Imagine receiving an average annual bonus of $456.7 million… one can only dream. But that’s what Elon Muskreportedlyrakes in every year, on top of his other earnings as the big boss of Tesla Inc.Accordingto data, the average bonus for Americanworkersin 2024 was around $2,503. But not everyone was that lucky.People have been sharing the most ridiculous companybonuses, gifts and perks, and some are so strange they’re insulting: a rock, an empty tin, a handful of sweets. These are just a few of the random rewards that employees were expected to be grateful for.We’ve compiled a list of some of the most mind-boggling corporate offerings that people received in return for their hard work and loyalty.Bored Pandaalso reached out to customer service and experience (CX) expert, best-selling author and keynote speakerShep Hykenfor tips on how not to fail at the corporate gifting game.This post may includeaffiliate links.
Imagine receiving an average annual bonus of $456.7 million… one can only dream. But that’s what Elon Muskreportedlyrakes in every year, on top of his other earnings as the big boss of Tesla Inc.Accordingto data, the average bonus for Americanworkersin 2024 was around $2,503. But not everyone was that lucky.
People have been sharing the most ridiculous companybonuses, gifts and perks, and some are so strange they’re insulting: a rock, an empty tin, a handful of sweets. These are just a few of the random rewards that employees were expected to be grateful for.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most mind-boggling corporate offerings that people received in return for their hard work and loyalty.Bored Pandaalso reached out to customer service and experience (CX) expert, best-selling author and keynote speakerShep Hykenfor tips on how not to fail at the corporate gifting game.
This post may includeaffiliate links.
The concept ofbonusesis not new. Companies have been using them for ages to attract new talent, keep workers motivated and boost morale.Bonuses, incentives, perks and gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Some will really push you to work hard. Others, as this list demonstrates, could deflate you faster than a helium balloon, and might even have you frantically searching for a new job.Shep Hykenis a customer service and experience expert, an award-winning keynote speaker, and a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellingauthor. He’s also completed an advanced masterclass in corporate gift-giving, and was happy to hand out a few tips when Bored Panda reached out to him.Hyken says the point of a corporate gift is to show appreciation and/or to be remembered. “If that’s the point, is something that is ‘tacky, cheap and insulting’ what you want to be remembered for?” he says when we tell him about some of the gifts on this list.
The concept ofbonusesis not new. Companies have been using them for ages to attract new talent, keep workers motivated and boost morale.Bonuses, incentives, perks and gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Some will really push you to work hard. Others, as this list demonstrates, could deflate you faster than a helium balloon, and might even have you frantically searching for a new job.
Shep Hykenis a customer service and experience expert, an award-winning keynote speaker, and a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestsellingauthor. He’s also completed an advanced masterclass in corporate gift-giving, and was happy to hand out a few tips when Bored Panda reached out to him.
Hyken says the point of a corporate gift is to show appreciation and/or to be remembered. “If that’s the point, is something that is ‘tacky, cheap and insulting’ what you want to be remembered for?” he says when we tell him about some of the gifts on this list.
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Empty gift bag from work.
Bored Panda asked Hyken to dish out some advice for companies that are getting an “F” on their report-card for gift giving, and here’s what he said…“You do not have to put your logo on the gift, especially if it’s for a client or customer,” cautioned the expert. “A logo turns the gift into a marketing promotion. If the gift is memorable and meaningful, no logo is needed.”However, it can sometimes work when gifting employees. “Company swag is nice. Here it is okay to use a logo. After all, the employee is part of a team.”Hyken cautions that companies shouldn’t be over-the-top with branded gifts. “That nice quarter-zip sweater with a subtle logo is far different than having people walk around as a metaphorical billboard.”“Another ‘no-no’ to consider is blindly gifting food or alcohol,” he warned. “Is the recipient on a diet, diabetic, or someone who abstains from alcohol?” He adds that food and alcohol can be appropriate, provided you have given thought about what you’re sending and to whom.
Bored Panda asked Hyken to dish out some advice for companies that are getting an “F” on their report-card for gift giving, and here’s what he said…
“You do not have to put your logo on the gift, especially if it’s for a client or customer,” cautioned the expert. “A logo turns the gift into a marketing promotion. If the gift is memorable and meaningful, no logo is needed.”
However, it can sometimes work when gifting employees. “Company swag is nice. Here it is okay to use a logo. After all, the employee is part of a team.”
Hyken cautions that companies shouldn’t be over-the-top with branded gifts. “That nice quarter-zip sweater with a subtle logo is far different than having people walk around as a metaphorical billboard.”
“Another ‘no-no’ to consider is blindly gifting food or alcohol,” he warned. “Is the recipient on a diet, diabetic, or someone who abstains from alcohol?” He adds that food and alcohol can be appropriate, provided you have given thought about what you’re sending and to whom.
Give the workers an extra day of PTO a year, or a raise, or working technology? Nah, how about COOKIES???
