CORPORATE GIFTING… THE FASTEST WAY TO FOSTER CORPORATE RELATIONSHIPS
Encouraging a healthy and professional culture of gift-giving in the workplace is a really admirable goal you should set this year, especially during holiday seasons (like this Valentine), anniversaries and with the pandemic making virtual working meetings more relevant.
When it's appropriate, gifts can bring the whole office together, and that usually works out for a more effective team.
However, gift-giving in the workplace can become toxic if not carefully guided, and employees may start to feel uncomfortable when they receive fewer gifts than others.
Is giving gifts in the office a good thing?
You might be asking yourself whether or not it is ethical to give gifts while doing business. Yes, it is ethical. But, as with all things, it is ethical within certain bounds. Gifts should not be given with the intent to manipulate, flatter, domineer, or cruelly tease your colleagues.
Gifts should almost never be requested (is it really a gift if you demand it?) As a rule, gift-giving is and should never be mandatory. That said, there are huge benefits to gift-giving in the office.
The main reason to have a healthy culture of gift-giving is to enhance the strategic output of work, but you do this by allowing the opportunity for colleagues to show their appreciation for each other on their own.
The exchange of gifts often occurs around the holiday season. Having an office Secret Santa party or asking each colleague to pick Secret Valentine (through an unbiased means) is one appropriate context for office gift-giving, when time is set aside for the exchange and in which every is both giving and receiving equally.
Gifts are also given on other holidays and on the birthdays of employees. Other than at these times, gift-giving is at a minimum.
For superiors, managers, and bosses, giving to employees is a great way to show that you care about the value of your team's work and to further encourage its continuation.
The best gifts are not always concrete objects; paying attention and listening to complaints and ideas are also perceived as kinds of gifts, or rewarding your employees with a lunch date, spa session or picnic after a tedious task has been completed.
You can avoid extravagance, and you shouldn't give too often or to anyone employee more than others. This can cause your team to think you've picked favourites in the office, disgruntling others who probably work incredibly hard.
Why is Corporate Gifting crucial?
Do you know happy customers and employees promote your business? Employee appreciation gifts are an essential part of your marketing strategy. Corporate gifts can accomplish several different outcomes when given authentically.
1) Maintaining relationships, building brand
Gifts/presents can be the first step in building and nurturing new connections. Strategically, gifting sets you apart from the crowd. Gifting employees, clients, or customers is a kind of appreciation for them. Gifts can be used as a brand awareness tool to set the right tone at the beginning of any relationship.
2) Bridging gaps, developing connections
Due to the Covid pandemic, businesses have been impacted badly. With the onset of work from home trends and social distancing, physical meetings have reduced. So, corporate gifting can be a suitable way to form connections, bridging physical meetings.
3) Strengthens your relationship with the recipient
Though many factors contribute to why a client will choose your business over another, one of the key factors that will keep them doing business with you is the relationship they have with you. So, if a client rarely hears from you, except for invoice days, it’s likely that you won’t have a particularly good relationship with them.
On the other hand, if you focus on building a strong relationship with them, by not only keeping in regular contact but also showing your appreciation of them throughout the year with corporate gifts, you’ll have a much stronger relationship. The result of this is that they’ll be much more inclined to want to continue that relationship over the long term – meaning it’s not only a better relationship but a more profitable one too!
4) Sets you apart from competitors
In today’s world, with more and more new businesses popping up every day, it’s more important than ever to maintain a competitive edge in your industry. After all, if there’s someone out there who provides better service, a better product or a better experience, it’s only a matter of time until your clients start thinking about switching to a different service provider.
Providing regular corporate gifts to your clients is just one of many ways you can set your brand apart from the competition. Not only does it show that you’re a brand that genuinely cares about its customers, but it also shows that you’re willing to go above and beyond your competitors to make clients smile. Once you have that competitive edge, it’s only a matter of time before word spreads and you find yourself winning more and more clients.
5) Giving back, showing appreciation
With corporate gifts, you can show your appreciation and gratitude towards your employees and clients. It can give you more satisfying, long-lasting business relationships.
The gift of relaxation and health is perfect for everyone. Choose from our assortment of gift baskets or create custom baskets inclusive of your own corporate collateral.
Take advantage of our Bulk Purchase program and treat yourself in the process. Our boxes can include skincare products, spa vouchers as well as healthy treats asides from your organization's branded items.
Email us at this address (ololade.akinduro@orikigroup.com) for more information on our Corporate gifting and other Corporate Wellness Services.
Our Valentine’s Promo is also a great place to start gifting, visit the ORÍKÌ website for all our juicy packages now.