The perfect gift for employee retention

Posted on December 14, 2018 by Anthony Mortimer

Christmas is almost here, and as a HR representative, we bet you’re feeling the stress levels in your office rise. And given nearly half of employees surveyed think that December is the most stressful time of year, you’re probably not the only one! With this in mind, we want to help you reduce the anxiety experienced by everyone in your office over the holiday period, to ensure you’re all happy when you return to work in the New Year.

Whether you let Janet leave a little earlier (so she can hunt down the perfect stocking fillers), or you invite Steve to run a fun and festive Christmas quiz for the whole office, small gestures of kindness can have a substantial positive impact on the well-being of your employees over the Christmas period.

Happy employees, happy company

When you allocate your business’ time and resources to improving the happiness of your team, it can do more than reduce the likelihood of their moving on to another company. Happy employees can actually boost productivity and sales – as companies with happy employees outperform the competition by 20%. And, when your employees are smiling, it can also have a positive impact on the end-customer’s experience. 41% of companies that use peer-to-peer recognition have seen a positive increase in customer satisfaction.

It’s also a good idea to review your recognition programmes at this time of year, as companies with recognition programmes that are highly effective at improving employee engagement have 31% lower voluntary turnover. When you take the time to consider your team’s needs, and refine your recognition programme accordingly, this will ensure your workforce want to continue progressing with your business.

Happy employees, happy workforce

The Christmas gift you select for your team can also have a substantial effect on employee retention. A survey found the number-one reason employees leave their jobs is because they don’t feel appreciated. So, how can you show your workforce you value all their hard work this year? Send the message with a gift that empowers them. We recommend giving each member of your team a luxury gift card, as this will allow them to choose the item that best suits their wants, needs and personalities.

Make this year magnificent for everyone

M&S gift cards offer employers a unique opportunity to show just how much they value their workforce, whilst giving each employee the autonomy to ‘spend it well’. This is because it offers your employees the chance to purchase something they’ve had their eye on, but haven’t yet been able to buy. With a luxury gift card, you can show your employees that you respect their interests, and value their contribution to the company. Put the power and control in their hands, and position your business as a thoughtful enterprise, who cares about each and every one on your team.

For more information on improving employee retention, download our eBook today: Employee incentive programmes begin with well-being

 

[i] https://www.maxis-gbn.com/news-events/latest-news/our-december-viewpoint-the-most-joyful-or-perhaps-the-most-stressful-time-of-the-year/

[ii] https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2017/08/17/5-great-companies-that-get-corporate-culture-right/#8a72a6915828

[iii] https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-reasons-why-employees-quit-their-job-1918985

[iv] https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/26a9/5a18ad09fd3998263104a482a3d0081971a8.pdf