Practical, creative, and people-first strategies to keep your best talent in 2025.
Keeping great employees isn’t easy anymore. In today’s competitive job market, loyalty doesn’t just come from salaries—it comes from recognition. According to Gallup, companies with strong recognition programs see 31% lower turnover.
But here’s the catch: generic swag doesn’t work. Nobody gets excited about another branded mug. What employees truly value are personalized, thoughtful gifts that show you know and appreciate them as individuals.
At Delikate Matgaver, we’ve seen firsthand how the right gifts can strengthen retention and transform workplace culture. Here are five proven ways to make appreciation meaningful.
Would you rather receive a one-size-fits-all hoodie or the freedom to choose something you actually want? Employees think the same way.
Why It Works:
Empowers employees with autonomy
Works across hybrid and global teams
Scales easily, from 10 to 10,000 employees
Gift Card Categories Employees Love:
Shopping: IKEA, Zalando, Amazon
Dining: Uber Eats, Just Eat, local cafés
Wellness: spa vouchers, fitness apps
Learning: Udemy, LinkedIn Learning
👉 A fintech in Oslo launched quarterly “choose-your-own” cards. Within one year, voluntary turnover dropped by 15%.
Tangible gifts fade—but shared experiences create memories employees treasure.
Examples That Resonate:
Outdoor: hiking trips, ski passes, escape rooms
Culture: theater tickets, concerts, art workshops
Wellness: yoga retreats, spa packages
Learning: photography or cooking classes
👉 A law firm that offered staff either a family day at an amusement park or a wine tasting reported higher referrals the following quarter.
The WHO estimates depression and anxiety cost $1 trillion annually in lost productivity. Gifts that support wellbeing show employees that their health matters.
Effective Options Include:
Fitness memberships or wellness stipends
Ergonomic home office gear
Meditation app subscriptions (Calm, Headspace)
Curated gift boxes (teas, healthy snacks, candles)
👉 A healthcare provider added monthly wellness perks. In six months, absenteeism dropped 12%.
Here’s a fact: 94% of employees would stay longer if their employer invested in development (LinkedIn). Recognition doesn’t always mean physical gifts—sometimes growth is the greatest gift of all.
Smart Approaches:
Annual learning stipends (€500–€1,500)
Sponsored certifications and courses
Conference tickets
Access to leadership and language training
👉 A Stockholm tech company funded engineers’ certifications. Not only did retention improve, but client satisfaction scores also rose.
Employees want their journey recognized—not just their results. Celebrating anniversaries, first wins, and promotions reinforces loyalty.
Milestone Gift Ideas:
Personalized keepsakes (plaques, engraved pens)
Premium experiences (travel vouchers, luxury dining)
Extra vacation time
Tech upgrades
👉 A retail brand that rewarded 5-year anniversaries with an extra week of vacation nearly doubled retention past the 5-year mark.
Q1: Do employee gifts really help retention?
Yes. Recognition-focused companies see 31% lower turnover (Gallup).
Q2: What’s a good budget for gifts?
Most companies spend $50–$500 per employee annually, depending on industry and margins.
Q3: What gifts work best for remote teams?
Digital-first options like e-cards, virtual workshops, and ergonomic home office tools.
Q4: How do I avoid generic gifts?
Offer choice-based systems (gift catalogs or stipends) rather than one-size-fits-all swag.
Q5: How can I measure ROI?
Track retention, survey satisfaction, and compare turnover costs vs. your gifting investment.
At Delikate Matgaver, we specialize in corporate gifting that’s personal, memorable, and retention-driven. From gourmet hampers to custom-designed appreciation programs, we help companies go beyond “thank you” and build loyalty that lasts.
📞 +47 47234576
📩 salg@delikatematgaver.no
👉 Don’t wait for turnover to cost your business—let us help you design a gifting strategy that keeps your best people inspired and engaged.