Introduction
The last quarter of the year is here!
With the holidays and the end of the fiscal year approaching, it’s the perfect time to give corporate gifts . But why not choose a gift that has a profound impact, promoting the mental health and well-being of your employees or partners? This guide will introduce you to unique and inspiring gift ideas, including our Bonsai Boxes , to encourage relaxation, creativity and inner calm, but not only!
The importance of Mental Health at work in figures
Mental health at work has become a priority in the professional world, especially with the increase in problems related to stress, anxiety and burnout. According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO) , nearly 12 billion working days are lost each year due to depression and anxiety, costing approximately $1 trillion in lost productivity.
Unhealthy work environments, whether it’s overwork, rigid schedules or lack of support, can quickly take a toll on employee well-being. On the contrary, a caring work environment promotes better performance and better staff retention. This is not only true for workers in emergency sectors, but also affects many jobs in the informal economy where the safety and mental health of employees are not always a priority.
Good mental health management is a crucial investment for both businesses and their employees. Adopting preventative measures, such as flexible working hours and better workload management, can transform a stressful work environment into a place where employees thrive. A customizable end-of-year gift is also a mark that employees really appreciate.
The Role of Corporate Gifts, a Mark of Recognition
Giving employees a physical gift at the end of the year is more than just a symbolic gesture. This type of recognition plays a key role in strengthening the mental well-being of teams. In fact, according to a study conducted by Workplace Insight , 40% of employees say that recognition for their work has a direct impact on their motivation, and therefore on their productivity . A gift, especially when it is personalized and meaningful, can contribute to this surge of recognition.
Corporate gifts aren’t just physical items; they convey a message of gratitude and support, reinforcing employees’ sense of belonging to the company. When an organization offers a gift that reflects its commitment to promoting mental health, such as a plant to grow or a wellness kit, it shows that it values the overall well-being of its teams. These small gestures can have a lasting impact on morale and engagement, especially as the end of the year approaches, an often emotionally charged time for many employees.
This type of gesture not only helps to end the year on a positive note, but also creates a dynamic of kindness and recognition that can last over time.
5 Gifts to Promote Mental Health
We have selected 10 corporate gift ideas for all budgets! Don't hesitate to share your ideas with us and if you liked any of them!
1. Plantable greeting card
- Price: $7.99
- Giving a seeded greeting card is more than just a message, it's an invitation to nature. By planting it, the recipient sees flowers grow, bringing a breath of renewal and well-being. A simple, inexpensive but meaningful gift to encourage reconnection with nature.
- Discover the plantable greeting card from our partner Idée Cadeau Québec.
2. Furoshiki
- Price: from $12
- This traditional Japanese reusable fabric helps reduce waste and allows for creative wrapping. Giving a furoshiki encourages a more conscious lifestyle, while also reducing the ecological footprint, a great long-term stress reliever.
- Explore furoshikis at Olsen+Olsen, a beautiful family-run Quebec business
3. Bonsai Box
- Price: $39.99
- A complete kit to discover the art of growing a bonsai. This calm and meditative activity helps to refocus the mind, practice patience, and find a true moment of peace. A gift that promotes mindfulness and reconnection with nature. By the way, contact us to benefit from exclusive prices from 5 boxes ordered!
- Discover the Bonsai Box from Ikigai-Box (us!)
4. Nordic spa box
- Price: $59.95
- A box containing Nordic care products for a total relaxation experience. Ideal for relieving accumulated tension and offering a moment of physical and mental relaxation after a busy year.
- See the Floem Nordic spa box
5. Box to learn how to make your own candles
- Price: $39.99
- This kit offers a creative and soothing activity: making your own candles. Perfect for offering a moment of concentration and relaxation, while personalizing your living space with unique creations.
- Discover the DIY candle box from the Les Mauvaises Herbes store
Here are 5 gift ideas that promote mental health for your employees!
3 Corporate Activity Ideas to Promote Mental Health
In a work environment where stress is often omnipresent, it is sometimes better to offer an activity. Here are three activity ideas that not only help you relax, but also strengthen team cohesion:
1. Paint and Sip
Hosting a Paint and Sip party is a fun and creative way to encourage decompression. Attendees can let their creativity run wild while enjoying alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages.
And this for a small budget: starting at $3.65 / person for 40 people ($100 for 40 canvases, $35 for paint and $10 for 40 brushes). This activity helps reduce stress while promoting socialization. The process of artistic creation has shown positive effects on mental well-being, providing a space to express oneself and focus on the present moment.
2. Yoga classes
Offering a corporate yoga class is a great way to introduce wellness breaks into the work routine. Yoga helps reduce stress, improves concentration and promotes relaxation.
Whether outdoors or in a quiet space at work, a group yoga session can strengthen bonds between colleagues while providing physical and mental health benefits. Plus, a Harvard Business Review study highlights that workplace yoga can increase employee productivity and morale.
3. Bubble Football
If you are looking for a more dynamic activity, bubble football could be the ideal option. This sport, which consists of playing football while protected by an inflatable bubble, guarantees a good time of laughter and camaraderie. In addition to promoting physical activity, this fun activity allows you to release pressure and encourage teamwork in an original way.
According to a study from Lund University, group physical activities like this not only promote physical health, but also contribute to better mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.
By incorporating these activities into your corporate program, you will help create a healthier and more enjoyable work environment. Feel free to adapt these ideas to your employees' tastes to maximize engagement and benefits.
Conclusion
Promoting mental health within your company is essential, especially as the holidays approach. By offering gifts that encourage creativity, relaxation, and well-being, you show your employees that they are valued and that their well-being is a priority.
Whether it’s through Bonsai Boxes, plantable greeting cards, or engaging activities like yoga and bubble football, every little bit helps to build team cohesion and morale. Investing in your employees’ mental health is not only beneficial for their personal well-being, but also for your company’s productivity and culture in the long run.
