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Employee Engagement Program Checklist: Gifting and Swag

Written by Lilah W | Mar 13, 2025 6:09:49 PM

Creating an employee engagement program that incorporates gifting and swag can foster a positive workplace culture and boost morale. Here's our checklist to guide you through the process:

1. Define Program Objectives

☐ Identify the purpose of the employee engagement program (e.g., boost morale, celebrate milestones, improve retention).
☐ Set clear, measurable goals for the program (e.g., increase participation, enhance job satisfaction).

 

2. Employee Gifting Strategy

☐ Determine the types of occasions to gift employees (e.g., birthdays, work anniversaries, promotions, holidays, special achievements).
☐ Decide on the budget for gifting (consider frequency and number of recipients).
☐ Select gift categories:
☐ Personalized gifts (e.g., custom items with employee names or initials).
☐ Experience-based gifts (e.g., gift cards for experiences, meals, or activities).
☐ Practical gifts (e.g., tech gadgets, home office supplies).
☐ Sentimental gifts (e.g., framed photos, memory books).
☐ Establish a timeline for gift distribution (e.g., monthly, quarterly, annually).
☐ Set guidelines for inclusivity and fairness (ensure every employee is considered for gifting regardless of position).
☐ Communicate the gift program to employees (e.g., via email or company-wide announcement).

 

3. Swag Items Selection

☐ Identify types of swag to distribute (e.g., branded clothing, notebooks, water bottles, tote bags, tech accessories).
☐ Select high-quality, practical items that employees will actually use.
☐ Ensure swag items align with the company’s branding (logo, colors, tone).
☐ Plan for seasonal or event-based swag (e.g., swag for company events, conferences, or team-building activities).
☐ Consider eco-friendly options (e.g., sustainable products, reusable items).
☐ Evaluate vendors and suppliers for quality and reliability.
☐ Determine the quantity of swag items needed for the year.

 

4. Distribution and Delivery

☐ Choose the method of delivery for gifts and swag (e.g., mailed to employees' homes, handed out at events, delivered via office).
☐ Implement a system to track employee milestones and achievements to ensure gifts are sent at the right time.
☐ Personalize delivery (e.g., handwritten notes or customized packaging).
☐ Plan for remote or hybrid workers (ensure they are included in gifting and swag distribution).
☐ Ensure timely delivery of items.


5. Employee Engagement Communication

☐ Send pre-engagement communications to build anticipation for upcoming gifts or swag.
☐ Include regular updates about the program's success and impact (e.g., surveys, feedback).
☐ Encourage employees to share their gifting or swag experiences on social media (with company hashtags, if appropriate).
☐ Feature employees who have received gifts or swag in internal newsletters or on the intranet.

 

6. Feedback and Adjustments

☐ Create a feedback loop to gather input from employees about the gifts and swag they received (e.g., surveys, one-on-one check-ins).
☐ Assess employee satisfaction with the program to ensure it’s meeting its goals.
☐ Analyze the impact of gifting and swag on employee engagement and morale.
☐ Adjust the program based on feedback and employee needs.

 

7. Budgeting and Tracking

☐ Set a budget for gifting and swag throughout the year.
☐ Track expenses and ensure the program stays within the budget.
☐ Monitor the return on investment (ROI) for the employee engagement program.

 

8. Legal and Tax Considerations

☐ Review the tax implications of employee gifts (e.g., IRS gift limits).
☐ Ensure gifts are compliant with company policies and any relevant labor laws.
☐ Verify that the gifting or swag does not create any appearance of favoritism or bias.

 

9. Program Evaluation and Reporting

☐ Create a system to evaluate the overall success of the program regularly.
☐ Provide reporting on the program’s engagement levels, participation rates, and outcomes.
☐ Share insights with leadership and adjust as needed to optimize the program.

By following this checklist, you'll be able to create a well-rounded employee engagement program that integrates meaningful gifting and swag to help foster a positive, connected, and motivated workforce.