Best Ideas for Wellness Gifts for Employees

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With stress levels at an all-time high, it is more important now than ever to encourage self-care and wellness. Not only should wellness be encouraged at home, but it should also be encouraged at work, too. Wellness gifts for employees encourage self-care and they are also a great way to promote healthy habits in the workplace.

One of the best ways to show employees that you truly care is by incorporating thoughtful gifts that show that you have the employees’ well-being at heart. Employee wellness gifts will have a positive impact on the office and could possibly boost workplace morale.

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Wellness gifts for employees.

Should bosses give gifts to employees?

Opinions may differ when it comes to the appropriateness of employers giving gifts to employees. Of course, my first suggestion is to check your company’s gift-giving policies to make sure you are in compliance before giving gifts to employees. Indeed for Employers states that most companies find it acceptable for employers to give gifts to employees around the holidays, for work anniversaries, and for exceptional achievements.

Most employers give gifts to their employees on these occasions:

  • birthdays
  • during a holiday season
  • work anniversaries
  • special achievements

Employers should never feel obligated to give gifts and it is probably a good idea for employees to refrain from giving gifts to their bosses.

white gift box tied with red ribbon.

Do employees appreciate gifts?

According to Human Resource Executive, 54% of employees would be more likely to stay at their jobs if their employers showed them more appreciation. One of the most common ways to show appreciation and boost employee morale is to give gifts at appropriate times. Furthermore, employees tend to be happier when their workplace values employees’ well-being.

Gifts are a great way to show thanks. In general, people like to feel appreciated and recognized for the work they do. If you polled a group of employees, I would be willing to bet that gifts make them feel appreciated. But, it’s important to be thoughtful when selecting gifts. The phrase, “It’s the thought that counts” is not a pass to purchase any old meaningless gift. The right gift can make an employee feel appreciated and can also be a great motivator.

employees at party.

In addition to making employees feel appreciated, gifts can also

  • improve relationships
  • show thoughtfulness and concern
  • bring joy to the receiver
  • motivate employees to work harder for the company
  • make employees feel noticed
exchanging gifts at work.

What is a good wellness gift for employees?

The best wellness gifts are those that encourage the recipient to focus on his mental health and/or physical health. Though work-life balance is difficult (or maybe even impossible) to achieve, the perfect gift is one that encourages healthy behaviors.

Here are some great wellness gifts that you can consider the next time you are looking for something for a special occasion. These options go beyond stress balls and face masks to help your employee work towards a healthy lifestyle:

Pro Tip: Make sure you spend some time thinking about things like personal needs when you’re deciding what to give. You want to give the person a unique gift, but you also want to make sure it is something useful for them.

Essential oil diffuser

Essential oil diffusers are great gifts because the recipient can choose the types of oils they want to add to the diffuser. There are so many options available for oils that have calming properties, making them one of the most unique wellness gifts.

Reusable water bottle

There are countless benefits to drinking water and staying hydrated. But, when you are busy being productive at work it is not always convenient to make multiple trips to the water fountain. A nice reusable water bottle is a great gift. You can take the extra step to have it personalized for that added touch.

gift card with a bow wrapped around it.

Gift cards

If you have several individual gifts to buy, gift cards might be a good option. That way, recipients are able to purchase something they really like. It may also keep employees from comparing gifts.

box with soaps and oils for wellness.

Wellness boxes

Wellness boxes make great corporate gifts. You can create customized wellness boxes or you can purchase ones that are already made. In the box, you can add items that will help your team member take good care of themselves. Lotions, candles, sleep masks, teas, and other items that promote self-care are great options to include in wellness gift boxes.

the word mindfulness magnified with magnifying glass.

Mindfulness cards

Stressful office settings rarely leave time for employees to practice mindfulness. News in Health cites practicing mindfulness as a way to manage stress and reduce anxiety and depression. A set of mindfulness cards is one of my favorite wellness gift ideas because it may introduce someone to a new practice that has the potential to be very beneficial for their mental health.

Self-Care box

Give your employees the gift of self-care with a self-care box. There are various options available. Filled with times to promote health and wellness, a self care box will definitely send the message to prioritize your overall well-being.

Books

If you have a book-loving employee, you could gift them some books or a book (or audiobook) subscription. Reading is a great form of self care and is a very relaxing, especially for someone who enjoys reading. If you are not sure what types of book to purchase, you can’t go wrong with a gift card to a local bookstore.

More ideas for a great corporate wellness gift

Gifts that promote healthy living are a good idea if you are trying to send the message of health and wellness. Here are some examples of gifts that put employee health at the forefront:

Acupressure mat and pillow set

Back and neck massager

Yoga mat

Spa gift card

Wellness journal

Weighted blanket

White noise machine

Fitness tracker

What are some other things employers can do to promote employee well-being?

If gift-giving is against company policy, there are other things employers can do to show appreciation to employees and to promote employee wellbeing. Here are some things that can go a long way with employees.

  • Find ways to promote physical activity. Purchase a standing office desk for employees who sit at a desk all day.
  • Promote healthy eating. Make healthy options available in the cafeteria and in vending machines.
  • Offer opportunities for employees to learn new skills.
  • Motivate workers with wellness incentives.
  • Enlist experts to help employees with their financial health.
  • Start corporate wellness programs.

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