Giving Great Gift Baskets
Has anyone considered why we like giving so much
? Well, psychologists would have us believe that we want to be liked, to be appreciated, to be wanted etc but when it comes down to corporate gift giving, does that really apply?
The easy answer is yes, in a way. A lot of companies will decide on a policy for gift giving long before they decide on what to give as the gift. Indeed, the custom to give out gifts, to clients as a reward, to workers as a thank-you, or to new mothers and dads, is not a new phenomenon. It has been going on now for many years. What has changed is the type and cost of gift giving.
Many companies will build in a percentage to their end price to cover sweeteners or corporate gift giving programs. This has evolved into a whole raft of ideas on what to give to whom and when. It goes without saying that gifts are not normally given when contracts are up for bidding or tender. This would be frowned upon by the world at large and would bring the ethics of the company into question. However, in a structured, gift giving policy, many people look forward to these freebies and it forms an integral part of the work ethic.
Consider that you have a choice to work for two different companies. Both have about the same opportunities, the same benefits and salary and both are about the same commuting distance from your residence. Which one would you choose? All things being equal you would probably go for the company that has these extras that will benefit you and/or your family in the long run. That is just human nature because we all like free things.
Many companies will have a structured sliding scale of gifts and ideas, including cost, to be awarded at given time throughout the year or work span. We have all heard of the ubiquitous gold watch gift at the end of 25 years service or on retirement. This has always rankled with some because retirement is the very time when we all want to stop watching the clock! Executives will earn more points and will normally get the more expensive gift whereas shop floor workers are more prone to get the birthday or new baby gifts. Longevity of service will also attract more expensive gifts and this serves as a loyalty plan for many workers.
If the company chooses to give
gift baskets, these will also differ in content and cost. The lower echelons may receive cookie baskets, new baby baskets containing several items that are indispensable for the new born, some even contain a small soft toy and/or a layette with the babys name embroidered on it candy baskets and the like. Executive gift baskets are more likely to include gourmet foods like fine wine, pts, exotic nuts, champagne, hand made chocolates and such. Smoked salmon, or wonderful cheeses and caviar are also a firm favorite here and most executives really look forward to this exceptional treat.
Gift baskets do not have to contain edibles or alcohol. Many politically correct companies now have a policy of not giving gifts that can encourage bad habits like obesity or alcoholism etc. After all, diabetics may not want the world to know of their condition and to send them a candy basket would be a terrible blunder. Instead, many baskets come overflowing with candles, scented or unscented, bath accessories like loofahs, body scrubs, bubble bath lotion, body lotion and all kinds of skin care products. Many will be wise enough to get all non-allergenic goods to save any embarrassment or misunderstanding.
This kind of basket can also be upgraded for the executive. More expensive, select style lotions can be used and with an addition of a monogrammed bathrobe and/or slippers from a high end store will be most acceptable to most. For the really senior level management weekend breaks at health farm retreats or spas would be the crowning touch. These can be added after the purchase of the baskets and tucked in before delivery. In this way the venue befitting the executive, or client come to that, can be chosen for the right impact.
Some companies will choose to give out
gift baskets at certain high days and holidays throughout the year. Halloween, Christmas, Thanksgiving etc all get everyone in the party or gathering mood. Office baskets are sometimes chosen to gift the typing pool, for example, and contain enough goods to allow the whole office to have a great party.
Yet other companies will, with the aid of perhaps the Sales or Human Resources Departments, make up their own baskets on site. If this avenue is taken it will allow the company to personalize the baskets for special employees. However, many like the thought of a gift being delivered direct from another company (those who make a business out of preparing such gifts) much like a florist will deliver a bouquet of flowers. The surprise and enjoyment may be diminished if the gift is expected and is being made up on site.
Clients, too, will enjoy receiving loyalty rewards when they use a company over an extended period. Although many will not have an objection to this, beware the timing of such gifts as noted earlier. Also consider the value of the gift. Many corporations will not allow gifts over a certain value for obvious reasons and a good PR employee will be able to get this information from the company about to be gifted.
It is also not a good idea to give an executive of another company anything with your logo stamped on it (unless it is very discreet) as this will cheapen the gift and make it look like you are sneaking free advertising into the very heart of the other company. A gift from one executive to another should avoid logos of any kind and could reflect the favorite sport or pastime of the other to show that the gift was well thought out.
by: jasmin
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