Acknowledging and recognizing employees for a job well done came into the forefront during the pandemic, as employers strove to keep employees engaged during challenging times of trying to balance work and home life while the world was shut down. Although many parts of the country are slowly getting back to normal, employee engagement will still be important as the nation’s future is still somewhat uncertain.
According to the Incentive Research Foundation’s (IRF’s) Industry Outlook for 2021: Merchandise and Gift Cards, this year’s vaccine rollout will “favorably impact the incentive market.” Most of the organizations surveyed reported that they would change their incentive strategy over the next several months if vaccines are successfully distributed. As a result, the latter half of 2021 could result in companies investing more in awards and recognition—especially if there is a strong economic recovery. Fortunately, this news is more optimistic than expected, with employee recognition program budgets increasing as employers continue to hold their employees’ efforts in high regard.
Rustico’s Melissa Ercanbrack finds that its customers like to recognize others by giving them a high-end, handmade leather gift. “This is where Rustico shines,” she enthuses. “Some top products are our journals, notebooks, padfolios, and Dopp kits. These products are high-end and make for an impressive presentation. We are able to add a logo and/or name personalization, so that helps to make the product more personal. Products used for award and recognition purposes are among the top requested.”
Orders for employee recognition products have been more frequent, though lower in number, Jay Donlin at J. Charles notes. “We believe this is due to companies acknowledging employee contributions more frequently versus on a quarterly or annual basis,” he explains. “This may point to keeping ‘at home workers’ connected and the realization that positive reinforcement should be given as often as possible.” Kitting awards with other promotional items has also been an ongoing trend, he adds, noting that demand is high although the supply chain continues to pose a challenge.
Suppliers agree that quality, customized awards are where it’s at when it comes to recognizing employees’ contributions in the workplace. Among the new products at Rustico are a gratitude journal, larger planner, and updated photo albums, with the larger planner the current top seller, Ercanbrack maintains. The planner has an analog calendar can be started on any day of the week because the user fills in the dates and months. It is not specific to any year, making it perfect to pick up at any time; and is designed to help employees stay on top of their monthly calendar, daily appointments, and tasks.
Over at J. Charles, customized awards that promote the company’s brand, barware, and other utilitarian business gifts are hot in this segment of the market, according to Donlin. The company’s new Traveler drinkware series is highly customizable, featuring four-color, high-resolution printing and a coated stock that is pleasing to touch, Donlin adds.
Suggesting awards to clients requires a different approach, Donlin maintains. “Rather than asking your contacts if they buy awards, ask them what they doing to keep their employees engaged, or how are they showing appreciation to their workers?” he remarks. “You may also ask what their approach is for attracting top talent and how they retain their best employees.”
Samples sell, Rustico’s Ercanbrack affirms. “Ordering a sample helps customers easily see the quality and craftsmanship of our products,” she says. “Experiencing quality leather involves nearly all of the senses, so getting these products in the hands of prospective clients can be key. We are also able to create a virtual mock-up which allows customers to see an approximation of their logo on one of our items.”
Selecting beautiful products with superior quality that go beyond the typical promotional items is a sure-fire way for employers to acknowledge that although their employees have faced unforeseen demands and challenges, they continue to persevere—and perform!