5 Languages Spotlight: Gifts
When asked to compare the various Languages of Appreciation in importance to them, employees overwhelmingly don’t choose tangible rewards as the primary way they want to be shown appreciation. In fact, only 6% of employees identify tangible gifts as their primary language of appreciation. To look at the issue from the opposite perspective, employees choose tangible gifts as their least valued way to be shown appreciation almost 70% of the time.
Why is this important to know? For two reasons. First, most employee recognition programs emphasize giving gifts as a reward for achieving goals. While there is obviously nothing inherently wrong about this, companies end up wasting millions of dollars giving gifts to employees that aren’t want and do little to improve performance. Secondly, giving gifts without showing appreciation in the ways employees desire actually creates a negative reaction. I have had numerous people say to me, “If no one ever says anything positive about the work I do; if they don’t stop by and see how I am doing; or they never help me when I could use some assistance, then a gift feels pretty superficial – especially if it doesn’t cost them anything!”
However, the fact remains that there are a number of people we work with who still value receiving gifts as an expression of appreciation. If we totally remove gift-giving from our repertoire of interacting with others, then we risk not communicating appreciation or encouragement in ways that are meaningful to these team members. As a result, our words of affirmation, spending time with them, or helping them out on projects will not really meet the need they feel to be valued.
GIFTS: THE WHO AND THE WHAT
There are two key components necessary for tangible rewards to be truly encouraging to those who receive them:
First, you need to give gifts primarily to those individuals who appreciate them. If receiving gifts is the least important language of appreciation to an employee, then you will be far better off to speak their primary appreciation language. While a gift is extremely important to some individuals, it provides very little affirmation to others. (Note: many people who like to give gifts do not necessarily like to receive gifts as an act of appreciation.)
The second key component for an effective expression of appreciation through tangible gifts is: You must give a gift the person values. Tickets for specific experiences – music, sports, theater – are a popular choice among this group. But you have to match the gift to the recipient who will appreciate it. Take the time to get to know your employees and co-workers and what interests them. Dave will feel appreciated when you give him tickets to see his favorite band in concert and football fan Kathy will always remember that you got her tickets to see her favorite team.
Giving the right gift to a person who appreciates tangible rewards can send a powerful message of thanks, appreciation, and encouragement. The challenge of giving the correct gift to the right person is a primary reason why many employers no longer give gifts for Christmas, for work anniversaries, or birthdays.
MORE THAN A MUG
The language of Tangible Gifts is an excellent example of the saying “it is the thought that counts.” To individuals who feel valued by receiving a gift, a key factor is that you took time to think about what they would like. Those who do not understand the true spirit of gift giving often miss the mark in their attempts to give gifts to others. They fail to understand that it is not solely receiving a gift that matters. Rather, it’s only effective when the gift shows that the giver has spent time and energy thinking about the gift. They have answered the questions, “What would this person enjoy? What are their interests? What would make them feel special and appreciated?”
Thoughtless gifts—those gifts bought hastily in response to tradition or a feeling of obligation—with no real personal investment of time or reflection not only miss the mark but also communicate a negative message. The gift seems to be a perfunctory act and not a real expression of appreciation.
The key to successful gift giving is to get to know the person. Over time, take note of those activities that your co-workers like to do in their spare time. This will give you a good indication of their interests and places they like to go for fun. See if they enjoy watching sports (and which teams), or what their leisure activities are, and what magazines they read. Also listen (and even inquire) about where they like to go out for dinner or for dessert. With this information, you are far more likely to give a gift that your employee would appreciate.
When we talk about tangible gifts as a means of showing appreciation to coworkers, it is important to clarify that a gift does not always mean a “thing.” In fact, more often than not, the gifts that people appreciate fall in the category of “experiences” rather than things. These types of gifts include:
- Tickets to college or professional sporting events
- Gift cards to restaurants, coffeeshops, or ice cream parlors
- Tickets to cultural events (theater, major art exhibit, the symphony, botanical gardens)
- Recreational activities (bowling, laser tag, ice skating, paintball)
- Certificates to a spa, for a manicure, or a free round of golf at the local country club
- Gift cards to a housewares or sporting goods store, bookstore, or iTunes
Consider adding a hand-written note along with the gift as a way to further personalize your appreciation and deepen its impact.
AN ASIDE: “TIME OFF” AS A GIFT
One question we are frequently asked is: “Which language of appreciation is ‘time off’ an example of – Quality Time or a Tangible Gift?” This question is more likely to come from younger workers – or those who supervise them — since this group places a high value on free time. “Time off” (for example, being given the privilege of leaving work early when a large project is completed) seems to fit best within the category of a benefit they receive. It is a gift. The focus of Quality Time is feeling valued when you get to spend time with colleagues important to you.
Conclusion
Remember, make sure you are giving gifts to those who appreciate them. And make sure you are giving a gift that that person values. Don’t worry about how much it costs. But be sure and put some thought into the gift, and the return on your investment will multiply in its positive impact on your colleague.
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Categories 5 Languages of Appreciation, Appreciation, Business/Leadership, Gifts, Managing By Appreciation, Recognition, Tangible Gifts, Workplace Culture
