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leslie

Oct 17 2023
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Unique Gifts for Employees: Strengthening Team Bonds

By Corpoarte Gifting No Comments

Employee appreciation goes a long way in nurturing a positive workplace culture and fostering stronger team bonds. While traditional gifts have their charm, it’s the unique and thoughtful ones that leave a lasting impact. If you’re looking to elevate your employee recognition game, consider these exceptional gift ideas that will not only express your gratitude but also bring your team closer together.

The Tech Enthusiast: Unleash the Innovation

For tech-savvy employees who revel in cutting-edge gadgets and immersive sound experiences, the Tech Enthusiast collection is the perfect choice. This gift box is packed with state-of-the-art tech gadgets that redefine innovation and elevate their digital lifestyle. Inside, they’ll discover the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Noise Canceling Headphones for an unparalleled audio journey, the Mophie Snap multi-device travel charger for seamless power on the go, and the Auden Aluminum Wireless Speaker for premium sound quality. These gifts embody the spirit of modern technology, promoting shared experiences, and fostering a deeper connection among your team. Bonding over the latest tech innovations has never been this exciting!

Gift Box Ideas:

  • Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Noise Canceling Headphones
  • Mophie Snap Multi-Device Travel Charger
  • Auden Aluminum Wireless Speaker

This package empowers your tech-savvy team members to embrace innovation, creating unforgettable moments, and strengthening their bond with your company through cutting-edge technology.

The Entertainer’s Delight: Elevate Your Hosting Skills

For employees who love entertaining guests and enjoy being the ultimate host or hostess, The Entertainer’s Delight collection is tailored to impress. This package includes essential items like the La Cuisine Lazy Susan Revolving Tray, La Cuisine snack bowl set, and a Cuisinart cordless wine opener. These sophisticated accessories will not only elevate their hosting game but also help them create memorable gatherings with friends and family. It’s the perfect gift for those who cherish the art of hosting and creating unforgettable moments.

Gift Box Ideas:

  • La Cuisine Lazy Susan Revolving Tray
  • La Cuisine Snack Bowl Set
  • Cuisinart Cordless Wine Opener

This package ensures that your team members have everything they need to host the perfect soirée, reinforcing their love for entertaining and providing opportunities to strengthen connections with colleagues.

The Home Entertainment Maven: Elevating Cozy Evenings

The Home Entertainment Maven collection is designed for team members who relish cozy evenings and the joys of home entertainment. This gift box transforms their living space into a haven of relaxation and enjoyment. Inside, they’ll discover the What’s Pop’N Gourmet Popcorn Set for delicious movie nights, the Family Time Mega Blanket for ultimate comfort during shared viewing experiences, and the Stonewall Home Soy Blend Candle to create a cozy ambiance. These gifts enhance their home entertainment setup, promoting shared movie nights, bonding, and creating cherished memories together. Strengthening team bonds has never been this cozy and enjoyable!

Gift Box Ideas:

  • What’s Pop’N Gourmet Popcorn Set
  • Family Time Mega Blanket
  • Stonewall Home Soy Blend Candle

This package empowers your team members to elevate their home entertainment experience, fostering stronger connections and memorable moments right from the comfort of their homes.

The Adventure Seeker: Embracing New Experiences

The Adventure Seeker collection is tailored for individuals on your team who are passionate about outdoor escapades and seeking thrilling experiences. This carefully curated package includes an array of adventure-themed items that will ignite their sense of wanderlust. Inside, they’ll find a Biolite camp stove for cooking up delicious meals on their outdoor expeditions, a cozy Slowtide camp blanket for warmth and comfort, and an Igloo Trailmate backpack to carry all their gear. It’s the perfect choice for team members who thrive on adventure, exploring the great outdoors, and creating unforgettable moments. By encouraging outdoor exploration and shared experiences, you foster a sense of camaraderie, bravery, and a deep connection to your company.

Gift Box Ideas:

  • Biolite Camp Stove
  • Slowtide Camp Blanket
  • Igloo Trailmate Backpack

This package empowers your team members to embark on thrilling outdoor escapades, reinforcing their love for adventure and building stronger bonds within your company.

