The holidays bring plenty of activity to the workplace. HR and marketing teams balance company parties, Q4 reviews, year-end goals, and plans for the coming year. In the middle of that work, employee recognition can slip down the priority list.
That does not mean employees stop valuing it.
Studies show that 84% of employees want a holiday gift from their employer, but only 57% currently receive one. A thoughtful gift can give companies a tangible way to recognize the people who contributed throughout the year.
The challenge is finding something that works for everyone. The honest answer? One gift probably will not.
Think about the people across your company. They have different interests, roles, cultures, climates, and clothing sizes. Some spend their days at a desk. Others work in the field, travel frequently, or work from home.
Giving everyone the same item may seem like the most practical approach, but it asks one product to meet many different needs. 44% of employees said giving everyone the exact same gift feels outdated.
That does not mean companies need to shop for each employee individually. It means they need a gifting approach that accounts for individual preferences.
Employee choice takes the pressure off finding one universally appealing gift. Instead, companies can offer a curated collection of branded merchandise across several categories.
One employee might choose a premium hoodie. Another might prefer a travel bag, insulated tumbler, or technology accessory. Each person receives something that suits their life while the company maintains a consistent gifting experience.
Choice also helps address practical concerns. Employees can select the right apparel size, choose products suited to their climate, and avoid receiving something they already own.
More options will not help if none of them feel valuable. Quality and usefulness still matter.
When employees were asked what makes company swag worth keeping, 44% selected quality, 44% selected usefulness, and 34% selected style. Before adding a product to your holiday collection, ask a few direct questions:
These questions help shift the focus from distributing merchandise to giving something employees will value.
Once you have the right approach, Axomo can help you put it into practice. Use an Axomo company store to present a thoughtfully selected holiday collection within a consistent branded experience. Your team can focus on the meaning behind the gift while employees browse merchandise chosen with their different needs and preferences in mind.
Make this year’s holiday gift more personal. Connect with Axomo about your holiday gifting program.