Why Gen Z is Redefining Corporate Gifting: A Shift Toward Experiences Over Products

As the corporate landscape continues to evolve, Gen Z is making their lasting impression, which is revolutionizing traditional ways in all aspects, even the world of corporate gifting. Gen Z grew up between the mid-1990s and early 2010s and is entering the workforce with new values and attitudes that set them apart from other generations. The biggest change, perhaps, is that they want experiences rather than things, and this is influencing how corporations are going about corporate gifting.

The Experience Over Product Trend

Corporate gifts used to be the standard of brand items such as pens, calendars, or any material products over the years. Even though they were practical souvenirs, Gen Z is pushing companies toward giving experiences. Why? That's because it is in their attitude. Gen Z appreciates novel experiences, self-improvement, and emotional experiences that are typically in the realm of experiential gifts. They range from traveling gift certificates, workshop tickets, or corporate team-building exercises to self-improvement classes or spa retreats.

The Impact of Digital Natives

As digital natives, Gen Z have grown up with technology as a facilitator of vast and varied experiences at their fingertips. This has generated a value on experiences that are new and shareable. Corporate gifts that offer an opportunity a discovery of interest, the acquisition of something new, or the creation of memories to last a lifetime resonate more with this generation. Second, experiences have the double benefit of promoting happiness and work-life balance, something that strongly appeals to Gen Z's emphasis on mental well-being and self-development.

Sustainability and Meaningful Connections

Yet another reason Gen Z is shifting toward experiences is that they care about sustainability. They realize there are too many commodities and that they harm the planet, and they would love gifts that are aligned with their values. Experience, rather than commodities, carries a smaller environmental footprint and is therefore more appealing to ecologically-conscious employees.

Moreover, experiential gifts create valuable connections. Either through team-building or through knowledge acquisition, experiences can create workplace friendships and solidify the good culture of a company. That is what Gen Z seeks in an open and community-oriented company.

Business Tips to Remember

To make corporate gifts appealing to the taste of Gen Z, companies must do the following while planning company gifts:

Offer Choices:  Give the recipient a set of experiential gifts to select the one that they find most interesting.

Personalize: Tailor experiences to suit individual preferences to show true appreciation and recognition of workers' interests.

Focus on Development: Consider gifts that will assist employees in growing professionally or personally, e.g., training courses or workshops.

Sustainability:Offer experiences that are not damaging to the environment.

Promote Social Sharing:Ask recipients to share their experience on social media, which can build company branding and employee advocacy.

As corporate gifting is growing, adopting these findings from Gen Z's choices can help companies in effectively connecting with their next generation of employees.

Ready to learn some creative business gift concepts? Have to Buy This offers a range of gift experiences that your employees will truly appreciate. Gift-giving that respects your employees' passions and values helps build a more engaged and happier workforce, the door opener to a tighter and forward-thinking corporate culture.