A workplace can only be productive and positive if staff wellbeing is monitored and boosted as necessary. Showing your appreciation with well thought out wellbeing gifts for staff can boost morale and mindset.

We know that when we are feeling out of sorts, things don’t get done to the same degree as usual. When we are feeling low or stressed, we are not at our best. This is why managers must look after staff wellbeing, mentally as well as physically.
We have some great ideas for gifts to help boost morale in the workplace and look at the benefits some employee gifting can bring.
Why is Staff Wellbeing Important?
Supporting staff wellbeing not only helps the employees but also makes good business sense.
Studies show that employers who have a positive approach to the wellbeing of their staff, run a smoother business. There are fewer absences, reduced staff turnover and the work rate is superior too. Put simply, when staff feel supported, they are more likely to remain committed and enthusiastic.
A touching way to support staff with their mental health and wellbeing is by rewarding their work with a gift.
It doesn’t need to be expensive, but a nice, carefully chosen gift will go a long way in showing your appreciation. In this busy day and age, it gets too easy to take staff for granted.
Sometimes, it is nice to remind them they are valued and you see their hard work day in and day out.
6 Tips to Choose Great Gifts to Improve Staff Wellbeing
It can be tricky to choose the right gift for each member of staff. The right gift can do a lot to lift morale, but the wrong one can have the opposite effect.
Follow our tips to make thoughtful purchasing less daunting, and hit the right note with the staff:-
- Try to avoid generic gifts. A biro at the end of the month probably isn’t going to scream you are valued. Putting a touch of personalisation into it, however, will show the gift was thought about. A boring biro could become one with an affirmation engraved on it and add a fancy notebook to create a nice bundle.
- Where possible, link the gift with the staff member’s personality. Buying alcohol for a teetotal employee will fail to impress. Don’t be afraid to ask other colleagues for their thoughts.
- Be mindful of cultural and religious differences in the workplace. When in doubt, steer clear of gifts that could offend.
- Practical gifts are valued way more than something that won’t last. For example, something that can sit on their desk and be used daily will make them smile. A bunch of flowers are great for a week, and then the memory withers with them.
- Where possible, include the family in the gift for those employees who are family orientated. This type of gift will leave them feeling valued and appreciated and that you see them as more than an employee in the office.
- Keep within your budget. You want to bear in mind the tax implications and aim to stick within your annual budget.
10 Ideas for Wellbeing Gifts
Need some staff wellbeing gifting inspo? Our thoughtful and unique gift ideas below will give a few ideas to get you started!
1. Staff Wellbeing Basket
This is a firm favourite for sure. You can tweak each wellbeing gift basket to suit the staff member it is for.
The products inside are there to promote the importance of self care. Here are some ideas of items you can add to your basket:
- Candles
- Crystal candles
- Essential oils
- Pamper products
- Bath bomb
- Candle melts
- Chocolate
- Herbal tea
- Affirmation cards
- Popcorn
- Notebook
A wellbeing basket can also be placed in a central area with a selection of small items. Staff could select something that appeals.
2. Perfect Tea Break Gift Box
Fill up a gift box with those perfect tea break essentials. Some coffee, tea bags, biscuits, some motivational quote cards and a book or good magazine.
Those tea breaks are important and allow staff to recharge so this is the perfect gift. A selection of tea break goodies could also be provided in the break room every now and again.
Some treats from the business will make employees feel valued.
3. Inspirational Desk Calendar
Having those motivational quotes open on your desk can really help keep a positive mindset.
Sometimes flicking through some affirmations can help with wellbeing and motivate employees.
4. Voucher For a Family Day Out
Nothing shows appreciation for a staff’s dedication better than including their entire family in the gift.
Creating memories with loved ones is a gift to be treasured so treating your employee and their family to a fun day will be gratefully received.
5. Games Night Box
A box full of games is a great way of encouraging your staff to take time out and relax.
You can include some miniature board games, a deck of playing cards, 3D puzzles, and a quiz book. Add some snacks and you’ve created the perfect night in.
6. A Wellness Candle
Candles never fail to create a relaxing ambience in the home. Buying your employee some candles to enjoy in their home can be a perfect way to relax after a hard day.
You could personalise some candles to add that thoughtful touch.
7. SAD Desk Lamp
Being stuck inside all day, especially during the winter months, can take its toll on mental health. A SAD lamp can help alleviate symptoms.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects many people so a gift like this can help improve staff wellbeing. Particularly if your work environment does not enjoy good natural light. They don’t need to cost the earth, either.
8. Handmade Soap Set
The first thing most employees do after a hard day at work is jump in the shower. It’s a chance to relax, recharge and get 5 minutes of peace.
Make this time extra special by buying them some handmade soap to use.
9. Subscription to Podcasts or Spotify
Something simple yet touching, is a subscription to something employees enjoy. Podcasts are very popular now and are a great way to switch off from the stresses of the day.
There are thousands of podcasts out there so there is something for everyone.
10. Hand Cream Gift Set
Our hands can suffer with the day to day wear and tear they are subject to. Buying staff some hand cream to use in and out of work is a lovely thoughtful gift.
Most of us are guilty of neglecting skin care when we are stressed.
See Also:
Good Gifting Doesn’t Have to Be Complex
The main thing to remember when trying to work out what gifts for employees will be most appreciated is to avoid overthinking.
The simple things in life are often the best, and everyday treats that you know your staff enjoy will always go down well. Keep your eyes peeled during breaks and lunchtimes and get a feel for what they will enjoy!