When an employee demonstrates loyalty to an organization, it’s definitely a cause for celebration. Currently, there are around 1 million more job openings than there are people actively looking for work. On the heels of the ‘Great Resignation’, many companies have found themselves stretched thin, forcing the few employees remaining to carry the burden.
Employee appreciation has always been a valuable component of the employer-employee relationship. But now, whether or not an employee feels valued could be the difference between celebrating a work anniversary and creating a job opening, hoping someone will come along to fill it.
Employee Appreciation Post-Pandemic
The last year and a half have been incredibly challenging on multiple fronts. People are overworked, stressed out about themselves and their families, and many have experienced terrible loss and tragedy. This has understandably taken a toll on almost everyone’s mental, physical and emotional well-being.
Much of that stress comes from the outside world, but a lot comes from within. Employees have been forced to adapt quickly to unprecedented change in the workplace, and countless people have done so with admirable and praiseworthy skill and patience.
Most organizations would not exist today if their employees did not step up. They deserve to know that their employers not only understand that fact but also respect and appreciate the work they’ve done to keep their business alive.
10 Work Anniversary Gift Ideas to Make Employees Feel Valued and Appreciated
1. Cash Bonuses
Admittedly temporary and lacking a personal touch, cash bonuses are always helpful. No matter their situation, bills are always right around the corner and a little extra money can go a long way. When an employee reaches one of their work anniversary milestones, employers should consider cutting them a check to help with financial pressures or sponsor a nice dinner out.
2. Charitable Donations
Employees love working for a company that shares their values. Many people want to give back to their communities and organizations they support, but find it impossible to give time or money they don’t have. A popular gift idea is to donate to a charitable cause that a celebrated employee cares about.
3. Personalized Items
Personalized items don’t have to be limited to monogrammed names on a coffee mug (though those are super fun and very popular). A personalized gift is just that — it’s personal. If employers take the time to learn who their employees are, they can give them something they know they’d enjoy.
4. Evaluation, Raises and Career Development Opportunities
A work anniversary is an excellent time to talk about the future. With another year down, how many years are still left in the tank? Employers and supervisors should use this as an opportunity to check in, evaluate performance and give employees well-deserved raises, promotions and career development opportunities.
5. Sporting Events or Concert Tickets
Depending on the person and the state of the world, sporting events and concert tickets are always a great and personalized gift idea. These are the types of events many employees would love to attend if they had the time or money. By covering that expense, an organization is giving their employee an experience and a lasting impression.
6. Food From Their Favorite Restaurant
This one’s simple, but almost everyone loves food. If an organization is looking for a simple way to celebrate a work anniversary, they can order from the employee’s favorite restaurant. They can bring it into the office or have it delivered right to the person’s home.
7. Gift Box Subscriptions
Gift box subscriptions are a super fun, personalized gift idea. They give people the opportunity to try out new products and splurge on luxuries they might not usually be able to afford. Plus, this gift also presents another opportunity for an employer to give some back to their people with a gift that keeps on giving with surprises every month.
8. Additional Paid Time Off
Many people are prioritizing the time they get at home with their loved ones. Additional time off allows employees to spend more time with the people that matter most. When an organization can recognize that their people have lives outside of work, it can be highly beneficial for the employee-employer relationship.
9. Public and Private Positive Recognition
Organizations should actively celebrate their employees when they hit new work anniversary milestones. If an employee is more extroverted, employers can throw them a party, post about them on social media and announce their anniversary to the entire office. If the employee is more introverted, organizations can send them an appreciative card with a personalized gift.
Yet again, this is another work anniversary gift idea that reinforces the idea that personalized recognition is essential, and employers should take the time to get to know their employees.
10. Additional Points toward Their Lifestyle Benefits
For another work anniversary idea, employers can add points to their employee’s benefits account. Thanks to Fringe’s lifestyle benefits platform, this is a simple gift idea that puts the power back in the employee’s hands. There’s no need to guess or stress over personalized gift-giving when people can choose the gift themselves.
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