employee acknowledgment Archives

If you’re an employer, business owner, or HR pro, odds are you’ve been faced with the question, “What do I gift my employees?” – especially during the busy holiday season.

Here’s the thing: employee acknowledgment isn’t just a nice gesture. When you do it right, it can positively impact employee morale and emotional well-being – and a more satisfied workforce is a win for everyone.

So, let’s explore three meaningful ways you can acknowledge your employees (beyond traditional “pizza parties” and gag gifts) and why it truly matters.

Going Beyond Traditional “Gifts”

You know the feeling when you receive a gift that speaks directly to your passions and interests? It shows that someone sees you as the unique and multi-faceted person you are.

That’s why thoughtful, intentional gifting can demonstrate a deeper level of care and consideration for your employees.

Personalized experiences or gestures that speak to an person’s interests show that you value and understand your team members – as more than just an employee.

Here are a few fun + thoughtful places to start:

Give the Gift of Time

Time off is a precious gift, especially during the holiday season when employees are likely juggling work responsibilities and personal commitments. It’s a time when the pressures of work can conflict with the ability to spend that extra quality time with loved ones.

Acknowledging this struggle and giving your team members flexibility in their schedules can be a thoughtful way to show your appreciation.

For example, offering a remote work day allows your team to work from home, their favorite coffee shop, or even vacation. (We tried this at That’s Good HR this year, and trust us, our team was on cloud 9).

Plus, a well-rested and rejuvenated employee is likely to come back to work with renewed energy and motivation, benefiting both the individual and the organization as a whole.

Honor Their Likes + Interests

Think about that one employee who always raves about a good cup of coffee or the latest viral TikTok trinket.

Plan your gifting well in advance of the holiday season, you can give yourself more time to plan gestures that show thoughtfulness + care.

Consider giving them a gift that aligns with their passions – it doesn’t have to break the bank.

Here are a few ideas you can have up your sleeve:

For the chronic crafter…

A nice pair of knitting needles or crochet hooks
Quality yarn
A gift card to a local craft store (in Indianapolis we love Mass Ave Knit Shop)

For the aspiring influencer…

For the employee who is new to the area…

Gift card to the best local coffee shop or cafe (we swear by Blue Mind Roasting)
Something to help weather the storms (like a heated blanket or umbrella, climate depending, of course 🤪)

Personalizing gifts based on what you know your employees love can make a world of difference in how valued they feel.

Pro tip: Add gift planning to your calendar for the end of Q3. This gives you the time and energy to start planning thoughtful gestures and gifts well in advance of the crazy holiday season.

Non-Traditional Gifts

Forget about generic gift cards or one-size-fits-all presents. Instead, consider something like Loop and Tie, a platform that allows your employees to choose their own gifts.

Platforms like these can reinforce your company culture being one where individuality and autonomy are celebrated.

Additionally, giving your team members the freedom to select something they genuinely want and will use shows that you value their individual preferences, beyond what you may know about them, and are willing to go the extra mile to make them feel appreciated.

Why Employee Acknowledgement Matters

Employee acknowledgement, gifting or not, is an important part of building a strong and cohesive team.

When you take the time to express your gratitude and appreciation, you foster a work environment where individuals feel motivated and inspired, which provides benefits for your team as whole. Now who wouldn’t want that?

Let’s explore how acknowledging employee efforts can contribute to the overall success of the organization:

Employee Morale

According to a study by Nectar HR, 81% of employees say that recognition for their contributions improves their engagement.

Recognizing your employees’ efforts can significantly boost morale within the workplace. When employees feel valueD, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and satisfied with their jobs.

Plus, a positive work environment can lead to lower turnover rates and increased overall job satisfaction among your team members.

Increased Work-Life Harmony

Employees who feel appreciated and understood in the workplace are more likely to achieve a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.

This balance contributes to decreased stress levels, improved mental and emotional well-being (more on that below), and ultimately leads to higher job satisfaction and overall productivity.

If you knew you could have an impact on the employees’ personal lives just by expressing your gratitude + thanks more frequently, wouldn’t you want to make a positive difference?

Mental Well-Being

Research by the Global Culture Report found that employees who regularly feel recognized for their contributions felt an almost 9% increase in their wellbeing.

When employees feel acknowledged for their efforts, their job satisfaction tends to increase, often improving mental health and reducing stress levels.

Plus, we all know that companies that prioritize employee well-being often experience lower turnover rates and higher levels of employee loyalty, which is the driving force of a positive, thriving workplace culture.

Implement employee acknowledgment regularly, and watch your employees experience happier, healthier professional lives.

Uplevel Your Employee Acknowledgement Efforts with TGHR

Looking to enhance your employee recognition efforts and boost overall well-being in the workplace?

That’s Good HR can help you take your employee acknowledgment strategies to the next level. Reach out to us on our website and take the first step towards a more engaged and motivated workforce today!