Support RTO with employee appreciation gifts

As we enter the new year, companies are pursuing a renewed push towards Return to Office (RTO) initiatives. At Cultivate, we believe that thoughtful appreciation and premium gifts can be crucial in making this transition smoother and more appealing for employees.

In this week’s blog, our experts share how you can utilize employee appreciation gifts and implement a variety of company-wide strategies to support your RTO efforts.

Ease RTO with Work Gifts for Employees

It’s no secret that gifting is good for you. Studies have proven that receiving an unexpected gift can have a lasting, positive impact on your recipient’s mental and emotional well-being by promoting cooperation and social connection, improving physical health, and decreasing stress.

It’s also no secret that mandatory RTO policies have made employees feel reluctant or resistant, less engaged, and not-so-productive. Many professionals cite concerns about commuting time, work-life balance, and the loss of autonomy they gained while working from home. Since you already know why happy employees are essential to your business, try gifting to help staff overcome these uncertain feelings! Here are some of our expert-recommended employee recognition gifts:

😍 Welcome Back in Style: Greet your returning team with a selection of items that enhance their workspace and make them feel valued.

• Bose or JBL wireless headphones and earbuds for a distraction-free environment
• Premium accessories like a Clayton & Crume leather desk pad
• Victorinox backpacks and Timbuk2 messenger bags make commuting easy and stylish

💛 Prioritize Wellness and Comfort: Show your employees that their well-being is a top priority and help them relax after a long day at the office.

• Unwind with cozy OluKai slippers or infrared therapy devices from HigherDOSE
• Yoga mats and handheld Therabody massagers for quick stress-relief sessions

🎧 Tech-Forward Workspaces: Equip your team with a cutting-edge tech stack.

• Branded wireless chargers and power banks to keep devices running all day
• Walking pad treadmills and standing desk to encourage health and fitness
• Wireless Bluetooth speakers for ambient background noise 

👥 Foster Team Building: Encourage social connections and team bonding with gifts that can be shared. From table tennis and air hockey to kegerators and massage chairs, demo our Online Gifting platform to explore gifts your entire office can use and enjoy!

Expert Tip: Upgrade your water cooler or add to it with premium coffee and espresso machines that will energize mornings and promote social interactions.

♻️ Sustainable Gifts: Align your RTO gifting with corporate values by choosing eco-friendly and environmentally conscious gift options.

• Branded reusable water bottles, insulated tumblers, and Caraway storage containers
• Desktop plants like the Vertiable Smart Indoor Garden to improve air quality
• Eco-friendly tech accessories made from sustainable materials

Effective Return-to-Office Strategies

In addition to the work gifts for employees and office gifts we’ve recommended above, you can significantly enhance the experience of your employees returning to the office by implementing a variety of company-wide strategies, such as:

🔀 Flexible Work Options: Offering accommodating work arrangements is crucial for improving the RTO experience. Consider implementing hybrid work models, allowing employees to work from home a few days per week, or offering flexible scheduling options to accommodate personal responsibilities.

🏢 Enhance the Office: Creating an inviting and functional office environment is essential.

• Invest in ergonomic furniture to improve comfort and reduce physical stress
• Ensure proper lighting, air quality, and temperature control
• Design various spaces for different purposes, including quiet areas for focused work, collaborative spaces, and relaxation zones

💻 Technology Integration: To greatly improve the workplace experience, consider upgrading or adding new digital platforms teams can utilize.

• Implement room scheduling tools to help employees easily book meeting spaces
• Ensure all workplace systems are well-integrated to increase efficiency
• Provide clear instructions on how to use and access digital materials and resources

🔗 Foster Connection: Building a sense of community is vital for a positive office experience.

• Organize team-building activities and events to encourage employee interaction
• Create opportunities for informal gatherings, such as happy hours or book clubs

😌 Prioritize Wellness: Focus on supporting employees' overall well-being.

• Offer work perks, like gym memberships or on-site yoga classes
• Provide neutral spaces for relaxation and meditation
• Support work-life balance through policies and practices that respect personal time

💫 Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess and improve the workplace experience.

• Conduct surveys to gather feedback on the office environment and policies
• Use workplace analytics to understand how office spaces, tools, and amenities are being utilized and make data-driven improvements based on your findings
• Encourage open communication and act on suggestions for office enhancements

Expert Tip: Don’t let gifting be “one and done” after teams are settled back into the office environment! Download our 2025 Appreciation Calendar for monthly reasons to celebrate, motivate, and appreciate your employees year-round.

By investing in premium corporate gifts and implementing new strategies that prioritize employee well-being, you're not just welcoming staff back but creating an environment they'll be excited to return to. Thoughtful gestures and inclusive company-wide policies will demonstrate your organization’s commitment to employee satisfaction and well-being, making the transition back to office life a positive experience for everyone.

At Cultivate, we specialize in curating amazing gift collections tailored to your company's unique culture, budget needs, and RTO goals. Let us help you make 2025 the year of appreciation by delivering a successful and engaging return to the office for your team! Connect with a Gifting Expert to find the right solution for you.