MERIDIAN NEWS

Small Gifts, Big Impact: Why Employee Appreciation Matters

April 10, 2025

Showing Your Team Love—Every Day

Employee appreciation isn’t just a one-time event—it’s an ongoing investment in your team’s success. When employees feel valued, they’re more engaged, productive, and loyal to their workplace. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to show recognition is through thoughtful promotional gifts that leave a lasting impression.

Research shows that employees who receive regular recognition, including gifts, are 7X more likely to stay with their employer for another year (Source: PPAI). That’s the power of appreciation.

The Power of Promotional Products in Employee Recognition

While verbal praise and company-wide shoutouts are great, tangible appreciation takes recognition a step further. Promotional products provide employees with a physical reminder of their value to the company, reinforcing engagement long after the initial gesture.

Here’s why recognition through promotional gifts works:

Boosts morale – Employees who feel valued are more engaged and motivated.
Increases retention – Recognized employees are more likely to stay.
Strengthens team culture – A shared sense of belonging improves workplace relationships.

Companies that integrate promotional products into their recognition programs see a 14% increase in employee productivity (Source: PPAI). A small gift truly makes a big impact.

What Appreciation Gifts Do Employees Love?

Not all gifts are created equal—choosing the right items can make all the difference. According to industry research, here are the top employee appreciation gifts that make a lasting impression:

•  Branded Apparel85% of recipients remember the company that gave them branded clothing (Source: Promotional Products Work).
•  Drinkware90% of consumers own a branded mug, tumbler, or water bottle (Source: Promotional Products Work).
•  Tech AccessoriesWireless chargers, power banks, and speakers are top choices for Gen Z & Millennial employees (Source: ASI).

These products aren’t just gifts—they’re daily-use items that keep appreciation top of mind, strengthening the connection between employees and their workplace.

The Lasting Impact of Employee Appreciation

70% of employees keep promotional products for over a year, making them a long-term reminder of recognition (Source: PPAI). The longer they use these items, the more they associate them with positive workplace experiences.

Employee appreciation doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple, well-chosen gift can go a long way in reinforcing a culture of gratitude and keeping teams motivated.

Ready to Strengthen Your Workplace Culture?

A little appreciation goes a long way—make recognition part of your company’s everyday culture. Contact us today to find the perfect appreciation gifts for your team!

Get in touch with us today at hello@meridian-direct.com. 

Sources:

📍 PPAI – “Let’s Hear It for the Team”
📍 Promotional Products Work – “The Effectiveness of Promotional Products”
📍 ASI (Advertising Specialty Institute) – “State of the Industry Report”

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