Group gifting in the workplace has long been a tradition, whether it’s to celebrate birthdays, say farewell to a colleague or show appreciation for someone’s hard work.
However, with the rising cost of living, office gifting is evolving, and more people are thinking about how to make these gestures more thoughtful, yet budget friendly.
Data from GroupTogether.com, an online group card and gifting platform, has revealed that while fewer people are chipping in for group gifts, those who do are contributing more, suggesting coworkers are chipping in more for those who they work closely with, rather than chipping in a little every time the hat gets passed around.
The number of people chipping in for group gifts has decreased by almost 20% from 2021 to 2024. However, the average contribution per person has increased from $24.98 in 2021 to $28.40 in 2024*.
Additionally, it’s clear that people are still deciding to contribute to group gifts. Previous research by GroupTogether** revealed that 43% of people chipped in for a group gift for either colleagues, friends or family members two to three times within a 12-month time frame, and 11% contributed four to seven times.
When asked about contributing to a workplace gift, many employees said they still felt it was important to show appreciation, with 47% agreeing that it’s important to demonstrate gratitude, especially for colleagues they like.
Interestingly, 16.7% of people also hope their colleagues will chip in for their own farewell gift, showing that this is still a normal office gesture**.
While budgets may be tighter, GroupTogether.com has provided its top tips for keeping office gifting meaningful and within budget:
- The power of words: Sometimes, the most meaningful part of a gift isn’t the price tag, but the words that accompany it. A heartfelt message in a card can convey deep appreciation, gratitude, and respect, all without costing a thing.
- Group gifting options: A cost-effective way to show appreciation is through a group card and gift from the whole team. If everyone chips in little, you can give one great gift.
- Gift cards are a great option: Gift cards are some of the most sought-after gifts, with 80% of employees preferring gift cards over other forms of non-cash incentives***, and for good reason, as they let the recipient choose exactly what they want.
- Taking time to celebrate: In the rush of the workday, don’t skip the chance to celebrate a co-worker’s birthday or special milestone. Taking a moment to mark the occasion, even briefly, fosters real connections and strengthens team bonds. These small celebrations show colleagues they’re valued and create a more positive, supportive work environment.
*Statistics from internal GroupTogether data between the years 2021 to 2024.
**Survey conducted in October 2021 to 1,022 GroupTogether customers.
***https://www.mytotalretail.com/article/employees-prefer-gift-cards-for-incentives/