These thoughtful gifts go beyond mere appreciation; they serve as catalysts for teamwork, shared experiences, and lasting memories. At Brand Central Solutions, we specialize in crafting unique gifts that cater to your team’s unique preferences and objectives. Elevate your employee recognition strategy and watch your team thrive in a culture of appreciation, unity, and unwavering loyalty to your company.

 

Schedule a call for a free consultation.

Oct 10 2023
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The Neuroscience of Corporate Gift-Giving: Why Team Appreciation Gifts Matter

By Corpoarte Gifting No Comments

At Brand Central Solutions, we understand the profound impact that Team appreciation gifts can have on corporate culture and employee morale. It’s more than just a tradition; it’s a way of expressing gratitude and fostering a sense of belonging within your organization. But have you ever wondered what happens in the minds of both the giver and the receiver when a thoughtful gift is exchanged?

 

Gift-giving is a practice deeply rooted in human culture, and it turns out that it’s not just a formality; it’s a fascinating interplay of neuroscience and emotions. Join us as we delve into the science behind corporate gift-giving and why Team appreciation gifts hold a special place in the corporate world.

 

The Pleasure of Giving: A Neurological Perspective

 

When you present a Team appreciation gift, whether it’s a token of recognition or a thoughtful gesture during the holidays, your brain lights up with joy. Multiple studies have revealed that giving to others, especially when the recipient is someone you share a close bond with, activates the brain’s reward pathways.

 

Researchers have found that acts of generosity, such as donating to charity or selecting the perfect gift for a colleague, enhance the interaction between brain regions responsible for processing social information and experiencing pleasure. It’s often referred to as the “warm glow” effect—a profound sense of delight derived from doing something selfless for someone else.

 

However, what sets gift-giving apart from other rewarding experiences is its social dimension. The act of giving releases oxytocin, often dubbed the “cuddle hormone,” into your brain. Oxytocin signals trust, safety, and connection, making the bond between the giver and receiver even more profound.

 

Furthermore, these neurological effects aren’t limited to the moment of gift exchange. They extend to every step of the gift-giving process, from choosing the perfect item to wrapping it with care. The anticipation of seeing the recipient’s joy activates the same reward pathways, adding layers of happiness to the experience.

 

The Joy of Receiving: A Shared Neurological Experience

 

While giving undoubtedly triggers a cascade of positive emotions in the giver, receiving a well-thought-out Team appreciation gift is no less significant. When someone receives a gift from a caring colleague or employer, their brain also experiences a rush of positive emotions.

 

The release of oxytocin is not one-sided; it’s a shared experience. If you receive a gift from someone who genuinely cares about you, and it’s something you truly appreciate, your brain responds with an oxytocin-laden reward response. This deepens the bond and sense of connection between the giver and the recipient.

 

So, is it really better to give than receive? From a neurological perspective, both acts are remarkably similar in terms of brain activity. Whether you’re the giver or receiver, the experience can result in oxytocin-rich rewards and enhance feelings of trust and connection.

 

Navigating the Seas of Emotion in Corporate Gifting

 

While gift-giving and receiving gifts often bring hope and excitement, they can also evoke other emotions, such as stress and anxiety. The lead-up to corporate gifting, especially during busy seasons, can introduce a layer of complexity to the experience.

 

Gift selection and the worry about whether the recipient will genuinely appreciate the gesture can sometimes lead to feelings of stress. Additionally, the unexpected receipt of a gift when you didn’t anticipate it, without a gift in return, can also create moments of discomfort.

 

It’s crucial to acknowledge and manage these emotions to ensure that the act of corporate gifting remains a positive experience for all involved. Stress and anxiety should not overshadow the joy and gratitude that corporate gifts intend to convey. Consider setting clear expectations with colleagues and friends to alleviate financial stress. Alternatively, think about offering the gift of your time, which can be just as meaningful and appreciated.

