As Yalda Night approaches, this ancient Iranian celebration symbolizing the victory of light over darkness and the beginning of longer days, organizations have the opportunity to express their empathy and appreciation for their employees’ relentless efforts with a symbolic gift. Yalda Night gifts for employees not only remind them of shared cultural values but also serve as a symbol of the organization’s attention to their well-being, motivation, and personal growth. With a small but meaningful gift, the organization can bring light and joy to this ancient night into employees’ hearts and work paths. There are many ideas for corporate gift packs, but this time we want to go a bit further and do something new within the organization:
1 – Group activities for employees to do together
Place a painting board in the employees’ relaxation area. Define the content of the painting using a color-coding technique and check daily that the colors and brushes are available. Once completed, frame the painting and hang it on the employees’ relaxation wall. This fosters a stronger sense of belonging to the organization.
2 – Whom should we invite?
If you decide to hold a gathering for your employees on Yalda Night, consider inviting the following experts and topics:
- A nutritionist to talk specifically about Yalda Night foods.
- A cultural expert to explain the history and philosophy of Yalda and its significance for Iranians.
- A mental health specialist regarding social media use.
3 – Employee gatherings
If your organization has a small team, you can organize a small Yalda celebration. The Yalda night gift for employees can be part of this gathering. Sing traditional songs and perhaps even organize a small poetic contest.
4 – Organizational gift packs
Organizational gift packs for Yalda Night are among the most common practices organizations prepare for their employees. But this time, be a little more creative. Instead of traditional gifts like nuts, dried fruits, or grocery store gift cards, consider providing purchase codes for artworks. An employee can buy a certified artwork with just 4 million Tomans and enter the art market. For more details, read the article Yalda Night Organizational Gifts for Employees.
5 – Nostalgic activities
You can simplify the dress codes for the Yalda Night event at your organization so that employees wearing traditional attire can participate. This approach is especially easier for small organizations or private offices. Additionally, you can invite employees who play musical instruments or are artists to perform. Of course, this requires prior planning.
6 – Appreciating employees on Yalda Night
If you have a performance review program, Yalda Night gifts for employees can be awarded to successful individuals. While this may not generate widespread satisfaction, it is a strategic management approach. We have previously discussed how to select successful organizational managers and purchase organizational gifts for them.
7 – Sweets and herbal tea contest
Employees in an organization generally enjoy sweets and beverages since they spend many hours daily at their desks and in the workplace. Organize a contest for preparing a delicious, fragrant herbal tea and a professional-style traditional sweet like a type of nougat, and award the winner with a Yalda Night gift.
8 – Employee photography challenges for Yalda Night
Photography is often a way to honor employees, as they can share their photos on their personal social media. Depending on your organization’s identity and branding, you can organize formal photoshoots or fun challenges like the funniest or most Yalda-themed photo.
9 – Seek inspiration from Hafez!
Boost employee happiness even with a personalized card. If you cannot afford expensive gifts, consider consulting a specialist familiar with Hafez and his poetry. Ask them to select some comforting poems by Hafez for each employee. Using graphic and printing experts, create personalized cards with these poems and present them to your staff.
Words from Art Yaar
Before leaving this article, consider the drawbacks of organizational gifts from employees’ perspectives. Despite giving occasion-based gifts, employees may still feel dissatisfied. This indicates that spending alone does not contribute to your organization’s branding and culture. Therefore, before purchasing Yalda Night gifts for employees, review your strategies to make the best decision.