Every member of your team is a unique individual. They have their likes, hobbies, and interests that bring them joy in work and their personal life. As such, they respond to different forms of appreciation in their own way. Some members of your team might like to hear words of appreciation. Others adore appreciation gifts and tangible tokens of gratitude. But even giving a gift can be a bit of a challenge. The question is, how can you match the right appreciation gifts to each individual employee to show them you genuinely value their contributions? Simply putting in that much effort is fantastic! However, when you find a gift that really speaks to them and matches their personality, it can make a memorable impact. Thankfully, finding the perfect gift for every team member can be easier than you might think.
Know Your Employees
It may seem obvious, but many supervisors, managers, and leaders within their organization don’t take the time to make lasting connections with their team members. It’s not necessarily about getting to know every team member on a deep, personal level. That isn’t always necessary. Instead, make it a priority to understand them as contributors and professionals. This includes their background (where they grew up, went to school, earned their degree, etc.), along with what inspires them. Is their family a source of motivation? Do they love their role? Are they pushing toward other goals? There are a lot of different angles you can take. A great place to start is simply asking questions and spending time with your team. It might just lead to great opportunities for having conversations, going to lunch, engaging in team-building events, and breaking down barriers.
Understand How Your Employees Want to Be Recognized
As you learn more about each team member, you’ll get a better sense of who they are as collaborators within your organization. From there, you’ll be able to better recognize them for their hard work and efforts that contribute to the company’s overall success. That said, it’s important to know how each member of the team responds to certain types of gifts. Appreciation is often shown through words, gifts for employees, or other forms of acknowledgment. But don’t get too far ahead of yourself. Ask how your team members about their favorite form of recognition. Ask them directly, send out company-wide surveys, or have everyone contribute to a shared spreadsheet. There are many options, but the bottom line is: communication is key!
Why Not Take a Generalized Approach?
Is it necessary to take a more personal approach in recognizing employees? Why not take a general approach? After all, a more systematic approach can be more efficient. When you show appreciation, every employee gets the same gift. Or when you recognize someone, you mention it in front of the rest of the team. Everything is the same across the board. While this may seem easier and more cost-effective, it lacks a key element of effective recognition that employees respond to—personalization. When everyone receives the same gift card to the same restaurant, you can face a challenge. Some people will love it. Others may not. Regardless of your intentions, a systematic approach can neglect to recognize each team member’s individuality. When you take a more personalized approach with appreciation gifts, it shows you take time to listen and make people feel seen. Now, that is motivating.
Is a Personal Approach Costly?
There’s no need to pretend like cost doesn’t play a big role in how your company shows its appreciation for your team members. Gifts and similar gestures may not always be your top choice due to cost. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You don’t need to get completely customized gifts for employees every time they do a great job. You certainly could. But it isn’t a requirement. Plus, if you know where to look, you can find a great selection of cost-effective personalized appreciation gifts. Search for a company that is dedicated to the art of employee recognition. These are companies that can connect you with the “right” rewards and recognition gifts and materials for your team. They allow you to strike a balance between the cost of showing your appreciation and memorable gifts.
What Kind of Gifts Should You Look for?
The term “appreciation gifts” is broad, but it also means a lot. It’s all about how you define the word “appreciation.” These are gifts that show others how much you value their hard work. It could be a gift that literally says “thank you” or “we appreciate you” on the item. You could show your appreciation with a personalized engraving on a pen or plaque. It can also be a gift the recipient can connect with. Popular gifts include desk puzzles, desk toys, mugs, and tumblers. You also have practical gifts like pens, notepads, journals, and planners. Then, there are more formal recognition gifts like plaques and trophies. Finally, there are cards with straightforward notes of appreciation. For some, the greatest gift is simply a bit of acknowledgment. When you know what each team member will appreciate, it makes finding their perfect gift that much easier.
Why Appreciation Gifts Matter
Going the extra mile for your team matters. Giving well-earned employee gifts matters. When you recognize employees with praise and gifts, it can raise morale. When employees feel appreciated, it energizes them. They can see that you are making an effort to show how much you value their contributions. When your company operates with positive reinforcement, you end up with motivated employees. Best of all, motivated employees can be more productive and invested in the success of the company. Who doesn’t want their company to succeed? Workplace culture has changed a lot over the past few years, and it is sure to continue evolving. Strict managerial styles and hardline work environments are gone. Instead, employees enjoy flexibility and a greater focus on the people who help the company operating efficiently. Appreciation means more than it ever has, so show your team how you feel.
About Successories
For over 30 years, Successories has been your top source for inspiring and motivational awards. They’ve curated an extensive lineup of employee appreciation gifts, executive gifts, corporate awards, and so much more. On top of their impressive selection of employee recognition solutions, many of their gifts and awards can be personalized. It’s all about giving gifts that truly speak to the recipients, which helps build stronger professional connections. From large companies to small businesses, schools to non-profits, Successories has helped countless organizations motivate and encourage their team members. When team members are more motivated, they’re more engaged, and everyone can enjoy being part of a stronger company culture. Successories is all about reinforcing the foundation that makes your company successful—your employees!
Find all the appreciation gifts your company needs at https://www.successories.com/