 

In conclusion, corporate gift-giving is a beautiful practice that intertwines the realms of neuroscience and emotions. It’s a powerful way to strengthen connections, boost morale, and foster a sense of belonging within your organization. At Brand Central Solutions, we recognize the significance of Team appreciation gifts and are here to assist you in selecting the perfect tokens of gratitude for your team. Let’s make the act of giving and receiving corporate gifts an even more rewarding experience, both neurologically and emotionally.

 

Schedule a call for a free consultation.

Oct 03 2023
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Mastering the Art of Gifting: Tips for Holiday Gifts for Employees

By Corpoarte Gifting No Comments

As the holiday season approaches, so does the perfect opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation to your hardworking employees with thoughtful holiday gifts. Gifting isn’t just about handing out presents; it’s an art that can strengthen workplace culture and leave a lasting impression. At Brand Central Solutions™, we understand the significance of thoughtful corporate gifting, especially during this festive time of year. In this blog, we’ll delve into the art of holiday gifting, offering valuable tips to help you give your employees the perfect gift this holiday season.

Why Employee Gifting Matters During the Holidays

The holiday season is more than just a time for festive decorations and joyful gatherings; it’s also a time to recognize and appreciate the efforts of your dedicated employees. Employee gifting during the holidays conveys a sense of warmth, belonging, and appreciation that extends far beyond the office walls.

According to research, 68% of HR professionals believe that employee recognition has a positive impact on retention, and 56% say these programs also aid in recruitment. Regular recognition and thoughtful gifts can significantly improve employee morale, motivation, job satisfaction, and, most importantly, retention rates. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to stay committed to your organization.

Celebrating During the Holiday Season

Timing is crucial when it comes to employee gifting during the holiday season. Here are some key occasions and milestones to celebrate with holiday gifts for employees:

Thanksgiving: Begin the season of gratitude by showing your employees how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. Consider hosting a Thanksgiving-themed luncheon or distributing thoughtful gifts that express your thanks.

December Holidays: Embrace the festive spirit by sharing holiday gifts with your employees. Whether it’s a new tech gift, a monogrammed throw, or a heartfelt thank-you card, these tokens of appreciation can make the season even more special.

Year-End Celebrations: As the year comes to a close, it’s an ideal time to reflect on your employees’ achievements. Consider hosting a year-end party or recognition event where employees can unwind and celebrate their hard work.

New Year’s Resolutions: Kickstart the new year with positivity by recognizing your employees’ contributions. Motivational books, inspirational journals, or wellness-themed holiday gifts can motivate them to achieve their goals.

Selecting the Perfect Holiday Gift

Now that we’ve established the importance of holiday gifting, let’s explore how to choose the perfect gift for your employees:

Personalization: Make your holiday gifts meaningful by considering your employees’ individual preferences and interests. Delve into their hobbies, favorite brands, or activities outside of work. Personalized gifts show that you’ve put genuine thought into your selection.

Curated Gift Selection: Offer a range of high-quality gift options. Create a curated holiday gift store with diverse choices, such as gift cards, tech gadgets, charitable gifts, and unique, company-branded items. This allows employees to select the gift that resonates with them the most.

Occasion Relevance: Ensure that your holiday gift is suitable for the occasion. Whether it’s a Thanksgiving-themed box set, a holiday-themed present, or a New Year’s motivational token, align your gifts with the holiday spirit.

Recognition Experience: How you present the holiday gift matters. Ensure that employees receive their gift as part of a meaningful recognition experience. Involve their managers and senior leaders to make the moment special.

Remote Workers: Don’t forget about your remote employees during the holiday season. Arrange virtual celebrations, send out care packages, or host online gatherings to ensure they feel equally valued and included.

Setting a Holiday Gifting Budget

While holiday gifting is a heartwarming gesture, it’s essential to set a reasonable budget to ensure that your holiday gifting efforts remain sustainable. Here’s how to determine your holiday gifting budget:

Determine Your Budget: Calculate how much you can allocate for holiday gifts without compromising essential operations.

Gift List Planning: Decide how many employees you’ll be buying holiday gifts for and establish a per-person gift budget. Remember that it’s better to provide smaller holiday gifts to everyone than to exclude someone.

