As we come to the end of the year, it is important to express our thanks to our remote employees. This year has been particularly challenging, and many businesses have had to reorganize in order to accommodate remote working. We have put together a selection of the best Christmas gifts for remote employees, so you can show your appreciation without having to leave your home.
10 Gifts to Consider This Holiday Season for Telecommuters
Gifts at this time of year are a great way to demonstrate your appreciation for all that your team has achieved during the course of the year, regardless of whether your business is newly established or has been operating remotely for a long time.
Here are 10 Christmas gift ideas that are sure to “put a grin on their face,” as Joker would say on Batman.
An adorably crafted cup
Coffee is essential for remote workers, just as fuel is for a vehicle. Although this may be said in jest, it is true that starting the day without coffee can make a telecommuter feel completely deflated.
It is important not to make assumptions, however many people who work remotely enjoy hot drinks, so a personalized mug could make a great Christmas gift. Consider having mugs made with the company logo or a special message for each employee.
Even though we were all in various places, the personalized mugs from Works brought us all a little bit closer together.
A fantastic read
If any of your staff are avid readers, the holidays are an ideal time to offer them an excellent book. You could give them a book that will expand their knowledge, a piece of science fiction, or your personal favorite – the one you believe everyone should read at least once in their lifetime.
As 2023 has been labelled the ‘Year of Remote Working’, gifting them with a book about this topic would be a great way to provide them with the necessary tools to thrive in a digital environment.
If you are looking for a reference on telecommuting, Works‘ President Sharon Koifman’s acclaimed bestseller, ‘Surviving Remote Work’, is an ideal choice. With over 10 years of experience in both working and managing remote teams, Sharon’s book offers invaluable insight into the key aspects of remote working.
Slippers with serious oomph
There is a common misconception that remote employees may be less productive as they may choose to dress casually while working from home. However, this is not necessarily the case, as remote workers are just as capable of maintaining a professional attitude and level of productivity as those who work from a physical office.
There is a vast selection of slipper styles available. Dad slippers are one option, however, there are also slippers featuring cartoon characters, dinosaur feet, or references to popular culture.
Donation card
If you’re struggling to find suitable presents for remote workers, gift cards are a great option. With the diversity of preferences within your team, it can be hard to choose something that everyone will be happy with. Additionally, you may not have enough time to search for individual gifts.
Gift cards are an ideal solution in any situation. You can easily purchase gift cards to stores that you know your staff would enjoy. For example, if someone in your team has a sweet tooth, you could get them a gift card to a local chocolate shop. Alternatively, an Amazon gift card is also a great option.
Fitness Equipment
One of the most difficult aspects of working remotely is finding the time for regular exercise. Therefore, it is essential that your team have access to fitness equipment if you wish to stay active in 2023. Investing in a yoga ball, mat, or weights could be a great way to motivate your remote employees to maintain a healthy lifestyle in their own homes.
Remote workers can benefit from introducing video games and fitness gadgets into their day-to-day activities. The Remote Work Fit Challenge, founded by Sharon Koifman, provides a great way to have fun and stay fit simultaneously.
Home office equipment
As this has been a difficult year for many people, it may be challenging to purchase Christmas presents for the office. However, gifts need not be extravagant to show appreciation and gratitude. For remote workers, there are a range of cost-effective options available that can provide practical benefits to the workplace.
Studies have demonstrated that having plants in the office environment can potentially increase productivity by up to 15%. If staff members are not comfortable with caring for plants, gifting them with office equipment such as calendars, mini whiteboards, agenda notebooks and colored pencils may help to inspire them daily. Additionally, a mouse and mousepad could be useful additions to their home office.
Educational Membership
As an alternative to traditional Christmas gifts, why not consider buying members of your remote team a subscription to a learning resource? This could be something they have expressed an interest in, or something that would help them to be more effective in their role. Alternatively, you could subscribe them to a learning platform where they can study a topic of their own choice, such as the history of beer or how to brew it. Believe it or not, there are even classes that can teach you how to make your own beer at home!
It is now possible to access a wide range of courses through online education resources such as Udemy, Coursera and MasterClass, with the opportunity to gain certification.
Glass that prevents spills
Have you ever experienced a moment of panic when you have accidentally spilled coffee or water onto your laptop? Remote working is a popular option for many and it is commonplace for people to enjoy drinking something while working from home. However, one careless action can result in the need to purchase a new laptop. Fortunately, some portable computers can withstand minor spills.
Therefore, an anti-spill glass could be a suitable gift for remote employees this Christmas. This would allow them to enjoy their drinks without having to worry about spilling it on their computer.
Home office equipment
Having the right equipment for a home office is essential for remote working. This year, many employees were not adequately prepared with the necessary tools for working from home. Poor quality audio and visuals, such as a fuzzy camera in the background of video calls, and low-quality microphones can be distracting and disruptive during important meetings and conversations with colleagues.
Your team may already have some excellent home office equipment, but there is always more that could be beneficial to them. Investing in the right equipment could have a positive impact on posture, such as headphones, microphones, standing desks, and laptop stands.
Snack basket
Snacking is an important part of life. Having a selection of healthy snacks available can help to boost productivity and focus on important tasks. This could be anything from a bowl of peanuts, dried fruit, or even a box of chocolates.
The festive period is often characterized by a range of delicious, sweet treats. From gingerbread houses to Christmas cookies and minty beverages, there is plenty to enjoy. Moreover, on Christmas Day, the indulgence of these treats is excusable, since calories do not need to be counted.
Sending your remote staff out into 2024 with a gift basket full of their favorite snacks is a terrific way to show them you care.
The Preparation for the Year 2023
2023 has been a difficult year for many organizations, and their employees have worked hard amidst the circumstances. As the year draws to a close, Christmas presents can be a great way to show your appreciation for their efforts. Whether it be an iPad or a note of thanks, a thoughtful gesture will demonstrate your gratitude for all the hard work throughout the year.
As 2023 is fast approaching, now is the perfect time to ensure your organization is fully equipped with a strong team. We offer an extensive range of skilled remote employees, all of whom are knowledgeable in your company’s practices and culture. Furthermore, should you require top-tier remote IT talent, our remote recruitment agency can provide you with the qualified personnel you need within two weeks. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further advice or assistance.
