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This year could mean the end of the white elephant gift exchange–and we’re not all that sad about it.
But with the holidays approaching in–let’s face it –very unusual times, we’re reminded that health and safety are Priority No. 1. We know you still want to celebrate with your teams, gather when it’s safe to do so, and enjoy the traditional delights of the season.
Gift-giving is a big part of that, and so are the accompanying holiday traditions in the office. The good news? You probably won’t have to try anyone’s curious-looking dish at the holiday potluck. And you probably won’t have to flex your culinary muscles with your own offering. (Or find something at the grocery store to represent your contribution to the food spread. No judgment here.)
Instead, we can get creative, finding unique ways to show our employees and co-workers that we appreciate them—even from a distance.
We’ve touched on how to show coworker appreciation in previous HON blogs, but it’s worth revisiting as we get closer to the holidays.
If you aren’t able to hold an in-person gathering, there are solutions. It’s about putting people first, said Jen Petersen, VP of Members & Brand for The HON Company.
“Something as simple as sending an e-gift card to a restaurant they enjoy or a store they frequent goes a long way,” she suggested.
Other options are food delivery gift cards. Your employees can enjoy takeout from a local restaurant or the team can order individually and eat together on Zoom or Hangouts.
In the true spirit of 2020, why not have a holiday gathering on a video call? People enjoy seeing each other’s faces and interacting (outside of business as usual) even if they can’t physically be together. And that could serve as a great gift on its own.
“We’re still trying to keep things as normal as we can during abnormal times,” said Nicole Vasquez, Executive Assistant at The HON Company. “Right now it’s extremely important to recognize and acknowledge people. We have great traditions here at HON, and it’s really important to us to hold fast to that. We know that everyone has been working really, really hard but very differently.”
The best thing about gathering virtually? You can easily include a gift if you’d like or organize a gift exchange - electronic gift cards are a great option! - ahead of time that allows everyone to participate and say “thanks” on the video call. Another fun idea: if everyone is relatively local, devise a scavenger hunt and leave gifts in specified locations.
Gift-giving means a lot to people. Making sure they have a way to do it safely is important.
Vasquez says companies can get the ball rolling by identifying potential gift ideas ahead of time and arrange to drop them off at desks before or after working hours. ’Tis the season for surprises!
And again, this is where we come to back the recommendation of practical gifts. Something people can actually use is one way to show you’re thinking of them: company-branded water bottles, tote bags, unisex clothing items or accessories—any gift that is individualized will work. There are endless options to customize gifts for your team; a simple Google search turns up hundreds of one-of-a-kind ideas
After all, when you’re looking to lift spirits, spread some holiday cheer and show genuine appreciation, it’s the thought that counts.
For more ideas and inspiration on celebrating the holidays safely, please visit hon.com
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