Diwali Dilemma: Should We Stick to Cash Bonuses or Switch to Thoughtful Gifts?

I need your valuable guidance. For many years, we have been providing the staff with cash along with a bonus at Diwali. This year, I am planning to provide some gifts - something that can be of use to the staff members. Am I thinking in the right direction, or should I continue with the previous system?

The budget for the gifts is approximately:
- For old staff: $1000-1100
- For new staff: $500-600
- For workers: $300-350

Can you please suggest some gift ideas that I could purchase as well?

For old staff, you can present them silver items or coins worth Rs. 1000. Also, target their family members by presenting them sarees, household items, etc.

Thank you!

Hi Neeru,

First, I want to clarify - is your company planning to give cash and gifts as a bonus?

What I feel is, if you provide any gift to employees, not everyone will like it as preferences differ from person to person. It would be better to give coupons for Big Bazaar or Apna Bazaar (mention the amount) so that employees can purchase what they want. Additionally, keep a validity of 6 months for those coupons.

This arrangement creates a win-win situation for both sides.

Hi Neeru,

You can also try giving a set of crackers worth the specified amount to employees on the occasion of Diwali.

Vamsi

Hi Neeru,

I think coupons for Big Bazaar, Sodexo, or Shoppers Stop for senior people would be a better idea and save you from the hassle of deciding on gifts.

Riyaz

The idea of coupons from any hypermarket or Bachat Bazar is really good. In fact, we practiced this 15 days before on the occasion of Ramadan with all of our non-management staff by giving them a bag worth Rs. 700, which includes a bottle of juice, 5 kg of plain flour, 500g of dates, different pulses, gram flour, and a liter bottle of cooking oil.

Hi,

It is a very good idea. I do agree with the suggestions of coupons. However, you can also give sweet boxes or a box of dry fruits if it goes out of budget. Do let us know your decision.

Regards,
SDB

Hi,

What you are planning to give them might not be liked by some people. This is because preferences differ from person to person. So, for the workers, you can consider giving household items. For new employees, dress material would be suitable, and for the old employees, good quality dress material.

Hi, you can also give some mementos along with sweets or dry fruits pack. A memento could be something that will give them the feel of the company as well. I think any pen stand, bag, T-shirt, or cup with the company's logo and the individual's name will create a strong bond between the company and its employees.

Secondly, a coupon, as all HR friends suggested, is also a good option. Companies like Accor and Sodexo provide meal tickets and complimentary tickets that may range from 100 to your choice, which may fall well within your budget.

Lastly, try to give 2-3 things at different levels that are useful and liked by all, such as a steam press, dinner set, tea set, handbag, nonstick cookware, kettle, pudding set, paintings, etc.

Regards,
Pratibha

Hi Neeru,

I would suggest you give them gift vouchers or gift passes, which will help them buy their own gifts according to their choice and thereby have a good time with their family members. They may purchase clothes, sweets, and crackers for Diwali and thank you for such a good idea.

Warm regards,
Swaminath Adabala

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Hi Neeru,

Giving gifts is really a good idea. Gifts can be in the form of gift coupons so that your organization's employees can purchase gifts of their choice. This way, you will receive lots of praise and appreciation as your return gift.

Take care...

Ruchi

Hi Neeru,

Let me appreciate and congratulate you for having an innovative idea to do things in a better way rather than following the old methods. It's impossible to satisfy everyone, but based on suggestions from seniors, you can consider providing household items, watches, or some gift items within the budget to the workers. This way, they won't have to go and purchase these items themselves with gift vouchers. From my understanding, they would prefer and be happier with these types of items rather than just a small piece of paper. Decide on the items, purchase them for the number of employees, and distribute them accordingly.

For the next level employees and management, it could be a good idea to give silver coins with a Lakshmi emblem (for Hindus) and plain coins for non-Hindus. Alternatively, regardless of designation or level, you can consider giving all employees silver coins as mentioned above. This gesture can be very motivating as they receive an auspicious item for Diwali along with a bonus.

Please inform us of your decision.

Thank you.

Dear Neeru,

I agree with Varsha's idea about Gift Coupons. I recently did the same thing just a month back when we had an event in our company. The outcome was very positive; everyone was happy because they could buy whatever they wanted. Hope this works out for you as well.

Regards,
Amith R.

Hi dear,

What I suggest is you give cash itself. Because each individual has their own preference. If you give money, they will buy clothes for their family. But if you give coupons where it costs 500 to 1000, so one person can buy something. If you give money, they can buy anything and anywhere.

As the month ends, they can buy groceries (Kirana items). Sorry for the spelling mistake also.

Regards,
Srinivas

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Thank you.

Hi Neeru,

I think you must provide coupons with value for the sum you offer to senior and junior staff to buy anything they want for themselves from some discounted chain of stores in your city who can participate in such a scheme for your employees. Your employees may go to that store and, without payment, buy anything they want.

Regards,
Sawant