Living Green Incentive Gift Ideas for Employees

Motivating with Green Gifts

• According to the Chief Marketer Network, 85 percent of employees who work in firms that use company-driven incentive programs say they feel more valued. Sixty-five percent are more loyal to their companies than employees in non-incentive jobs, and 60 percent get better results. One third of office workers in companies with no incentive programs say they'd put in an extra work week a year if their company would implement programs like these.

  Those metrics speak to employee desires to find motivation and meaning in the workplace. A company that implements green initiatives at the same time sends the message that they care for the health of their employees and the environment. To get the best results, choose to reward the behaviors that best improve office efficiency and sales figures. Pick a reward structure that engages your employees; and make sure the program is available at all levels of corporate culture.

Green Gift Ideas

• Some green incentive options won't offer physical gifts at all -- and the lack of wrapping, paper records or accumulating "stuff" is green in and of itself. Intangible green gifts can include stock options or lump-sum bonuses. When properly implemented to avoid pitfalls, these possibilities can encourage employees to high productivity levels, according to Forbes magazine. For concrete incentives that impart a green ethic, consider options in a range of prices from "green" body lotions or reusable bags to more expensive incentives like solar chargers for cell phones and computers, "eco" cleaning kits, biodegradable phone cases (yes, they exist), or even luxury vacations at "green" resorts. Some green businesses specialize in environmentally friendly office supplies at a range of price points that make excellent green gift options.

Wrapping and Presentation Ideas

• If you choose to use gift wrap, opt for an environmentally sound option that can either be re-used or that is obviously biodegradable, like classic brown paper. Avoid products boxed in excess packaging or plastic. For corporate settings, keep things simple -- and avoid any hint of religious overtones, especially around the holidays, unless you are certain of your employees' religious preferences and can package incentive gifts accordingly. Consider presenting gifts in an open format like a gift basket to maximize appeal and minimize disposable packing materials that will wind up in a landfill.

How to Make It Matter

• Instead of simply choosing incentive gifts, consider a points program. Let employees earn points for reaching particular goals or quotas, then redeem those points for gifts at a range of price points. This strategy will allow employees to personalize the program and increase engagement, as employees discuss which options they like best.

  To make the gifts special, consider personal touches. Avoid company logos and printed cards. Instead, opt for handwritten notes if at all possible. Small touches like this can vastly improve the impact of incentive programs designed to boost employee morale and productivity simultaneously.