as it once did. Creating loyalty among your workers requires both insight and engagement. Of course, surprising your employees with your gift-giving skills is always the perfect way to say “thanks.”

Meaningful Employee “Thank You” Gifts

Finding the perfect way to thank employees seems difficult and time-consuming, especially for bigger businesses. Many managers fall back on cash or company swag. Unfortunately, employees don’t view marketing materials — like pens, mugs or T-shirts — as valuable. After all, you pass those out to everyone who walks through your door. Cash is losing its luster too. Luckily, there’s a better way to show employees they’re appreciated — whether your employee base is a few people or a few thousand. It’s called an experiential reward, and it’s a wonderful way to show your employees just how much you care about them.

What is an Experiential Reward?

In today’s workplace, the most effective gifts are more than common things, like pens and tumblers. Effective gifts offer your employees an experience. These rewards range from luxurious spa days to tickets to a sporting event to the gift of a delicious steak. Non-cash rewards like these provide your employees with unique experiences that often make a longer-lasting and more valuable impression than cash or company swag.

Make Employee “Thank You” Gifts a Priority

Whether due to a lack of inspiration, ideas or management approval, putting off employee recognition programs can hurt the bottom line of your business. It also creates more turnover among employees who feel their hard work is going unrecognized. While you and your staff may already feel overwhelmed with work, adding thank-you gifts to the top of your to-do list is a must to keep your most valuable employees happy and engaged in their work.

Different Levels of Employee Thanks

Experiential rewards are known to pack a lot of punch. In fact, a 2016 study showed that 84 percent of businesses used non-cash rewards to recognize and reward key audiences — up from 74 percent in 2013. Still, many businesses worry the cost can be difficult to sustain in the long term due to financial considerations or man-hours.

With the gift of food, there are a variety of ways you can reward employees whether your budget is large or limited. Some of the unique offerings from Omaha Steaks include:

• Gift cards
• Meat Gift Baskets
• Individual cuts
• Custom certificates that let employees choose their own gourmet reward

The best part? Food is offered in multiple ways so you get to decide how it’s given. Offer employees something unexpected to show them you’re grateful for all they do.