Creative Alternatives: If budget constraints are a concern, consider creative gestures like handwritten notes, discounts on company products or services, or offering a day off during the holiday season.

This holiday season, elevate your workplace culture through the art of gifting. Show your employees that you value their contributions, strengthen team bonds, and create unforgettable memories with thoughtful holiday gifts. At Brand Central Solutions™, we specialize in simplifying the process of employee appreciation through strategic gifting. Let us help you make this holiday season truly special for your valued employees.

 

Schedule a call for a free consultation.

Sep 26 2023
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Elevate Employee Morale with Thoughtful Employee Appreciation Gifts

By Corpoarte Gifting No Comments

In the healthcare industry, where dedication and resilience are paramount, nurturing high employee morale is vital. The year 2023 has brought unprecedented challenges, and healthcare professionals are on the frontline, battling tirelessly to safeguard our well-being. It’s the perfect time for healthcare organizations to recognize their staff’s unwavering commitment with employee appreciation gifts.

At Brand Central Solutions™, we comprehend the significance of lifting the spirits of healthcare professionals through thoughtful gestures. In this blog post, we delve into the world of employee appreciation gifts, exploring how these tokens of gratitude can work wonders in boosting morale among healthcare workers.

Understanding the Significance of Employee Morale in Healthcare

Before we delve into the realm of employee appreciation gifts, it’s crucial to grasp why employee morale is of paramount importance in the healthcare sector. Employee morale directly influences the workplace atmosphere, job satisfaction, and overall performance.

In the challenging landscape of healthcare in 2023, where healthcare professionals face immense pressure, acknowledging and uplifting their spirits is non-negotiable.

The Transformative Power of Employee Appreciation Gifts

Employee appreciation gifts are more than just material offerings; they represent heartfelt gratitude and recognition. Here’s why these tokens hold such significance:

Expressing Gratitude

In a demanding field like healthcare, even a simple “thank you” can make a world of difference. Employee appreciation gifts serve as tangible expressions of gratitude, motivating healthcare professionals further.

Fostering Resilience

The healthcare industry’s relentless demands can lead to burnout. Appreciation gifts act as a source of encouragement, reminding healthcare workers that their efforts are valued, and their well-being matters.

Strengthening Team Cohesion

Collaboration is the cornerstone of quality healthcare. When healthcare professionals feel appreciated, they are more likely to work cohesively, resulting in improved patient care and a positive work environment.

Enhancing Patient Care

High morale among healthcare professionals translates into better patient care. Motivated and appreciated employees are willing to go the extra mile, creating a culture of care and compassion.

Retaining Top Talent

In an era of staffing challenges, retaining experienced healthcare professionals is imperative. Employee appreciation gifts contribute to higher retention rates, mitigating turnover costs.

Choosing Thoughtful Employee Appreciation Gifts

Selecting the right employee appreciation gifts is crucial. In 2023, the focus should be on gifts that reflect empathy, appreciation, and an understanding of healthcare professionals’ needs. Here are some pointers:

Personalization Matters

Tailor employee appreciation gifts to individual preferences. The healthcare workforce is diverse, with varying roles and backgrounds; acknowledging this diversity is key.

Emphasize Well-being

Prioritize gifts that promote physical and mental well-being, such as wellness packages or stress-relief resources.

Celebrate Milestones

Acknowledge significant milestones, like work anniversaries or notable achievements, with special employee appreciation gifts.

Consistency is Key

Give employee appreciation gifts promptly and consistently to maintain motivation and morale.

Seek Feedback

Engage healthcare professionals in the gift selection process. Their insights can guide you in choosing meaningful gifts.

In 2023, nurturing high employee morale is paramount in the healthcare industry. Employee appreciation gifts offer a potent means to achieve this objective. When healthcare professionals feel acknowledged, their motivation and dedication multiply, resulting in superior patient care.

