Work Life: New study reveals the employee benefits that can make a real difference

In the face of great change in Brits’ lifestyles, new research reveals the significant value of work perks & benefits among UK businesses.

Christmas is the most popular time for employee gifting, however, employers might want to consider year-round promotional gifts for their workers since the vast majority (85%) of those who were recently surveyed said it would change their opinion of the company that they work for.

Findings in the newly published study also suggests that corporate merchandise can make a real impact on an organisation’s culture and boost staff morale.

The survey carried out among more 1,500 office workers reveals that almost three quarters of British employees love to receive corporate gifts, claiming that it makes them feel valued and appreciated.

The study was commissioned by the UK’s leading promotional products experts 4imprint with its researchers exploring what it is that workers enjoy most about their jobs.

It found that despite the salary, the feeling of being part of a team is important to more than half (51%) of those polled.

Employees also enjoy company benefits or perks (37%), having a sense of comradeship with their colleagues (35%) and running a project where they can make decisions (30%).

Among the most attractive benefits to Brits include flexible working arrangements (61%), free corporate merchandise (36%) and a workplace pension (35%).

Free or subsidised gym memberships to improve health and wellbeing as well as tax incentives, such as cycle to work schemes, are also important to British workers.

Data published in the Work Perks & Promotional Merchandise Market Report indicates that 72% of the workforce claim that corporate gifts make employees feel valued and a quarter of those surveyed said they’re good for morale.

The vast majority (85%) of employees even went as far as saying that regular promotional gifts would change their opinion of the company that they work for.

The leading promotional marketing retailer’s study revealed the most sought-after corporate merchandise are staff recognition gifts that have been personalised.

More than a quarter (29%) of those surveyed appreciate ‘merch’ that they can use every day, while a further one in four (25%) want something that makes their jobs easier.

The survey identifies the favourite types of merchandise are t-shirts & hoodies (58%), water bottles (40%) and pens (40%) among other useful everyday items such as travel mugs and bags.

The data shows that 85% of the people polled said they would provide corporate gifts to their employees if they were made boss.

Unsurprisingly, nine out of 10 people surveyed appreciate gifts no matter who they came from.

Meanwhile, over half of the people polled (55%) said that they have made a purchase from a brand within the last 12 months that included a free gift, proving that promotional giveaways and merchandise help to boost sales.

Any business of any size can choose from a wide range of promotional merchandise from 4imprint whether they’re looking for water bottles, travel mugs, branded stationery or technology items like wireless chargers.

‘Merch-Fans’ favourite items