This interview is with Anjan Pathak, CTO and Co-Founder at Vantage Circle.
Anjan Pathak, CTO and Co-Founder, Vantage Circle
Anjan, could you please tell us a bit about yourself and your expertise in the realm of employee gifting and engagement, particularly around festive seasons?
Hi, I’m Anjan Pathak, the CTO and Co-Founder of Vantage Circle and a passionate advocate for corporate well-being. Over the years, I’ve come to see how corporate gifting and employee well-being are closely connected, especially during festive seasons when companies look to express gratitude and inculcate a sense of belonging among their teams.
With this vision in mind, we introduced Vantage Swags, a unique solution for corporate gifting that goes beyond traditional perks. Vantage Swags provides companies with thoughtful, customizable gift options that support employee well-being, encourage engagement, and create lasting value.
By choosing gifts that employees genuinely appreciate, organizations can drive not only happiness and satisfaction but also enhance productivity and loyalty. At Vantage Circle, we believe that strategic gifting is an integral part of a holistic approach to corporate wellness, helping organizations achieve greater success by prioritizing the health and productivity of their teams.
What pivotal moments in your career led you to become such a prominent voice in this field?
With over a decade in the industry, I have seen how impactful employee engagement and recognition can be for a company’s growth.
Early in my career, I realized that authentic recognition not only boosts morale but also drives a culture of commitment. As I took on leadership roles, we developed innovative engagement strategies that aligned recognition with core company values, creating lasting cultural shifts.
This blend of insight, dedication, and innovative thinking has solidified my role as a thought leader, inspiring other organizations to recognize the strategic importance of employee engagement in achieving sustainable business success.
Many companies struggle with finding the right balance between festive cheer and inclusivity. From your experience, how can organizations ensure their gifting practices are culturally sensitive and welcoming to everyone?
Striking the right balance between festive cheer and inclusivity can indeed be a challenge for many organizations, especially when it comes to corporate gifting. From my experience, the key lies in customization and personalization.
By taking the time to understand employees’ diverse backgrounds and preferences, organizations can create a more inclusive and respectful environment. We advocate for gifting practices that are sensitive to cultural nuances.
Offering gift options that are universally appreciated and ensuring that employees have a say in their selections is essential. By choosing culturally versatile items or providing choices that can be personalized, companies can celebrate the festive season in a way that feels welcoming to everyone, fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity across the board.
You’ve spoken before about the importance of personalization in employee recognition. How can companies translate this principle to their festive gifting, especially when dealing with a large and diverse workforce?
Personalization has proven to be a powerful factor in employee recognition, as highlighted in our Vantage Circle’s R&R Report, which underscores the impact of making employees feel uniquely valued. This principle applies just as effectively to festive gifting, especially in large, diverse workplaces.
When companies make the effort to personalize gifts, they show employees that their individuality matters, building a deeper sense of connection and appreciation. For larger workforces, technology can be an enabler here. Digital platforms can capture individual preferences, allowing employees to choose from a range of meaningful gift options that resonate with them personally.
By making personalization scalable, companies can celebrate each employee in a way that aligns with their unique tastes and backgrounds, creating a festive experience that feels authentic, thoughtful, and inclusive for all.
Beyond the act of giving gifts, how can companies create a festive atmosphere that boosts employee morale and fosters a sense of community during the holiday season?
Creating a festive atmosphere goes beyond just giving gifts; it’s about fostering a sense of community and uplifting employee morale in meaningful ways.
One effective approach is offering flexibility, such as remote-work options, which allow employees to balance holiday preparations with work responsibilities. For many, this added flexibility during the holiday season can reduce stress and increase their overall satisfaction. Granting additional time off, like extended annual leave, is another powerful way to show appreciation and give employees a chance to unwind and celebrate with family and friends. This gesture can go a long way in boosting morale, as it demonstrates that the organization values work-life balance, especially during the holidays.
Organizing office celebrations—whether virtual or in-person—is also essential for building a sense of community. These events create shared experiences that help strengthen bonds among team members. Activities like holiday-themed games, virtual parties, or team-building exercises can create a joyful and inclusive atmosphere that celebrates the season together as a company.
Through these combined efforts, organizations can enhance the holiday spirit, reinforcing a culture of appreciation and connection.
What are some common mistakes companies make when it comes to festive gifting for employees, and how can they avoid these pitfalls?
When it comes to festive gifting, companies sometimes miss the mark by overlooking certain key elements, which can impact the positive intentions behind these gestures. One common mistake is choosing generic gifts that don’t resonate with employees. A lack of personalization can make gifts feel impersonal and may miss the opportunity to make employees feel genuinely appreciated.
To avoid this, companies should consider options that allow for customization, letting employees select gifts that suit their tastes and needs. Another pitfall is neglecting cultural sensitivity. With diverse teams, companies need to ensure their gifting practices are inclusive and considerate of various traditions and beliefs. Providing a range of options or opting for universally-appreciated gifts can help make everyone feel valued and respected.
