With the Covid-19 pandemic raging for the better half of two years, most corporate workers have had to get used to remote working. It is a safe option that prevents the spread of viruses, ensuring that most industries can still run despite a pandemic.
However, working from home comes with certain disadvantages and difficulties that people have to overcome. For one, it often makes workers feel alienated from the rest of the team, as well as more easily stressed and anxious.
In such circumstances, it is up to employers and managers to make remote workers feel safe, valued, and supported. Although there are many ways to do so, most business owners have found that giving corporate gifts to their remote staff members from time to time can do a lot to help them adjust.
How to Keep Remote Employees Motivated
When working from home, a lot of people struggle to stay focused and motivated. For one, up until recently, their homes were usually reserved for relaxing and forgetting about work. So now, it might be difficult to change that and not get distracted by little things.
However, a possible lack of motivation goes deeper than that. Namely, many people feel like they aren’t really a part of the team anymore. They struggle to connect with their colleagues in the office and always feel like they are missing out.
In addition, remote workers also feel far removed from their superiors. They often think that they aren’t valued and that their contributions aren’t as important as those of their in-office teammates.
Taken together, all of these factors lead to low productivity, focus, and motivation. As a result, remote workers might have poorer performance and need more guidance and support from their company.
Fortunately, employers can do a lot to help their remote workers adjust and feel more motivated. That includes improving the way they communicate with their team, organising regular check-ins, and emphasising the importance of a work/life balance.
Moreover, they can send their employees gifts to remind them that they are still very much an integral part of the team. In most cases, even the smallest of presents can make all the difference.
Here are 17 work from home gift ideas for employees suitable for any budget.
How to Keep Remote Workers Motivated: Best Gift Ideas
Without further ado, here are the best gift ideas that you can consider for your remote staff.
1. A Gift Basket of Goodies
If a teammate is just starting to work from home or you have a new hire, it might be a good idea to give them a gift basket. You can personalise the basket however you like and include any items that you think the recipient will appreciate.
You can include some products that will help make remote working easier. Good examples include certain promotional gadgets like phone or tablet stands, wireless charging pads, and memory sticks.
In addition, you can add office desk accessories such as counter mats and mouse pads. These items will make your staff’s home offices more functional and work-friendly.
Next, you can add a personalised mug. Make sure that your employee’s initials are on it, as well as a message or a joke they’ll love. That way, they’ll be reminded that you care each time they take a sip as they work.
Other options that might work are stationery, some self-care items, and even snacks. As long as you know that the gift will make your employees smile, you can choose pretty much anything you want.
2. A Gift Card
Does your employee love books or a specific clothing brand? In that case, you can make their day by sending them a gift card! This present is ideal for birthdays and work anniversaries. It will show your staff member that, while you do know them well enough to pick their favourite store, you still want them to pick their gift themselves!
3. A Gift for Coffee Lovers
While working in the office, most people like having a steaming cup of coffee on their desks. It helps them stay awake and focused, and it is a great way to engage their taste buds while typing away.
You can make sure that your remote employees enjoy their coffee as well by sending them a branded espresso cup. The mug can be made of any materials your employee will like, and you can personalise it according to their taste fully.
If you want to take things a step further, you can also include appealing gifts, such as a custom coaster or a reusable straw. That way, the gift will be truly complete!
4. A Self-Care Package
It is no secret that a lot of people working from home struggle with finding time for self-care. Many feel like they have to be available at all hours, so they forget to dedicate some time to doing what’s best for their minds and bodies.
Fortunately, you can remind your own remote staff that taking care of themselves is important. Namely, you can send them self-care packages every now and then!
These packages can include a wide variety of products, from face masks and body scrubs to hand sanitisers and body lotions. Try to find out which brand a particular employee likes, and then assemble products that they’ll find useful.
To make the gift extra personal, you can put everything into a customised goodie bag. Make sure that the bag’s design suits your employee’s preferences, and you’ll have the perfect gift on your hands!
5. A Snack Bag
Speaking of bags — you can also fill an eco-friendly tote bag with some snacks, chocolates, and other sweets! These types of gifts are always welcome, as they are cosy and thoughtful. Plus, they are a pretty affordable choice!
Just think of what you’ve seen your staff munch on at lunch or in the office, and make sure to include that in the bag. That way, you can’t go wrong!
6. Custom Stationery
If the work your employees do involves a lot of writing and note-taking, giving them custom stationery is a great idea. You can pick just about anything from personalised pens and notepads to premium notebooks and paper note blocks.
