As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time for employers to show appreciation to their hardworking employees! While traditional gifts and festive decorations are always nice, employees often have a few desires that go beyond the surface-level trimmings. In this blog post, we'll explore six things that employees truly want from their employers this holiday season. By taking these wants into account, employers can create a more positive and fulfilling work environment, fostering a sense of loyalty and gratitude among their team members. Let's dive in and discover the meaningful gestures that can make this holiday season truly special for employees.
What Your Employees Really Want
#1 Flexibility with Time Off and Work Schedules
The holiday season is a time for celebrating with family and friends, but it can also be a busy and stressful time, especially for employees. Allowing employees to be flexible with their time off and work schedules during the holiday season can go a long way toward reducing their stress levels and boosting their morale. By providing employees with some leeway in scheduling, they can take care of their holiday-related responsibilities, such as shopping, cooking, and traveling. This small but powerful gesture of flexibility can not only enhance employee well-being but also increase productivity and improve the overall work culture.
#2 Bonuses
Holiday bonuses can help motivate employees to continue striving for excellence and to feel valued within the organization. It can also allow them to celebrate the season with their loved ones without worrying about financial stress. This gesture improves morale and increases employee satisfaction, retention, and overall motivation. Bonuses can help create a positive work environment where employees feel supported, which can further translate into greater dedication to their work and a stronger sense of loyalty.
#3 Work-from-Home Equipment Allowances
As remote work continues to be a prevalent trend, it's crucial to equip employees with the right technology to ensure maximum productivity and efficiency. By offering a work-from-home equipment allowance, you can empower your employees to set up their workstations according to their preferences rather than settle for a less-than-ideal setup. This gesture can help boost their morale and job satisfaction, as research has shown that employees who are provided with the necessary tools and resources tend to be more productive, creative, and engaged with their work.
#4 Company-Wide Virtual Event
Organize a virtual holiday party or event where employees can connect, play games, and have fun together despite being physically apart! Here is a quick list of virtual events you can host at your next virtual team event:
- Virtual cooking class: Hire a professional chef to lead an interactive virtual cooking class and guide employees through a festive recipe.
- Holiday-themed trivia game: Organize a virtual trivia game where employees can compete individually or as teams and answer holiday-themed questions.
- Cocktail/mocktail making class: Host a virtual cocktail or mocktail making class to help employees learn how to mix up some festive drinks. Employees can participate in the class, get tips, and ask questions.
- Virtual holiday decor competition: Organize a virtual festive decoration competition and encourage employees to decorate their desks or homes with holiday-themed decor.
- Virtual holiday scavenger hunt: Hide clues, riddles, or challenges for employees to solve in a virtual scavenger hunt. This can be an exciting and interactive way to get everyone involved and working together.
- Online Secret Santa Gift Exchange: Use an online gift exchange tool that will match the employees and keep the whole process anonymous.
#5 Professional Development Opportunities
During the holidays, employees usually work less due to vacations or reduced workloads. Providing a great opportunity to invest in their professional development can be crucial for employees' growth within a company. Also, the holidays are the perfect time to learn more about industry trends and advancements due to their fast-paced environment. Your employees can provide better insight and contribute to company success with out-of-the-box thinking.
#6 Gift card or voucher for experiences
According to Business Wire, 84% of employees prefer prepaid and gift cards from their employers as holiday gifts, surpassing other options like additional vacation days and food gifts. The convenience of gift cards is a leading factor behind their popularity, as nearly 50% of consumers in the United States plan to purchase gift cards due to their convenience. In fact, Statista further states that close to 30% of those planning to buy gift cards as holiday presents in the US did so last year. At RPG Card Services, we can fuel your employees’ motivation with the rewards they want! Cobrand with your logo or fully customize a Shell Gift Card to leave a lasting impression this holiday season. Connect with us at bit.ly/RPGcontact!
And Happy Holidays!
Make sure to consider these six things that employees truly want from their employers. You can create a workplace that fosters loyalty, gratitude, and happiness among your team members. Remember, it's the little gestures that can make a big difference. So, spread joy, appreciation, and holiday cheer to your hardworking employees and make this holiday season truly special for them. Happy holidays!
Sources:
- 24 percent of establishments increased pay or paid bonuses because of COVID-19 pandemic: The Economics Daily: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- https://wol.iza.org/uploads/articles/547/pdfs/bonuses-and-performance-evaluations.pdf
- Buffer | State Of Remote Work 2020
- Research: People Value Holiday Gifts from their Employers, but Many Consider their Employers to be Bad Gifters | Business Wire
- Gift cards in the United States - statistics & facts | Statista
- Holiday gift card shopping reasons U.S. 2022 | Statista