Sustainable Gifts for Employee Recognition and Appreciation

Employee recognition gifts are critical to fostering a positive work culture and boosting employee morale, no matter where your employees work. Whether your team works in the office, in a hybrid model, or is spread out remotely around the globe, personalized, organizations must show appreciation to promote their employees' well-being.

But when it comes to showing authentic appreciation, generic gift cards and automated email messages are over. Instead of generic gifts that may have limited impact, organizations are now turning to personalized gifts — like sustainable gifts — that align with their employees’ values.

Organizations can make thoughtful and sustainable choices for corporate gifts in many creative ways. These gifts align with your sustainability goals while expressing gratitude towards your employees. Get ready to discover six unique and eco-friendly gift ideas for employee recognition that show appreciation and contribute to a greener future.

What does sustainability mean?

Sustainability refers to a way of living and doing business that cares for our planet, communities, and future generations. It's about balancing our needs today and preserving resources for future generations. 

Sustainability means being mindful of our environmental impact, reducing our carbon footprint, conserving natural resources, promoting social equity, and embracing ethical business practices. For example, our team uses carbon-neutral packaging to reduce our carbon footprint for our gift boxes. We also work to find local suppliers to reduce the carbon used to ship products for gift boxes.

Sustainable gifts can be:

• Gifts made from recycled or repurposed materials

• Locally-sourced gifts (also a great way to support small businesses)

• Zero-waste gifts where the packaging is also usable

Let's dive into the world of sustainable gifts for employee recognition and appreciation!

Why do employees care about sustainability?

Employees care about working for an employer who takes sustainability seriously. In 2020, a Reuters survey reported that 65% of employees would be likelier to work for a business with “strong environmental policies.” 

What’s driving this? Employees — especially those in Generation Z — are increasingly seeking meaning and purpose in their work. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves, and contributing to a sustainable future aligns with their values. When employees see their organization actively taking steps towards sustainability, it can create a sense of purpose and pride in their work, increasing engagement and motivation.

Sustainability is closely linked to environmental and social well-being. But it’s not enough for workplaces to only discuss sustainability—they must implement change too. By embracing sustainability in the workplace, organizations can tap into the values and motivations of their employees, creating a more engaged, purpose-driven, and loyal workforce. 

6 sustainable gift ideas

1. Reusable cutlery - Reusable cutlery is a fantastic gift idea for employees because it promotes sustainability by reducing single-use plastic waste in the workplace. It also encourages a healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle while saving money on that awful plastic disposable cutlery that clogs your drawers.

2. Reusable coffee cups - These are a practical and eco-friendly solution to reduce single-use plastic waste from disposable coffee cups. They’re also an opportunity to showcase your brand through customization.

3. Recycled journals and notebooks - Recycled journals and notebooks are a thoughtful gift for employees as they promote sustainability by using recycled materials, supporting eco-friendly practices and encouraging employees to embrace a greener mindset in their daily lives and work routines. 

4. Metal straws  - Even though we know it’s the right thing to do, none of us like paper straws. They start breaking down before you’ve had your first sip! A great alternative is reusable metal straws. Metal straws are durable, long-lasting, and can be safer. Even better, metal straws can be recycled at the end of their lifespan, reducing their environmental impact.

5. Fairtrade coffee - Fairtrade coffee is certified under the Fairtrade International system. It’s a double bonus gift. On the one hand, you’re promoting sustainable farming. On the other, you are helping promote social justice by ensuring safe and fair working conditions for coffee farmers and workers and supporting community development projects that benefit coffee-growing communities.

6. Seeds - One of our favourite sustainable items to include in gift boxes are greeting and celebration cards from Gift-A-Green! These cards are biodegradable and include seeds to grow microgreens at home or in the office.

Whether you are a business owner, a human resources professional, or a team leader, today is the day to start your eco-friendly employee recognition program!