Discover the secrets to happier employees in this week's edition of the Happy Office Hour powered by Brand Sauce. Chock-full of industry insights, hot new products for your company store, and valuable info to make your office happier and your company culture the envy of your industry.

A Dash of Industry Insights 📰

Industry Headlines, Insights, & Data

48 Employee Recognition Statistics to Take Note of in 2024: HR consultant Danielle M. Jones, Esq. provides a laundry list of data points that shine a light on the state of employee recognition that’s affecting company cultures across all industries. You can read more here.

🎁 6 Corporate Gifting Trends to Watch in 2024: Stay ahead of the curve with these emerging trends in corporate gifting. Whether you're recognizing employees or delighting customers, these six trends will make an impact: 1. Sustainable, eco-friendly gifts; 2. Personalization for a unique touch; 3. High-quality, premium products; 4. Wellness and self-care packages; 5. Supporting local businesses and small brands; and 6. Innovative tech gadgets. Incorporating these trends into your gifting strategy will help strengthen relationships and make a lasting impression.

Did you know?: Studies found that employees who receive regular recognition are 5x more likely to feel valued and appreciated, 6x more likely to invest in their work, and 7x more likely to stay with their current employer for at least another year.

📈Global Markets: According to the Global Work Wellbeing Report which leverages 250M data points from 25M participants, companies with higher levels of employee well-being outperform the stock market year-over-year. If you invested in the Work Wellbeing 100 companies in January 2021, the return would be 11% greater than the return on the S&P 500 by July 2024. You can view the Indeed Work Wellbeing 100 here.

Stirring Words

Garry Ridge Speaks on ‘The Loneliness Disease’ Within Organizations

Quote of the Week: “I’m really concerned about the loneliness disease in organizations right now, you know, we went through covid, we had the opportunity to learn new ways of doing work, but we have to come back together, because we are social animals, and you don’t build connect. You don’t build organizations without connection. We need to find ways to bring people back together to allow them to be connected. People want to know they matter. They want to know they’re contributing. And then finally, of course, they want to belong.”

You can learn more about Garry at The Learning Moment or catch Garry’s full keynote at achieve Engagement by visiting the link here. Don’t miss out on his saucey insights!

The Secret Sauce to Making Employees Happier 🌶️

3 Ways to Foster Company Culture Through Employee Recognition Programs Powered by Brand Sauce

Happier employees are the secret sauce to a healthier bottom line. Below is 3 of the most popular recognition programs our clients utilize to build culture, improve morale, increase retention, & ultimately improve their bottom line.

1. Onboarding Program: Provide new hires with an engaging onboarding experience that allows them to select items that best represent themselves and the values of your company.

2. Birthday Recognition Initiative: Celebrate employees' birthdays with a personalized video message from your  CEO or a heartfelt email. Show appreciation through a gifting experience that includes access to the company store, underscoring how valued they are within the organization.

3. Work Anniversary Program: Acknowledge significant work milestones in an era where retention and loyalty are rare. Honor employees who reach 5, 10, 15, and 20-year anniversaries by providing an unforgettable shopping experience as a token of your gratitude.

Need help implementing & automating a new program? As you know by now, this is our secret sauce! Just book a meeting with me this week & I’ll personally help you and your team introduce a new program to boost team morale.

Swag School: Learn Which Products are Trending

2024 Holiday Gift Guide

We’ve been hard at work helping our clients gear up for the upcoming holiday season. Many have shared the same challenge: they want to do more for their employees during the holidays, but time constraints always get in the way.

That’s why we’ve created a solution. This year, we’re excited to launch The Brand Sauce 2024 Holiday Gift Guide, a carefully curated selection of the top 70 products to add to your company store. Our exclusive list is based on trend analysis, past data, and upcoming holiday insights, making it easy for you to give meaningful gifts that your employees will truly value and appreciate.

Get exclusive access by clicking here.

Weekend Update

Around The Water Cooler With Ross

Last week, I spent an incredible few days with my co-founders in Atlanta. When Ian, Jason, and I get together, magic happens—and this retreat did not disappoint. Big things are brewing at Brand Sauce…

Meanwhile at home, all of my costume ideas have been vetoed by Madison and the kids. Can't wait to share the final costume verdict next week!

Your turn: What are your plans this weekend to celebrate Halloween? Do you have any family traditions? 

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