Remote, In-Office, and Hybrid: How to Celebrate Every Way of Working
- Giftagram
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
Bridging the Gap: Thoughtful Gifting for Both Remote and Returning Teams
Let’s be honest - three years ago, remote work was a lifeline.
It was work from home jobs done from kitchen tables and makeshift desks, Zoom calls framed by kids’ artwork, and Slack pings squeezed in between laundry loads. Team celebrations meant virtual happy hours instead of after-work drinks, and birthdays were replaced with emojis and surprise food deliveries.
For a while, it felt strange. Then it became routine. Remote work wasn’t just an adjustment - it became a rhythm, a lifestyle, and for many, a lifeline. It offered flexibility, balance, and in some cases, much higher productivity than the office ever did.
And then, almost quietly, remote work became just…work. Not a temporary fix, not a stopgap solution, simply the way things got done.
Now? The pendulum is swinging back. More and more companies are mandating a return to office - sometimes hybrid, sometimes full-time, sometimes sparking debates louder than the morning coffee machine. And caught in the middle are the employees themselves: the ones who adapted, proved their productivity, and built new rhythms of life.
So what happens when those workers - many of whom kept businesses running during uncertain times - are asked to pack up and head back in?
Here’s the short answer: it’s a moment worth acknowledging.
Why This Moment Matters
A return to office policy isn’t just about resuming the commute - it’s about lifestyle, trust, and culture. Employees who thrived in hybrid work or fully remote setups are now forced to navigate change fatigue on top of everything else.
Done thoughtfully, this moment can feel like a homecoming. Done poorly, it risks feeling like a dismissal of the resilience and results employees delivered while working remotely.
And yes, TikTok-coined workplace humour around coffee badging (showing up briefly at the office just to “check the box”) or productivity theatre (appearing busy without actually being effective) are signals of how employees can really feel about these transitions. Left unaddressed, joking about disengagement can quietly slip into full-on resenteeism (resentment that quietly undermines performance and culture).
This is why recognition matters now more than ever.
What the data tells us:
80% of employees say recognition directly impacts their sense of belonging.
65% say a poorly managed return to office experience would make them reconsider their role.
Companies that invest in employee appreciation see engagement scores rise by as much as 40%.
Research shows that organizations with strong recognition cultures are 12x more likely to generate strong business outcomes.
Translation: showing thoughtfulness right now isn’t optional, it’s strategic.
What Recognition Looks Like in 2025
Recognition isn’t just an annual bonus or a generic gift card. In today’s workplace it’s about intentional moments that meet employees where they are, whether that’s at a desk in the office, a coworking space, or a home office.
That’s why corporate gifting programs play such a critical role. They provide a tangible way for leaders to say "we see you, we value you, and we appreciate how you’re showing up."
Ways to turn Gratitude into Action:
Public Acknowledgment: Shouting out achievements in town halls, newsletters, or Slack.
Peer-to-Peer Appreciation: Encouraging teammates to celebrate each other.
Personalized Gifts: Curated employee appreciation gifts for return to office. Packages that feel thoughtful, not templated.
Moments of Surprise: A mid-week delivery of coffee beans or a wellness kit - because gratitude doesn’t have to wait until year-end.
Gifting Ideas for Remote, Hybrid, and In-Office Teams
When someone walks back into an office, or continues contributing remotely, small gestures can make a big difference. Gifts create a bridge: a way of saying “we know this transition matters, and you matter too.”
Here are some ways to get it right:
Welcome-Back Kits: Think practical meets personal. Branded desk organizers, reusable water bottles, and café gift cards for those rediscovered commutes.
Hybrid Work Essentials: Headphones, laptop stands, or portable chargers, perfect for employees splitting their time between home and office.
Wellness Touchpoints: Stress-relief kits, journals, or curated tea collections serve as everyday reminders that wellbeing is part of productivity, and they shine even brighter on important dates like World Mental Health Day (October 10th, 2025). It’s a perfect moment to spotlight wellness initiatives and show employees that mental health truly matters at work.
Remote-Friendly Surprises: For employees who remain fully remote, a care package or personalized note reinforces they’re just as valued as those in the office.
Coworking Credits: For employees without a set office location, passes to popular coworking spaces help them stay connected and productive.
The Culture Signal Behind the Gift
A gift isn’t just a perk - it’s a signal that speaks volumes.
It tells employees:
"We know change is hard. We don’t take your contributions for granted. We’re committed to making this transition smoother, whether you’re remote, in-office, or hybrid." - A very thoughtful employer
In other words, gifting communicates more than generosity: it communicates culture.
At a time when employees are questioning why they come into the office, a thoughtful recognition strategy answers the question of why they stay with your company.
Beyond the Desk: The Ripple Effects
Recognition during this transition doesn’t just impact employees. It also impacts key business outcomes:
Retention: In a competitive job market, appreciation keeps your best people.
Recruitment: Future employees notice how you treat your current ones.
Reputation: Companies that recognize employees are more likely to earn loyalty from customers as well as their own talent.
Think of it this way: your return to office strategy isn’t just about filling desks. It’s about building trust, community, and culture for the long term. Recognition is the glue that holds it all together.
The Bottom Line
Recognition Matters More Than Policy
Remote workers have carried organizations through some of the most uncertain times in modern history. As companies lean back toward in-person or coworking spaces, those same employees deserve recognition for their adaptability, resilience, and impact.
This isn’t just about a welcome-back tote bag or a coffee gift card. It’s about showing thoughtfulness at a turning point, and sending the message that people matter more than policies.
Ready to chat about a thoughtful gifting program for your remote and return to office strategy? Have a question for us?
