Giving Can Be Keeping: Retaining Employees Through Gift Giving

The holidays are fast approaching, and so the decision on what to give your employees looms. Rewarding employees through gift giving can help motivate and inspire them, especially in these hard times. Gift giving is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate your staff for their loyalty and hard work, a strategy aimed at those employees you want to keep on your team.

So what do you give in these politically correct and turbulent times?

Give a gift employees don't expect. If you provide monetary bonuses every year, your staff may no longer think of it as something special. Thoughtful, personal gifts that employees can use for themselves or share with family and friends are always a good bet. They show employees that they're your most valuable asset, and that can ultimately boost morale. I got a CD Walkman from my general manager 15 years ago. It still works and I still use it almost every day as my downstairs bar radio/CD player.

Gift certificates are a convenient option, always appropriate and appreciated. "Gift certificates are ideal," said Jeff Stevens, Milwaukee Corporate Sales Manager for The HoneyBaked Ham Company of Ohio. "You choose the amount to fit your budget and your employees decide how they want to spend it. It's that simple!"

If you want to get a bit more personal, select an appropriate gift to fit each employee. Your staff will appreciate that you chose something based on their personality and specific needs. "Many of our customers purchase gifts based on individual employees," said Jeff Stevens. "Whether it's our original, authentic HoneyBaked Ham®, Sliced and Glazed Turkey® Breast or a sweet treat, there's a gift every employee looks forward to come holiday time. What makes it even more special is that they can share it with their families."

Deciding on what gifts to give doesn't have to be difficult. Whatever gift you choose, see it as an opportunity to appreciate and motivate your staff and keep them happy all year long.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Ev