At Brand Central Solutions™, we acknowledge the transformative power of employee appreciation gifts. By fostering a culture of appreciation through thoughtful and well-being-centric gifts, healthcare organizations can create an environment where employees thrive, ultimately benefiting both the workforce and the patients they serve. In 2023, let’s harness the potential of employee appreciation gifts to elevate employee morale and enhance the healthcare experience for all.

 

Schedule a call for a free consultation.

Sep 02 2020
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Creative latitude, packaging bliss and significant savings? Yes you can.

By BCS Global Direct, Corporate e-Store Portal, New Normals for Business No Comments

We learned recently that a lot of our clients don’t realize how volume can impact creative delivery of brand collateral designed to enhance customer experiences. Today we are sharing a hack for Marketing procurement teams, Global Brand Managers, and HR Teams to help you continue to design special experiences within a reduced budget. We are combining creative latitude, packaging bliss and 50% savings into one solution for large corporate brands. Yes you can! 

There are two ways to purchase your brand collateral. One is via our domestic resources and the other is through our BCS Global Direct service. Each has its place and serves your needs, but most buyers don’t realize how buying in volume as a group, enables greater creative latitude and 50%+ cost savings. In this blog post, we’ll show you quickly how this works for your corporate brand.

Here’s one of our most popular throws, used often when a brand wants to deliver a pragmatic product that pairs with a family environment. This is not a post about luxurious throws, but we want to show you a tangible example. It is typically purchased in quantities of 75 – 500. In this scenario, business units purchase individually. Our domestic pricing is excellent and speedy turn times make this a favorite with our client brands.

Domestic Pricing for the throw without a custom gift packaging, is $26 – $29. The throw is a gorgeous 50″ x 60″. Soft microfiber fleece one side and poly sherpa fleece on the second side. It comes bulk packaged wrapped in a satin braided ribbon custom embroidered. These retail for $50- $60 when you buy one as a consumer from a home goods store. Throws are well received by anyone who receives one as a gift. They enable a cozy reading time with young children before bed, warm family members on the sofa during movie nights and wrap consumers when they enjoy their outdoor spaces. They deliver customer love from your brand.

Now let’s look at BCS Global Direct. If you as a company, can centralize the purchase of certain brand collateral among all business units, a product like this becomes significantly more creative and about 50% less in cost. Here’s an example:

10,000 of these can be produced and packaged in a 100% custom-designed gift box with 4 color process printing inside and out. The packaging is your canvas for messaging. The throw is exactly the same, but we are buying it through a more direct supply chain because of the volume. Your BCS Global Direct Price: $17 with your own custom printed gift packaging included.  If you used 50,000 the price is closer to $14. But this isn’t a post about throws and there are ways to shape the product specifications to get within your budget.

Here’s what we want you to know. If you are looking to centralize or standardize any brand collateral in a format that is packaged as proprietary, our BCS Global Direct service can design and deliver just about anything you’ve seen at retail and customize it for your needs. Have you noticed a cool product in a digital catalog you love? Ask us. Do you have a favorite piece of apparel you wish you could customize? We will source, label and package it for you. Are you a corporate graphic designer with a vision for a proprietary packaging experience? We will bring it to fruition. Generally, the pricing is half of what it is buying domestically in smaller quantities at our already excellent B2B wholesale prices. So this works well for large national/global Brands with the ability to centralize certain kinds of purchases to support their customer journey.

To learn more about BCS Global Direct service: Click here or just send an email to us at leslie@brandcentralsolutions.com, and tell us what you are thinking about creating. 

 

Cheers and thanks for your interest in Brand Central Solutions

 

 

Jun 29 2020
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3 Questions for your Family Meeting

By Engaging Children, New Normals for Business No Comments

A majority of Parents are still working at home and parenting. Now that it’s summer, our kids are liberated from Zoom school, but chaos is still likely to ensue on any given day because that is how real family life operates sometimes (all the time?). Harvard Business Review offers a simple solution for a weekly family meeting, informed by the Agile Meeting model. Who would have thought to look to an engineering model for a family meeting?

3 Questions to Ask at a Weekly Family Meeting

 

For more information about new Business Normals, Work from Home Parenting and other tools, visit our Home Base Content.

