If you’ve managed a hybrid team, you’re probably familiar with the challenges that can pop up. It can be more difficult to promote a sense of community and maintain team morale when your workers are physically separated. There is one solution you might not have given much thought to because of its simplicity: employee gifting. But how effective is gifting, really?
According to a 2024 survey, 94% of employees who receive branded gifts at least once a month reported being "very satisfied" with their current employer. This is a sharp contrast to the 33% satisfaction rate among employees who receive swag less than once a year and the 18% satisfaction rate for those whose companies never provide such gifts.
While it may not be the universal solution to your hybrid team challenges, gifting branded merchandise might be key to enhancing engagement and making all employees, on site and remote, feel like part of the team.
The right approach to corporate gifting can deliver a raft of benefits for managing hybrid teams.
Your company’s success relies heavily on relationships with employees. Corporate gifting is a powerful way to express gratitude and acknowledge both remote and in-office workers' contributions to your organization’s achievements.
Employee recognition through corporate gifts contributes to a culture of gratitude. Workers who feel appreciated, wherever they're located, are more engaged and loyal, leading to reduced turnover and higher retention of top talent.
Thoughtful, meaningful gifts leave a lasting impression on recipients, who are likely to share their positive experiences with others. This strengthens your reputation with your team members and potential hires and boosts your brand’s image among a broader audience.
In a recent survey, only 28% of remote workers said they feel strongly connected to their company’s mission.
Corporate gifts can bridge the gap with remote employees, helping to maintain strong connections despite physical separation. This is especially important in hybrid or fully remote work environments.
Corporate gifting helps you stand out from competitors. Thoughtful and meaningful gifts leave a lasting impression and make employees more loyal to your company.
About 78% of employees report increased job satisfaction after receiving a meaningful gift from their employer.
Consider these factors to select the right gifts to send your employees.
Branded merchandise serves as an expression of your brand identity. Making sure every item aligns with your brand’s values and aesthetics is crucial for promoting brand recognition; this should be at the forefront of your brand strategy.
For instance, if your brand emphasizes sustainability, opt for eco-friendly merch like reusable water bottles or organic cotton T-shirts. In that case, purpose-driven branding reinforces your commitment to environmentally conscious practices.
Understanding your team members' preferences and needs will help you pick the perfect gifts. Custom-branded products that solve specific problems or fulfill practical needs are more likely to resonate with the recipients and carry a higher perceived value.
For instance, consider branded items like weather-resistant apparel if your business operates in the outdoor recreation industry.
High-quality gifts show that you value your team members. Premium practical items that recipients can use daily, such as stationery, office supplies, or tech gadgets, are usually well-received.
Investing in durable and functional merch keeps your brand top-of-mind for your employees long after receiving the gift.
Punctuality is critical for corporate gifting. Partner with a reliable supplier to guarantee timely delivery, especially for time-sensitive occasions.
Late deliveries can undermine the positive impact of your gesture — you wouldn’t want to send a Christmas gift in January, for example.
You must employ all your tactical know-how to pull off a great gifting plan. Here’s how to go about it.
These are some appropriate occasions for employee gifting:
Sending gifts to remote employees, especially in different countries, can be trickier than you think. Follow these tips to please everyone:
Use these metrics to evaluate the success of the program:
Gifting for hybrid teams is often overlooked as a tool for fostering connections in hybrid teams. Done right, it can be integral to building a sense of community and maintaining team morale even when employees are located in different parts of the world.
Branded gifts strengthen relationships between team members and cultivate a culture of recognition and gratitude, crucial for boosting employee retention. Branded merchandise is also valuable marketing for your company and will leave a lasting impression on recipients. Make sure to check out our 2025 Trending Lookbook to find the perfect gifts to build connections with your brand.
Are you ready to create unforgettable Brand Love moments for your hybrid teams with personalized corporate gifting? Contact your Boundless Brand Consultant today for a demo.