Most employees look forward to December for two reasons – their year-end holiday and bonuses. Randstad’s bonus expectation survey this year revealed that more than eight in 10 employees in Singapore want bonuses. But for cash-strapped companies, it could be difficult to meet these bonus expectations.
If your budget is too low to give meaningful bonuses, you may be glad to know that the market is reflecting the same sentiments. Civil servants are getting a year-end bonus of 1 month in addition to the usual 13th month bonus.
For companies with limited budgets, another way to show appreciation could be a year-end present. Unlike bonuses, you can put in your own personalised thoughts and allow yourself to demonstrate just how much (or how little) you know your staff.
Only a few among us are naturally great at gifts, so for the rest, here are some Christmas gift ideas for your employees to celebrate another year in the books. Prices are accurate as of writing and may be subjected to change. Do check the retailer’s site for the latest prices.
Even if you are already giving your employees a good bonus, there is nothing to also stop you from giving them some of the great Christmas gifts below.
# 1 Airpods Pro
You can’t buy loyalty, but you can buy an Airpods Pro. These bestselling wireless headphones are so popular that Apple is doubling its production to meet surging demand. Released in October this year, Apple’s newest buds will make a timely gift for your employee, especially for Apple fans. With active noise cancellation feature, it’ll also help them drown out their co-workers (or you) in the office which is perfect if you have an open concept office.
Retailing at $379 on apple.com/sg
# 2 Wireless Charging Pad
For the tech enthusiast on your team, the Mophie wireless charging pad is a gift that’s guaranteed to impress. If your employee owns multiple Apple devices – namely, an iPhone, an Apple Watch and AirPods – this is a gorgeous three-device charging station that will get them all juiced up at the same time.
Retailing at $219 on apple.com/sg
# 3 Robot Vacuum
Help your employee keep their homes squeaky clean with a Eufy RoboVac 11S. It is a quick and nimble model that cleans every nook of the house. A robot vacuum might not be the first thing that pops in your mind as a Christmas gift, but keeping things clean and organised at home makes of healthier employees. So if you know of an employee who is moving into a new home, a robot vacuum would make a great Christmas/housewarming gift.
Retailing at $209 on ankersingapore.com
# 4 Fitness Pass
(Source: ClassPass)
There’s always someone in the office talking about getting fit. A one-month fitness pass is a great way to help get someone started on their fitness goals. Your employee gets to visit new studios and try out boutique fitness workouts each week before deciding to commit long-term. It will probably tie in neatly with their New Year’s resolutions too! Let their new fitness world be their oyster with a gift of a fitness membership from ClassPass.
Prices vary from $19 to $315 for ClassPass, and $129 for KFIT.
Read Also: Fitness Pass VS Fitness Packages – Guide To Choosing The Right Options For Working Adults
# 5 Food Membership
Every self-proclaimed foodie will need this. The membership allows users to enjoy 1-for-1 deals across various food establishments. Fork out for their annual fee and they’ll think of you every time they dine at one of the partner restaurants. You can purchase a one-year Burpple Beyond or the Entertainer plan for the foodies on your team. As an added incentive, this may even encourage team bonding among colleagues.
Prices begin at $49/year for Burpple Beyond and $95/year for the Entertainer
# 6 Streaming Subscription
(Source: Netflix)
Netflix is not a hobby. But in this era of binge-watching TV, it can come incredibly close. Apart from Netflix, you can consider Amazon Prime Video or HBO Go. The decision to grant your employee’s addiction is entirely yours, but a one-year TV streaming subscription is a crowd-pleasing gift for sure. Plus, it serves great conversation fodder around the water cooler or over lunch, allowing your employees to get to know each other more.
Rates start from $12.98/month on Netflix, $2.99/month on Amazon and 9.99/month on HBO Go.
# 7 Coffee Machine
(Source: Nespresso)
Many of your employees rely on coffee to get through the day. This would make it easy for you to spot who are the coffee addicts lovers in your company. Consider giving these workers an Essenza Mini so they can get their coffee fix at home. It is simple, speedy and easy to use, serving your employee an espresso-like beverage in a matter of minutes. As we know, caffeine is a mildly addictive drug. Maybe that will work in your favour and win some brownie points.
Retailing at $168 on nespresso.com
# 8 Paid Time Off
At your own risk, here’s our last gift suggestion. Giving paid time off for your employees as the year winds down can be a great way to reward the team. It’s been a hectic year, so end it on a good note and give your employees a good, well-deserved break.
Read Also: Here’s Why Small Businesses In Singapore Need To Care About Employee Retention
Bonuses are not the only way to reward your employees. A thoughtful gift reflects your appreciation and recognises a job well done. Personalise your Christmas gifts and it’ll strengthen your relationships with employees over time.
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