Hyken says a little can go a long way; for example, the gift of appreciation. “This isn’t a physical gift that costs money,” explained the expert. ”It can be a personal note from a boss, especially a higher-up executive.”Hyken tells us about one of his friends who was the president of a large company. “When he heard about an employee doing something amazing, he would write the employee a note. He may never have met the employee, but he knew what they had done,” revealed Hyken. “He was surprised that when he would meet them years later, they would mention how much they appreciated the gift (the note). One employee carried the note in her purse, every day.”“Time is a gift,” the expert told Bored Panda. “Giving someone a bonus day (or two) off to recognize someone for hard work or work well done is nice.”“Consider giving employees an experience,” he adds. “Giving away tickets to concerts or sporting events or taking them out for a special evening, a happy hour, or a team-building outing is remembered and appreciated.”Hyken says while money is not a bad gift and it’s almost always appreciated, it’s usually not memorable. “Employees will love getting a surprise bonus or financial gift, but keep in mind that it doesn’t create a long-term memory,” he explained. “It will be remembered as part of their compensation and not a ‘memorable’ gift.”
Hyken says a little can go a long way; for example, the gift of appreciation. “This isn’t a physical gift that costs money,” explained the expert. ”It can be a personal note from a boss, especially a higher-up executive.”
Hyken tells us about one of his friends who was the president of a large company. “When he heard about an employee doing something amazing, he would write the employee a note. He may never have met the employee, but he knew what they had done,” revealed Hyken. “He was surprised that when he would meet them years later, they would mention how much they appreciated the gift (the note). One employee carried the note in her purse, every day.”
“Time is a gift,” the expert told Bored Panda. “Giving someone a bonus day (or two) off to recognize someone for hard work or work well done is nice.”
“Consider giving employees an experience,” he adds. “Giving away tickets to concerts or sporting events or taking them out for a special evening, a happy hour, or a team-building outing is remembered and appreciated.”
Hyken says while money is not a bad gift and it’s almost always appreciated, it’s usually not memorable. “Employees will love getting a surprise bonus or financial gift, but keep in mind that it doesn’t create a long-term memory,” he explained. “It will be remembered as part of their compensation and not a ‘memorable’ gift.”
Our local Walmart decided to show their appreciation for the hard work working employees who tirelessly work themselves to ensure that the shelves are stocked for customers.
You may want to consider moving to Chennai, India if you’re after big, flashy corporate gifts. A company there called Team Detailing Solutionsreportedlygifted 28 cars and 29 motorbikes to employees to boost their morale and give a great, big “Thank You” for their hard work in 2024. And we aren’t talking old, beaten-up vehicles. All were brand new, and some workers even received a Mercedes Benz.The company revealed it has around 180 highly skilled workers who hail from “humble backgrounds”. Team Detailing Solutions started gifting cars and bikes in 2022. They select the mostmotivatedemployees when deciding who deserves new wheels.“We wanted to show our appreciation for their tireless efforts in driving the company’s success. We believe our employees are our greatest assets,” said Managing Director of the company, Sridhar Kannan.In addition to giving out cars and bikes, the company also provides what it calls “marriage assistance” to employees. Basically, when a worker is planning theirwedding, they receive 100,000 rupees, which works out to around $1,200.
You may want to consider moving to Chennai, India if you’re after big, flashy corporate gifts. A company there called Team Detailing Solutionsreportedlygifted 28 cars and 29 motorbikes to employees to boost their morale and give a great, big “Thank You” for their hard work in 2024. And we aren’t talking old, beaten-up vehicles. All were brand new, and some workers even received a Mercedes Benz.
The company revealed it has around 180 highly skilled workers who hail from “humble backgrounds”. Team Detailing Solutions started gifting cars and bikes in 2022. They select the mostmotivatedemployees when deciding who deserves new wheels.
“We wanted to show our appreciation for their tireless efforts in driving the company’s success. We believe our employees are our greatest assets,” said Managing Director of the company, Sridhar Kannan.
In addition to giving out cars and bikes, the company also provides what it calls “marriage assistance” to employees. Basically, when a worker is planning theirwedding, they receive 100,000 rupees, which works out to around $1,200.
It’s kinda sad honestly after 35 years they think 12 donuts is good enough.
While corporate gifts don’t have to be extravagant and over-the-top, research shows they are important. One surveyfoundthat 57 % of employees polled were more likely to be loyal and continue working for a company that provides gifts to employees.
“Even a relatively small gesture around the holidays can help generate a boost in employee morale and loyalty,”noteshealthcare media companyHealthLeaders. “Companies that go the extra mile and try to get their workers thoughtful and meaningful gifts can expect even greater dividends.” In short, your corporate gift can be the gift that keeps giving (back to you) if you do it right.
Temy Mancusi-Ungaro is the Chief Executive Officer of global data-driven gifting platform Reachdesk. He says personalized and timely gifts are an excellent way for employers to let staff know they are humans that are appreciated and cared for. It also signals that the company wants to invest in their employees’ work experience.The expert adds that there’s an almost guaranteed return on investment. “Every dollar I spend on my people, I get $10 in return. The more I invested in my employees, the better mycustomer servicebecomes,”saidMancusi-Ungaro in a podcast.