As with every gift, try to personalise it as much as you can. Besides your logo, you can also add your employee’s initials or full name to the items you pick.
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7. Different Experiences
A good present doesn’t always have to be something physical. In fact, gifting someone an experience is also an excellent way to show your appreciation for their hard work.
For example, you can give your employees tickets to a film or concert. Alternatively, a day at the spa, cooking lessons, bungee jumping, or any other similar activities are also fantastic ideas. Think of what your employee likes to do in their free time, and help them have some fun!
8. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
When working from home, a lot of people complain of different visual and audio distractions. For example, they might constantly hear their family members, neighbours, pets, the TV, or anything else happening in their close vicinity.
As annoying as this problem is, it actually has a simple solution. All remote workers need is a pair of high-quality noise-cancelling branded headphones! You can buy premium headphones for affordable prices and put your logo and someone’s initials on them as well. Just like that, you get an excellent corporate gift that is equally practical and desirable!
9. Cosy Apparel
Most people love working in sweatpants, hoodies, and other comfortable clothing while at home. This type of apparel makes them feel safe and relaxed, thus helping improve their focus and productivity.
You can help them in this regard by giving them custom tees, sweatshirts, and hoodies. Personalise the apparel so it fits their size and overall preferences, and send it to them via mail. Now every time they work in their new gear, they’ll think of you.
10. Custom Socks
While we’re on the topic of staying comfortable — you can never go wrong with a pair or two of custom socks! They can be funky and colourful or a bit more minimalistic and cute. Either way, they’ll keep your staff warm and remind them of how much you appreciate them every day.
11. Reusable Water Bottle
If you know your employee leads a sustainable lifestyle, you can appeal to their eco-conscious side by giving them personalised water bottles. Besides helping them slow down climate change and reduce pollution, a water bottle will also remind people to stay hydrated while working.
You can personalise these bottles completely and add anything from a name to a full-on drawing to them. In addition, you can pick between different materials based on your budget and your staff’s preferences.
The best thing is these bottles will serve people when they go out as well. In other words, they offer you a great opportunity to boost your brand awareness while doing something nice for your employees.
12. A Soft Blanket
Do you want to make sure your staff is warm and comfortable as they work from home? In that case, you might consider giving them a custom blanket! Add in a soft little pillow as well, and you’ll create a present that their whole family will be able to enjoy.
13. A Tea Set
At the beginning of this list, we covered a bundle that coffee lovers would appreciate. Now, it’s time to give some love to those who prefer tea!
In this gift combo, you can include a nice branded tea cup and some tea and biscuits. That way, they’ll know you’re thinking of them and their comfort even from far away.
14. A Planner
While working from home, it can be easy to lose track of all the tasks that one has to complete on a daily basis. To help your staff stay on top of their to-do lists, you can give them custom planners.
These planners can be daily, weekly, or monthly. It all depends on the type of work that your employee does and the number of daily tasks they have.
15. Amazon Wishlist Gifts
In case you don’t know your employees that well or there are simply too many of them to keep track of, there is a way to make things easier for everyone. Namely, simply ask to buy them something off their Amazon wishlist!
By doing so, you can ensure that they actually get an item they have wanted for a while. Even if the gift itself has no markers that point it’s from you, your employee will still remember you each time they use it.
16. A Custom Wrist Rest
If you know that your staff spends a lot of time typing or writing, you can give them a wrist rest to use at home. These affordable gifts will show people that you put their comfort first, which is an excellent way to express your appreciation. You can also personalise these items with your logo or a funny/encouraging message.
17. Stress Management Toys
Working from home can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, especially for those doing it for the first time. To ensure that your staff always has a healthy way to let out these negative emotions, you can give them some stress toys.
The best feature of these toys is that they come in virtually any size, shape, and colour out there. In other words, there is a model that will suit everyone, no matter their age and preferences.
Besides being a great way to de-stress, the toys will also look great on any desk, making one’s home office cuter and livelier.
To Sum Up
Although working remotely can cause a lot of stress and worry, some well-timed and thoughtful gifts can make your staff feel better. From coffee and tea bundles to custom apparel and stationery, there are a lot of options that you can go for to remind them that you care.
Hopefully, this list inspires you to come up with your own gifts for your staff. Remember that it is the thought that matters and that your employees will appreciate anything you give them, regardless of its price.
Good luck with your gift hunt!
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If you have any more questions about work from home gifts for employees, you can contact GoPromotional. You may call us at 0800 0148 970 or simply email us today. We have been in the business for years and know the ins and outs of the industry better than anyone. Give us a call, and let’s talk about all things gifts!
