By Theyo Team
Many companies talk about having a social purpose, having certain values, or how much they care about their employees and stakeholders. Now it is time for these commitments to be redeemed. Studies show that employees only take company values and promises seriously if they see that management also stands up for them on a regular basis. To make this easier when choosing sustainable employee gifts - especially at Easter - we have put together a few suggestions.
Sustainability: More than a buzzword 💥
The pandemic has once again shown us how globalized and networked our world has become and what disadvantages this has for nature and biodiversity in particular. Nature and people have come too close and it is more important than ever to take a comprehensive approach to sustainability. Instead of superficial green washing, it is high time to tackle sustainability at all levels. Especially when it comes to gifts for employees and teams, this is not that difficult with a few tricks and can have a lasting ;-) positive effect on the working atmosphere.
#1 Questions: Less is often more ✌🏻
Whether sustainable employee gifts, merchandising or sustainable team events: ask your employees what they really want. After all, no (physical) gift is ultimately more sustainable than one that stands in the corner and is ultimately disposed of. In the case of company merchandising in particular, but also care packages or employee gifts, it makes sense to ask those who are to receive the gifts. The surprise may then be a little smaller, but let's be honest: word of this usually gets around anyway and the joy is all the greater afterwards when everyone gets the gifts they wanted. Almost like Christmas ;-) ! So use digital options such as Typeform, Menti etc. and ask your colleagues which sustainable gifts or activities they would really appreciate. By the way, it's worth not just asking the recipients. You should also look carefully when choosing your gifts. There are more and more "free riders" who use the sustainability boom and make themselves greener than they actually are with a little marketing. It is best to talk to potential gift providers directly about it, then you can quickly see whether everything is just "green smoke" or whether there is really something behind it.
#2 Tasting: Sustainable and fair snacking 😋
Of course, we cannot leave our own offer - sustainably produced, fair and fine chocolate - unmentioned at this point. Whether as a sustainableemployee gift or care package or even a team event : really good chocolate is always a good idea. And since these are naturally mostly vegan and alcohol-free, this type of gift is also suitable for a diverse workforce. In general, we find anyway: fine food, a restaurant voucher or a voucher for a local grocery box is always a good idea. Of course, the same applies here: if in doubt, ask your colleagues for their opinion. On the other hand, when it comes to food – especially fine chocolate ;-) – there is actually something for everyone. Here's a note on our own behalf: Don't be fooled by the "loud" marketing of some chocolate manufacturers. Wanting to be sustainable is not the same as actually being sustainable. If you are not sure about a chocolate supplier, please contact us. We are happy to advise you honestly, even with chocolate suppliers that we do not have in our range.
#3 Regrowth: Can be seeded 🌱
It doesn't matter whether it's trees on your own doorstep or as part of a global reforestation project . The appreciation of your employees does not always have to be expressed in the form of a physical gift. Similarly, your colleagues will probably be happy about a symbolic gift in the form of a tree or project sponsorship. But be careful: You should think carefully about the purpose of this gift beforehand. If it's a gift for employees, let them vote on it and don't exploit it for PR purposes, because then the gift could quickly backfire.
Whatever you decide to do, don't forget to give due credit for the handover. So you could have the gifts or vouchers delivered by a certain time and then everyone could come together. You can also organize a digital get-together in your home office. By the way, you can find out here how you can make this nice.