May 28 2020
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How do you strike the right tone for consumers with safety as a priority?

By New Normals for Business No Comments

How are you planning to provide security, comfort and safety to team members and consumers as we gradually reopen the economy and experience more frequent in-person contact? Everyone is approaching this differently and we understand why. While safety is a central value in any consumer offering, the new safe guidelines are being met by consumers with differing emotions. Most people would agree that a touchless sanitizing station with some educational signage would give comfort in any public environment. It’s portable, educates and no one has to touch anything! But if you are considering face coverings, people are more emotional. Some people feel strongly it’s a way to care for others. Some consumers dislike them but wear them only when absolutely needed. Workers are not thrilled that they cannot convey a warm smile. Others consider this an imposition on their freedoms. Getting creative with distancing graphics can be fun, but maybe your brand would rather not be seen as having fun with Pandemic outcomes?  Our solutions work to support your particular communication strategy around safe work practices. We respect and appreciate that every single brand is going to approach this a little differently depending on how you talk to your consumers. We’d love to connect and help you plan for this.

Brand Central Workplace Safety Solutions Overview

 

May 27 2020
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Three Consumer Behavioral Trends That Will Reshape a Post-Covid World.

By New Normals for Business, Uncategorized No Comments

“In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity.” Albert Einstein

The Harvard Business Review team suggests there are some specific behavioral changes that will change the way businesses think about consumer products and services. All three of them are opportunities for many Brands. How do you support a growth in single person households, our desire to depart from dense living to less expensive and more spacious neighborhoods, and a new work environment that needs to integrate with all things “home”.  Covid-19 has disrupted the status quo. Where is there opportunity to support these new consumer behaviors and preferences?

 

 

Three Behavioral Trends That Will Reshape Our Post-covid World

 

We’ve carved out a little corner of the content world to be of support to you or anyone you know. To view more, please visit: Brand Central Home Base

May 13 2020
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The status quo is on shaky ground thanks to Covid-19. Time to rethink things?

By New Normals for Business, Uncategorized No Comments

brand central solutions man at desk looking at computer

According to a recent McKinsey post, digitization of everything was moving at a brisk pace prior to the Pandemic. The current need to virtualize so much of how we work, live and learn has simply sped up the digitization trajectory.

Your website is often the first point of entry for a consumer into your brand’s ecosystem. How does your website deliver in a world where distancing and virtualization have already changed consumer behaviors?

All of this starts with an experience on your website and conversion events that lead to a sale. Business professionals know this, of course. But Covid-19 has disrupted the status quo. How does that change the way your website needs to engage consumers or businesses you serve? Here are five ways McKinsey suggests that you can improve a buyers’ digital experience given the changes we are already experiencing.

  1. Improve the self-service options you already have. For example, on websites, ensure buyers can readily find information, compare options, make purchases, and receive service without live support from sales reps for less complex needs.
  2. Rapidly fix what’s broken on websites and mobile apps. Watch for technical issues in real time and resolve them as they appear. Such no-regrets moves could deliver incremental revenue and improve the digital experience in ways that promote increased loyalty.
  3. Keep the human touch for complex interactions. Have your sales reps on call to support buyers by phone, videoconference, or webchat, whenever they need it; a 24/7 or 24/5 live presence can be especially meaningful when remote interactions are the only options.
  4. Think like a consumer. Ensure any e-commerce channel provides a B2C-like experience for every product or service, whether a new purchase or a repeat order. Link e-commerce sales goals to your overall sales targets and incentives systems. Be willing and able to double-count credit when customers interact both digitally and with sales reps.
  5. Measure your progress. Are you a primary or secondary supplier? What is your churn rate, loyalty score, rate of customer satisfaction? Does your performance vary between digital and in-person interactions?

 

Please get in touch if you’d like to let us provide a Website Wellness Assessment. It’s complimentary for two months so we can provide our clients with an extra set of hands and possibly a fresh perspective. It’s a good time to rethink the ways in which your website helps connect and convert to generate revenues and growth going forward.

 

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