10 gift ideas to reward hybrid employees in 2024

With remote work still being the preferred work method for many employees worldwide, getting your staff to return to the office, even on a hybrid basis, may be challenging. It sometimes requires more than a simple mandate from the higher-ups to get employees on board with in-office work. One way to ease this transition is to welcome employees with personalized, practical gifts upon arrival. 

Let’s dive into why businesses welcome employees back into the office, the do’s and don’ts of corporate gift-giving, and ten of the best gifts you can give your employees to ensure a smooth welcome back.

Why return to a traditional work environment?

The pandemic forced companies to embrace remote work on a massive scale, introducing several perks, like improved work-life balance, better employee productivity, and reduced business costs. So why are business leaders starting to facilitate return-to-work initiatives?

While the benefits of at-home work are undeniably great, remote workers lack one thing: connectedness with their team members. Remote employees often report feelings of isolation and find it harder to collaborate with coworkers who are in the office full-time. This makes it tough for business leaders to facilitate teamwork, create a strong company culture, and retain employees for the long haul.

In response, many decision-makers have decided to opt for the best of both worlds: a fully flexible model that allows in-person and remote work on certain days of the week. This solution promotes team-building while allowing employees to work in their home office on certain days.

That leaves business owners with another predicament: getting their employees excited about returning to the office. How can you create a robust and collaborative culture when certain members of your staff don’t want to be there? Well, that will take some work, but a great place to start is with a thoughtful gift.

Return to office gift ideas: What to do

Welcoming your employees to the office with a gift is one way to show you value their presence and the hard work they completed when they were fully remote. However, there are general guidelines to follow when handing out gifts to your workforce.

• Be mindful of size. Make sure the gift is not overly bulky or difficult to carry. You’re trying to make the transition back to the office seamless, so consider the logistics of your employees’ commutes and workspaces. Going big and extravagant is tempting, but it’s unnecessary.
• Practicality is important. A great gift can be used or interacted with weekly, if not daily. A gift that gathers dust on a shelf doesn’t do much for your employees’ happiness. Look for something that enhances their day-to-day lives, like tech gadgets or self-care items.
• Personalized gifts mean more. Adding a personal touch can make all the difference when it comes to gift-giving. Show appreciation for each employee with a handwritten note or a gift with their initials engraved, for example. Taking the extra step demonstrates genuine care and makes each employee’s gift unique to them.
• Be inclusive. Make sure the gifts you give your employees are equal in value and that everyone is included. Your workforce is diverse, and your gifts should reflect that. Opt for inclusive options that everyone can enjoy, or consider offering a selection of gifts to cater to different tastes.

Return to office gift ideas: What to avoid

Now, let’s talk about a few things to steer clear of when deciding what gifts to give your employees:

• Stay away from politics and controversial topics. The workplace should be a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of their personal beliefs. Avoid gifts that touch on sensitive or polarizing subjects, as they can inadvertently create tension or discomfort. Stick to neutral and universally appreciated themes.
• No inappropriate jokes or gag gifts. While a bit of humor can lighten the mood, maintaining professionalism is crucial. Avoid gifts that rely on offensive stereotypes, crude humor, or discrimination. A misstep in this area can damage employee morale and create a hostile work environment.
• Don’t be overly generic. While well-intentioned, a generic back-to-work gift can feel impersonal and lackluster. Take the time to understand your employees’ interests and preferences and tailor your gift choices accordingly. Even a tiny, personalized touch can make a world of difference.

10 high-quality corporate gift ideas

The perfect gift strikes a balance between practicality, thoughtfulness, and personalization. If you need help developing a unique gift idea for your workforce, here are ten ideas to draw inspiration from.

Gift cards

While not the most complicated gift, the versatility of gift cards makes them a perennial favorite. They let your employees choose something they truly desire—a new book, a delicious meal, a relaxing spa treatment, etc. Take it a step further by giving each employee a gift card specific to their interests. Is there a massive sports fan in the office? Consider a gift card to an online sports retailer.

Coffee mugs & tumblers

There’s no such thing as too many mugs. A personalized mug or tumbler is a practical and stylish gift your employees can use daily. Customize it with their name or the company logo to create a sense of belonging and pride. Fill it with their favorite coffee beans or tea bags for an added touch.

Office supplies

Help your employees stay organized and productive with a curated set of high-quality desk accessories. Think beyond the basics and consider items like stylish notepads, ergonomic pens, colorful sticky notes, or a sleek desk organizer. Try to acquire something that can’t be found on the first page of Amazon.

Succulents or desk plants

Bring a touch of nature indoors with a low-maintenance succulent or desk plant (the “low-maintenance” part is essential; you don’t want to give them a plant that will die from a week without water). These green companions add visual appeal to the workspace and contribute to cleaner air and a more calming atmosphere. 

Corporate swag

Branded merchandise can boost team spirit and company pride. Choose functional and practical items, such as T-shirts, hoodies, water bottles, or tote bags. Spend the extra dollar to invest in high-quality, long-lasting materials so your employees can sport them for years.

Computer gadgets

Upgrade your employees’ work experience with valuable and innovative computer gadgets. To enhance comfort and productivity, consider wireless mice, mouse pads, ergonomic keyboard wrist rests, laptop stands, chargers, or Bluetooth headphones.

Wellness items

Prioritize employee well-being with gifts that promote relaxation and self-care. Stress balls, aromatherapy diffusers, eye masks, or mini back massagers can help employees de-stress and recharge during the workday. Employee engagement is more manageable to facilitate when everyone is relaxed and stress-free.

A classic gift box/basket

A curated gift basket with healthy and tasty snacks is a simple but reliable choice for a return-to-work gift. Include a variety of sweet and savory treats, and consider options for those with dietary restrictions. Include other goodies that are personal to each employee, like their favorite candy or drink.

Personalized desk nameplates

Add a touch of personalization to each employee’s workspace with a custom desk nameplate. Choose a material and design that complements your office decor, and have each nameplate engraved with the employee’s name and title.

Experiences or activities

Instead of a gift set, consider planning an activity or event for your employees. Organize a team lunch, company outing, or provide tickets to a local event or attraction. These experiences create opportunities for connection and celebration, making the return to the office even more enjoyable.

Facilitate your return-to-office with OfficeSpace

A well-structured hybrid plan is essential as businesses navigate the transition back to the physical office. A successful return-to-office strategy goes beyond just providing gifts; it requires careful consideration of space utilization, employee preferences, and overall workplace experience. 

Workplace management software like OfficeSpace can streamline and inform RTO policies by providing holistic insight into every aspect of the hybrid workplace, reducing costs and workplace friction, and eliminating manual processes. With OfficeSpace, you gain real-time data on occupancy and attendance, office usage, and RTO policy compliance, enabling you to understand how your space is utilized and make data-driven decisions about space and resource allocation. 

Leverage tools like mobile desk reservations and add detail to workstation profiles so employees can choose a workspace that meets their needs, and features like Who’s In so they know when their “favorite” colleagues are at the office to align on schedules and enhance collaboration. Room booking software helps eliminate double bookings with real-time availability statuses and the ability to auto-release rooms if meetings end early or no one checks in. These features help create a sense of control and autonomy and increase employee adoption, all while providing essential data for facility teams to inform space planning, and for companies to refine their approach to hybrid.

Ready to welcome employees back to the office? Schedule a demo to learn how OfficeSpace can help your team create a seamless and optimized return to the office.