Personalised & digital gifting gain precedence for corporate gifting this year

Corporate gifting is on the rise, as 50% of the businesses say that they plan to increase the frequency of their gift giving post COVID-19. This was revealed in a study by eYantra Industries on Corporate Gifting Trends Report, 2021.

The study found that the new generation workforce eagerly awaits personalised gifts from their employers. Around 83.7% of employees prefer a personalised gift, curated as per their needs and interests, where 48% of employers would like to cater to it with custom brand merchandise to maintain uniformity. The rise in personalised gifting at workplaces compels brands to switch to a uniform way of gifting with brand merchandise.

Moreover, with the boom in technology, the corporate workforce has shown a strong inclination towards digital gifting. That said, around 70% organisations, including 38% traditional businesses, have already transformed to a digitised gifting pattern. A digitised workplace contributes to an improved productivity, collaboration and enhanced employee experience, amongst others.

Companies are looking at newer optionsin the way of corporate gifting while still maintaining social distancing. While sweets and chocolates form the most common gifting item, but today there are other options available from many e-commerce brands who have created special gift coupons and gift vouchers and git hampers for the corporates.

Mayank Shah, Senior Category Head at Parle Products, observed, “The overall scenario is much better as far as corporate gifting and our gift range are concerned. Especially after the second lockdown, the markets opened and the percentage of vaccinated people went on increasing – these factors largely contributed to making people feel more confident today about returning back to work and physically visiting the markets. The initial response that we have seen in terms of sales and traction for corporate gifting has been phenomenal with a growth of almost 30-35% as compared to last year. To add, the consumer response has been better than the pre-COVID-19 times, that is, Diwali 2019, so we are expecting further growth this year.”

Dr Mahesh Gupta, Chairman, Kent RO Systems Ltd, remarked, “Over the last decade, companies and businesses have come to understand and value the power of Employee Engagement and Brand Building. This has certainly led to the surge in demand for customised corporate gifts and merchandise. However, in the last year, as companies struggled to survive the impact of COVID-19 on the economy, corporate gifting took a backseat. However, this year, it is surely back on track but there in a slight twist.”

Dr Gupta noted that with positive lifestyle choices becoming the new normal, the gifting focus is now on sustainability and healthy living, as corporate, including start-ups, endeavour to send a positive message with each such gift. “Moreover, for most companies, corporate gifting is a routine cost of doing business. It is used to recognise employees and strengthen relationships with clients or partners. And our products make an ideal choice to fill this gap,” he added.

Also, with the majority of the workforce still continuing to work from home, a well-chosen gift is a way to keep employees connected and reward them for work performance.

Pee Safe has received good response and inquiries for corporate gifting as compared to last year. Commenting on the same, Vikas Bagaria, Founder and CEO, Pee Safe, said, “At Pee Safe brand, we have recently introduced essential oils and more personal care products. These products have been specially curated with a blend of unique and sensational ingredients that have proven to be the best fit for your needs and are the most frequently requested. Numerous requests and inquiries have come from corporations and personal connections for personal care products, particularly the Miniature Kit, which was recently launched under FURR By Pee Safe. This attractive kit contains various types of body oils and a shower gel that are specially packed together in miniature versions, which makes a perfect gift of any occasion.”