Rewards and Recognition

Bob Nelson said it best: “When people are recognized for what they do, they are inspired to do more.” It’s not motivational fluff—it’s how humans are wired.

Yet most companies treat employee recognition like an annual checkbox. A generic email. A certificate no one frames. Then they wonder why engagement drops and top performers start browsing job boards.

The Corporate Gifting Gap

Recognition without thoughtfulness is just noise.

Imagine closing the biggest deal of the quarter and receiving a generic branded pen. Nice gesture? Sure. Memorable? Not really.

Now imagine getting a premium custom jacket with your name embroidered inside and a note acknowledging your specific win. That’s recognition that actually inspires people to do more.

What Real Recognition Looks Like

The best corporate gifts answer one question: “Does my company actually see what I do?” Your sales team grinding through metro cities? Custom backpacks show you notice their hustle. Remote employees syncing across time zones? Quality drinkware or branded hoodies make their home office feel less isolated. New hires navigating their first 90 days? Thoughtful onboarding kits signal “we invested in your arrival.”

Why This Matters

Replacing an employee costs 50-200% of their annual salary. Most companies spend less than 1% of payroll on recognition. But when recognition is thoughtful, why should what is in hand be otherwise? When companies choose mementos and trophies, those gifts became desk fixtures and Zoom backgrounds. Not corporate theater—genuine appreciation. That’s when Nelson’s insight kicks in. People who feel truly recognized don’t just work harder. They stay longer. They refer talented friends. They give effort you can’t buy with salary alone.

The Bottom Line

Rewards & recognition programs done with the right customised trophy or memento in hand, turns recognition from a policy into a practice. From a moment into a memory.Because when people feel seen, they don’t just do more. They do their best work. And in today’s competitive talent market, that’s an advantage no competitor can copy.

Whether it’s a customised crystal trophy or a customized memento with a blend of acrylic and wood when budget is a constraint and a nation wide RnR rollout, the message stays the same: “We see you. We value you. Keep going.”