Disadvantages of Corporate Gifts from the Perspective of Employees

In this article, we aim to hear and read a bit about the perspectives of human resources and employees regarding corporate gifts and their disadvantages in various sectors. The selection of corporate gifts within an organization is typically the responsibility of the Human Resources department. However, we still see many companies giving a stereotypical men’s gift as a universal present for women or offering sets made from local products to men. This is just one of the criticisms directed at corporate gifting in Iranian companies. The nature of corporate gifts in Iran is often misused in many cases.

We have discussed in the article the etiquette of giving gifts and its connection to organizational culture. Corporate gifts are more than just material goods; they reflect a organization’s culture, values, and identity. A thoughtful gift not only conveys positive and meaningful messages to the recipient but also symbolizes attention and respect in relationships. This connection demonstrates how an organization showcases its culture externally and works to establish and strengthen strategic relationships with other organizations.

However, while corporate gifts can create a positive image of organizational culture, if they are poorly chosen or accompanied by inconsistent messages, they may also pose challenges and disadvantages. A gift that does not align with organizational culture or is misinterpreted can send undesirable messages and even harm the organization’s reputation. Therefore, a proper understanding of organizational culture and aligning it with the goals of gift-giving is a skill that requires precision and intelligence. On the other hand, we have seen in the article “Advantages of Corporate Gifts from the Perspective of Human Resources” the other side of the coin.

What Do Human Resources Say About Corporate Gifts? – Disadvantages of Corporate Gifts

It is worth noting that what you are about to read includes some opinions from individuals in various organizations, which have been publicly shared on LinkedIn with the hashtag Corporate Gift and have been randomly selected by the author.

Maryam Ghorashi states: “Corporate gifts are generally of a few types. Some are very strange and overly obvious, making you feel like they are more about reducing outdoor advertising costs—like turning you into a billboard for Hemmat Highway—rather than genuine appreciation. Others are just results of a quick Google search for corporate gifts, like pens, mugs, or similar items, justified by ‘they are consumables and everyone needs them.’ For years now, corporate gifts have turned into edible treats and snacks, so much so that when you open your LinkedIn, you smell herbal tea and hear the sound of nuts and Japanese seeds.”

Or Leila Valipour writes: “Dear HR managers, this year, please avoid clichés and inject good vibes into your system. Create satisfaction, hope, smiles, and enthusiasm in your employees’ eyes, motivating them to say: ‘I’m happy to work with you, and thank you for thinking of us.’

Be creative and appropriate with your corporate gifts!

This year, don’t send cliché gifts to your clients that they will just pass on to their niece or cousin. Send something memorable that leaves a mark in their minds. Value yourself and your clients so that your clients remain loyal and enjoy working with you.”

20 Mistakes Managers Make When Purchasing Corporate Gifts

Finally, if we want to list the main disadvantages of corporate gifts, we can present the following:

1. Gifts that do not consider gender.
2. Low-quality gifts.
3. Cliché items like mugs, planners, and pens.
4. Lack of proper etiquette in giving gifts.
5. Choosing gifts that are unrelated to the organization’s culture and values.
6. Ignoring cultural and national differences of the recipient.
7. Giving gifts without a message or organizational note.
8. Sending gifts at inappropriate times.
9. Selecting gifts that are overly personal or unprofessional.
10. Repetitive gifts and lack of innovation.
11. Poor or no attractive packaging.
12. Choosing gifts with brands unrelated to the organization.
13. Gifts that are excessively expensive and may put the recipient in an awkward position.
14. Gifts that send unintended or wrong messages.
15. Choosing gifts that require special care or maintenance, which is not part of the organizational culture.
16. Aggressive gifts or those with overly commercial messages.
17. Ignoring religious sensitivities of the recipient.
18. Gifts that may cause jealousy or conflicts among staff.
19. Sending gifts without considering the recipient’s tastes or specific needs.
20. Gifts that appear insignificant compared to expectations.