Support healthy winter habits with wellness gifts for employees

By Laurie Frees

Dropping temperatures and shorter days can pose wellness routine challenges. That’s likely why many people’s New Year’s resolutions are related to health and well-being. In fact, 48% of people say improving fitness opens in new window is a top priority, while 36% say mental health is a focus area. Wellness gifts for employees are a wonderful way to help your team build—and keep—healthy habits this winter. Not only can a little recognition help support their efforts, it can also foster loyalty opens in new window, spur growth and lead to greater employee fulfillment. Let these ideas be your guide.

Encourage hydration

It’s easy to let hydration lapse during the cooler months. But good hydration provides energy opens in new window, aids digestion, improves brain performance and much more. Helping employees keep water or other hydrating drinks within reach is an easy way to promote wellness.

Launch a new health initiative, like a daily step or exercise contest. Give participants water bottles imprinted with recommended hydration levels. Or level up and provide fitness sets that include a water bottle and cooling towel. If your workplace competition highlights weekly or monthly winners, offer hydration tumblers or trendy Stanley^® mugs as prizes. These practical gifts keep ice water, tea, juice and smoothies close at hand—helping employees stay refreshed all day.

Promote physical activity

Snow, ice and fewer daylight hours can make outdoor workouts less appealing. But movement is an important part of staying healthy, no matter the season. Provide employees with tools that encourage small bursts of activity, even if it’s a short walk or stretching session. Ear buds can make a lunchtime stroll more enjoyable while versatile fitness bands can help improve flexibility, mobility and strength.

Offer employees a monthly gym stipend or membership. Invite them to log their visits to earn health and fitness promotional products, like company-branded cooling towels, yoga mats and running belts. Encourage team members to pace themselves and gets plenty of rest. Include hot/cold packs and cork rollers to your supply of prizes to aid in their recovery.

Support immune health

Winter isn’t just cold—it’s cold (and flu) season. And no workplace is immune. Wellness gifts for employees can help strengthen their defenses so they stay healthy, active and productive. Give staff hand sanitizer and tissue packets to help keep germs at bay. Or offer pill boxes to keep vitamins and medications organized.

The air is less humid in winter and frequent handwashing can bring dry skin. Provide lotion to help keep employees comfortable. With their own individual supply, there’ll be fewer opportunities to spread germs too.

Remember mental wellness

Supporting employees’ mental wellness shows you care about the whole person—not just the worker. This is especially key during end-of-year deadlines and the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Simple wellness giveaways for employees can brighten days. Assemble gift boxes that contain a journal, diffuser and essential oils, hot/cold eye mask, and plush blanket to welcome them back from the holiday break. Add a gift card to a favorite coffee shop or bakery along with a hand-written note emphasizing the importance of self-care.

Keep safety in mind

Winter wellness includes staying safe in inclement conditions. Slippery sidewalks, icy parking lots and snowy roads all bring challenges. Ensure employees are seen by providing reflective vests or high-visibility jackets—whether for working outdoors, or running, biking or walking after dark. Or celebrate the first day of winter by giving the team enhanced-visibility beanies that feature a reflective stripe.

If your region has freezing temperatures, winter promo items can help employees stay toasty warm. Provide branded beanies, hand warmers, and gloves or mittens to help protect them from the elements while giving your brand a boost. Insider tip: A promotional headwear item averages more than 3,300 impressions opens in new window over its lifetime.

Stay strong all winter long

Winter brings its own set of challenges—but also opportunities to show team members you care. By providing wellness gifts for employees that promote hydration, movement, immune health, mental wellness and safety, you show that their wellbeing and happiness are top priorities.

All marks are the property of 4imprint or their respective owners.

Laurie Frees

Laurie Frees is a merchandising category manager at 4imprint who specializes in apparel. With over 25 years of experience in merchandising and product development—plus four years in the promotional products industry—she brings deep expertise in fabric construction and logo application. Laurie manages the product assortment across all apparel categories, including T-shirts, polos, outerwear, dress shirts, sweatshirts and more. Her role includes tracking trends, building supplier partnerships and analyzing data to guide decisions. With a strong focus on products made from sustainable materials, Laurie helps drive innovation in core apparel offerings that customers rely on to showcase their brands.

All marks are the property of 4imprint or their respective owners.

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