Lastly, some companies overlook timing and logistical planning. Festive gifts should arrive before the holidays, allowing employees to enjoy them during the season. Planning well in advance and coordinating effectively can make sure gifts are delivered on time, creating a smooth and memorable experience for everyone involved.
In the age of remote work and distributed teams, how can companies adapt their festive gifting strategies to ensure all employees feel appreciated, regardless of their location?
In today’s remote work landscape, it’s essential for companies to adapt their festive gifting strategies to reach employees wherever they are and ensure they feel appreciated.
One effective approach is using digital platforms to streamline and personalize the gifting process. By allowing employees to select from a range of gift options or providing digital gift cards, companies can cater to individual preferences and make gifting more flexible and accessible, no matter where team members are located.
Additionally, companies can focus on delivering thoughtful, experience-driven gifts that transcend physical distance. For example, virtual celebrations, interactive online events, and team-building activities can complement traditional gifts, fostering a sense of togetherness among distributed teams.
This combination of physical gifts and shared virtual experiences helps create an inclusive and engaging festive atmosphere, bridging the gap between remote employees and the company’s culture of appreciation.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for businesses. What tips do you have for companies that want to make their festive gifting more eco-friendly?
Sustainable and eco-friendly gifts are particularly popular, as people increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility. Items like reusable water bottles, eco-friendly office supplies, and charitable donations to environmental causes resonate with employees who value sustainability. Such gifts not only support eco-conscious lifestyles but also enhance a company’s image as a socially responsible organization. Sustainability in festive gifting is a meaningful way for companies to show commitment to the environment while still celebrating the season.
To make gifting more eco-friendly, companies can start by choosing gifts made from sustainable materials or those that support ethical practices. For example, items crafted from recycled materials or produced by fair-trade organizations can have a positive impact and align with values of environmental responsibility.
Another effective approach is reducing packaging waste. Opting for minimal or biodegradable packaging, or even digital gifts, can significantly cut down on waste. Companies can also look into gifts that encourage eco-friendly habits, such as reusable water bottles, sustainable office supplies, or plant-based products.
Lastly, choosing local vendors not only supports local economies but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping. By being mindful of these practices, companies can make their festive gifting more sustainable and demonstrate their dedication to environmental stewardship.
Looking ahead, what emerging trends do you foresee shaping the future of employee gifting and festive celebrations in the workplace?
Sustainable and eco-friendly gifts are particularly popular as people increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility. Items like reusable water bottles, eco-friendly office supplies, and charitable donations to environmental causes resonate with employees who value sustainability. Such gifts not only support eco-conscious lifestyles but also enhance a company’s image as a socially responsible organization. With a growing focus on health and wellness, many employees today prioritize a healthier lifestyle.
To support this, wellness kits are offered as part of corporate gifting, including items like meditation tools, fitness gear, and access to mental health counseling. Instead of generic gifts, these gifts often make employees feel seen and valued. These trends reflect a growing focus on meaningful, value-driven, and employee-centric gifting practices, which is likely to continue influencing corporate gifting in the future.
Looking ahead, employee gifting and festive celebrations in the workplace are set to evolve in exciting ways, shaped by emerging trends in personalization, digitalization, and sustainability. One significant trend is the growing emphasis on personalized and experience-driven gifts. Employees are increasingly valuing gifts that reflect their individual preferences, lifestyles, or passions.
This has led to a shift towards customizable gifting platforms, where employees can choose from a curated selection that resonates with them personally. Digital gifts and experiences are also on the rise, especially with remote and hybrid work becoming the norm. Virtual experiences—such as online wellness classes, digital gift cards, or virtual team activities—are gaining popularity as they allow companies to celebrate with distributed teams seamlessly. Sustainability remains a key focus, with more companies choosing eco-friendly and ethically sourced gifts that align with their corporate values. This includes opting for gifts that are reusable, locally sourced, or support social causes, helping organizations make a positive impact on the community and environment.
Lastly, there’s a shift towards year-round appreciation rather than concentrating all gestures during the festive season. Companies are recognizing the value of consistent, small acts of recognition that maintain morale and engagement year-round, integrating holiday gifting into a broader strategy of employee appreciation and well-being.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and expertise. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts on employee gifting and engagement. Corporate gifting is more than a festive gesture—it’s a strategic tool for showing employees they are valued and appreciated. When done thoughtfully, gifting can enhance employee well-being, drive engagement, and foster a strong sense of community, especially during festive seasons.
At Vantage Circle, we’re dedicated to helping companies make their gifting strategies impactful, inclusive, and sustainable. With solutions like Vantage Swags, we provide organizations with options that align with their values and reflect a commitment to employee happiness. Vantage Swags combines personalization with practicality, offering a range of customizable gifts that employees genuinely appreciate and find meaningful.
By leveraging platforms that enable thoughtful gifting, companies can create a culture of appreciation that contributes not only to individual well-being but also to overall organizational success. In today’s dynamic work environment, adapting gifting to be inclusive, culturally sensitive, and impactful across remote and diverse teams is essential.
As companies continue to navigate the evolving workplace, meaningful gestures like corporate gifting will play a key role in building stronger, more connected, and appreciative teams.