While we’re all for reducing consumerism for the sake of it, corporate gifting is a great way to communicate heartfelt appreciation for your clients, employees, and partners. More than that, however, sustainable corporate giving helps promote organisations that care about their impact on society and the environment. If you’re struggling to source the perfect corporate gift or activity, fret not; we’re here to help.
Branded hats, mugs, and USB sticks are all well and good. But can we say for sure they really make an impact? These empty gestures usually end up in the trash can. But corporate gifting doesn’t have to be so cliche. With a little bit of thought, it is possible to inspire your colleagues and clients by giving them a wonderfully sustainable gift that reminds them of their value to your company. Although it’s not always easy to find an affordable option that nevertheless leaves a positive impression.
As the planet continues to battle against depleting natural resources and the climate crisis, it’s more important than ever for businesses to ensure that their economic success is not at the expense of their social and environmental responsibilities. And sustainable corporate gifting is a #LittleGreenStep that all organisations, big or small, can take.
It’s a no-brainer that we all feel more motivated and appreciated when we are acknowledged for the work we produce, or for being a loyal supporter of our favourite brands. So before we share our gift guide, here are a few reasons why sustainable corporate gifting has a range of long-term benefits that will directly benefit your organisation.
Why it matters
Reinforcing Your Business Values
The traditional saying holds that actions speak louder than words. Sustainable gift options are a great way to show that your firm cares about the environment and its employees, and to show clients and customers that you mirror their values in your business practises. You’ve demonstrated that you’re willing to put your money where your mouth is by acting in accordance with your stated ideals.
Improved Business Perception
Business priorities should coincide with those of their customers and the general public since social and environmental responsibilities are more important than ever. Your company will be seen as contemporary and aware of world concerns if you give out items that are manufactured with eco-friendly materials and socially responsible procedures.
Customer Trust and Loyalty
Establishing trust takes time and effort. Your company’s active commitment to corporate social responsibility may be displayed by the simple but meaningful action of choosing to support sustainable businesses for corporate gifts. More customers will stick with you if they believe you care about the world outside of their own. Sending a present to someone who you know has certain likes and dislikes is sure to be appreciated.
Employee Motivation
Corporate gifting may be a small act of appreciation, but it can go a long way in encouraging job satisfaction and work efficiency. The act of gifting, an extrinsic reward often used to command excellent work performance, can produce intrinsic rewards for employees. It can encourage higher individual self-esteem and self-confidence, providing them with the motivation to perform better at their work! Gifting can also be used to build up and strengthen the values of employees by giving them gifts that are good for the environment.
Your business’s first #LittleGreenStep towards corporate social responsibility begins with sustainable corporate gifting. But you’re not just limited to physical objects—we’ve thought of a few meaningful experience gifts, too. Here are some of our favourite sustainable companies that’ll help you deliver (because even Santa can’t do his rounds alone).
Food Boxes from The Whole Kitchen
Who doesn’t love receiving a hamper bursting with yummy, healthy, and delicious goodies? The Whole Kitchen has created a veritable feast of delicious sounding gifts that would make ideal presents for clients or employees alike. Or even for yourself or your family! The best part? Its boxes are filled with gluten-free, vegan, and healthy treats that are suitable for anyone, young or old, picky or adventurous eaters! Expect items like biscottis, granolas, and even cakes!
An office library
This is definitely one of those unique gifts that not only serves a function but is also something everyone can enjoy. Starting an office library is not as difficult as it sounds or as you may think. All it needs is a designated area, which could be in the break room or even in a nook in the pantry, and a couple of books. The books themselves could be the “gift” itself, or you can even sort out books that you don’t necessarily need anymore in your home and bring them to the office as the first batch of books.
Gradually, people can also contribute, and before you know it, your office will have staggering amounts of books that can rival the Library of Alexandria! And if you think about it, this is also quite a good icebreaker for staff. At lunch, instead of the next office gossip, the conversation could be centred around the latest book they read from the library! One can only hope, right?
CALM annual membership
Companies are starting to realise the importance of addressing mental health in the workplace and making it a priority. Why not provide peace of mind to your staff and customers this holiday season? Considering the pressures of the past few years, a subscription to the best app for mental fitness, which improves sleep, health, and happiness, is a must. Encourage your staff to download this gold-medal software if you care about relieving stress, strengthening their resilience, and enhancing their ability to focus and be creative.
Go on a beach clean-up
Hear us out. We know this is an incredibly left field suggestion for corporate gifts. However, it’s not as weird or ridiculous as it sounds. Let us try and sell you on the idea a bit.
Doing a beach clean-up as a corporate gift is an excellent idea for many reasons. First, it demonstrates corporate social responsibility by giving back to the community and helping the environment. Second, it can improve the company’s reputation by showing that they are environmentally conscious. Third, it can foster team building and employee engagement as everyone works together to clean up the beach. Fourth, it can serve as a fun and rewarding experience for employees to bond over. Lastly, it can provide a positive impact on the local community by cleaning up litter and preserving the natural beauty of the beach.
Overall, a beach clean-up as a corporate gift is a great way to show appreciation to employees while also making a positive impact on the environment and community.
Why not gift a terrarium?
Not only does it promote well-being and reduce stress, but having a plant in the workplace has been shown to reduce stress levels and increase feelings of well-being among employees. A terrarium is a low-maintenance way to bring a little bit of nature into the office, which can help create a more positive work environment. And let’s be honest: a terrarium is a unique and thoughtful gift that can be customised to suit the recipient’s tastes and preferences. It shows that you’ve put some thought into the gift and that you care about the recipient’s well-being.
Logically, it’s also a pretty long-lasting gift. Unlike flowers or other perishable gifts, a well-cared-for terrarium can last for years. This means that the recipient will be able to enjoy your gift for a long time, which can help to build goodwill and strengthen your relationship. And another thing: you can even make an activity out of this. It’s basically a win-win gift!
A compost bin
Again, hear us out. We know a lot of people will think this is absolutely full of horse dung. But give us your listening ear and we promise by the end of the second paragraph, you’ll be sold on the idea.
By starting a compost bin in your office, you are encouraging your employees to become more aware of their environmental impact and take steps to reduce waste. All it takes is to label a few bins and get the momentum going. On the other hand, Starting a compost bin is a low-cost activity that can help save money on waste disposal fees, and the compost can be used in the office garden or donated to a community garden, which could be another team building effort in the office.
A reusable cup. Duh.
This is almost a given. Reusable cups are environmentally friendly by virtue, and there’s no better opportunity than giving a reusable cup as a corporate gift. At the same time, you already know that it’s going to be used. Let’s be honest: in one day at the office, we unknowingly hoard at least three cups on our tables. And if we’re going to add another, it might as well be environmentally friendly and ethically made.
If you need ideas on which one to get, because of its double-walled insulation, the Kreis Cup is made to keep hot drinks hotter for longer and cold drinks colder for longer. It’s also made of plant-based materials and up to 30% recycled coffee grounds from cafes, hotels, and restaurants.
EcoMatcher
Adopt a tree or plant a whole forest! EcoMatcher makes it easy for organisations to help reforest the world thanks to its network of vetted reforestation foundations. Recipients of your trees can even virtually visit them online via the TreeTracker app, find out more about the person who planted it, and keep tabs on the forest it forms a part of. It’s a completely sustainable and transparent way to gift clients and employees alike. And adopting a single tree starts at USD$3.49, making it a super affordable way to say thank you.
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