One10 has urged employers planning year-end gifts to give employees more choice and to recognize contributions throughout the year, rather than concentrating appreciation around an annual review or holiday delivery.

The company’s November 17, 2021 guidance questioned whether uniform branded merchandise reflects the different interests of individual employees. It suggested offering rewards connected with interests such as exercise, technology and culinary experiences.

One10 proposed points-based recognition as a way to let employees choose from a catalog and redeem awards at different times. Employers could also mark milestones or create unannounced appreciation moments during the year.

The article cited One10’s survey of 3,000 US employees, in which 74% said they were more likely to stay with a company if they felt properly recognized. That finding describes respondents’ stated likelihood of remaining, rather than a measured reduction in employee turnover.

One10’s recommendation is to treat gift selection and recognition frequency as parts of the same program. Giving employees a choice addresses differing tastes, while timely acknowledgment helps make clear which achievement or contribution the employer is celebrating.