Temy Mancusi-Ungaro is the Chief Executive Officer of global data-driven gifting platform Reachdesk. He says personalized and timely gifts are an excellent way for employers to let staff know they are humans that are appreciated and cared for. It also signals that the company wants to invest in their employees’ work experience.
The expert adds that there’s an almost guaranteed return on investment. “Every dollar I spend on my people, I get $10 in return. The more I invested in my employees, the better mycustomer servicebecomes,”saidMancusi-Ungaro in a podcast.
The GM of the warehouse kept going on and on about how glad he was that we hit #1 because he’d be getting a bonus check “just in time for the warmer weather.” Also a few suits from corporate came in to “personally and individually thank each of us” and needless to say they neither talked to nor thanked nobody.
According to online gifting platform Giftsenda, corporate gifting strategy should begin with a budget. “Ensuring your gift aligns with your brand’s core values will help translate the message you intend on sending, but it is crucial to ensure you do not spend beyond your means,” explains the site.
The hat reads “40 Below Survivor 2019” which sucks for a couple of reasons. 1. People literally could not make it in, and I had a number of factors that allowed me to do so and 2. It wasn’t at our facility, but another employee of the company actually died in the snow. Your job doesn’t care about you. Stay warm and stay safe.
Giftsenda cautions that companies should also take into account cultural sensitivities, conflicts of interest and legal regulations. Gifting has evolved over the years, and companies should think creatively and out-of-the box.“Conventional gifts, like branded stationery and calendars are a thing of the past; making way for customized gifts, experiential offerings and the power of choice,” notes Giftsenda, adding that businesses are using personalization in gifting to make longer lasting impressions.
Giftsenda cautions that companies should also take into account cultural sensitivities, conflicts of interest and legal regulations. Gifting has evolved over the years, and companies should think creatively and out-of-the box.
“Conventional gifts, like branded stationery and calendars are a thing of the past; making way for customized gifts, experiential offerings and the power of choice,” notes Giftsenda, adding that businesses are using personalization in gifting to make longer lasting impressions.
They gave me rainbow earphones because I’m part of the LGBT community. The earphones cost $2 on Amazon and didn’t work. This is a Fortune 50 company. I make gross $45,000 a year.
Instead of a cheap, tacky, useless or insulting gift, corporates can consider buying experiences for their staff. Think sky-diving, cooking classes, concert tickets, or massages. And if you’re reluctant to spend, and think frugality is going to pay out in the long run, think again. There are plenty of examples where it’s backfired, and cost a company reputation damage.
My husband works in HAZMAT. He’s 100% sure it’s because bulk disposal of 70% iso is too expensive, so they’d rather disperse it to staff and make us get rid of it for them.It smells horrible and I almost never use hand sanitizer when soap and water is available.
Customers were not amused, with many angered that the cost of living crisis in the U.K. was related to the rising cost of electricity.
“If you recently received a pair of socks from us, we would like to say we are incredibly sorry for how we have made some people feel,” tweeted the company. “In light of the seriousness of current challenges that many people are facing, this mailing should have been stopped and we are sorry.”
Case in point: put thought into gifts, or be willing to pay the price.
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While the concept of corporate gifting seems far removed from the festive fun of family gatherings, there’s a similar thread of camaraderie and appreciation at the heart of both.At your next holiday gathering, why not include unique activities that foster togetherness, likeengaging in family gamesthat create lasting memories? These moments of connection are invaluable, much like a thoughtful corporate gift meant to show genuine appreciation.
While the concept of corporate gifting seems far removed from the festive fun of family gatherings, there’s a similar thread of camaraderie and appreciation at the heart of both.
At your next holiday gathering, why not include unique activities that foster togetherness, likeengaging in family gamesthat create lasting memories? These moments of connection are invaluable, much like a thoughtful corporate gift meant to show genuine appreciation.
I barely made my mortgage, I’m a caregiver for a parent with medical bills piling up. I’ve been asking, applying, and almost begging to do anything in this org that will give me a raise to take care of responsibilities - I got a Welch’s fruit snack.
But thank you master for my non-delux chicken sandwich, provided because labor inspectors are here.
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For context, the empty bowls were from the small bags of Sun Chips from yesterday.
Here ya go - my “bonus” from one of my jobs this year at a grocery store: homemade Chex mix. Yup.Because nothing says “I value you” like a baggie of cereal and pretzels.
This supermarket isn’t even located in our area and we will have to carry the groceries from far away with public transport or cab.PS: in Hong Kong we don’t drive as most of locals.
Due to doxing concerns, I can’t show the inside but it’s just a single line of text that said happy anniversary from (company location).
Picked up a part time second job to pay down credit cards/save for a vacation and saw this in the break room. This is a franchise, so I’m not sure if this is normal for McDonalds or not. But imagine putting in your 30 years, getting ready to retire, and being presented with $300 and getting told to buy yourself something “special”.
After 3 years of working for the local McDonald’s almost 50 hours a week this is what they got me.A non working hamburger pen A broken telescopic pipe cleaner I think with a red metal case A card caddy for my phone I can’t use due to my phone case An unmarked gift card for Walmart A free cone voucher A free meal voucher A 3 years of service pinIt’s the thought that counts I guess. What do yall think
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