Boosting Workplace Positivity and Productivity with Gifts
The workplace is evolving, and with it comes a growing recognition that employees need more than just a pay cheque. They need support for their well-being to navigate increasing demands on their time and energy. With studies on gift-giving indicating that receiving thoughtful presents can strengthen relationships and improve emotional well-being, including gifts to your team can bring several benefits to your business, particularly if those gifts aim to boost well-being.
Why prioritise wellness in the workplace?
UK workers are reporting higher levels of workplace stress than ever before. This stress contributes to the sharp rise in absenteeism, with an estimated 36 million workdays lost annually due to mental health challenges alone. According to Mental Health UK, workplace absenteeism due to mental health costs UK employers approximately £14 billion a year, much of which could be mitigated through proactive wellness programmes.
Wellness initiatives aren’t just ‘nice to have’ – they’re a strategic investment. The benefits extend far beyond individual employees, shaping the overall workplace culture. Key advantages include enhanced productivity, increased positivity, higher retention rates, and lower absenteeism.
Wellness Hampers – what they are and when to give them
Wellness hampers take the concept of traditional hampers and reimagine them with employee well-being in mind. Instead of wine, cheese, and chocolates, they feature items designed to promote health and relaxation. This might include products that encourage better sleep, reduce stress, or support healthy eating and mindfulness practices.
The beauty of wellness hampers lies in their versatility. Each one can be tailored to the needs of individual employees or reflect the values of the organisation. Whether it’s a sleep aid, an energising snack, or a self-help book, every item is selected with the recipient’s wellness in mind.
Timing can make these gestures even more meaningful. Here are some ideal opportunities to present wellness hampers:
New Starters: A wellness-themed welcome pack sets the tone for a supportive and health-conscious workplace.
Employee Appreciation Days: Thoughtful gifts on these occasions foster a sense of value and belonging.
After High-Stress Periods: Following intense deadlines or projects, a wellness hamper helps employees recharge.
Mental Health Awareness Week: Demonstrate your commitment to employee mental health with tailored items promoting mindfulness and self-care.
Wellness hampers can also be given spontaneously when you notice an employee struggling. These moments of care often leave a lasting impact.
What to include in a Wellness Hamper
Creating a wellness hamper involves striking a balance between practicality and thoughtfulness. Here are some ideas:
Wellness Starter Packs
- Branded Water Bottles: Encourage hydration while offering a professional, stylish desk accessory.
- Weighted Aromatherapy Eye Masks: These promote relaxation and better sleep.
- Herbal Teas: Calming blends like chamomile or peppermint help employees unwind.
- Personalised Mugs: A quality mug with the employee’s name adds a personal touch to their coffee or tea breaks.
Healthy Snacks and Drinks
- Premium Nut Mixes: Unsalted nuts provide a natural energy boost.
- Dark Chocolate: Options with 70 percent cocoa or higher offer a guilt-free treat packed with antioxidants.
- Wellness Shots: Ginger, turmeric, or vitamin-rich drinks deliver quick health benefits.
Tools for Everyday Productivity
- Blue Light Blocking Glasses: Help reduce eye strain for employees working long hours on screens.
- Personalised Notebooks: Encourage organisation and give a sense of ownership.
- Stress Relievers: Stress balls or fidget tools are small but effective for tension relief.
- Brain Teasers and Timers: Encourage mental breaks and creative thinking.
Aromatherapy and Relaxation
- Pulse Point Rollers: On-the-go essential oil blends for stress relief.
- Compact Diffusers: Create a calming atmosphere in any workspace.
Practical outcomes of wellness initiatives
In my own experience, wellness initiatives have created a more energised and motivated workforce. When employees feel good, their enthusiasm and positivity drives a virtuous cycle of well-being and productivity.
Supporting employee wellness yields tangible results. When people feel healthier and more positive, they’re better equipped to perform at their best.
A 2022 Deloitte report on workplace wellness initiatives found that every £1 invested in employee wellness delivered an average return of £5 through increased productivity and reduced absenteeism.
Positivity is contagious – it fosters teamwork and innovation. Healthier employees mean fewer sick days, reducing disruption and lowering costs.
Making wellness a priority
Wellness hampers are more than a gift – they’re a statement of care and commitment. By focusing on the health and happiness of your employees, you create a workplace culture where people thrive.
For businesses looking to boost positivity and performance, wellness hampers are an accessible, impactful solution. From fostering engagement to reducing absenteeism, they offer benefits that extend far beyond the initial gesture.
Supporting your team’s well-being isn’t just about improving their lives, it’s about setting your business up for long-term success. With wellness at the heart of your workplace, you can transform your team, and the way your business operates and performs for the better.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Cathy Catto is from Top Hampers, which is disrupting the gifts market with tailored and personalised hampers that take gifting to a whole new level. Top Hampers is a family business, run by Cathy Catto and three of her children, who discovered a unique opportunity to work together, inspired by their shared love for celebrating special moments. Top Hampers is defined by quality, thoughtfulness and personalised hampers that guarantee to put a smile on your recipient’s face. They select suppliers with meticulous care, which not only enriches the quality of the hampers but also fosters a community of suppliers united by a common goal: to deliver joy and satisfaction through every gift.