Your business used to provide perks—a fancy coffeemaker, a gym membership, a mini-fridge stocked with free drinks, and more. Perks kept your employees happy working at your business--but now all of that is gone by the wayside. What can you do for employees' home offices to make them feel appreciated?
Get Them the Right Furniture
As soon as the lockdown started, there was an instant shortage of essentials such as desks and office chairs. By now, your employees are probably tired of working from barstools and kitchen chairs, and their backs are probably crying out for support.
If you want to give your employees a gift that keeps on giving, ask them if they need an ergonomic office chair. If they have enough space (and you should make sure of this first), you might even ship them an executive desk. This kind of perk will ensure that your employees will remember your generosity every time they sit down—or stand up if you want to offer them a standing workstation.
Free Office Supplies
Even once you get past the significant capital expenses of a desk and a chair, it's still expensive to run a home office. Sundries such as printer paper, toner cartridges, and even things like pens and pencils can all represent a considerable cost (especially if you have kids who like to draw, am I right?).
Don't wait for your employees to file expense reports. Ensure that they're proactively supplied with all the consumables they need at the lowest price you can find.
Branded Accessories
One of the good things about working in an office is that you know you're part of a team when you're there. Your mission statement and logo are right there up on the wall, which helps your workforce remember that they're driving towards a common purpose.
Now, we're not saying to mail your employees motivational posters—but everyone loves branded accessories. Personalized pens and pencils—or even wearables such as jackets and vests—all make covetable gifts. That logo-branded hoodie won't just keep your workers warm; however—it will remind them of their company's common goals.
Gift Baskets!
Your employees have done a lot of hard work through the turmoil of 2020 and we will still be facing difficult COVID-19 related circumstances in 2021. You might not be able to thank them in person, but there are other ways to show your appreciation. Baskets full of coffee, hot cocoa, delicious snacks, and other treats are a great way to demonstrate your gratitude for a job well done under challenging circumstances.
AFFLINK created ELEVATE Marketplace to meet supply needs for small-to-medium sized businesses. Shop today! Avoid low morale and stock up on gifts and office supplies for the New Year.

About Michael Wilson
Michael Wilson is AFFLINK'S Vice President of Marketing and Communications. He has been with the organization since 2005 and provides strategic leadership for the entire supply chain team. In his free time, Michael enjoys working with the Wounded Warrior Project, fishing, and improving his cooking skills.
