Gifting during the Christmas period is always tricky, especially when it’s important to take into consideration the still inflated cost of living, the constant fight between remote and office working, plus the complexities it brings to HR departments when it comes to choice and delivery.
Whether it’s a national firm or a local trader with a handful of employees, sticking to a budget and ensuring the gift is versatile and culturally sensitive are just some of the considerations at play.
The geographical location of a workforce in 2025 is vastly different to that of two decades ago. Thanks to technological enhancements that allow for greater digital meeting capabilities, it’s now rarer than ever that colleagues meet up frequently to discuss work, their personal life, and build those meaningful connections that lead to a productive workplace.
This is where gift cards have been plugging the gap! Whether it’s leisure, travel or retail, some of the UK’s leading businesses are benefiting from having a digital and physical footprint all over the nation when it comes to providing the best gifting process.
What’s the point of corporate gifting?
As much as this is a valid question, it could be no different to asking why we offer pay rises, promotions and bonus. It’s simple right? To ensure you retain the best staff, for the longest possible period, while keeping them happy and challenged in a fun and productive environment.
This is now more relevant than ever, thanks to the many external factors that sometimes get in the way of enjoyment and productivity in the workplace. Whether it’s the still inflated cost of living, the impact on people’s social lives since lockdown, or the mental stress from all the global strife – providing a helping hand in the form of corporate gifting is a proven way of making employees feel valued and respected in and outside of their work setting.
Another area that has been spotlighted in recent times is staff wellbeing. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many of us are finding we’re spending more time on large screens, sat in office or unsupported chairs, or occasionally not leaving the house for several days at a time. This can also be said for how we have lunch – as whether it’s a local café that staff now only visit one or two days a week when they are in the office, less frequent mealtimes due to home working, or supplier changes on fresh produce that previously made up their midday snack.
Who’s the best corporate gift/gift card option?
Of course, it’s difficult to say who’s best without being biased, as it all depends on what the business wants to offer and how many staff and locations are involved. In this situation simplicity is key, and many organisations are looking for the perfect solution that can be used on thousands of products from food to fashion, pharmaceuticals to homeware, electrical gadgets to stationery, as well as DIY and pet care items.
There aren’t many places that offer all of that under just one roof, but one of the best and most well-known is Tesco, the UK’s largest retailer with over 3,500 stores nationwide.
As one of the more popular gifting options on today’s market, Tesco Corporate Gift Cards provide unrivalled control and flexibility for both the sender and recipient. As well as the millions of gift cards purchased every year by regular customers to mark birthdays, Easter and Christmas, the corporate side has also become a valuable process to adopt for thousands of organisations in the UK and Republic of Ireland as a hassle-free way to reward, incentivise or support staff in bulk.
From long service awards to recognising completed objectives, company milestones and religious holidays to one-off friendly gestures, there aren’t many situations in the HR calendar that can’t be ticked off with a Tesco Gift Card design or message.
This is also the same for how they’ve been used to make the most of the UK’s “trivial benefits scheme”. Trivial benefits are non-cash gifts and vouchers to employees costing £50 or less that are exempt from tax and National Insurance, where you don’t need to report them to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
More information about the scheme can be found at www.gov.uk/expenses-and-benefits-trivial-benefits.
Whether employees are looking to spend them on themselves, or alongside family and friends – one of the perks of the service is how the recipient can still benefit from Clubcard Prices, Aldi Price Match and Low Everyday Prices on hundreds of products in store.
For Tesco, helping customers get more from their budgets is nothing new, as they’ve been supporting families and vulnerable people for decades. Their gift card program is just latest way they have brought the good old days of voucher rewards and handouts into the twenty-first century. From a simple sign-up process that can be completed in a few simple clicks online, to the straightforward way they are delivered for both physical and digital cards – every stage has been thought out to ensure you can log on, order in bulk, and have them delivered without taking time out of your day.
This is also the same for Tesco Ireland, and although denominations and currency may differ, they have proven to be a great option for businesses who operate on both sides of the St George’s Channel.
As always when discussing corporate gifting there are far too many points to mention in one article. To find out more information about why Tesco are one of the market leaders, to read their FAQs or to set up an account, head to TescoforBusiness.
