In the words of Virgin Group founder, Richard Branson, “Train people well enough so they can leave. Treat them well enough so they don’t want to.”
As it turns out, Branson knows a thing or two about running a successful business. Having owned over 400 businesses and currently worth 2.7 billion, it’s safe to take this quote to heart as you consider ways to create an employee-centric company culture.
With the fall and winter holiday season just around the corner, you’re probably looking for some unique and meaningful ways to invest in your employees. Follow along with this article for 15 employee appreciation ideas for the holidays!
Several years ago, we started giving our amazing employees the ultimate holiday gift—a week of paid vacation between Christmas and New Year’s Day. It’s a slower time for B2B businesses, and our employees work hard for us around the calendar. We couldn’t think of a better way to say “thank you,” and the rest and refreshment everyone experiences that week helps refuel our team so we can start the new year strong!
Maybe you can’t afford to give your team a week of paid vacation, but you love the spirit behind that idea. Consider gifting your employees a floating holiday—an extra paid vacation day they can take at any point in the next 365 days. They’ll love turning a regular weekend into a long weekend, adding it to the end of their big family vacation, or using it as a mid-week breather.
Show your employees you pay attention to their interests by buying them a unique subscription. Our team member, Jamie, is our resident baker. (Check out her blog, Northern Ginger, here!) Last Christmas, I had the fun idea of finding a subscription for her related to her passion for baking. Voilà! The Historical Recipe Replica mailing was a hit.
These days, it’s rare to write a physical card…and even more rare to receive one! That’s part of what makes this gift extra special. Craft a handwritten note for each of your employees, highlighting specific contributions they've made to your company over the past year and calling out the unique talent mix they bring to your team. Include a cash bonus, a gift card to their favorite restaurant, or a gift certificate for a night’s stay at a local hotel or bed and breakfast.
Just like the subscription gift, thank-you kits are a great way to show your employees they’re way more than just a number! Round up some of their favorite things like snacks, wellness products, coffee, etc. Are they crazy about cats or dogs? Maybe a perpetual cat or dog calendar for their desk or a toy or two for their pet would be a fun addition to the mix. And don’t forget to include that handwritten thank-you note for an even more personal touch!
Offer employees vouchers for experiences such as cooking or art classes, golfing, ziplining, or other outdoor activities, a theatrical performance at your local playhouse, or even a spa day. Bonus: If it’s a one-time experience, give your employee an extra half or full vacation day to cash in their voucher!
Splurge on your team members with a “chef’s night off.” Order a meal (from their favorite restaurant, of course!) and have it delivered for your employees and their households on a Friday night. That way, they can relax with their loved ones and unwind at the end of a long week without having to worry about getting dinner on the table.
If you have an in-person team, plan a surprise field trip! It can be anything from bowling to glass-blowing to attending a local sporting event. Not only will adding this element of surprise and fun let employees know you care about them, but it will also boost morale and strengthen team bonds.
Here’s a fun idea for remote employees…and the next best thing to an in-person lunch meeting: Order everyone lunch from their favorite local establishment and enjoy it together at your next Zoom meeting. Go the extra mile and send specialty cocktails or mocktails through the mail prior to the meeting to pair with lunch!
Designate a paid volunteer day for employees to serve with a local non-profit they care about—yet another way to show your employees you see their hard work and value them as individuals.
Donate to a cause each employee cares about. If you’re unsure what that might be, ask their close coworkers or check their social media profiles for clues. This is a great way to show your employees you care about what they care about, and it fosters a greater sense of belonging in the workplace.
Just like personalized thank-you notes and custom awards, short personalized videos are a fun way to thank your employees. Call out specific contributions they’ve made and how their personality enriches the team. You can even reminisce about some funny moments over the past year. The time and vulnerability you put into creating a thoughtful video will not go unnoticed!
Invest in your team members with a 12-month single membership to a local gym or a session of fitness classes that suit their interests. If they’re not the “workout” type, a gift certificate for a massage is a delightful way to invest in your employees’ mental and physical health and encourage them to balance hard work with self-care and relaxation.
Although we’re a remote team, we’re intentional about gathering in person a couple of times each year. This past summer, we gathered in Duluth for a day and a half of shenanigans, including Surrey bike rentals, fine dining, and team photos.
During our time together, we presented each employee with a unique title and related gift. This year, we dubbed one of our team members the “Heart of the Team” and gave her a handcrafted heart-shaped wooden bowl. Custom awards show your team members that you notice and appreciate their day-to-day contributions, improving employee satisfaction and retention.
Order your employees quality apparel with your company logo. This could include t-shirts, hoodies, trucker hats, stocking hats, or even jackets. Build team spirit while advertising for free—a win-win for any company!
When it comes to employee appreciation ideas for the holidays, this list is just a start! We’d love to hear what you’ve done to show your employees that you’re thankful they’re a part of your team. Comment below to share your best ideas!
Now that your employees are covered, check out our blog on holiday gift ideas for your clients!
As always, our team is here to help you put your best foot forward and grow your business. Set up a complimentary 30-minute exploratory call to learn more!